Haiphong 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Haiphong: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Tam Bac Lake

A large urban lake with a paved walking path, exercise stations, and shaded benches. Locals come here for morning tai chi, cycling, and people-watching.

🕐 Open 24 hours

Free entry

💡 Best at dawn (5:30–6:30 AM) when the light hits the water and the city wakes up. The nearby Tam Bac Market sells cheap snacks if you need breakfast.

Hotels near Tam Bac Lake →
Afternoon
Du Hang Pagoda

A 300-year-old Buddhist temple with ornate carvings, a tranquil garden, and a large bronze bell. The architecture blends Vietnamese and Chinese styles.

🕐 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily

Free entry

💡 Visit late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds. The monks sometimes offer free tea if you sit quietly in the main hall.

Hotels near Du Hang Pagoda →
Evening
Where to eat

Demo Coffee · ££

Celsius Karaoke & Shisha · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Haiphong

Morning
Duong Kinh Night Market

A bustling weekend street market with second-hand clothes, electronics, and street food stalls. It's lively, noisy, and very local—no tourist markup.

🕐 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Fridays to Sundays only

💡 Come hungry. Try bánh đa cua (crab noodle soup) for about 15,000 VND. Bring small bills; vendors rarely have change for large notes.

Midday
Nghe Temple (Den Nghe)

A 19th-century temple dedicated to General Le Chan, an important female military leader. It has a peaceful courtyard, incense altars, and a small museum inside.

🕐 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

💡 Combine with a walk through the nearby Nghia Trai pagoda (free, 5 minutes away). The temple gets busy on the 10th day of the lunar month for festivals.

Evening
Dining tonight

Bia Hơi-Lẩu chó

Coffe 169-Quán Nam

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Haiphong Museum

Housed in a colonial-era building, this museum covers the city's history from prehistoric times through the French period and wartime. Expect exhibits on mariti

💡 The entrance fee is 10,000 VND (roughly 40 US cents). Most labels are in Vietnamese only, so bring a translation app or hire a student guide outside for a small tip.

Final meal

Bia 166 Quan Nam

Mai Hồng Phúc

Getting Around Haiphong

Cat Bi Airport Taxi From VND 100,000 15 min

Use Mai Linh or Vinasun taxis from the official rank outside arrivals. Grab app works for a metered ride—match plates before getting in.

Local City Bus Route 3 From VND 12,000 30 min

Cheapest option but crowded at peak. Hop off at Nguyen Duc Canh, then walk 5 minutes east to the hotel. Small backpacks are okay; big luggage is a hassle—drivers may refuse.

Bus Route 102 (Airport Shuttle) From VND 20,000 25 min

The bus drops you about 300m walk from the hotel on Tran Hung Dao. Pay in cash—coins preferred. Runs later than posted often, but don't bank on it after 7pm.

Grab Car (App-based) From VND 80,000 15 min

Grab is cheaper than street taxis if you book before leaving baggage claim. Enter hotel address exact—drivers know Bach Dang Street but may confuse with nearby hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Haiphong?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Tam Bac Lake and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Haiphong?

See our full best time to visit Haiphong guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Bach Dang Hotel, Phương Linh, Princes Hotel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.