Day Trips & Excursions: Haiphong

Day Trip Destinations

Haiphong is a gateway to diverse excursions. Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay, Do Son Beach, Ha Long City, and Hanoi are all within reach for day trips, each with distinct offerings.

Explore Day trip options on GetYourGuide.

Getting There

Cat Ba Island: Bus-Ferry Combo, Speedboat/Hydrofoil.
Do Son Beach: Local bus or taxi.
Ha Long City: Express bus.
Hanoi: Express bus or train.

Organized vs. Independent Travel

Consider different travel styles for optimal exploration.

Cat Ba/Lan Ha Bay Tours

Booking an organized tour for Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay streamlines your visit. Tours often include transport from Haiphong, ferry tickets, a boat cruise in Lan Ha Bay, kayaking, and lunch.

Tour Advantages

Transport included.
Boat cruise and activities.
Logistical simplicity.

Independent Cat Ba Travel

Independent travel offers more flexibility. Take public transport to Cat Ba, then arrange a local boat tour in Cat Ba Town. This option is often more economical and enables more freedom.

Independent Advantages

Offers independence.
Arrange local tours.
Potentially lower cost.

Suggested Trip Lengths

Cat Ba/Lan Ha Bay Day Trip

Plan for a full day, 8-10 hours.
Depart Haiphong early morning.
Cruise Lan Ha Bay, kayak, swim.
Return late afternoon.

Do Son Beach Day Trip

A half-day to full-day, 4-6 hours.
Spend time relaxing on the beach.
Visit Hon Dau Island.
Best explored independently via taxi or local bus.

Other Destinations

Ha Long City (Halong Bay)Possible for a day, better overnight.
Ha Long AccessExpress bus via new expressway (1 hour).
Halong CruiseBook tour from Ha Long City or package.
Do Son AccessLocal bus or taxi (45-60 minutes).

HanoiPossible day trip by express bus.
Hanoi RecommendationHanoi deserves more time for exploration.
TransportationStreamlined and efficient.
Travel TimeFactors for planning.

Travel Insight

For immersive experiences, consider an overnight stay on Cat Ba or in Halong Bay. This truly deepens your exploration of the limestone karsts and emerald waters.

Natural Escapes

The region around Haiphong presents stunning natural beauty, inviting exploration of its parks, landscapes, and coastal areas.

Cat Ba National Park

On Cat Ba Island, this park has trekking, wildlife (Langur, birds), and caves. It is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Lan Ha Bay

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Ha Long Bay), known for pristine limestone karsts, clear waters, and less crowded atmosphere. Kayaking among the karsts is memorable.

Coastal & Rural Areas

Cat Co beaches on Cat Ba, Do Son Beach near Haiphong. Explore quiet countryside and small fishing villages on Cat Ba Island, like Viet Hai village.

Lan Ha Bay Wonders

Kayaking through the serene waters and exploring hidden lagoons is a popular activity. The bay's calm conditions and numerous islets make it ideal for water activities.

Activities

Kayaking: Paddle through calm waters.
Caves: Discover hidden grottoes.
Swimming: Enjoy clear bay waters.

Cat Ba Island Exploration

Trekking paths lead to rewarding viewpoints and diverse ecosystems within the National Park. Keep an eye out for local fauna and unique plant life.

Park Highlights

Trekking: Hike scenic trails.
Wildlife: Spot endangered Langur.
Views: Reach Ngu Lam Peak for panoramas.

Unique Flora & Fauna

Mangrove ForestsFound in parts of Cat Ba National Park.

Diverse BirdlifeBirdwatching is rewarding, especially in the National Park.

Limestone KarstsGeological formations that define the bay's iconic scenery.

Rich Marine LifeObserve diverse species in the bay's clear waters.

Viet Hai VillageExplore traditional rural life on Cat Ba Island.

Coastal EcosystemsProtect unique natural environments.

Nature Conservation

Respect all protected areas.
Stay on marked paths.
Do not litter.
Avoid disturbing wildlife.
Your actions help preserve these beautiful natural settings for future visitors.

Cultural Excursions

Extend your cultural exploration beyond Haiphong city limits to discover historical sites and traditional villages.

Historical Landmarks

Explore significant sites beyond Haiphong. King Tran Temple in nearby Dong Trieu, Quang Ninh province, connects to the Tran Dynasty. This destination warrants a dedicated trip.

Site Features

Discover ancient dynasties.
Visit sacred structures.
Consider a longer trip.

Village Life

Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island offers a glimpse into traditional rural life. Accessible by a scenic trek through the National Park or by boat, it provides an unique cultural immersion.

Village Access

Trek through the park.
Arrive by water.
Discover local traditions.

Pilgrimage Sites

Yen Tu Mountain (Núi Yên Tử) is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site in Quang Ninh province, celebrated for its pagodas and monasteries. It presents an opportunity for a day trip.

Pilgrimage Access

Yen Tu Mountain, Quang Ninh.
Day trip, 2-3 hours drive one way.
Cable car access available.

Regional Connections

Travel links make exploring beyond Haiphong straightforward. These connections facilitate onward travel or regional discovery.

Transport Links

Haiphong to Hanoi: Easy access by express bus or train.
Haiphong to Cat Ba: Ferry or speedboat for island trips.
Haiphong to Halong: Express bus to the bay.

Northern Vietnam Loop

Suggested Route

Haiphong > Cat Ba/Lan Ha > Halong City > Hanoi > Ninh Binh > Sapa > Return to Hanoi/Haiphong.

Duration

This route offers a comprehensive view of northern Vietnam over several days.

Highlights

Mountains, bays, cities, and cultural experiences. Each segment presents unique attractions.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with local communities respectfully.

Multi-Day Extensions

For a comprehensive trip, consider adding extra days to explore nearby regions more thoroughly.

Additional Days

Cat Ba Island Stay

Spending 2-3 days on Cat Ba Island permits full exploration of Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay cruises.

Halong Bay Overnight

A 1-2 day overnight cruise from Halong City deepens your experience of the bay, its caves, and offers memorable views.

Hanoi Exploration

Extend your trip for 2-3+ days to explore Vietnam's capital. Hanoi is easily accessible from Haiphong.

Logical Next Destinations

Hanoi: For cultural depth, history, and onward travel connections.
Sapa: For mountain trekking and ethnic minority culture. Reach it via overnight train or bus from Hanoi.
Ninh Binh (Tam Coc/Trang An): Often called "Halong Bay on land." Reach it via bus or train from Hanoi.
Hue/Da Nang/Hoi An: For central Vietnam's imperial history, beaches, and ancient towns.
Domestic Flights: From Cat Bi (HPH) or Noi Bai (HAN) airports.
Regional travel: Consider a Northern Loop itinerary.

Transportation Connections

To Cat Ba: Use a ferry or speed boat from Haiphong.
To Halong City: Take an express bus from Haiphong.
To Hanoi: Use an express bus or train from Haiphong.
To other regions: Domestic flights from Cat Bi (HPH) or Noi Bai (HAN) airports.
Longer regional routes: Explore combined itineraries.
Seamless transitions: Plan ahead for smooth travel.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Northern Loop