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Find Hotel in Haiphong (2026): By District + Price
melissaherzog
Haiphong History: From Founding to 2026
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Haiphong Festivals & Events by Month (2026)
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Cultural Etiquette in Haiphong: What Not to Do in 2026
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Haiphong Name Origins & Local Words 2026
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Typical Souvenirs from Haiphong (2026)
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First Time in Haiphong: Complete Guide 2026
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Haiphong Nightlife Guide (2026)
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Best Day Trips from Haiphong (2026)
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Haiphong Airport to City Center (2026)
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bar_chart Trends in Haiphong
Haiphong Festivals & Events by Month (2026)
In January 2026, Haiphong begins preparing for Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which falls on February 17. The city's flower markets, especially along Tran Hung Daโฆ ๐ January: Tet Preparations
In January 2026, Haiphong begins preparing for Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which falls on February 17. The city's flower markets, especially along Tran Hung Dao Street, burst with peach blossoms and kumquat trees. While the official holiday is in February, many locals start shopping and decorating in mid-January. Tourists can enjoy the festive atmosphere, but expect higher prices for accommodation and transport as the holiday approaches.
๐ฎ February: Tet Celebrations
Tet, the biggest festival of the year, takes place from February 16 to 20, 2026. Haiphong's streets empty as families gather for reunions, but public fireworks light up the sky over the Cam River on Lunar New Year's Eve. Many shops and restaurants close for at least three days, so plan meals ahead. For a quieter experience, visit temples like Du Hang Pagoda, where locals pray for good fortune.
๐ March: Dong Trieu Festival
The Dong Trieu Festival, held in early March (often the 6th to 8th of the lunar month), honors General Tran Hung Dao and his victory over the Mongols. It takes place at the Tran Hung Dao Temple in Haiphong's Kien An District, about 20 minutes from the city center. Expect traditional wrestling, dragon dances, and a ceremonial procession. It's less touristy than Tet, so you'll mostly see locals, but visitors are welcome.
๐ธ April: Hung Kings Commemoration
On April 10, 2026, Vietnam observes the Hung Kings Commemoration, a national holiday. In Haiphong, the main ceremony is at the Hung Kings Temple on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, with incense offerings and cultural performances. Most government offices and banks close, but many restaurants stay open. It's a good day to explore the city's parks, like the Haiphong Opera House square, without the usual crowds.
๐ May: Buddha's Birthday
Buddha's Birthday, on May 24, 2026 (the 8th day of the 4th lunar month), is celebrated at pagodas across Haiphong. Du Hang Pagoda on Chua Du Hang Street hosts a solemn ceremony with chanting and a vegetarian feast. Visitors can join the prayers and enjoy free vegetarian meals, but dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. The event is peaceful and offers a glimpse into local Buddhist traditions.
๐ June: Haiphong Liberation Day
Haiphong Liberation Day on June 13 commemorates the city's liberation in 1955. The main event is a fireworks display over the Cam River at 9 PM, best viewed from the Bach Dang Wharf area. Streets around the Opera House host cultural performances and food stalls from 6 PM onward. It's a lively, family-friendly evening, but arrive early to secure a good spot.
๐ถ July: Boat Racing Festival
In mid-July, usually the 15th, the Do Son Boat Racing Festival takes place in Do Son District, about 20 km from Haiphong center. Teams race traditional wooden boats along the Do Son beach, accompanied by drumming and cheering. The event is free and draws large local crowds, so bring a hat and sunscreen. Buses from Haiphong Station to Do Son run every 30 minutes for 20,000 VND.
๐ August: Vu Lan Festival
Vu Lan, the Buddhist festival for honoring ancestors, falls on August 27, 2026 (the 15th day of the 7th lunar month). Families visit pagodas like Vinh Bao Pagoda to offer prayers and release caged birds for good luck. Many restaurants serve vegetarian set menus, and some temples hold evening candlelit ceremonies. It's a reflective time, and tourists are welcome to observe respectfully.
๐ฎ September: Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, on September 25, 2026, is a children's favorite, with lantern parades and mooncake stalls. In Haiphong, the area around Tam Bac Lake hosts a lantern procession from 7 PM, and vendors sell mooncakes for 50,000 to 150,000 VND. The festival is very tourist-friendly, but expect crowds and higher prices for mooncakes. Try the baked mooncakes with lotus seed paste at local bakeries like Bao Ngoc on Lach Tray Street.
๐ October: Halloween in Haiphong
While not a traditional Vietnamese festival, Halloween on October 31 has gained popularity among young locals. Bars and cafes in the Minh Khai Street area host costume parties with drink specials. The Haiphong Opera House sometimes screens horror movies, and expat groups organize pub crawls. It's a fun, low-key night, but not a major cultural event, so don't expect citywide celebrations.
