Overview
Haiphong is northern Vietnam's great port city, a place of French colonial boulevards, working harbours and, increasingly, curious UK travellers using it as a gateway to Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island. It's less crowded than Hanoi, more characterful than many transit stops, and sits within easy reach of some of Vietnam's most photographed scenery. If you're after cheap flights to Haiphong from the UK, this guide covers when to go, how to get there, and what to see once you land.
Best time to fly to Haiphong
Northern Vietnam has a distinct climate, so timing matters. October to April is generally the most comfortable window, with drier air, cooler temperatures and clearer skies for exploring Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba. Spring (February to April) and fine autumn stretches (September to November) tend to offer the best balance of pleasant weather and value. Summer (May to August) is hot, humid and coincides with the typhoon season along Vietnam's northern coast, which can disrupt boat trips, so many UK travellers prefer to avoid peak storm months. Use the When to book chart above to see how fares shift across the year and plan around the calmer, drier months if you can.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no non-stop flights from the UK to Haiphong. The most practical way in is to fly to Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport with one stop, then continue to Haiphong by road, a journey of around two hours along the coastal expressway, or via a short connecting flight into Cat Bi. Airlines commonly used on the UK to northern Vietnam route include Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways (via Doha), Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi), Emirates (via Dubai), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul). Total journey time from London is typically 13 to 17 hours depending on connection, so comparing routings on the price charts on this page is worth doing before you book.
Things to do in Haiphong
Haiphong rewards a couple of days on the ground before or after your Ha Long Bay trip.
- Cat Ba Island: The main gateway for exploring Lan Ha Bay's limestone karsts, with hiking, kayaking and boat trips departing regularly from Haiphong.
- Haiphong Cathedral: A striking French colonial church in the old quarter, a reminder of the city's 19th-century architecture.
- Haiphong Municipal Theatre: An elegant colonial-era opera house at the heart of the city, worth a stroll past even if there's no performance.
- Do Son Beach: A relaxed seaside resort area just outside the city, popular with local weekenders.
- Banh Da Cua tasting: Haiphong's signature crab noodle soup, best sampled at a no-frills local eatery.
At Cat Bi International Airport (HPH)
Cat Bi International Airport sits around 5 miles (8km) southeast of central Haiphong, making it one of the more convenient airports in the region. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Grab cover the short journey into town in around 15 to 20 minutes, and are the easiest option after a long-haul journey. Airport shuttle buses also run into the city centre for a lower fare, useful if you're travelling light and watching your budget.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Haiphong
- Book ahead: Long-haul fares to Vietnam tend to firm up closer to departure, so booking a few months out generally secures better pricing.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically cheaper than weekend flights on most routings.
- Stay flexible on dates: Shifting your trip by even a few days either side can unlock noticeably lower fares, especially outside school holidays.
- Compare connecting airlines: Since there's no direct UK route, checking several hub options side by side, rather than booking the first result, often reveals the better deal.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders currently benefit from visa-free entry to Vietnam for short stays, though allowances have changed in recent years, so it's essential to check the latest requirements with the Vietnamese Embassy or an official e-visa portal before you travel. The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND); cash is still widely used outside hotels and larger restaurants, so carry some with you. No mandatory vaccinations are required for UK travellers, but it's sensible to ensure routine jabs are up to date and to check current NHS travel health advice ahead of your trip.
