Haiphong

Haiphong, also spelled Hai Phong, is a major port city in northeastern Vietnam. Located on the northern coast near the Gulf of Tonkin, it lies about 100 kilometers east of Hanoi and is the third-most populous city in Vietnam. The city is a centrally governed municipality (a directly administered city) and hosts one of Vietnam's principal seaports.

Situated at the mouth of the Cam River, Haiphong developed as a trading and industrial center from the late 19th century under French colonial rule, with the harbor expanding to support shipbuilding, oil, and heavy industry. It played a significant role in modern Vietnamese history and was a frequent bombing target during the Vietnam War. Since reunification and the economic reforms of the 1980s, Haiphong has grown as a manufacturing and logistics hub.

Haiphong is home to extensive port facilities, including the traditional Haiphong Port system and the Lach Huyen deep-water port on Cat Hai Island, which expanded container capacity in the 2010s. The city is served by Haiphong Cat Bi International Airport, a highway- and rail-linked hub that connects northern Vietnam to Hanoi and beyond. Key industries include shipbuilding, petrochemicals, cement, and electronics assembly.

The city has a diverse cultural scene with seafood cuisine, markets, and heritage sites such as Do Son Beach and local temples. Educational institutions include the University of Haiphong and several colleges and technical institutes that support regional industry.