Hai Phong overview

Hai Phong is a large city in the Vietnam northeast not far from capital, Hanoi, and on the South China Sea. It is a port town and major launch point for Halong Bay and is loaded to the hilt with pagodas, temples, shrines and other natty tourist sights. Along with the likes of the Du Hang Pagoda and Nghe Temple, Hai Phong is also known for its skirmishes with Chinese and Mongolian aggressors, of which you can learn all about in its string of museums. Visitors can also check out nearby Do Son Beach, although its proximity with beautiful Halong Bay is its main claim to fame. Buses come through Hai Phong from Hanoi on the way to Halong and you can also get in by train.