Haiphong is Vietnam’s third-largest city and a major port hub in the Red River Delta. With its colonial architecture, vibrant street food scene, and proximity to Halong Bay, a layover here offers a genuine taste of northern Vietnamese culture. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, Haiphong rewards curious travelers willing to venture beyond the airport.
Before You Leave the Airport
Essential Information
- Visa: Check IATA Travel Centre for your nationality’s Vietnam visa requirements. Many nationalities qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival.
- Language: Vietnamese is the primary language. Download a translation app (Google Translate, Offline Maps) before landing – airport WiFi can be unreliable.
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Use ATMs at the airport for the best rates. Never exchange money at airport currency counters.
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7
- Airport Code: HPH (Haiphong International Airport)
Getting to Haiphong City
Haiphong International Airport is located approximately 5-7 km from the city center. For specific, up-to-date transit options and ground transportation details, visit the official Haiphong Airport website.
General transit tips for your layover:
- Always factor in immigration and security time when calculating if you can leave the airport.
- For international departures, budget 2.5-3 hours to return to the airport before your flight.
- Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing to navigate without relying on airport WiFi.
- Keep your passport and valuables in a secure, cross-body bag or hidden money belt.
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 Hours)
With limited time, focus on the airport and immediate surroundings:
- Rest at the airport: Find a quiet seating area or check SleepingInAirports.net for the best spots to rest at HPH.
- Eat local: Airport food courts are 2-3x city prices. If you have time, grab street food near the terminal entrance.
- Stay connected: Get an eSIM before traveling (Airalo, Holafly) for instant data, or use airport WiFi for basic browsing.
- Refresh: Use airport facilities to freshen up. Most major airports have baby care rooms with changing tables and basic amenities.
Medium Layover (4-8 Hours)
You have time to explore the city center. Key highlights include:
- Haiphong Opera House: A stunning French colonial landmark in the city center, worth seeing even from the outside.
- Ngo Quyen Street: The main commercial and cultural hub, lined with shops, cafes, and local restaurants.
- Street Food: Try banh mi, pho, and fresh spring rolls at local food stalls – much cheaper than airport prices.
- Du Hang Pagoda: A historic Buddhist temple offering insight into local spiritual life.
- Luggage Storage: Use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero to store bags near the airport (typically $5-10/bag/day), allowing you to explore hands-free.
Long Layover (8+ Hours)
Consider an overnight stay or day trip:
- Halong Bay Day Trip: One of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations is accessible from Haiphong. Book a tour in advance.
- Cat Ba Island: A scenic island with beaches, hiking, and local seafood restaurants.
- Accommodation: Budget hotels in Haiphong start around $20-40/night. Book in advance if staying overnight.
- Sleeping at the Airport: If you prefer to stay at HPH, check SleepingInAirports.net for the best rest spots.
Quick Layover Tips
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries in your carry-on for easy access.
- Bring an empty water bottle: Fill it after security to stay hydrated and save money on airport beverages.
- Download offline maps and translation apps: Essential for navigating Haiphong without relying on airport WiFi.
- Use a Wise or Revolut card: Get the best exchange rates with zero markup when withdrawing VND.
- Share your location: If exploring solo, share your location with a trusted contact for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave HPH airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave HPH airport during a layover if you have a valid visa or qualify for visa-free entry. Check your nationality’s requirements on IATA Travel Centre. Always factor in immigration and security time – budget at least 1 hour for immigration and 2-3 hours to return to the airport before your departure flight.
What is there to do at HPH during a layover?
At the airport, you can rest, eat, and use WiFi. In the city, visit the Haiphong Opera House, explore Ngo Quyen Street for shopping and dining, try local street food, or visit Du Hang Pagoda. For longer layovers, consider a day trip to Halong Bay or Cat Ba Island.
How long of a layover do I need at HPH?
For domestic connections, 60 minutes is sufficient. For international departures, budget 2.5-3 hours to account for immigration, security, and transit time. If you want to explore the city, aim for at least 4-6 hours total layover time.
Are there lounges at HPH?
Lounge availability at HPH varies by airline and ticket class. Check with your airline for lounge access. If you don’t have access, consider purchasing a one-time day pass from your airline (typically $39-59) or exploring the city instead, where you can eat better food at lower prices.
Make the Most of Your Haiphong Layover
Whether you have a few hours or a full day, Haiphong offers authentic Vietnamese experiences beyond typical airport terminals. From colonial architecture to world-class street food, this vibrant port city rewards travelers willing to venture out. Plan ahead, download offline maps, and don’t miss the chance to taste real Vietnamese culture.
Ready to optimize your layover? Use the Yopki layover calculator to plan exactly how much time you have and what you can realistically explore during your stop in Haiphong.