Where to Stay in Hai Phong: Vietnam's Underrated Port City

Hai Phong, Vietnam's third-largest city with a population of 2.1 million, serves as a major industrial port offering French colonial boulevards, Do Son beach 20km southeast, and ferry access to Cat Ba Island in 45 minutes. The city doesn't appear on most tourist itineraries, which is exactly why I find it so appealing. For travelers who want to see real Vietnam rather than tourist Vietnam, Hai Phong deserves serious consideration.

Understanding Hai Phong's Layout

The city center is compact and walkable, built around a grid of tree-lined French colonial boulevards that give the place a distinct character. After 30 years working in manufacturing and visiting industrial cities worldwide, I appreciate places that were designed with practical functionality in mind - and Hai Phong delivers on that front. The grid makes navigation intuitive, and most attractions cluster within a pleasant walking radius of the center.

The port facilities dominate the eastern areas, while residential and commercial zones spread south and west. Most visitors will focus on the central district, with possible excursions to Do Son beach or ferry trips to Cat Ba Island.

Central District: Colonial Charm

The heart of Hai Phong features beautiful French colonial architecture that rivals Hanoi's, minus the crowds. The iconic Opera House anchors the city center, surrounded by tree-lined boulevards, grand administrative buildings, and classic shophouses. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the best restaurants, the main market, and the city's cultural attractions.

Hotels in this area range from budget-friendly Vietnamese business hotels around $20-30 per night to more comfortable mid-range properties at $50-80. Don't expect boutique hotels or international chains - this is a working city, and accommodation reflects that practical character. Rooms are clean and functional, staff is helpful if not always English-speaking, and you'll often be the only foreigner at breakfast.

The central market is worth exploring for local produce, street food, and a complete absence of tourist-oriented souvenirs. This is where locals actually shop.

Do Son Beach District

About 20 kilometers southeast of the city center, Do Son offers beach access for those who want to combine city exploration with coastal relaxation. This area is popular with Vietnamese families on weekend getaways, especially during summer months. The beach itself is decent rather than spectacular - think brown sand and calm water rather than Instagram-perfect white sand.

Accommodation here skews toward Vietnamese-style beach resorts and karaoke-equipped hotels that cater to domestic tourists. Prices are reasonable, and the seafood restaurants along the beachfront serve excellent catches fresh from the fishing boats you'll see offshore.

Do Son makes sense if you want beach access and don't mind a less polished experience than Phu Quoc or Da Nang would offer.

Cat Ba Island: The Gateway

While technically separate from Hai Phong, Cat Ba Island is easily accessible by ferry (about 45 minutes) and offers a completely different experience. The island serves as a launching point for Lan Ha Bay cruises, which many experienced travelers consider a less crowded, equally beautiful alternative to Ha Long Bay.

Staying on Cat Ba makes sense if your primary goal is exploring the bay. The town has adequate budget and mid-range accommodation, plenty of tour operators, and a backpacker atmosphere. From Hai Phong, you can visit Cat Ba as a day trip or stay overnight before heading into the bay.

Practical Tips for 2026

Hai Phong's accommodation scene is geared toward business travelers and domestic tourists rather than international visitors, which means you'll find reliable, no-frills hotels at reasonable prices. The flip side is fewer English speakers, limited hotel breakfast options beyond Vietnamese standards, and almost no tourist-oriented activities or tours.

Having a translation app ready helps considerably - Google Translate's camera function is invaluable for menus and signs. Learn a few Vietnamese phrases, and locals will appreciate the effort even if your pronunciation is terrible.

The city makes an excellent base for exploring the region authentically, with easy access to Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay, and the surrounding countryside that most tourists never see. If you're the type who prefers genuine experiences over comfortable ones, Hai Phong rewards exploration.