Shore Excursion Explore Hai Phong City and Beer from HaLong Port

Exploring Hai Phong: A Day of Culture, Cuisine, and Local Charm

Our review explores a popular shore excursion that offers a comprehensive taste of Hai Phong, Vietnam’s bustling coastal city. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, we’ve gathered detailed insights to help you decide if it’s a good fit.

What excites us about this experience are its well-structured itinerary, the chance to enjoy authentic local dishes and drinks, and the opportunity to see stunning architecture and historical sites. The combination of guided tours, local flavor, and scenic stops makes it appealing for travelers craving both culture and relaxation.

A possible drawback is the long day’s schedule — with around 9 hours including travel time, it might feel a bit intense for those with limited energy or different pace preferences. Still, if you’re keen on making the most of your short time ashore, this tour promises a rewarding snapshot of Hai Phong.

This tour is best suited for curious explorers, food lovers, and anyone interested in experiencing Vietnam beyond Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. It’s perfect for cruise travelers wanting a rich, guided taste of a lesser-visited city with minimal hassle.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary includes cultural sites, architecture, and local cuisine.
• All-inclusive experience with meals, entrance fees, and guide services.
• Authentic local dishes like Banh Da Cua and crab soup, plus fresh Hai Phong beer.
• Knowledgeable guides providing stories and insights that enrich the visit.
• Convenient pickup and private transport optimize your day and reduce stress.
• Free cancellation offers flexibility in case plans change.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This shore excursion from HaLong Port combines several highlights into one day, making it an appealing choice for those who want to get the most out of their limited time in Vietnam. The tour’s capacity to blend culture, culinary delights, and scenic sightseeing reflects a well-rounded approach to exploring Hai Phong.

Transportation & Timing
The tour provides private transportation, ensuring comfort en route between sites. Starting from HaLong, it covers a lot of ground, so expect a packed schedule. The duration, roughly nine hours, includes travel time, which is an efficient way to see a lot without feeling rushed.

Group Size & Guides
It’s a private tour, so you’ll be with just your family or group, allowing for personalized attention. The guides are described as knowledgeable, sharing insightful stories that deepen your understanding of each location.

Price & Value
At $150 per person, the cost covers entrance fees, meals, drinks, and a guided experience. When you consider the inclusion of authentic local dishes, a visit to historic sites, and a drink at an original brewery, the value appears quite reasonable for an organized tour.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1 & 2: Do Son Beach & Villa

The day kicks off at Do Son Beach, a well-loved spot with sacred roots. Visiting the Ba De Temple gives insight into local spiritual traditions, with a photo-worthy view of the surrounding coastline. The villa on the hill offers an ancient architectural charm, perched overlooking the sea, perfect for those who appreciate historic buildings with panoramic views. You’ll spend about 85 minutes exploring both sites, with seatings included, giving you a relaxed start.

Stop 3: Hai Phong Opera House

Built in 1912, the Opera House is a fine example of French colonial neoclassical architecture. Its intricate facade speaks to the city’s colonial past, while the interior often surprises visitors with its elegance. A 30-minute visit here allows a quick glimpse into the cultural fabric of Hai Phong.

Stop 4: Statue of Le Chan

A 15-minute stop at the monument of Le Chan, the legendary female general who founded Hai Phong, offers a powerful symbol of local pride. It’s a brief but meaningful photo stop, perfect for understanding the city’s spirited past.

Stop 5: Ga Hai Phong Railway Station

Admire the French colonial architecture of the railway station in a 15-minute visit. The station’s historic charm adds a sense of nostalgia, and you might find it fascinating how transport links played a role in the city’s development.

Stop 6: Lunch with Crab Soup

Enjoy a local specialty, crab paste vermicelli soup, at a restaurant in Hai Phong. The 45-minute break provides a delicious pause, with the soup often described as flavorful and satisfying. It’s a highlight for foodies wanting to taste a regional delicacy.

Stop 7: Du Hang Pagoda

A visit to Du Hang Pagoda, one of the oldest religious sites in the city, offers a cultural and spiritual perspective. The 30-minute stop allows exploration of the pagoda’s architecture and history, with guides sharing stories about its cultural importance.

Stop 8: Banh My Que

A quick 15-minute snack stop to taste Banh My Que, famous local breadsticks. Reviewers mention how delicious and addictive these snacks are, making them a perfect street food experience.

Stop 9: Hai Phong Beer & Local Snacks

The final hour is dedicated to sampling Hai Phong beer at the old brewery, now a popular bar. Accompanied by peanuts, beans, and sour rolls, this relaxed session lets you unwind and enjoy local flavors in a lively atmosphere. The setting, rich with history, makes it a memorable way to conclude the day.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

Authentic Experiences
The tour thoughtfully combines cultural, historical, and culinary elements, making it suitable for travelers who want more than just photos. You’ll learn about local legends, admire colonial-era architecture, and taste regional dishes that you might not find elsewhere.

Knowledgeable Guides & Personal Touch
Guests consistently praise the guides for their insights and storytelling skills, which add depth to each stop. This personalized service makes the experience feel unique and tailored.

Convenience & Comfort
With private transport and all logistics handled, you won’t need to worry about navigating unfamiliar streets or coordinating time. Everything is organized to maximize your sightseeing and minimize stress.

Value for Money
Given the inclusion of meals, entrance fees, drinks, and guided commentary, $150 represents a fair price. You’re paying for a full day’s worth of well-curated experiences, not just transportation.

Limitations to Consider
The day’s pace can be intense, especially if you prefer a more relaxed schedule. Also, some sites are brief stops, meaning you’ll get a taste rather than an in-depth experience. If you love slow travel or deep dives into local culture, this might feel a bit rushed.

Final Thoughts

This Hai Phong shore excursion offers a practical, engaging way to see a lesser-known Vietnamese city. Its strength lies in its balanced itinerary, combining cultural highlights with regional cuisine and local drinks. You’ll gain a well-rounded impression of Hai Phong’s history, architecture, and flavors—all with the convenience of guided, private transport.

It’s ideal for cruise passengers wanting a comprehensive day out without worrying about logistics. The focus on authentic experiences, from tasting Banh My Que to sampling Hai Phong beer, makes it feel genuine and rewarding.

While the pace might be brisk for some, those eager to squeeze a lot into a single day will find this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments. For travelers seeking an authentic, guided glimpse of Hai Phong’s soul, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes all entrance fees, a guided experience, bottled water, a choice of lunch options, and private transportation.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel time from HaLong Port back to the meeting point.

Can I cancel the tour easily?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s a private tour, so it’s tailored to your group’s needs.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at HaLong International Cruise Port and ends back there after a full day of exploring.

What meals are included?
You can select from options like Bun Cha, Steamed Rice Rolls, Pho, or Crab Vermicelli Soup, all prepared to showcase regional flavors.

This Hai Phong tour stands out as a thoughtfully curated day trip for those wanting an authentic, hassle-free exploration of a charming Vietnamese city. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply curious about Vietnam’s coastal culture, it offers plenty of value packed into a manageable schedule.