Hải Phòng

Hải Phòng
Name	Hải Phòng
Native name	Thành phố Hải Phòng
Settlement type	Municipality
Coordinates	20, 51, N, 106...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Vietnam
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Red River Delta
Established title	Founded
Established date	1888
Leader title	Secretary of the Party Committee
Leader name	Lê Tiến Châu
Leader title1	Chairman of the People's Committee
Leader name1	Nguyễn Văn Tùng
Area total km2	1561.8
Population total	2,103,500
Population as of	2019
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	ICT
Utc offset	+7
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	180000
Area code	225
Website	haiphong.gov.vn
Blank name	Climate
Blank info	Cwa

Hải Phòng. It is a major industrial port city and one of five centrally-governed municipalities in Vietnam, situated on the northeastern coast of the Red River Delta. Often called the "Port City" or "City of Red Flamboyant," it serves as a critical maritime gateway and economic engine for the northern region, with a history deeply intertwined with colonial trade and modern industrialization. The city is renowned for its unique cultural heritage, distinctive cuisine, and strategic importance in national development.

History

The area's history is marked by its coastal and riverine significance, with early settlements benefiting from trade along the Cấm River. Its modern founding is traced to 1888, when French authorities, led by Albert Sarraut, officially established the city as a major seaport of French Indochina, facilitating the export of goods like rice and coal. During the First Indochina War, it was a key French stronghold and witnessed significant events such as the Haiphong Incident of 1946, a precursor to full-scale war. The city suffered extensive damage from U.S. bombing campaigns, particularly Operation Linebacker II, during the Vietnam War due to its strategic port and industrial facilities. Post-reunification, it became a cornerstone of national reconstruction and economic reform under Đổi Mới policies.

Geography

Located approximately 100 kilometers east of Hanoi, the city borders Quảng Ninh province to the north, Hải Dương province to the west, and Thái Bình province to the south, with a coastline along the Gulf of Tonkin. Its terrain comprises a mix of alluvial plains, coastal marshes, and several islands, the largest being Cát Bà Island, part of the Cat Ba Archipelago within the UNESCO-recognized Cat Ba Hạ Long Bay world heritage area. The city's core is crisscrossed by river systems, primarily the Cấm River and Lạch Tray River, which define its harbor. It experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal monsoon influences.

Economy

As Vietnam's largest seaport by tonnage, the Port of Haiphong is the economic linchpin, handling a massive volume of containerized and bulk cargo, with ongoing expansion at facilities like Lach Huyen Port. It is a national industrial hub, hosting major complexes in sectors such as shipbuilding at the Hyundai Vinashin Shipyard, cement production, textiles, and automotive assembly with plants from VinFast. The city is a designated key economic zone, attracting foreign direct investment from corporations like Bridgestone and LG Electronics. Supporting sectors include fisheries, logistics, and a growing tourism industry centered on Cat Ba National Park and Đồ Sơn.

Demographics

With a population exceeding two million, it is one of the most densely populated cities in Vietnam. The majority are Kinh Vietnamese, with small communities of Hoa (ethnic Chinese) and other groups. The city has experienced steady growth due to rural-to-urban migration and its economic opportunities. Predominant religious practices include folk religion, Buddhism, and Catholicism, with notable landmarks such as the Du Hang Pagoda and the Saint Joseph's Cathedral.

Culture

The city's culture reflects its port history, creating a blend of indigenous and external influences. It is famous for its culinary specialties, including bánh đa cua (crab noodle soup) and Hải Phòng-style bánh mì. Traditional festivals like the Hàng Kênh village festival and the Co Le Pagoda festival are vibrant annual events. Performing arts are upheld by institutions like the Hải Phòng Municipal Theatre, and the city is known as the birthplace of the popular cải lương theatrical form. Architectural heritage spans from French colonial villas along Điện Biên Phủ street to ancient đình communal houses.

Administration

As a centrally-run municipality, it holds equal status to a province. The city is governed by the People's Council and the People's Committee, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam's municipal committee. It is subdivided into fifteen district-level units: eight urban districts (including Hồng Bàng, Ngô Quyền, and Lê Chân), six rural districts (such as Thủy Nguyên and An Dương), and the island district of Cát Hải. These are further divided into wards, communes, and townships.

Category:Populated places in Vietnam Category:Port cities and towns in Vietnam