๐ฏ๏ธ November: Teacher's Day
Vietnamese Teacher's Day on November 20 is a time for students to honor their teachers with flowers and gifts. In Haiphong, schools hold ceremonies, and you'll see many people carrying bouquets near the University of Haiphong on Lach Tray Street. It's not a public holiday, but it's a heartfelt cultural experience. Tourists can simply observe or join in by wishing locals a happy day.
๐ December: Christmas & New Year
Christmas is not an official holiday in Vietnam, but Haiphong's Catholic community, especially in the Xuan Anh Parish area, celebrates with midnight mass on December 24. The city center, particularly around the Opera House, is decorated with lights and Christmas trees. On December 31, locals gather at Tam Bac Lake for a countdown party with music and fireworks at midnight. Book restaurants early, as many fill up for New Year's Eve.
solid writeup, must've taken a while to pull the lunar dates together. one thing nobody's mentioned yet is the weather angle, cuz it changes which of these are actually worth planning around. June through August in Haiphong is peak monsoon, so that Do Son boat race and even Liberation Day fireworks can get rained out or moved, and the heat plus humidity is brutal at midday. Honestly the sweet spots are March and November, dry, mild, and you get the Dong Trieu festival or Teacher's Day without melting.
also for Du Hang Pagoda during Buddha's Birthday, go early morning around 6 or 7, the chanting's calmer and you avoid the tour groups that roll in by 9. and yeah dress code matters, they'll hand you a wrap at the door if your shoulders are bare.
The Tet section is the one I'd flag hardest for anyone actually booking travel. Shops shutting for three days is optimistic, in my experience around Le Chan and Ngo Quyen a lot of family places close for a week or more, and the ones that stay open often add a Tet surcharge of 10 to 20 percent. If you're here over February 16 to 20, stock up on food and water two or three days before, because the small convenience stores run bare.
One correction on the Hung Kings date, it's the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, which lands on April 26 in 2026, not April 10. Easy mix up since the name sounds like a fixed calendar date.
For Vu Lan in August, the bird releasing at Vinh Bao is worth knowing about, but a lot of locals now skip it since the birds often don't survive. The candlelit evening ceremonies at Du Hang are the better thing to see, usually around 7 or 8 PM.
This is a solid month by month breakdown, and the Tet timing for 2026 is right. One thing I'd add for anyone planning around June: Liberation Day fireworks get insanely packed at Bach Dang Wharf, so I usually watch from the Thuong Ly bridge side instead. You still get the full view over the Cam River but with way fewer people shoving for space.
Also worth noting for July, the Do Son boat racing date shifts with the lunar calendar, so check closer to the time rather than booking around a fixed mid July date. The 20,000 VND bus from Haiphong Station is right, but they get full fast on race day so go early or grab a xe om for around 150,000 VND.
For the Mid-Autumn mooncakes, Bao Ngoc is good but I actually prefer the smaller stalls near Tam Bac Lake, fresher and cheaper at around 40,000 to 60,000 VND. Just eat them within a day or two, they don't keep well.
Find Hotel in Haiphong (2026): By District + Price
Haiphong is Vietnam's third-largest city and a major port, but most travelers know it as the gateway to Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay. The city is divided into seven urban districโฆ ๐๏ธ Where to Start
Haiphong is Vietnam's third-largest city and a major port, but most travelers know it as the gateway to Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay. The city is divided into seven urban districts, each with a distinct vibe and price range. For a short stay, the French Quarter and the area around Hai Phong Opera House offer the most atmosphere and convenience. If you're heading to Cat Ba, consider staying near the ferry terminals in Ben Binh or Minh Khai. This guide breaks down the top neighborhoods for finding a hotel in 2026, with typical rates and booking tips.
๐๏ธ French Quarter
The French Quarter, centered around the Opera House at 28 Tran Hung Dao, is Haiphong's most elegant area, with tree-lined boulevards and colonial architecture. It suits travelers who want a central base with easy access to restaurants, cafes, and the Sat Market. Budget rooms start at $15 per night, mid-range hotels average $35 to $60, and high-end options like the 5-star Hotel Nikko Haiphong at 1 Thanh Nien Road go for $100 and up. For a mid-range stay, the Avani Hai Phong Harbour View Hotel at 12 Tran Phu Street offers harbor views and a pool for around $70. Book on Agoda or Booking.com about two weeks ahead for the best rates, especially during the April to October high season. The area is a 10-minute walk from the Cat Ba ferry pier at Ben Binh.
๐ Around the Train Station
The area around Haiphong Railway Station at 75 Luong Khanh Thien Street is a practical choice for travelers arriving or departing by train. It's a busy commercial zone with plenty of budget guesthouses and local eateries. Rates here are lower than the French Quarter: budget rooms from $10 to $20, mid-range from $25 to $45, and few high-end options. The Hong Bang Hotel at 45 Hong Bang Street is a reliable mid-range pick with clean rooms from $30. For budget travelers, the Thanh Binh Hotel at 12 Le Dai Hanh Street offers basic rooms from $12. Book directly with the hotel for the cheapest rates, or use Agoda for last-minute deals. The station is a 15-minute walk from the Opera House and a 10-minute taxi ride to the ferry terminal.
