Hostels in Haiphong, Vietnam

Haiphong, Vietnam, is a bustling port city in northeastern Vietnam. Located about a hundred kilometers from the capital city of Hanoi, Hai Phong is easy to get to with many buses and trains departing daily from Hanoi. Don't expect a quiet or subdued vibe from this city, though. As one of the most inhabited cities in Vietnam, traffic in Hai Phong can still be dizzying and chaotic.

Getting around the city without personal transportation can be a bit tough. Aside from the harbourfront area, other parts of the city aren't too pedestrian friendly. There are car and motorbike taxis available for hire.

There are several notable tourist attractions in Hai Phong, such as the Hai Phong City Opera House, Hai Phong City Museum, Queen of the Rosary Cathedral, Du Hang Pagoda, and the harbourfront area. Hai Phong even has a local brewery for those interested in learning how the city makes its own kind of brew, or for those interested in a drink or two.

Most travelers tend to view Hai Phong as a jump-off city to get to the more popular vacation destinations of Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay. Hai Phong does provide convenient and daily departures from it's ports. There are ferries and speed boats that carry passengers to both Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay several times a day.

Accommodation options are not impressive in Hai Phong. There are several higher-end hotel options near the harbourfront. Haiphong, Vietnam hostels are difficult to find -- to find budget accommodation, opt for local family-run guesthouses called Nha Nghi in Vietnamese. The quality of these family-run guesthouses can vary, but most are clean, comfortable, and include all the basic necessities for several good nights' sleeps. Nha Nghi signs and displays aren't usually displayed in English, nor do owners tend to speak much English; a few hand gestures can often get the message across.