Cat Bi Airport Area
Hotels a few minutes from the airport; useful for early departures.
Hai Phong
Hai Phong is the northern port city, known for its food and the gateway to Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay.
- Best time
- Feb – Apr, Nov – Dec
- Ideal stay
- 1 – 2 days
- Avg. cost
- $30 – $70/day
- Airport
- HPH · 15m
Hai Phong Overview
Hai Phong is about two hours from Hanoi and has its own character: wide tree-lined streets, a French-era opera house and a strong street-food culture. Most visitors pass through on the way to Cat Ba, but the city is worth a night for the food, and Do Son beach is a short ride away.
Highlights of Hai Phong:
- Hai Phong Opera House: A French colonial theatre in the city centre.
- Street food: Crab noodle soup, spicy bread and crab spring rolls are all local specialities.
- Do Son: A seaside peninsula with beaches and a resort feel, about 20 km from the city.
- Gateway to Cat Ba: Ferries and speedboats to Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay leave from the Hai Phong area.
Best Time to Visit: Feb – Apr, Nov – Dec has the fewest rainy days (about 6 – 12 a month) at 18.1 – 24.5°C. May – Sep is the wettest stretch, with 19 – 26 rainy days a month. Jan is cool, averaging 17.4°C.
If you are going on to Cat Ba, check the current ferry and speedboat times in advance, since they change with the season and the weather.
Where to stay in Hai Phong
Where to base yourself, by travel style.
Early flights Beach lovers Do Son Beach Area
Seaside hotels and resorts about 20 km from the city, best in summer.
First-timers Hai Phong City Center
Hotels around the opera house, with cafes and street food within walking distance.
Things to do in Hai Phong
Hand-picked things to do.
When to visit Hai Phong
Temperature, rain and crowds by month.
January
17.4°C ~ 63°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
February
18.1°C ~ 65°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
21.3°C ~ 70°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
April
24.5°C ~ 76°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
27.4°C ~ 81°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
June
29.6°C ~ 85°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
July
29.2°C ~ 85°F
22 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
August
28.4°C ~ 83°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
September
27.5°C ~ 82°F
22 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
November
22.2°C ~ 72°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
December
18.2°C ~ 65°F
6 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
What to eat in Hai Phong
Local dishes worth trying.
Getting to Hai Phong
Times, costs and booking links.
Step 1: Bus or car from Hanoi Expressway
The Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway makes this an easy trip by bus or car.
- Bus or limousine van: Frequent departures from Hanoi; cheap and direct.
- Private car: The easiest way if you are continuing to Cat Ba.
Step 2: Fly to Cat Bi (HPH) Hai Phong airport
Cat Bi Airport is about 6 km from the city centre and has domestic flights from Saigon, Da Nang and other cities.
- Taxi: About 15 min to the centre.
- Airport shuttle: Check the current options at the airport.
Step 3: Onward to Cat Ba or Do Son By road and sea
Cat Ba is reached by ferry or speedboat, and Do Son by road.
- To Cat Ba: Ferry or speedboat from the Hai Phong ports; many hotels sell combined tickets.
- To Do Son: About 40 minutes by taxi or bus from the centre.
FAQs
How do I get to Hai Phong?
By bus, car or train from Hanoi in about 2 hours, or by flight to Cat Bi Airport.
Is Hai Phong worth a stop?
Yes for food and architecture. If you are going to Cat Ba, a night in the city is a good way to break the trip.
How do I get from Hai Phong to Cat Ba?
By ferry or speedboat from the ports in the Hai Phong area. Check the current schedule before you go.
When is the best time to visit Hai Phong?
Feb – Apr, Nov – Dec has the fewest rainy days (about 6 – 12 a month) at 18.1 – 24.5°C. May – Sep is the wettest stretch, with 19 – 26 rainy days a month. Jan is cool, averaging 17.4°C.
What should I eat in Hai Phong?
Banh da cua (crab noodle soup), banh mi cay (spicy bread) and nem cua be (crab spring rolls).
Can I swim at Do Son?
Yes, Do Son has beaches, though water quality and crowds vary by season.