๐ Ben Binh Ward
Ben Binh Ward, located along the Cam River, is the main departure point for ferries to Cat Ba Island and boats to Halong Bay. It's ideal for travelers who want to be close to the ferry terminal for an early morning departure. Accommodation is mostly budget and mid-range: budget rooms from $12 to $25, mid-range from $30 to $50. The Hai Phong Harbour Hotel at 4 Tran Quang Khai Street is a solid mid-range option with river views from $45. For budget stays, the Cat Ba Ferry Guesthouse at 8 Ben Binh Street offers simple rooms from $15. Book on Booking.com or Agoda, and confirm ferry schedules in advance as they change seasonally. The area is a 5-minute walk from the ferry pier and a 10-minute drive from the city center.
๐๏ธ Lach Tray District
Lach Tray District is a local residential area south of the city center, known for its lake and park, and it's popular with domestic tourists and long-stay visitors. It offers a quieter, more authentic Vietnamese experience with street food markets and local cafes. Rates are affordable: budget from $10 to $20, mid-range from $25 to $45. The Lac Hong Hotel at 15 Lach Tray Street provides comfortable mid-range rooms from $35. For budget travelers, the Nha Nghi 68 at 68 Lach Tray Street has rooms from $12. Use Agoda or Booking.com to compare prices, and book a few days ahead if you're visiting during a local holiday. The district is a 15-minute taxi ride from the Opera House and a 20-minute drive to the ferry terminal.
๐๏ธ Do Son Beach
Do Son Beach, about 20 kilometers southeast of Haiphong, is a popular weekend getaway for locals and offers a seaside resort atmosphere. It suits travelers who want a beach break without going all the way to Cat Ba. Rates are higher on weekends: budget from $20 to $40, mid-range from $50 to $80, and high-end resorts like the Do Son Resort at 62 Van Huong Street from $120. For a mid-range option, the Hoang Long Hotel at 45 Van Huong Street has rooms from $60. Book directly with resorts for package deals, or use Agoda for last-minute discounts. The area is a 30-minute taxi ride from Haiphong city center, and local buses run from the Lac Long bus station.
๐ฐ Booking Tips
In Haiphong, Agoda and Booking.com are the most widely used platforms, but direct bookings often yield lower rates, especially for budget guesthouses. For the best deals, book one to two weeks in advance during peak season (May to August), and avoid the Lunar New Year when prices spike. If you're heading to Cat Ba, consider staying near the ferry terminal the night before to catch an early boat. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy, as ferry schedules can be unpredictable. Cash is still king for small guesthouses, but most mid-range and upscale hotels accept cards.
โฑ๏ธ 24-Hour Decision
If you only have 24 hours to decide, pick the French Quarter for its central location, colonial charm, and easy access to both the ferry and the train station. It offers the best mix of accommodation, dining, and sightseeing, making it the most convenient base for a short stay. For a beach-focused trip, Do Son is the obvious choice, but it's less convenient for onward travel. Ultimately, the French Quarter is your safest bet for a hassle-free Haiphong visit.
the Cat Ba ferry tip is the one people sleep on. if you're doing the early boat from Ben Binh, staying the night before in that ward saves you a 5am taxi from the French Quarter and the stress of missing it. fwiw the fast ferry to Cat Ba now leaves from the new pier at Got, not the old Ben Binh dock, so double check which terminal your ticket is for before you book a room right next to the river. i got burned on that last summer, walked to Ben Binh with my bag and had to grab a xe om.
Good breakdown of the districts, the Lach Tray section matches what I found when I stayed there for a month last spring. One thing worth flagging that the guide doesn't cover: the new bus rapid transit line along Nguyen Van Linh and Tran Phu makes Lach Tray and even Do Son much easier without taxis. The BRT runs roughly every 10 to 15 minutes and costs 7,000 VND a ride, so you can base yourself cheaply in Lach Tray and still be at the Opera House in about 20 minutes. I'd also push back slightly on Do Son for a short trip, the beach itself is fine but the seafood restaurants along Van Huong charge tourist prices on weekends, so eat one street back.
solid writeup, the district breakdown is more useful than most of what's out there. one thing i'd add for the french quarter: the little alley off ly thuong kiet behind the opera house has a bunch of nha nghi that never show up on agoda, we paid 250k vnd for a clean double last november. if u want the avani view without the avani price, walk 5 min down tran phu and look for the smaller places facing the cam river, they're quieter at night too. only warning is the opera house area gets loud on weekend evenings when locals gather, so ask for a room facing away from the square