 THE
CITY CENTER
Most of Haiphong's attractions concentrate between the curve of
the Tam Bac River and the loop of the train tracks. To the north
of the main city's street, Dien Bien Phu, you will find the most
attractive colonial architecture of Haiphong along the
broad, quiet avenues. On Dien Bien Phu Street, itself, locates the
Haiphong Museum with its classic wine-red façade, but it
is often closed due to lack of demand. If so, head south towards
the Haiphong cathedral instead. The cathedral was built in
the late nineteenth century and restored after years of abandon.
Then keep going down the bustling street of Hoang Van Thu to the pink
theatre, facing a wide open square. The square is the memorial
site of the deaths of forty revolutionaries during the November
1946 street battles against the French troop.
If you would like to experience the vibrant life of the locals,
go to Haiphong's merchants' quarter, a decaying area of
street markets. Although the nineteenth-century halls of Sat
Market have been replaced by the shinier six-storey blocks,
most of the stall holders prefer yelling on the streets, giving
the impression of local colors.
Also of places of interest in the city is the Hang Kenh
Carpet Factory where you can experience how the delicate
carpets are being made. Most of carpets here are still
traditionally hand-made on old wooden looms.
The last stop in the city center is Nghe Temple,
situated about 600 meters southwest of the Municipal Theater. The
temple is dedicated to the cult of the woman General Le Chan, a
heroine of the Trung Sister's Rebellion during the first century.
She established the settlement of AN Bien village, believed to be
the site where the predecessors of Haiphong people lived. The
temple is also noted for its exquisite stone sculptures.
BEYOND THE CITY
From Haiphong city center, visitors can head for the further
destinations which vary from the historical to natural attractions
and each of which provides its own charm.
Du Hang Pagoda: Located in Le Chan district, Du Hang
Pagoda is regarded as an ancient architectural relic of the city.
The pagoda was built under the reign of the Ly Dynasty and was
restored in the 17th century by Nguyen Dinh Sach, an officer of
the imperial guard who resigned and became the Buddhist monk.
Several statutes, intricately engraved in the style of the Nguyen
dynasty are housed in the pagoda. Valuable relics like bronze
tripod and gongs are also kept therein.
Hang Kenh Communal House: Also known as Nhan Tho
Communal House in Sino-Vietnamese, Hang Kenh Communal House was
built in 1856. The main front hall and the back parts of the
building are connected by a long impressive tiled-roof bridge.
Thirty-two ironwood columns which hold up the roof of the hall are
worth seeing for their fine carvings of dragon designs. A number
of valuable relics and artifacts are also housed inside.
Do Son Beach: One of the well-known seaside resorts in
the North Vietnam, Do Son Beach is located 20 kilometers southwest
of Haiphong and 105 kilometers from Hanoi. During the French Rule,
Do Son beach was a summer resort for the French expatriate and the
Vietnamese upper class. With its beaches shaded by thousands of
sandalwoods and surrounded by the magnificent scenery of mountains
and pine hills, Do Son Beach offer pleasant atmosphere, ideal for
real relaxation.
Cat Ba Island: Haiphong is a transportation hub for
getting to the renowned tourist attraction, Cat Ba Island, the
biggest among the 366 islands on the Lan Ha Bay. The island is
praised for its magnificent scenery of luring mountains facing the
dazzling blue sea. Excellent beaches on the island with its white
sandy stretch as well as its warm, clear water are all ideal for
your relaxation. Almost half of the Island was declared a national
park, known as Cat Ba Island National Park, covering the tropical
forest inland, the coastal mangrove swamps, and coral reefs
offshore.
The most highlighted beaches among others include Cat Co and
Cat Dua. These are the large beaches separated by a small mountain
range, an ideal place to swim as the water is warm and so clear
that you can see the golden sand beneath. Adjacent to the Cat Co
Beach, there are also fascinating caves and grottoes waiting your
discovery and exploration, including Hang Luon, Khe Sau, Trung
Trang, Gia Luan and Kim Cuong.
If you would like to escape from the crowded beach, you have to
hire a motor boat to the small islets where the calmer and cleaner
beaches can be found; those are Cat Trai Gai, Duong Gianh and Hien
Hao islets.
The Cat Ba Island is reachable by taking a ride of car or train
from Hanoi to Haiphong for two hours, and then board on a
high-speed vessel to get to the Island.
|
