1. General Overview of Hai Phong Coastal Tourism 2025
Hai Phong is an attractive seaside tourist destination. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong has long been known not only as a dynamic port city but also as an ideal destination for Northern seaside tourism. In 2025, Hai Phong seaside tourism continues to attract a large number of tourists thanks to the harmonious combination of long beaches, fresh seafood, and modern resort and entertainment services.
Famous beaches such as Do Son, Cat Ba, and Hon Dau not only attract tourists with their clear blue waters and fine sandy beaches but also with diverse experiences, from swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling to sea sports activities. Additionally, high-quality resorts and seafood restaurants contribute to enhancing the attractiveness of Hai Phong seaside tourism.
Notably, in 2025, many new seaside tourism trends are favored by tourists, such as photo-taking tours, fusion cuisine experiences, sunset cruises, and regularly organized sea festival events, making the journey to explore Hai Phong richer and more modern, while still preserving the pristine beauty and unique cultural characteristics of the Northern coastal region.
2. Unmissable Hai Phong Seaside Tourist Spots
Hai Phong boasts many attractive seaside tourist destinations, from vibrant beaches to pristine islands and enchanting natural landscapes. Each location offers unique experiences, from relaxation and enjoying fresh seafood to exploring local ecology and culture.
2.1. Do Son
Do Son beach, located about 20 km southeast of Hai Phong city center, is one of the most famous seaside tourist destinations in the North. Tourists can easily travel here by various means, from buses and trains to self-driving via the Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway, taking only about 2 hours. From the city center, it takes about another 30 minutes to reach the beach, with a convenient route lined with rustling casuarina trees, creating a feeling of relaxation and excitement for the trip.
At Do Son, tourists can participate in many attractive recreational activities such as swimming, banana boat rides, jet skiing, and parasailing. You can also stroll to watch the sunrise on the sand, a moment that leaves anyone mesmerized by the beauty of the sea. Besides the beach, Do Son also boasts many prominent attractions such as Bao Dai Palace and the Hon Dau tourist area, which are very suitable for combined sightseeing within the same itinerary.
For accommodation, Do Son offers a variety from 2-4 star hotels to stylish beachfront homestays, notably Hon Dau Resort, Do Son Resort & Casino, along with family guesthouses at reasonable prices. Regarding cuisine, this place is renowned as a seafood paradise with dishes such as grilled tiger prawns, steamed crab, grilled mackerel with chili salt, fried mantis shrimp with salt, offering a memorable culinary experience for all visitors.
2.2. Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island offers a poetic scene. (Source: Collected)
Cat Ba Island stands out with its pristine beauty, fresh air, and enchanting scenery. The turquoise sea and fine sandy beaches stretching along majestic limestone cliffs create a stunning landscape. Visitors can quickly reach the island by Sun World Cable Car, taking less than 15 minutes from the mainland.
Cat Ba is always cool, ideal for vacations and nature exploration. Cat Co 1 Beach is a famous swimming spot with a large area, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a gently sloping fine white sandy shore, surrounded by undulating rocky mountains, ideal for check-ins and enjoying the poetic scenery. Cat Co 2 Beach is quieter and less crowded, suitable for tourists who want to relax, read, or rest close to nature. Meanwhile, Cat Co 3 has a dynamic style, suitable for water sports activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding, making it a favorite choice for young people.
Not only famous for its islands and beaches, Cat Ba is also known for Cat Ba National Park, which preserves a rich primary forest ecosystem. Visitors can trek through the forest, climb mountains, explore magical caves, or admire the panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay from Ngự Lâm Peak. It is also home to many rare flora and fauna, including the white-headed langur, a distinctive symbol of the island.
2.3. Doil Rong
Doil Rong Beach, located within the Doil Rong International Tourist Area, is one of the most modern and beautiful artificial beaches in Hai Phong. With its vast area and well-invested infrastructure, it offers a high-class resort experience right by the sea.
The seawater at Doil Rong is thoroughly filtered and treated, ensuring clarity and safety for all visitors. The long, smooth golden sand, combined with green trees, decorative lights, and a coastal square, creates a space that is both luxurious and close to nature.
Visitors can not only swim but also participate in many attractive entertainment activities such as playing at the water park, strolling and taking photos by European-style architectural works, or relaxing at restaurants and cafes with beautiful sea views. This is truly an ideal destination for families and groups of friends.
2.4. Hon Dau
Hon Dau still retains its pristine and wild beauty. (Source: Collected)
Hon Dau, located in the Do Son tourist area, still retains its pristine and wild beauty with clear blue waters, fine sandy beaches, and surrounding primeval forests. This place has not been heavily exploited for tourism, offering a peaceful space, completely separate from the bustling city life.
Visitors to Hon Dau are often captivated by its pure and rustic scenery, making it an ideal place to relax and find balance and peace of mind. The beach also stands out with its ancient lighthouse over 100 years old, lush green trees, and winding coastal roads, suitable for check-in and picnic activities. Visitors can organize camping, bonfires, seafood grilling, and enjoy the gentle sound of the sea waves in the evening.
