Hai Phong, Vietnam
Vietnam's Red Poinciana city is a working port and street-food paradise — the industrial gateway to Hanoi, the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay, and one of Southeast Asia's most authentic local dining scenes.
Vietnam's Red Poinciana city is a working port and street-food paradise — the industrial gateway to Hanoi, the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay, and one of Southeast Asia's most authentic local dining scenes.
Ships dock at industrial container terminals; there is zero walk-out access — you must use the ship's shuttle or arrange independent transport from the port gate.
💡 Pro move: Some itineraries labeled 'Hai Phong' actually dock at Halong International Cruise Port in Quang Ninh province — about 1 hour north. Check your ship's daily programme to confirm your actual berth.
Hai Phong's cruise berths are heavy industrial container terminals — ships dock alongside concrete piers with no passenger facilities.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL and large ships | Lach Huyen International Container Terminal, Cat Hai Island📍 | Docked |
| Smaller and expedition ships | Tan Vu Port / Chua Ve Port, mainland📍 | Docked |
Most passengers use Hai Phong as a jumping-off point for Hanoi or Lan Ha Bay, but the city itself rewards those who stay.
Vietnam's ancient capital is 1.5–2 hours away — Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, and lunch at a proper pho spot. Book through the ship; traffic makes independent return risky.
Find Hanoi day tours →Lan Ha Bay is the quieter, equally spectacular neighbour to Halong Bay — limestone karsts, emerald water, floating fishing villages, and far fewer tour boats. Access via high-speed ferry from Got Terminal near Lach Huyen. Kayaking available.
Find Lan Ha Bay tours →Stay in the city and explore the French colonial Opera House, Tam Bac Lake, Le Chan Statue, and Hang Kenh Communal House with its 300+ dragon carvings — then dive into bánh đa cua (crab noodle soup) and bánh mì cay on the street.
Find Hai Phong city tours →One of northern Vietnam's oldest Buddhist temples (17th century), with intricate woodcarvings, bronze relics, and a peaceful bonsai garden. Pair with a stroll through Hai Phong's leafy French-era boulevards. Dress conservatively.
Find Hai Phong heritage tours →Cat Ba Island's Cat Co beaches offer white sand and clean emerald water backed by limestone cliffs — a genuine tropical beach experience. Requires ferry from Got Terminal plus taxi on the island. Only feasible on long port days (8+ hours).
Find Cat Ba island tours →Hai Phong's French-planned city center is surprisingly walkable once you're dropped off near the Opera House — wide boulevards, colonial buildings, and lakes.
From the Opera House, head south past the leafy plaza and along Dien Bien Phu Street to Tam Bac Lake. Circle the lake to the Le Chan Statue, then loop back through the French Quarter streets.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Take a Grab to Du Hang Pagoda, explore the 17th-century grounds, then walk or taxi a short distance to Hang Kenh Communal House to see the extraordinary dragon carvings.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Hai Phong, Vietnam (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 65°F / 18°C | 55°F / 13°C | 20 | 6:32 AM | 5:32 PM |
| Feb | 68°F / 20°C | 56°F / 13°C | 13 | 6:23 AM | 5:51 PM |
| Mar | 76°F / 24°C | 61°F / 16°C | 12 | 6:02 AM | 6:02 PM |
| Apr | 79°F / 26°C | 64°F / 18°C | 17 | 5:34 AM | 6:12 PM |
| May | 81°F / 27°C | 67°F / 19°C | 24 | 5:16 AM | 6:23 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 68°F / 20°C | 22 | 5:12 AM | 6:35 PM |
| Jul | 80°F / 27°C | 67°F / 19°C | 25 | 5:20 AM | 6:37 PM |
| Aug | 80°F / 27°C | 67°F / 19°C | 22 | 5:32 AM | 6:22 PM |
| Sep | 77°F / 25°C | 65°F / 18°C | 25 | 5:40 AM | 5:56 PM |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 63°F / 17°C | 26 | 5:48 AM | 5:29 PM |
| Nov | 70°F / 21°C | 61°F / 16°C | 25 | 6:03 AM | 5:11 PM |
| Dec | 64°F / 18°C | 57°F / 14°C | 26 | 6:22 AM | 5:14 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Hai Phong, Vietnam. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.