Exploring Hai Phong and Hai Duong: A Journey Through Northern Vietnam
Hanoi serves as the perfect hub for exploring the northern regions of Vietnam. On this occasion, our travels took us to Hai Phong, my parents’ hometown, with a delightful stopover in Hai Duong for an extended family dinner banquet.
The Journey Begins
We hired a driver to take us to these charming cities. After a few hours on the road, we arrived in Hai Duong by late afternoon to visit extended family. The warm welcome was capped with a traditional dinner banquet, a true testament to Vietnamese hospitality.
Later, we continued our journey to Hai Phong, where we enjoyed a big family dinner before settling into our hotel for the night.
Bun Cha in Hai Phong
Hai Phong: A Seaport City of Culinary Delights
Often referred to as “The Land of Flame Flowers,” Hai Phong is a bustling seaport city with a rich cultural and culinary heritage. Having already savoured the beauty of Cat Ba Island on a Ha Long Bay cruise, our exploration of Hai Phong focused on its vibrant food scene.
A visit to Chợ Cát Bi market introduced us to the city’s local delicacies. Here are some must-try dishes you should not miss:
Chợ Cát Bi Market
- Address: P. Cát Bi, Cát Bi, Hải An, Hải Phòng 04800, Vietnam
Must-Try Dishes in Hai Phong
1. Crab Noodle Soup (Bánh đa cua)
This dish features distinctive red noodles and a rich, flavourful broth made from crab meat, topped with an assortment of seafood. It’s a local favourite that captures the essence of Hai Phong’s coastal charm.
2. Spicy Banh Mi (Bánh mì cay)
Unlike the traditional banh mi, this version uses a slender baguette filled with pâté and spicy chilli sauce. Simple yet bursting with flavour, it’s a street food staple in Hai Phong.
3. Crab Spring Rolls (Nem cua bể)
These crispy spring rolls are stuffed with fresh crab meat, vermicelli, and a thin layer of fried rice paper. A must-try for seafood lovers.
4. Stir-Fried Snails (ốc xào)
A highlight of Hai Phong’s culinary scene, these snails are stir-fried with a variety of sauces, offering a delightful combination of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours.
5. Coconut Milk Coffee (Cà phê cốt dừa)
Did you know that coconut coffee originated in Hai Phong? This unique beverage blends fresh coconut flakes and milk with robust Vietnamese coffee, creating a creamy and aromatic treat.
Chùa Tây Sơn: A Temple with Panoramic Views
Another spot we visited during the trip was Chùa Tây Sơn, a serene Buddhist temple perched high above the city. This tranquil site offers 360-degree views of Hai Phong, making it a perfect location to soak in the city’s beauty from above. The temple’s peaceful atmosphere and stunning vistas make it a must-visit destination for both spiritual seekers and photographers alike.
Notable places to visit:
- Cà Phê Cốt Dừa Cô Hạnh
148 P. Lương Khánh Thiện, Cầu Đất, Ngô Quyền, Hải Phòng, Vietnam
- Ốc Oanh – Hòa Bình
219D Hoà Bình, Quận Kiến An, Hải Phòng
