Create meetup in Haiphongchevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
explore Haiphong Guides
Haiphong Nightlife Guide (2026)
kaitomat
Best Day Trips from Haiphong (2026)
lonabaumgart
Haiphong Airport to City Center (2026)
erika
Haiphong Hidden Gems (2026)
rosmarie
Haiphong on a Budget: Tips 2026
erica
Where to Stay in Haiphong (2026)
nicola
3 Days in Haiphong: Itinerary 2026
patrizia
Things to Do in Haiphong (2026)
kornelia
Best Food in Haiphong (2026)
heliane
bar_chart Trends in Haiphong
Haiphong Airport to City Center (2026)
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) sits about 7 kilometers southeast of Haiphong's city center, making the trip short and straightforward. The airport handles domestic flights… ✈️ Airport Overview
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) sits about 7 kilometers southeast of Haiphong's city center, making the trip short and straightforward. The airport handles domestic flights plus a few international routes, and it's the main gateway for travelers heading to Haiphong or onward to Cat Ba Island. After baggage claim, you'll find official taxi counters and ride-hailing pickup zones clearly marked outside the arrivals hall.
🚕 Taxi Options and Fares
Metered taxis from reputable companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun charge roughly 150,000 to 200,000 VND (about 6 to 8 USD) for the ride into central Haiphong, with a travel time of 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Always insist the driver uses the meter, or agree on a fixed price before getting in. Avoid drivers who approach you inside the terminal; instead, use the official taxi queue outside.
🚌 Public Bus Service
The cheapest way into the city is public bus number 3, which runs from the airport to the central bus station (Ben Xe Thuong Ly) from around 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily. The fare is only 7,000 VND (about 30 cents) and the journey takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes. The bus stop is just outside the terminal, but note that buses can be crowded and luggage space is limited, so this option suits light packers.
🛵 Motorbike Taxis and Apps
Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Be offer motorbike taxis (xe om) and car services from the airport, with motorbike fares starting around 50,000 VND and cars around 180,000 VND. You'll need to book through the app after exiting the arrivals hall, as drivers cannot wait inside the airport grounds. This is a convenient and safe option, and the app shows the price upfront so you avoid haggling.
🚗 Private Car Transfers
For a hassle-free experience, pre-book a private car transfer through your hotel or a service like Klook or 12Go Asia; prices typically range from 250,000 to 400,000 VND (10 to 16 USD) depending on the vehicle and time of day. The driver will meet you at the arrivals gate with a name sign and help with your luggage. This is the best choice if you're traveling with a group or arriving late at night.
⚠️ Avoiding Taxi Scams
Be wary of drivers who refuse to use the meter and quote a flat rate that's two or three times the normal fare; a legitimate trip to the city center should never exceed 250,000 VND. Also, check that the taxi has a working meter and a visible company logo, and avoid unmarked cars or drivers who approach you inside the terminal. If you're unsure, use the Grab app or ask your hotel to arrange a pickup.
🌙 Late Night Arrivals
If you land after 10 PM, public buses will have stopped running, and ride-hailing apps may have fewer drivers available, so pre-booking a private transfer is wise. The airport remains open, but the surrounding area is quiet, so don't wander outside alone while waiting. Your hotel can arrange a pickup for around 300,000 VND, which is a small price for peace of mind after a long flight.
🏨 Getting to Your Hotel
Most hotels in Haiphong's central districts (Hong Bang, Le Chan, Ngo Quyen) are within a 15 to 20 minute drive from the airport, so you'll be at your accommodation in no time. If you're staying near the Opera House or along Dien Bien Phu Street, expect a fare at the lower end of the range. For travelers heading to Cat Ba Island, you'll need to continue to the ferry terminal, which is about 10 minutes further from the city center.
Solid guide, and I'll vouch for the Grab tip. I've flown into Cat Bi a few times and the app pickup zone is easy to find, just walk past the taxi touts and look for the blue Grab signs near the parking lot. One thing the guide doesn't mention: if you're heading to Cat Ba, skip the city center entirely and ask your driver to take you straight to Ben Binh, the ferry pier on the north side. It adds maybe 15 minutes and saves you backtracking from the Opera House area.
