Haiphong

Haiphong is a vital municipality located in the north-eastern coastal area of Vietnam.

It serves as the principal port city for the Red River Delta. The city sits at the mouth of the Cấm River. It is surrounded by several provinces and bodies of water. Quảng Ninh Province lies to the north. Bắc Ninh Province is to the northwest. Hưng Yên Province borders the southwest. To the east, the city meets the Gulf of Tonkin. The city's administration also includes several islands. These include Bạch Long Vĩ, Cát Hải, and the Long Châu islands.

The climate in Haiphong is classified as humid subtropical. This is often referred to by the Köppen climate classification Cwa. The weather features hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters. Rainfall is highly seasonal in this region. About 90% of the annual rainfall occurs between April and October. The city is much wetter during these months. Temperatures vary significantly between the two main seasons. In January and February, average high temperatures reach 20°C. Average lows during these months drop to around 15°C. In June and July, the heat increases. Average highs hover around 32°C, while lows stay near 27°C. Even the sea temperature follows a seasonal pattern. It reaches a low of 18°C in February. It peaks at 29°C during July and August.

Haiphong has a long history involving many different eras. In 40 AD, the area was home to Lê Chân. She was a female general under the Trưng Sisters. They rose up against Chinese rule during that time. Lê Chân is credited with establishing the Hải tần Phòng thủ. This was a defense for the sea-coast against the Han dynasty. By the 19th century, the city had different roles. The Hang Kenh Communal House became an administrative seat. Later, the city faced significant conflict during the 20th century. French forces landed in Haiphong and faced local resistance. This led to a naval bombardment by the French. The cruiser Suffren used its guns to shell the city. This event helped start the First Indochina War.

The city also experienced intense activity during the Vietnam War. US Navy and Air Force aircraft conducted bombing missions. In May 1972, US Admiral Thomas H. Moorer ordered the mining of the harbor. This action effectively sealed the port. However, the mining did not cause any casualties. The physical structures of the city were mostly spared. This was due to a self-imposed prohibition zone by the US. After the war ended, Haiphong rebuilt its economy. It successfully recovered its role as a major industrial center. In 2025, the Vietnamese parliament approved a massive investment. They allocated $8 billion to upgrade the Kunming–Haiphong railway. This project is part of the Belt and Road Initiative. This railway connects the Chinese border to Hanoi and Haiphong.

Today, Haiphong is a massive economic engine for northern Vietnam. It is one of the most important commercial centers in the country. The city trades goods with more than 40 countries and territories. Its industrial sector is very diverse. Many factories produce heavy and light goods. Major products include ships, motorbikes, and steel pipes. They also manufacture textiles, paper, and plastic pipes. Other items include fish sauce, beer, and cigarettes. The shipbuilding and textile industries have shown rapid growth. In 2007, 270,600 people were employed in these industrial jobs. The city also maintains a strong agricultural and fishing sector. About one third of the land is used for agriculture. Rice is the most important crop, covering 80% of that land.

The population of Haiphong is very large and growing. In 2025, the population was estimated at 4,664,124 people. The city is the third most populous city in Vietnam. Many people live in the urban districts. In 2009, the annual population growth rate was 4.0%. The city's economy is measured by its budget revenue. In 2015, total revenues reached 56,288 billion Vnd. The city also participates in the Provincial Competitiveness Index. In 2023, Haiphong received a score of 70.34. This score helps evaluate the local business environment. The city continues to grow through both industry and trade.

Transportation is a key part of how Haiphong functions. The city is a major junction for national highways. Route 5 leads west toward the capital, Hanoi. Route 10 leads south toward Nam Định. Highway 356 runs from the junction to the coast. A new highway completed in 2015 connects Haiphong to Hanoi. This road reduced travel time by one hour. The Port of Haiphong is also a central feature. It sits on the Cấm River and has three main docks. These are Hoang Dieu, Chua Ve, and Dinh Vu. Large container ships use these docks to move goods globally.