Haiphong: Industrial Grit and Sea Breeze (and a bit of chaos)
okay, so i’m still processing haiphong. it’s…a lot. like, a lot happening all at once. i just checked and it’s...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the weather’s a bit humid, around 88% humidity, and only 21.99 degrees celsius, but it feels warmer, like 22.54. honestly, it’s a bit exhausting just thinking about it.
haiphong. it's Vietnam's third-largest city, and it’s definitely got character. they call it the "City of the Red Flamboyant," and honestly, the trees lining the streets are pretty impressive. they’re these bright red flowers, and they just pop everywhere. i spent a little while wandering around the city center, trying to soak it all in. the architecture is a mix of old French colonial stuff and…well, just a lot of buildings. it's definitely a working city, though. you can feel the industry humming. someone told me that it’s the first city in Vietnam to have electricity, which is pretty cool, i guess.
they’re really proud of their port, which makes sense - it’s a major hub. you can see the port areas, and there are these massive industrial parks. it's clear they’re a big manufacturing powerhouse in the Red River Delta. and it’s not all just factories though! i heard there are some cool island spots nearby. cát bà island, for example, is supposed to be great for beaches and biological reserves. i didn’t get a chance to go myself this time, but it’s on the list for next time, for sure.
talking about neighbors, haiphong is surrounded by Quảng Ninh Province to the north (which is near ha long bay - i’m drooling just thinking about it!), Hai Duong Province to the west, Thai Binh Province to the southwest, and Bắc Ninh or Hưng Yên Provinces to the northwest/southwest. if you get bored, those cities are just a short drive away. it’s easy to get around - they’ve got expressways, and you can take the road, rail, sea, air, or even inland water transport. though, be warned, the roads can get pretty congested.
food-wise? get ready for seafood. it’s everywhere! grilled squid, crab, fish…you name it. they even have a Fish Festival in June. i had some banh da cua (crab noodle soup) - it was pretty good. and nem cua be (deep-fried crab spring rolls) are a must-try. apparently, a lot of dishes have these Chinese-Vietnamese influences. oh, and don’t drink the tap water. seriously. just boil it or buy bottled. i’m not kidding.
people are generally friendly, but you gotta watch out for petty crime, especially in the ports. and the air quality…well, it’s something to be aware of. heavy manufacturing means things can get a bit hazy. typhoons are also a possibility during the June-November season, so keep an eye on the weather.
haiphong feels like a city in transition. it’s got this old industrial vibe, but it’s also looking towards the future, especially with the tourism around ha long bay. it’s not the most polished or easygoing place, but it’s definitely got a certain charm. it’s messy, it’s bustling, and it’s definitely an experience. i’m glad i went. it’s just…a lot to take in. and now i need a nap.
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