Also, for food right after landing, there's a decent pho place on Nguyen Duc Canh, about five minutes from the airport. Not the cheapest at 50k a bowl, but it beats the overpriced snack shop in the terminal if you're hungry before the bus or taxi ride.
The bus tip is solid if you've got nothing bigger than a backpack, but I'd add that route 3 also stops near the big night market on Tran Phu, which is handy if you're staying on that side of town. Saves you a motorbike ride later to see it.
One thing nobody's mentioned yet: the ATM inside the arrivals hall is notoriously finicky, it eats cards from smaller banks. Hit the one at the VietinBank branch on Dien Bien Phu instead, it's a five minute walk from the Opera House and always works. Also, if you're landing midday and want a quick bite, skip the terminal snack shop entirely, the banh mi stall across from the bus stop sells a proper one for 20k and it's fresh.
For the ride itself, I usually just walk past the taxi queue and grab a Grab car from the parking lot, it's been more reliable than the metered guys for me, and the app shows the route so no detour games. The 180k price is about right, but if it's raining, add 20k and expect double the time, the streets around Cat Bi flood fast.
honestly the bus is fine if you're solo and packing light but i've seen people struggle with big suitcases on route 3, the driver gets annoyed and there's no luggage rack. grab car is my go-to now, like 180k to the center and you don't have to argue about the meter. one thing the guide skipped: the airport wifi is useless, so download your grab app and set up payment before you land, otherwise you'll be stuck at the pickup zone trying to load the map on 3g.
also for late night arrivals, don't assume your hotel front desk is 24/7. i landed at 11pm once and the place locked up, had to wake the security guy. if you're coming in that late, message the hotel a day ahead and confirm someone's waiting. the private transfer tip is real, but only worth it if you're not solo, otherwise grab is half the price and just as safe.
Haiphong Nightlife Guide (2026)
Begin your evening in the Dien Bien Phu area, where the streets come alive with neon signs and the hum of motorbikes. The iconic Opera House, at 1 Tien Nong Street, is a great la… 🌆 Where to Start
Begin your evening in the Dien Bien Phu area, where the streets come alive with neon signs and the hum of motorbikes. The iconic Opera House, at 1 Tien Nong Street, is a great landmark to orient yourself, and nearby cafes transition into lively bars as the sun sets. For a first drink, head to The Rooftop Lounge on the 12th floor of the Pearl Hotel, which offers panoramic views of the city.
🍸 Craft Cocktail Bars
Haiphong's cocktail scene has grown, with speakeasy-style spots like The Hidden Alley, tucked behind 45 Le Loi Street, serving inventive drinks using local herbs and fruits. Expect to pay around 120,000 to 180,000 VND per cocktail, and note that most of these bars open at 6 PM and close by midnight. For a more classic vibe, try The Old Quarter Bar on 12 Tran Phu, known for its whiskey selection and dim, intimate lighting.
🎶 Live Music Venues
Live music thrives at the Hanoi Pub on 88 Dien Bien Phu, where local bands play rock and indie covers every night from 9 PM. For a more acoustic experience, visit The Jazz Corner at 23 Quang Trung, which features local jazz musicians on weekends and has a relaxed, candlelit atmosphere. Cover charges are rare, but some venues may ask for a minimum order of 100,000 VND per person.
🕺 Nightclubs and Dancing
The main clubbing district is around the Lac Long Quan area, with clubs like Club 69 and The Base drawing crowds until 2 AM. Dress codes are smart casual, so avoid flip-flops and sportswear, and expect cover charges of 150,000 to 300,000 VND, sometimes including one drink. For a more upscale experience, try the Sky Club on the 20th floor of the Vinpearl Hotel, which has a dress code requiring collared shirts for men.
