Hai Phong accommodation from AU$25

There really is a big difference between the fun but hectic attractions of Hanoi, just 120 kilometres to the east, and Haiphong’s relaxed ways. The city’s name translates to "coastal defence" which shows that things weren’t always so peaceful here, but the warships have now been replaced by cargo vessels and Haiphong has become an important hub of Vietnamese industry.

You should definitely pay a visit to Du Hang Pagoda while sightseeing. The red buildings with three tiers of roofs with flared tips is next to a quiet courtyard and flanked by tall lush trees and plants. If you’re after a trip to the beach, Do Son is 20km to the south and is easily reached by hopping on one of the marked pink buses at Lach Tray Street. From there, the famous offshore attractions of North Vietnam are yours. You can hop on boats to see the tranquil town on Cat Ba Island, or launch into stunning Ha Long Bay, both surrounded by towering limestone rock formations and cliffs. If you are visiting in August, don’t jet away on the boats without stopping to take in the Choi Trau Festival, also known as the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival, when roaring crowds gather to watch buffalos lock horn and cheer the victors on like they’re rock stars.

While you’re in Haiphong, it’s highly recommended that you dig into a bowl of bahn da cua, a noodle soup dish with crab that you’ll crave for a long time after you’ve left, and when you’re tired of that, try the bahn beo. A white rice cake filled with meat, it’s a good break from the many soup-based dishes.

So wot are you waiting for? Get a taste of the Vietnamese good life away from tourist-oriented regions and unlock the beautiful coast at the same time. Book your Haiphong accommodation and Vietnam flights with us today.