Hai Phong

Hai Phong

Hai Phong

Tam Bac Lake

Hai Phong doesn’t deserve the lukewarm description it receives from a few of the guidebooks popular with the mass tourism market. Although it’s Vietnam’s largest port, it retains considerable charm and is worth a visit. Regardless of its size and heavy industry, like Hanoi, it has a compact and enticing central area that provides it a small city environment belying its standing as Vietnam’s third largest city.

The city centre is a pleasing combination of parks, tree-lined boulevards and colonial buildings. Tam BAC Lake, the western section of a defunct canal constructed during the colonial interval, is lined with French-style road lamps that give the area a Parisian feel.

There are several sights worth attention. The Municipal Theatre is a basic instance of French colonial structure – unfortunately, the contents are less appealing. The close by produce and flower markets make for an interesting stroll in the direction of Den Nghe, a small temple with some notable statues.

Further away, the Du Hang pagoda is situated in a horny street of artisan’s cottages – the wood-carving is impressive. Somewhat surprisingly, there appears to be a distinct Khmer affect upon its ornamentation.

Though set in the midst of factories and ramshackle buildings, Dien Hold Kinh is a first-rate communal home going through a decorative lake, now used as a temple. Sadly, it’s starting to feel its age, however the accumulating mud and grime doesn’t disguise a remarkable sweeping roof supported by large ironwood pillars, or the high-quality ornamentation and wooden-carvings within.

Out of the city, the rural surroundings are unexpectedly agreeable. Our customers often take pleasure in a gentle cycle experience alongside the winding lanes and thru the small villages and previous temples.

Do Son is a small seaside city near Hai Phong. The seashore is polluted and the city has a ‘fin de siècle’ really feel about it. Other than considered one of Vietnam’s few casinos (which Vietnamese citizens aren’t allowed to enter as customers), it has little to offer.

A good twin carriage approach connects to Hanoi – the 100km seldom takes more than an hour and a half – making Hai Phong a rewarding excursion. An alternative is a 3-hour prepare journey.

Hai Phong can be a quick access level for Ha Long Bay through a hydrofoil service to Cat Ba Island. Quick boats and slower ferries join Hai Phong to Cat Ba and Ha Long City direct.

For travelers using Hai Phong as an intermediate sojourn on the best way to Ha Long Bay, the increasing business exercise in this priority economic growth zone has stimulated the development of a number of new hotels, two of which meet our Superior standard. Both are nicely-outfitted and supply good service and facilities. There are also some good mid-range establishments.