| City after 1 July 2025 | 3,194.72 km²; 4,664,124 residents; 114 commune-level units (45 wards, 67 communes, 2 special zones) |
|---|---|
| Reorganization | Hai Phong and Hai Duong provinces merged into a new Hai Phong, working from 1 July 2025 |
| Port | one of the main seaports for northern Vietnam’s trade; nicknamed ‘Port City’ |
| Economy | GRDP about 734,420 billion dong in 2025, growth 11.81% |
| Archaeology | the Cai Beo site is about 6,000 years old (older page text) |
Being the third largest city in Vietnam, Hai Phong is also called “The City of the Red Flamboyant” as the city is filled with flamboyant trees which blossom beautifully in the summer. In all year around, Hai Phong is always bestowed with green fruits.
This destination has a long history of over 6,000 years as shown through the archaeological site of Cai Beo. Until now, several landscapes, shrines, temples and historical monuments are easily caught in sight in the city. During the Vietnam War, because of its thriving port, Hai Phong was heavily bombed; surprisingly, nowadays, a large area of the city is the home for over 20 industrial and manufacturing institutions. However, it older district is rather quiet, but still charming and is considered the city’s pride, with stretching boulevards adorned with colonial style buildings.
Towards many visitors, Do Son Beach might be the most appealing attraction of Hai Phong and also be listed among the most stunning beaches of Vietnam. It has a coastal line of 5 kilometer long, offering a tranquil setting with a growing number of hotels as well as several eating places. Also, it is very convenient and easy to visit other destinations from Do Son. For example, by speedboat, tourists can visit the island of Cat Ba National Park, Bai Tu Long Bay and also Halong Bay in Quang Ninh.
With a preference toward history and tradition, on a visitation to Hai Phong, sightseers may be looking forward to explore Cai Beo Archaeological Site, or visit Nghe Temple together with a considerable number of pagodas. All of them own origins of centuries and can shed lights on lifestyle or culture of ancient Vietnamese people.
With the privilege of a leading commercial city, visitors to Hai Phong have a wide variety of restaurants and eateries to choose from, with all styles possible from traditional northern Vietnam’s cuisine to Western gastronomy, from regional variations to international eating options. Dishes worth trying of Hai Phong are red noodles with crab, a specialty recognized as one of Asian records, spicy bread with liver sausage, and rice cake with meat.
Hai Phong today
Vietnamese Wikipedia says the new Hai Phong, formed by merging the old city and Hai Duong province on 1 July 2025, covers 3,194.72 square kilometers and has 4,664,124 people in 114 commune-level units. Its seaports play a major role in exports, imports and freight for northern Vietnam, and the city is nicknamed the Port City. It is also one of Vietnam’s major industrial centers. For Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba, Hai Phong is the usual gateway; see our Ha Long Bay page. We have not verified ferry times or hotel details.
Sources (read in Vietnamese, Vietnamese Wikipedia): Hải Phòng. Last checked November 2026.
Hai Phong: FAQ
How big is Hai Phong after the 2025 merger?
3,194.72 square kilometers with 4,664,124 residents.
What is Hai Phong’s nickname?
The Port City.
When did the new Hai Phong begin operating?
On 1 July 2025.
Is Hai Phong a gateway to Ha Long Bay?
It is a common starting point for Ha Long and Cat Ba; check current routes.
How many days do you need in Hai Phong?
One night is usual on the way to the bay.