Hai Phong Landmarks and Monuments

(Hai Phong, Vietnam)

Most of the landmarks in the city of Hai Phong are temples or pagodas, often dating back many centuries. The best of these include the Do Son Pagoda, the Dong Khe Pagoda, the Du Hang Pagoda and the Thuong Doan Palace, while the Opera House (People's Theatre) also warrants a mention.

In earlier times, the vast natural harbour of Hai Phong was something of a monument to the economic success it brought to the city, but in these modern times it is usually rather crowded out with container ships and the like, and reputed to be heavily polluted.

Do Son Pagoda (Tuong Long)

Address: Do Son, Van Son District, Hai Phong, Vietnam, VN
This magnificent and historic Buddhist structure has origins in the Ly Than Tong Dynasty and lies within roughly 0.5 acre / 0.2 hectares of grounds, which have been planted with trees and flowers. Replacing the Do Son Tower following its demise in the early 19th century, after its bricks were used to build the Hai Duong citadel, the pagoda is located in the Do Son township of Hai Phong. This appealing suburb is especially popular, since it occupies a small peninsula, in between the Van Uc River and the Lach Tray River, where pleasant beaches enjoy shading by the backdrop of sandalwood trees.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Thuong Doan Temple / Thuong Doan Palace

Address: An Hai District, Hai Phong, Vietnam, VN
Set high on a forested hill with fine views across the region, this large and picturesque temple is dedicated to the Natural Mother, one of the four protective nature gods of the Vietnamese people. The Thuong Doan Temple boasts ancient oriental architecture and a large hall with three altars. Each March, the palace plays host to a large festival commemorating Buddha.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Du Hang Pagoda (Chua Du Hang)

Address: Le Chan District, Hai Phong, Vietnam, VN
Just a short distance to the south of Hai Phong's centre is the Du Hang Pagoda, with its imposing architecture and many Buddha images. Founded in the 16th century, although rebuilt a number of times since, the temple sits in shaded gardens and is the centre of Buddhism here. With fine Vietnamese architecture and sculptures, the pagoda is a major draw, particularly since it is located on the bustling street of P Chua Hang, which thoroughly warrants investigation.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Five Rivers

Address: Hai Phong, Vietnam, VN
The Cam River is Hai Phong's main landmark, but four other rivers meander through and around the city, emptying into the sea along the city's beach-lined coast. Fishing villages lie in the estuaries of the smaller rivers. One river, Bach Dan, was the scene of three heroic victories over Chinese invaders, including Genghis Khan's Yuan Dynasty Mongol hordes in the early 14th century.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Dong Khe Pagoda (Nguyet Quang Tu)

Address: Dong Khe District, Hai Phong, Vietnam, VN
The gate towers and historic centuries-old buildings at the Dong Khe Pagoda are located within the city's Dong Khe district, being considered culturally significant as part of the Truc Lam lineage. Over the years, the buildings have been rebuilt and renovated a number of times, namely in the early 16th century, in the late 17th century and more recently in the 1970s. In 1997, the Dong Khe Pagoda was listed as a site of local importance by the Vietnamese government.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Phu Lien Observatory

Address: Kien An District, Hai Phong, Vietnam, VN
Located within the suburb of Kien An, the Phu Lien Observatory lies at the summit of Thien Van Mountain, where it enjoys an especially scenic setting, being surrounded by forests and peaks. Founded by the French in 1903, the observatory - combined with its surrounding natural scenery, is a popular tourist destination, as well as a local landmark with superb panoramic views of the cityscape below. The meteorological garden provides further interest.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Opera House / People's Theatre (Nha Hat Lon)

Address: P Quang Trung, Hai Phong, Vietnam, VN
Located within the Hong Bang district and offering an excellent example of French colonial grandeur at its finest, the Opera House (now the People's Theatre) has a beautifully ornate interior and serves as a monument to the richness of culture in the colonial era. Fronted by wide steps and four tall stone columns, and capable of accommodating audiences of around 600 people, the Opera House is pale yellow in colour and features elegant neo-classical architecture, which contrasts greatly with the distant high-rises. Many prominent city events are staged on the adjacent plaza.
Open hours: as per scheduled performances
Admission: charge

TD Plaza

Address: Le Hong Phong, Hai An District, Hai Phong, Vietnam, VN
This massive modern skyscraper mall, entertainment and office complex opened in 2007 and can be seen for miles, clearly denoting the contrast between traditional, colonial and modern Vietnam. The twin towers are the most distinctive feature and comprise 19 floors, which are home to many serviced apartments and luxury condos. For shopping at the TD Plaza, the Parkson department store is a major draw, while for entertainment, the Megastar Cineplex offers eight cinemas and regular movie screenings.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free