Hai Phong

Hai Phong, Vietnam's third-largest city, is nicknamed 'The City of the Red Flamboyant' for its stunning summer blossoms. With a history dating back over 6,000 years, the city offers a blend of historical sites, tranquil districts with colonial-style buildings, and industrial zones that rose from its wartime past.

The highlight is Do Son Beach, a 5-kilometer coastline with a growing number of hotels and dining options. Speedboat trips make it easy to explore nearby attractions like Cat Ba National Park, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Halong Bay.

For history and tradition enthusiasts, there's the Cai Beo Archaeological Site, Nghe Temple, and numerous pagodas offering insights into ancient Vietnamese culture.

Hai Phong's diverse culinary scene caters to all tastes, from traditional northern Vietnamese cuisine to international dining options. Must-try dishes include red noodles with crab, spicy bread with liver sausage, and rice cake with meat.