Vietnam (Post Covid-19 Overseas Visit No 3 - My 20 days in Hanoi, Sapa, Lao Cai, Haiphong, Tam Coc, Hue, Danang & Hoi An, Vietnam) Day 10 Tuesday Feb 14 2023 - Haiphong Day 1

General Le Chan Statute, Haiphong

Nghe Le Chan Temple, Haiphong

Day 10 Tuesday Feb 14 2023 - focusing my visit to major touristy places in Haiphong city centre. My travel buddy KF Wong skipped visiting this city & chose to stay in Catba island whereas Thompson & his wife stayed in BBNC Homestay located in the outskirt of Haiphong city centre. My 1st visit to Haiphong ! In May 2007, I made a visit to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Catba island.  

Travel itinerary: Hanoi > Haiphong (120km) 

Total expenses incurred (3 days): Rm171

• Hotel (2 nights):Rm78 per pax (twin shring)
• Bus (Hanoi>Haiphong): 11,000 dong (Rm21)
• Food: 240,000dong (Rm46.80)
• Taxi: 40,000 dong (Rm7.80) per pax
• Bus (Haiphong>Do Son Beach>Haiphong): 90,000 dong (Rm17.50)

1) Complimentary breakfast in Little Diamond Hotel, Hanoi prior to our bus ride to Haiphong, excellent food served, very satisfying meal !  

2) Bus ride from Ben Xe Gia Lam Bus Terminal, Hanoi > Haiphong (120km), bus ticket price 120,000 dong (Rm23.40 = US$5.30), half hourly departure !   

Haiphong was founded in 1887 as a major seaport city of Vietnam, also a major industrial city & the 3rd largest in Vietnam, Haiphong was the home of Le Chan, one of the female generals under the command of the Trung Sisters who rose against Chinese rule in 40AD & ruled until their defeat in 43AD ! 

1) Accommodation in Happy Guest House, 70, Duong Lach Tray, City Centre / Sat Market, Haiphong, room tariff Rm78 (US$18, twin sharing) per night, family owned, clean & quiet, conveniently located off the main road !  

2) After the hotel check-in, my wife & myself took a leisure walk to explore the Haiphong city centre & scouting for some local food to eat ! My 1st visit to this port city, located 40km by sea (catamaran) to Catba Island !  Overall, a nice & clean city for a short visit before heading to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh ! Alternatively, one could take a catamaran from Haipong > Catba island or sign up a package tour to Halong Bay (UNESCO). 

3) Lunch with my wife in a local noodle stall near our hotel in Haiphong city centre.

Pork Moodle 30,000 dong (Rm5.85)

4) After the lunch, using GPS, I made a visit to Le Chan street, Haiphong ! 

5) Nghe Le Chan Temple, 53, Le Chan Street, Haiphong - a famous historical site & a place to worship female General Le Chan, also known as Thousand Temple or "An Bien Ancient Temple", unique architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty in the early 20th century!

6) General Le Chan Statute, Haiphong - made of bronze, 7.49m high, weighs 19 toms, 2nd biggest in Vietnam after Hung Dao Vuong Statute in Nam Dinh.

7) Haiphong Fine Arts & Exhibition Center, Nguyen Duc Canh, Phan Boi Chau, Le Chan, Haiphong. 

8) Flower Market, Nguyen Duc Canh, An Bien, Le Chan, Haiphong.

9) Fountain Square in City Centre, Haiphong

10) Walkabout in Nguyen Duc Canh, An Bien, Le Chan surrounding area, Haiphong 

11) Cho Co Dao Market, Haiphong - my late afternoon walk, most food stalls had closed, best time to visit is in the morning 

12) HNP Brewery JSC, 16, Lach Tray, Haiphong

13) Train Street, Haiphong - less touristy compared to Hanoi Train Street ! Been there done that ! 

14) Hang Kenh Church, 116, Lach Tray Street, Ngo Quyen District, Haiphong City.

15) Dinner in a local porridge & noodle stall near my hotel 

Fried Dough 10,000don (Rm1.95)

Chicken Porridge
40,000 dong (Rm7.80)

Glass Noodle 40,000 dong (Rm7.80)

16) Haiphong City Centre by Night - my solo visit after the dinner !