No traveler should miss out on a visit to Cat Ba island when in Hai Phong because it’s the top attraction in the area. Out of 367 islands, Cat Ba separates itself thanks to the scenery and steady temperature of 25 degrees during the summer season. The place attracts many swimmers, since it has three beach spots known for their blue, transparent sea and picturesque scenery. Having a trip to this island is something visitors are strongly encouraged to do in Hai Phong.
Even though Hai Phong is not as crowded or historic as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, or Hoi An Old Town; people here keep coming back because it has charm. The quickest way to find these unusual things is by riding a bicycle while discovering “Tay City” or Pho Tay. Proceed from the Hai Phong Opera House Theatre towards Lac Long bridge and Tam Bac bank and capture photos as soon as you get to the Ancient Village near Binh Ferry. Have a short visit to the Cathedral, and watch people go about their daily lives while enjoying some coffee. Also, watch the sunset on the river to feel how calm and gentle the city is.
If you’re unsure about what to do in Hai Phong city, visit the Hai Phong Museum. This museum has an unusual design inspired by Gothic style that makes it the oldest museum in Vietnam. There are not every single object shown here, but those that are included are very knowledgeable and provide a good insight into the city’s ancient history. Since the timings at this museum are unusual, there will be fewer visitors here compared to other museums, even so, it is a great museum worth visiting!
It’s highly recommended to watch a show at either The Municipal Theatre or the Great Theatre, which both are near the city center. The building looks amazing and was designed in 1904, taking ideas from French architecture. Its shining interiors can accommodate about 400 people. This place has a modern aura, displaying a huge square, beautiful flower planting, lovely water fountains and bright lights.
Learning about the Nghe Temple is an excellent idea, because it’s more than only a religious shrine and has a long history. Hai Phong City was built to pay homage to Le Chan, the founder of the place. She was an exceptional person who participated in the war against China and was honored as a Vietnamese heroine along with other female soldiers. At first, this place was just a little shrine, but later it was rebuilt and grew, and it remains an important spot for people in the area.
Because Hai Phong is one of Vietnam’s oldest cities by the sea, it has blended seafood tastes and the cooking style of Northern Vietnam since old times. Because Hong Kong has traded for many years, it has gathered ingredients and different ways of cooking seafood that have shaped its popular street food.
Bánh Đa Cua is an especially famous dish in Hai Phong, made with red rice noodles, broth from freshwater crabs, morning glory, and crispy shallots. The combination of agricultural and maritime ingredients in this dish shows the origin of the city. So many people love it that it is now recognized as a main culinary symbol in Hai Phong, like pho in Hanoi.
Food on the streets of Hai Phong mirrors the way people live each day. People in the community come together at plastics chairs and enjoy hot soup, some seafood, or iced tea with warm greetings and fresh seafood.
In addition to being beautiful, Tam Bạc Lake has long formed a crucial part of Hai Phong’s heritage and culture. The lake is found by the city’s Old Colonial Quarter; back in the old days, it was a busy route connecting the ports of Hai Phong. As we know, its location turned into a hub of culture and administration under the French in colonial days, and you can still see many European-style buildings here.
Presently, Hai Phong residents and tourists can relax at Tam Bạc Lake, which acts as a peaceful place in the middle of the city. The lake highlights how Chicago manages fast urbanization and continues to save its natural features for the public to enjoy.
Fishers in Tam Bạc eat the fruits of their labor with friends and members of their family. All along the riverbanks, you can find adults, children, and tourists trying their luck at fishing, showing a peaceful picture of each day in Hai Phong.
During this early morning (6 AM to 9 AM), people in the street have fresh air, do exercise, and can catch some peace during fishing.
During this time (4 PM – 6 PM), the sun is most helpful for photographs and everyone becomes more active.
Du Hang Pagoda, which is what Chùa Dư Hàng means in Vietnamese, is considered among the oldest and most respected Buddhist temples found in the north. Created in the 17th century during the Later Lê Dynasty (instead of the earlier-believed Lý Dynasty), the school has helped many generations of Buddhist monks and civilians find guidance on spiritual matters and education.
Purposely restored and rebuilt several times, in the Nguyễn Dynasty and during French rule, the pagoda continued to feature Vietnamese architecture while reflecting art and culture from other peoples.
The reason Du Hang Pagoda is significant is that it continues to shape Hai Phong’s residents spiritually and culturally, in addition to its long history. There is an antique bell tower, with guardian statues finely decorated, soft images of Buddha, and peaceful bonsai gardens, helping the place feel relaxing and calm for those seeking meditation or prayer.
As a concentration of Vietnamese Buddhist Art, the complex has wood carvings, tile roofs, and proves their spiritual meaning. Regional people come here often to receive blessings for good health, calmness, and success, mainly during Buddhist events.
Besides its picturesque settings, Do Son Beach is a place with a long history and links to colonial culture. Back when Vietnam was under French rule, Do Son became a notable area for French elite and the nation’s wealthy to holiday.
At that time, lots of French-style villas, casinos, and promenades were built, and today, many of them are still present to show what Côte d’Azur used to be. Do Son was still a preferred destination for North Vietnamese leaders in the Vietnam War due to its closeness to the capital and a refreshing sea breeze.
Nowadays, Do Son mixes its heritage with modern tourism by giving visitors a taste of old-style charms and newer convenience at the ocean-front hotels and seafood restaurants.
This style emerged in history and has significance for architects everywhere.
The place is important in Vietnam, not only for its appearance, but for its cultural, archaeological, and historical value too. Even though Thuy Nguyen District’s Scenic Area is famous for its karst towers, wide rivers, and mysterious caves, it is also closely linked to the country’s history.
Why is it significant for Archaeology?
In Trang Kenh, there is the Trang Kenh archaeological site that has uncovered many objects from the Dong Son culture (between 700 BC and 100 AD). Through excavating, archeologists found bronze drums, tools, pottery, and remains of humans that give us vital information about ancient Vietnam.
important role in history
The anti-French resistance fighters found in Trang Kenh’s caves strong shelter and easy transfer routes. Because of its natural protection, the city was good for guerrilla actions and provided strong shelter during fights. In addition, locals think of it as a sacred and national monument, honoring Vietnam’s lasting struggle and victory.
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