What is the Haiphong Opera House?

Built in 1912 by French architects in Second Empire style, it is the most photographed building in the city. Located on Quang Trung Street, it hosts regular Vietnamese classical music and theatrical performances.

How long does it take to explore Haiphong's French colonial quarter?

The grid around Tran Phu Street, Dien Bien Phu Street, and Hoang Van Thu Street is compact - 2-3 hours of walking covers the best of the colonial architecture. The area has more intact French buildings than many Vietnamese cities.

Is Du Hang Pagoda worth visiting in Haiphong?

Yes. One of the oldest pagodas in Haiphong, dating to the 17th century, with an active Buddhist temple complex and good-quality carved woodwork inside the main hall. Entry is free, located 15 minutes walk from the city centre.

Things to Do in Haiphong | The Vietnam Guides

Haiphong’s sights are modest in international terms but genuinely worth half a day for travellers passing through. The city rewards walking more than site-ticking.

Haiphong Opera House (Nha Hat Lon)

The most photographed building in the city. Built in 1912 by French architects in a Second Empire style similar to the Hanoi Opera House, it occupies a prominent position at the junction of several tree-lined boulevards. The exterior is well-maintained. Check the current programme if you want to attend a performance - the Opera House runs regular Vietnamese classical music and theatrical events.

Location: Quang Trung Street, 10-minute walk from the city centre.

French colonial streets

The blocks around Tran Phu Street, Dien Bien Phu Street, and Hoang Van Thu Street retain the French boulevard layout with tree canopy and colonial facades. This is best explored on foot - the grid is compact and 2–3 hours of walking covers the best of it.

The architecture is more intact than Ha Long City or comparable provincial centres. Many buildings are in a state of gradual decay, which is part of the character.

Du Hang Pagoda

One of the oldest pagodas in Haiphong, dating to the 17th century. Active Buddhist temple complex with well-maintained grounds. The carved woodwork inside the main hall is good quality. Entry free.

Location: Chua Hang Street, 15-minute walk from the city centre or short xe om ride.

Haiphong Museum

The city museum covers regional history from prehistoric settlement through French colonialism to the American War period. The collection is modest but the building itself - a 1920s colonial villa - is worth the entrance. ₫20,000 ($0.80) entry.

Do Son Beach

25km south of the city centre, Do Son is a crescent of beach popular with Haiphong residents on weekends. The water is not particularly clean and the sand is grey. Not worth making a detour for independent travellers - the Cat Ba beaches are significantly better. Worth knowing about if you have an afternoon to fill before a ferry.

Cat Ba Island day trip (or ferry to Cat Ba)

The most significant activity accessible from Haiphong is the Cat Ba Island crossing. Ben Binh pier is a 10-minute xe om or taxi ride from the city centre. Ferries to Cat Ba run 4–6 times daily: ₫110,000–140,000 ($4.40–5.60), 1.5 hours.

If continuing to Cat Ba, take the ferry. If visiting as a day trip from Haiphong, the ferry crossing time means a rushed visit - better to stay overnight on Cat Ba. Browse Haiphong and Cat Ba tours on GetYourGuide.

Haiphong Flower Market (Cho Hoa)

A daily flower market operating from early morning at Hoang Van Thu Street. Mainly serves the local trade rather than tourists but pleasant to walk through. Best at 06:00–08:00.

Eating and drinking around the sights

The café culture around the Opera House area is a worthwhile stop. Several French-era buildings on Tran Phu Street have been converted to cafes and local restaurants. A bowl of banh da cua (Haiphong’s signature crab noodle soup) costs ₫40,000–70,000 ($1.60–2.80) as of 2026 at local restaurants near the city market. For evening dining, the Dien Bien Phu Street area has a cluster of local restaurants and beer halls.

Practical logistics

Getting around: The city centre is compact enough to walk between most sights (Opera House to Du Hang Pagoda is 20 minutes on foot). Xe om (motorbike taxi) costs ₫20,000–40,000 ($0.80–1.60) for most city centre journeys. Grab is available in Haiphong city centre.

Best time to visit Haiphong: February to April is the best period - cool, dry, and the city’s parks and tree-lined boulevards are at their most pleasant. July to September is hot and humid. October and November bring rainfall.

Half-day vs full day: The city sights are a half-day task. Most travellers combine a morning walking the colonial quarter with an afternoon ferry to Cat Ba Island. Browse Haiphong tours and Cat Ba day trips for organised options.

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