Du Hong Pagoda
Built during the Le Gia Tong dynasty of the 17th century, this Buddhist pagoda reflects an ancient and respected building style from the 10th century, including Indian- and Cambodian-style roofs in the alter rooms and more recent artistic additions from the early 20th century. The beautifully constructed pagoda is overlooked by a bell tower and is nestled among serene gardens. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful quiet, bring bread to feed the turtles and fish, and revel in the artistry evident all throughout the compound. Please dress respectfully when visiting this holy site.
Hong Khen Communal House (Nhan Tho Communal House)
Built in 1717 to honor a Vietnamese hero named Ngo Quyen, the communal house was moved in 1841 from the original Khen Village to its current position on Hong Khen Street. The structure is used as a temple by the community, and it is renowned for the exquisite woodwork used in the construction as well as the 300+ brightly colored dragon images and statues contained within. The site is open to visitors all year round and often houses festivals and religious ceremonies. Find the Hong Khen Communal House in Du Hong Khen Ward in the Le Chan District.
Municipal Theater and Municipal Theater Square
Located in Hai Phong’s city center, the Municipal Theater is home to many important celebrations and events throughout the year. Designed by French architects and built using imported materials, the theater is designed to hold up to 400 people. The ceiling of the theater is painted with frescoes and flowers as well as the names of famous writers and artists. Outside, Theater Square provides a peaceful and beautiful oasis from the city, with fountains, flower gardens, and sparkling lights. Call ahead or check with your hotel concierge for public opening times and dates, as these change according to the theater’s event schedule.
Hai Phong City Museum
What the museum lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Housed in a beautiful Gothic colonial building, the museum displays artifacts from Hai Phong’s past, including finds from ancient nearby tombs, ceramics, taxidermy, and remnants of war in the garden area—all with written English translations. For those looking to understand Hai Phong’s role as an important seaport over the centuries, a visit to this museum is a must. Be advised that it is only open four days a week for a couple hours at a time, and plan your sight seeing schedule accordingly: Tuesday and Thursday from 8am – 10:30am, and Wednesday and Sunday from 7:30pm – 9:30pm.
Museum of Military Region III
For those interested in Vietnam’s war history, this museum has it all. Established in 1969 by the Political Bureau of Military Region III, visitors will gain a better perspective of the fierce desire for independence against colonizers and foreign invaders that the native Vietnamese have exhibited throughout the decades, including France’s colonization in the 18th and 19th centuries and U.S. imperialism in the 19th and 20th centuries. Exhibits include fascinating war detritus such as bombs and other weapons. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30am – 11am, and 1pm – 4pm. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Navy Museum
On the road from Do Son Resort to downtown Hai Phong, the Navy Museum in contained in a ship anchored next to the Rao Bridge. The museum explores Vietnam’s naval exploits in the navy’s quest to gain independence throughout the 20th century, and it is a popular museum sought out by war veterans from both sides of the various wars. The museum is packed with seafaring artifacts as well as information about important Vietnamese naval battles. Admission is free, and opening hours are on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8am – 11am.
Nghe Temple
The Nghe Temple, once a small shrine and later built into a more impressive temple, honors Hai Phong’s founder, the female General Le Chan, who worked under the Trung sisters to help repel Chinese invaders in 43 AD. Locals consider it an important religious site, so please dress and act respectfully. Visitors will be fascinated by the intricately carved stonework that adorns the walls, roof, and steps of the temple. The temple is open all year round.
Bao Dai Villa
Originally built in 1928 by the French Governor-General of Indochina, Bao Dai Villa was later offered to Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai, in 1946. The emperor loved to visit the villa during summer excursions to the Hai Phong area, enjoying the exquisite views of Do Son Peninsula. Today, the villa is a hotel where guests can pore over old royal photos, try on royal costumes (and take picture souvenirs), and see Bao Dai’s throne as well as taking in the beautiful views. The villa is open to guests all year round.