What is the best way to get around Hai Phong city?

Published May 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Quick Answer

Grab is the best way to get around Hai Phong — affordable, reliable, and widely available. Taxis (Mai Linh, Thanh Long) are good alternatives. Motorbike rental: 100,000-150,000 VND/day, useful for Do Son Beach. Public buses exist but are confusing for visitors. Walking works well in downtown area. For most travelers: no need to rent motorbike if only staying in city center.

VERIFIED · MAY 2026 Read below ↓

Hai Phong is a mid-sized Vietnamese city — compact enough to navigate easily, but large enough that you’ll want transport options beyond walking.

Grab (ride-hailing)

The most convenient option for most travelers.

Availability: Widely available throughout the city.
Vehicle types: GrabCar (4-seater, 7-seater) and GrabBike (motorbike).
Pricing: Transparent, upfront quotes in app.
Payment: Cash or linked card.
Typical fares:
- Opera House to Museum: 30,000-50,000 VND.
- Downtown to Ben Binh Ferry: 40,000-60,000 VND.
- Downtown to Do Son Beach: 250,000-350,000 VND.

Taxis

Traditional taxis remain a solid option.

Reputable companies: Mai Linh (green), Thanh Long (white with blue stripe).
Meter: Should always be used for city trips.
Flag fall: ~15,000-20,000 VND for first kilometer.
Per km: ~15,000-18,000 VND.
Payment: Cash preferred; some accept cards.

Motorbike rental

Useful for extended exploration but not essential for city center.

Daily rate: 100,000-150,000 VND.
Weekly rate: 500,000-800,000 VND.
Deposit: 1-2 million VND or passport hold (not recommended).
Fuel: ~50,000 VND per day of typical use.
Best for: Do Son Beach day trips, countryside exploration.
Not needed if: Only visiting downtown attractions.

Public buses

Hai Phong has a bus network but it’s not traveler-friendly.

Coverage: Most city areas and some suburbs.
Frequency: Every 20-40 minutes depending on route.
Fare: ~10,000 VND flat rate.
Challenges: Route maps in Vietnamese only, stops not well-marked, frequent stops.
Not recommended: For visitors unless on very tight budget.

Walking

Downtown Hai Phong is very walkable.

Walkable area: Opera House, Museum, Dinh Hang Kenh, French colonial streets.
Sidewalks: Present but sometimes obstructed by parked motorbikes or vendors.
Crossing streets: Chaotic — walk slowly and predictably, don’t run.
Best time: Early morning or evening when cooler.

Cyclos and xe om

Traditional transport options still exist but are less common.

Cyclo: Three-wheeled bicycle taxi. Mostly for tourists, prices negotiable.
Xe om: Motorbike taxi (informal). Negotiate price before riding.
Recommendation: Use GrabBike instead — transparent pricing, safer.

Getting to specific attractions

From Opera House

To Museum: 10-minute walk or 5-minute Grab.
To Dinh Hang Kenh: 15-minute walk.
To Ben Binh Ferry: 5-minute Grab (40,000-60,000 VND).
To Cat Bi Airport: 20-minute Grab (80,000-120,000 VND).

From downtown to Do Son Beach

GrabCar: 250,000-350,000 VND one way.
Motorbike rental: Full day trip option.
Organized tour: Some hotels can arrange.

The short version

Best overall: Grab — affordable, reliable, transparent pricing. Taxis: Mai Linh, Thanh Long — use meter. Motorbike rental: 100,000-150,000 VND/day, only if visiting Do Son. Walking: Works well for downtown attractions. Buses: Not recommended for visitors.

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