Haiphong brings together historic temples and pagodas with Tam Bạc Street on the riverbank, an opera house modeled on the Paris Opera, and local specialties. For your trip, you can focus on architectural history, religious heritage, the cityscape or food.
Architectural History and Religious Heritage
Đình Hàng Kênh was founded in 1719 and rebuilt between 1841 and 1850. Its boat-shaped floor plan is particularly rare. The building also features a distinctive architectural and wood-carving tradition. It therefore combines specific design features with a long history.
Located in the center of Haiphong, Đền Nghè is a historical and cultural monument dedicated to General Lê Chân. Its elaborate wood and stone carvings depict dragons, unicorns, turtles and phoenixes, as well as the four symbolic plants. The Đền Nghè Festival takes place from the eighth to the tenth day of the second lunar month. Visitors come to see the monument and pay tribute to Lê Chân. If you would like to include the festival in your plans, check the dates in the lunar calendar.
Dư Hàng Pagoda also offers several perspectives on the city’s religious heritage. Its Buddha hall has seven bays; the complex also includes a three-story bell tower and a large bronze bell. Preserved objects include old bells, khánh gongs, bronze incense burners, and handicrafts made from ceramics and greenstone. An old collection of Āgama texts adds to this heritage. Historically, the pagoda is associated with the Trúc Lâm Zen tradition.
Cityscape and Architecture
The Tam Bạc Old Town retains its historic architectural character; some of its buildings are nearly a century old. Tam Bạc Street is an old street in central Haiphong, running along the right bank of the Tam Bạc River. The old town and its riverside location offer a distinct focus for exploring the city alongside its individual buildings.
Haiphong Opera House was built between 1904 and 1912 in the Baroque style, modeled on the Paris Opera. It is classified as a national architectural and artistic heritage site. Its construction period and Parisian inspiration make it a notable landmark if you are interested in Haiphong’s architectural history.
Hai Phong Museum adds to these historical perspectives with its collections. A city announcement from 2026 lists more than 22,000 artifacts in its holdings. This figure refers to the collection and may be updated as its holdings change.
Local Specialties and Getting Around
The cuisine offers another way to experience Haiphong. Well-known specialties include Bánh đa cua, Bánh mì cay, crab spring rolls and sweet soups. The selection ranges from savory dishes to sweet treats, offering several ways to explore the local cuisine during your trip.
From Haiphong Railway Station, visitors can explore the city by taxi or rented motorbike. As availability may change, check when planning whether either option is available on your travel day. This lets you combine getting oriented after arrival with the cultural and culinary highlights you choose for your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Lê Chân.