2.5. Bach Long Vi
Bach Long Vi is a famous offshore island of Hai Phong, nicknamed the 'green pearl in the sea'. It boasts clear blue waters, fine sandy beaches, and a quiet atmosphere, ideal for those who want to experience sea tourism combined with relaxation, fishing, or marine ecological exploration.
Bach Long Vi Island also stands out with its abundant seafood, especially fresh shrimp, crab, and sea fish. Visitors here not only enjoy the beautiful natural scenery but also have the opportunity to enjoy local seafood specialties right on the island, providing an unforgettable experience.
3. Experience activities when traveling to Hai Phong's coast
Enjoy attractive seafood at Hai Phong sea. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong sea tourism offers visitors relaxing and exciting experiences with fresh nature and diverse entertainment activities. From vibrant water sports, enjoying fresh seafood, to exploring historical and cultural relics, each journey in the coastal area of the Port City leaves an unforgettable impression.
3.1. Sea Sports
Hai Phong sea offers diverse water sports and entertainment activities for visitors of all ages. At Cat Ba and Doi Rong, you can try kayaking, surfing, water volleyball, or simply swimming, sunbathing in the clear blue water.
Additionally, experience tours of clam catching and fishing with local fishermen are also very popular, helping visitors get closer to the lives of the local people, while enjoying the taste of fresh seafood right by the sea.
3.2. Hai Phong Cuisine
Hai Phong is a seafood paradise with abundant fresh ingredients. When visiting Do Son or Cat Ba sea, don't miss the chance to enjoy shrimp, crab, mantis shrimp, squid, and crab prepared in various ways, from steaming, grilling to salt-and-pepper.
Some famous seafood restaurants visitors can check out:
Vu Lap Restaurant (Hai Phong) – signature dishes: fisherman's hotpot, salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp, tamarind-sauce crab; prices from 50,000 – 500,000 VND.
Bien Dong Restaurant (Cat Ba) – fresh seafood such as lobster, steamed grouper with soy sauce; reasonable prices and spacious ambiance with a beautiful sea view.
Hai Phong's coastal cuisine is not only fresh and delicious but also offers a unique culinary cultural experience, suitable for check-ins and enjoyment with family and friends.
3.3. Visiting, Exploring Historical Sites
Hai Phong sea tourism is not just about enjoying the sea but also about exploring historical and cultural relics. At Do Son, you can visit:
Ba De Temple – a sacred place associated with folk beliefs.
Hang Pagoda – ancient architecture, blending with nature.
King Bao Dai's Villa – an ancient structure with historical and architectural value.
Besides, the animal theme park and ecological area in Do Son offer attractive entertainment experiences for the whole family. Visitors can tour, take photos and participate in extracurricular activities combining learning about nature and animals.
4. Guide to traveling to Hai Phong beaches
Moving to Cat Ba Island is easy by Sun World cable car. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong coastal tourism is increasingly convenient thanks to modern transportation systems. From the city center, you can easily travel to famous beaches such as:
Do Son: about 20 km from the center, traveling by motorbike, taxi, or bus takes about 30 minutes. If traveling from Hanoi, you can choose a coach, train, or drive along the Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway, with a travel time of about 2 hours.
Cat Ba: traveling from the ferry terminal or using the Sun World cable car takes less than 15 minutes from the mainland to the island. Tourists can also combine with a coach or private car for a convenient island exploration journey.
Doi Rong and Hon Dau: located in the Do Son area, easily accessible by taxi or motorbike from Hai Phong center. These beaches all have convenient walking paths and safe seas for recreational activities.
Additionally, if you want to visit more distant islands like Bach Long Vi, it requires combining with a high-speed ferry from Cat Ba port or Hai Phong port.
5. Hai Phong Coastal Tourism Experience 2025
Choose the right time to travel to Hai Phong's coast. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong coastal tourism not only offers beautiful beaches but also opportunities to experience unique culture, cuisine, and sea sports activities. Here are some useful tips to make your trip more complete:
The ideal time to explore Hai Phong's coast is from April to September, when the weather is sunny and warm, the sea is clear blue with gentle waves, convenient for activities like swimming, kayaking, or surfing. Avoid rainy or bad weather days to ensure safety when traveling to islands or participating in sea games.
If traveling from Hanoi, visitors can choose private cars, coaches, or trains to Hai Phong city center, then continue to Do Son or Cat Ba by motorbike, taxi, or Sun World cable car. For distant islands like Bach Long Vi, it is necessary to combine high-speed ferries or hire service boats to ensure a safe journey.
Choose hotels, resorts, or homestays near the beach for convenient entertainment and check-in activities. Prioritize places with full amenities: parking, restaurants, Wi-Fi, and spacious areas.
It is advisable to research delicious restaurant addresses, reference prices, and must-try dishes in advance to avoid "tourist traps" and have a complete culinary experience.
Always adhere to safety rules when swimming or participating in sea games.
Maintain environmental hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately on the beach.
Prepare clothing, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect your health when participating in outdoor activities.
With fine white sand, clear blue water, and a peaceful atmosphere, Hai Phong coastal tourism offers visitors relaxing and enjoyable experiences. You can swim, participate in entertainment activities, explore local cuisine, and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. Add Hai Phong coastal tourism to your 2025 itinerary to fully experience an attractive beach holiday and capture memorable moments.
