Attractions Nearby Hai Phong, Day Trips and Excursions

(Hai Phong, Vietnam)



For those who like to get out of town and see the countryside, there are many attractive options and outlying attractions, usually only a short excursion from Hai Phong and therefore highly suitable for day trips.

From forested national parks to rugged mountain outcrops, not forgetting bays, beaches and isolated islands, there's plenty to see. For a longer trip and perhaps an overnight excursion, Hanoi is the perfect place to catch up on shopping and sightseeing in a more Western-style cosmopolitan environment. Other attractions reachable from Hai Phong include the Ba Be National Park, the Cat Ba National Park, Bai Tu Long Bay and the archaeological site of Trang Kenh.


Hanoi

The enormous metropolis of Hanoi is only a couple of hours from Hai Phong and is crammed with things to do, see, buy, eat and drink. The most important attractions in the city can be toured on a day trip basis, but this leaves little time for relaxing or satisfying the urge to shop until you drop. Hanoi provides the ultimate Asia adventure, especially within its vibrant Old Quarter. If you only have time to visit a handful of attractions, then pencil in the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The lively bar scene within the Bia Hoi Junction is not to be missed.

Elephant Mountain

Address: Ha Long, Vietnam, VN
A short trip from Hai Phong and based within the Kien An district is the Elephant Mountain, so-called because of its position between a small lake and a hill, making the rocky promontory resemble a resting elephant. Peace, quiet and beautiful natural scenery are the best reasons for coming here, although the 16th-century pagodas and citadels are another tourist magnet, as are the remains of ancient civilisations.

Trang Kenh

Address: Minh Duc, Vietnam, VN
This ancient site backed by towering rugged cliffs has been occupied by humans for at least six millennia. Fine examples of hardstone jewellery and other ancient artefacts have been excavated here, and the Trang Kenh area was also once crucial for the defence of the region against invaders. The lush mountainous scenery and meandering rivers all add to the overall appeal.

Ba Be National Park

Address: Ba Be, Vietnam, VN
Tel: +84 02 894 194
The Ba Be National Park is one of the loveliest such in Vietnam, with its 17,300 acres / 7,000 hectares of towering mountains, rushing rivers, gorges, deep valleys, waterfalls, lakes, caves and lush jungle foliage. Ethnic groups live here, and the park is home to over 550 plant species, together with many mammals, butterflies and birds. However, on the downside, the Ba Be National Park is around five hours away and so really best visited as part of an excursion to Hanoi, Tu Son or Thai Nguyen, all of which line the route to the north.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Cat Ba National Park

Address: Cat Ba National Park, Cat Ba Island, Vietnam, VN
Tel: +84 04 321 6350
The Cat Ba National Park is the largest forested area on the island of Cat Ba, within Ha Long Bay and around 30 km / 19 miles to the east of Hai Phong, and is home to a wealth of native wildlife, including the rare white-faced / golden-headed langur (leaf monkey), wild boar and macaques. This attraction is a great place for trekking and hiking, and comes with a good number of trails. The Cat Ba National Park is easily accessible and an excellent spot for keen birdwatchers, being home to over 70 different species, such as hornbills, hawks and numerous waterfowl. Although a guide is not essential, it is highly recommended, so that you make the very most of your time exploring the park and enjoying sights such as the Hang Trung Trang Cave, the remote village of Viet Hai, and the Hospital Cave used during the American War.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Bai Tu Long Bay

Set within the unspoilt Bai Tu Long National Park and alongside the Chinese border, Bai Tu Long Bay is remote from the usual tourist hotspots. Unpolluted waters in a pristine environment are the norm, with the only minor drawback being a lack of the usual visitor infrastructure. Various charter tours can be arranged from both Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, with cruises lasting around five hours. Van Don Island (Dao Cai Bau) is the largest within the archipelago and comes with attractions such as Long Beach (Bai Dai), the Bai Tu Long Ecotourism Resort and the principal town of Cai Rong.

Tay Hilltribe Villages

Address: Hai Phong, Vietnam, VN
The Tay hill tribe people live in the foothills and valleys of the mountains between Hanoi and the Chinese border. Their arts and literature are famous in Vietnam, and their village lives are still mainly traditional. Booking with a responsible tour operator will result in an unforgettable and highly enjoyable experience of these outlying settlements.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for tour or transport