HAI PHONG

Hai Phong is the third largest city of Viet Nam, after Ho Chi Minh and Ha Noi city, and the second most important port in Viet Nam. Hai Phong also has many French colonial houses. Visitors can very easily travel around the city to shop, stopping at some famous sites along the way. Hang Kenh Communal House is located right in the city. The communal house is rather long and built with a strong long-lasting wood frame. The exhibits inside are for worshipping the Village God and Ngo Quyen, a Vietnamese hero who fought against the Chinese enemies on the Bach Dang River. Du Hang Pagoda is one of the most ancient pagodas in this city. It was built three centuries ago. The decorations on the pagoda are exquisite. This pagoda houses a school for monks and stores many ancient furnishings. The Bach Dang River is famous as it is the place where the Vietnamese succeeded in defeating three Chinese feudal invasions. The third victory over the Chinese Mongolians was known all over the world. Many of the teakwood pointed spikes that were used in the battles have been discovered in this river. Do Son Beach is located 20 km from Hai Phong. This beach has a small white sand strip good for bathing. However, during the monsoon season, the Red River's alluvial sands cause the water to turn yellow. The hotels on this beach are suitable for travelers.