🌆 Discover Haiphong – Vietnam’s Underrated Urban Gem (2025 Update)

Welcome to Haiphong — a vibrant, energetic port city in northern Vietnam that often flies under the radar, yet offers an authentic slice of local urban life 🛵. With a population nearing two million, this is Vietnam’s third-largest city, but don’t expect the same tourist crowds you’ll find in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Instead, you’ll be greeted with genuine curiosity 😊, a refreshing sense of calm from street vendors, and a deeper connection to Vietnamese city culture.

🚦 Why Stop in Haiphong?

Many travelers pass through Haiphong on the way to Cat Ba Island or skip it entirely in favor of a Halong Bay cruise. But here’s the secret: Haiphong is worth staying a little longer. Whether you’re seeking a less-touristy vibe or simply a peaceful city break, Haiphong offers:

  • 🥢 Excellent local food and drink options

  • 🏙️ Bustling avenues lined with flame trees

  • 🚫 Minimal street hassle

  • 🛏️ Affordable and comfortable accommodations

  • 🚉 Great connections to Hanoi, Halong, and Cat Ba

🏛️ City Vibes with Colonial Charm

While Haiphong might come off a bit rugged around the edges — especially near the never-ending industrial port zone — don’t let that deter you. The city center tells a very different story.

Stroll along the wide boulevards shaded by vibrant flame trees 🌺, and you’ll discover graceful colonial-era villas, many of which date back to the 19th century. These elegant buildings are dotted across the curved southern section of the old town, which still defines the heart of modern-day Haiphong.

It’s a city where history, trade, and tradition blend into the rhythm of everyday life. You’ll see school kids in uniforms zipping by on bicycles 🚲, street cafés buzzing with locals, and barbershops operating on shaded sidewalks.

✨ 2025 Tips for Travelers

  • 🚆 Train & Bus Access: Haiphong remains a major transport hub — trains from Hanoi run multiple times daily, and buses to Cat Ba are fast and frequent.

  • 🍜 What to Eat: Don’t leave without trying the city’s signature dish: Bánh Đa Cua (crab noodle soup) – it’s rich, spicy, and deeply local.

  • 🏖️ Nearby Attractions: Day trips to Do Son Beach, Cat Ba Island, or even a detour to Lan Ha Bay are all within reach.

  • 📸 Hidden Gems: The Opera House, Du Hang Pagoda, and Tam Bac Lake offer peaceful corners for photographers and culture lovers alike.

🌏 Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a more authentic, lived-in Vietnamese city that’s not yet overrun by tourism, Haiphong is your place. Stay a night or two, and you’ll quickly appreciate its character, pace, and people. Whether you’re connecting to the islands or just slowing down from your journey, Haiphong rewards those who linger.

👉 Ready to explore Vietnam beyond the obvious? Add Haiphong to your 2025 travel list. You might be surprised at what you find 🌟.