Things to Do in Haiphong 2026: Colonial Quarter, Temples and Day Trips

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.

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.