🍺 Bia Hoi and Local Pubs
For a budget-friendly evening, join the locals at bia hoi joints like Bia Hoi Haiphong on 56 Dinh Tien Hoang, where fresh draft beer costs only 8,000 VND per glass. These open-air pubs are lively and casual, perfect for mingling with residents, and they typically close by 10 PM. Another favorite is the Beer Garden on 15 Le Thanh Tong, which offers a wide range of local craft beers starting at 40,000 VND.
🍜 Late Night Food
After a few drinks, satisfy your cravings at the night food market on Quang Trung Street, open until 2 AM, where you can try banh my, pho, and grilled seafood. For a sit-down option, the 24-hour restaurant Pho 24 at 100 Dien Bien Phu serves steaming bowls of noodle soup at any hour. Street vendors around the Opera House also sell snacks like nem chua ran (fried fermented pork rolls) for about 20,000 VND.
🚕 Getting Home Safely
Taxis are plentiful and affordable, with Mai Linh and Vinasun being reliable choices; a ride across the city center costs around 50,000 to 80,000 VND. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Be are also widely used, and you can book a car or motorbike taxi from your phone. If you're staying in the city center, many hotels are within walking distance of the main nightlife spots, but always stay alert and keep your belongings secure.
📅 Seasonal Events
During the summer months, the city hosts the Haiphong Beer Festival in late June, featuring live music and beer stalls along the waterfront. The annual Flower Festival in December transforms the streets with illuminated displays, and many bars offer special themed nights. Check local listings for events at the Opera House, which occasionally hosts evening performances that pair well with a night out.
The guide's spot on about The Hidden Alley, but if you're after something a bit more low-key, skip the cocktail spots and head to the beer garden on Le Thanh Tong around 8 PM. The craft selection is solid, but the real draw is the crowd, mostly locals who'll happily chat about the city if you make the first move. Also, don't sleep on the fried nem chua ran near the Opera House after midnight, the vendors there are way better than the ones further down Quang Trung. One thing the guide doesn't mention: the bia hoi places close earlier than you'd think, so if you're planning a late night, grab your last glass before 9:30 or you'll be stuck switching to bottles at a club.
agree with everything said so far, especially the Cat Ba ferry rooftop tip, that's a hidden gem. one thing nobody's mentioned yet is the karaoke scene. it's huge here and not just for tourists, locals take it seriously. if you're with a group, book a room at Kim Thanh Karaoke on Nguyen Duc Canh, it's a bit run down but the sound system is surprisingly good and the song list has plenty of english tracks. costs like 150k per hour for a big room, and you can bring your own booze if you're discreet about it. the staff will even order in food from the pho place next door if you ask.
another thing, if you're out late and the clubs are too packed, the waterfront promenade near the Dinh River is where the night fishermen hang out. they'll sell you fresh grilled fish right off their boats for like 30k, and it's a totally different vibe from the food market. just bring cash, they don't do cards obviously.
also for getting home, Grab is fine but the local xe om drivers hanging around the Opera House after midnight will negotiate way lower if you just walk up and ask. i got a ride back to my hotel for 20k once, and the guy even stopped to show me a good banh mi spot on the way. just agree on the price before you get on.
honestly the guide nails the basics but misses the best sunset spot. skip the Pearl Hotel rooftop and go to the rooftop cafe at the Cat Ba Express ferry terminal, it's not fancy but you get the whole harbor and the boats coming in. grab a cheap coffee there around 5:30, then walk over to the Opera House when the lights come on.
also the night food market on Quang Trung is fine but the real move is the alley behind the cinema on Dien Bien Phu, there's a lady who sets up a grill around 10pm and does the best squid in the city. it's like 50k for a plate and she doesn't speak much english but just point at what looks good.
one thing the guide got right is the dress code at Sky Club, it's stricter than you'd think. i showed up in decent jeans and a polo once and they still gave me a look, so if you're going there wear proper trousers. but honestly if you just want to dance and not deal with that, Club 69 is way more fun and the crowd is younger.