Making the most of Hai Phong
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships berth at the Port of Haiphong, approximately 1.5 miles from the town centre. Taxis and trishaws are generally waiting outside the main gate.
There are no visitor facilities or attractions in the port area. Hanoi is a 2.5- to 3-hour journey from Haiphong.
On the Gulf of Tonkin, Haiphong is one of Vietnam’s key ports, the north’s principal industrial centre and the country’s third largest city. The First Indochina War began here in 1946, when French bombing of the port killed thousands of civilians. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. lost more than 300 warplanes here. For many years, much of the city was a grey urban sprawl marked by factories and bomb-damaged buildings.
The city has grown rapidly in recent years and its image has changed. French colonial architecture, surprisingly preserved through the bombardment, remains alongside pagodas, a cathedral, the Municipal Theater or Opera House, a flower market and Vietnam’s only licensed casino.
Haiphong is especially appealing for the old colonial-style buildings in its city centre and the street markets near Cau Dat and Tam Bac Streets.
Founded over 60 years ago, Hang Khen Factory is known for wool tapestries and carpets.
Getting around
Vietnam does not recognise international driving licences. Consequently, car-rental firms such as Hertz and Avis etc. are not available.
Nearby places
Hanoi, the capital, is 60 miles from this busy port city: allow a 2.5-hour drive on National Highway number 5.
Food and shopping
The principal shopping areas are along Tran Phu Street and at the SAT Market. Lacquer ware, ceramics, silk, wood carvings and carpets are worthwhile purchases.
Money
Use the dong (d?ng, VND) as Vietnam’s national currency. Small U.S. dollar amounts are widely accepted; the usual exchange rate is 16000 dong per US$1.
ATMs are increasingly common, available in most larger cities and at every tourist destination.
Almost anything in Vietnam can be bargained over.
Staying connected
Vietnamese is the native language. English is increasingly popular as a second language and its study is compulsory in most schools.
Internet access is available everywhere except the most remote towns.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are daily 0800/0830-2100/2200.
Tet, or Vietnamese New Year, is by far the year’s largest holiday. It falls between late January and March according to the unisolar Chinese calendar. During Tet’s three days, shops close and people return home to their families, so travel can be difficult at this time.