Top Reasons and Places to Visit in Hai Phong City – A City of many Allures

Hai Phong is just 2 ½ from the capital. It is one of Vietnam's oldest cities and did its time as the capital. Hai Phong is a very popular tourist hub that boasts many attractions, such as the Do Son Beach Casino and the French theatre. It is also the place to catch a unique Buffalo Fighting Festival known locally as choi trau. Even better, Hai Phong offers convenient ferry and hydrofoil links to beautiful Halong Bay and its surrounding little islets. As you can see the city is chock full of allures, exotic experiences and places to visit.

Bao Dai Villa once belonged to the last Emperor of Vietnam. It was built in 1928 atop the beautiful Vung Hill by a French Governor-General in 1928. This was later offered to Bao Dai who used it as a summer palace. Explore the vintage confines of this marvellous palace which is full of ancient photographs and Bao Dai's throne. You will also be offered the chance to try on some traditional royal costumes and pose for photographs.

Located 22kms from Hai Phong Do Son Beach sits between the Van Uc and Lach Tray Rivers. Resplendent with 3 beaches Do Son was once the favourite haunt of the French hierarchy and Vietnamese aristocrats during the country's colonial period. Do Son is loved for its excellent swimming and kite flying opportunities.

Two day overnight tours and one day tours are available for experiencing the stunning beauty of Halong Bay. Drift pass amazing limestone columns and verdant islets, stop for a swim on a sandy shore and enjoy a picnic under sunny skies. A two day tour consists of a visit to the Bai Hang floating village where you may indulge in kayaking, swimming and diving into the waters from the summit of a boat. There are loads of hidden coves and sandy little beaches where you could chill out on. You spend the night on the cosy boat and a delicious breakfast is served on the sun deck.

Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the shopping and discover the exotic by touring Hai Phong City. A typical tour would include a stop at the Hai Phong Opera House and a thorough browse of Ga Market. Visit the city square and enjoy a leisurely stroll to the beautiful vintage flower shops. Not to be forgotten are the delicious tit-bits available at the roadside kiosks, cafes and restaurants.

Located 50kms from the eastern edge of Hai Phong, Cat Ba is the most popular and most visited of the La Ha and Halong Bays. This is probably due to the verdant surroundings of the island which has been deemed as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The main attractions there are the gorgeous beaches and tropical forests. You will also love observing the simple livelihoods lead by the fishermen and farmers of Cat Ba Island; who remain unchanged in traditions since days of yore.

December to March are the ideal months to visit the island which can get quite crowded over weekends - in the holiday months of April and August. If you are looking for accommodation in Hai Phong it is wise to select a hotel that offers easy access to the many attractions. Centrally placed in the city centre is the Somerset Central TD Hai Phong.