As one of the prominent tourist destinations in Hai Phong, Do Son has long been known not only for its pristine, picturesque beauty but also for its unique historical and cultural values. Let’s explore the charm and the interesting things that Do Son offers to visitors on a journey to discover this region.
1. Overview of Do Son
Do Son, a coastal district of Hai Phong city, is located about 20 km southeast of the city center and approximately 120 km from Hanoi. It has long been a familiar destination for both domestic and international tourists. Featuring pristine beaches, scenic landscapes, and fresh air, Do Son is the ideal place for visitors to enjoy a relaxing vacation.
With its long beaches, fine white sand, and clear blue waters, Do Son attracts not only beach lovers but also those who want to explore the natural beauty through activities like mountain climbing, swimming, and visiting historical sites. With the growth of tourism, it has increasingly become one of the must-visit places for tourists coming to Hai Phong.
2. Best time to visit Do Son
There are two ideal times during the year for visitors to come and fully experience the beauty of Do Son:
From April to October: This is the summer period when the weather is cool and the sea water is clear, perfect for those who want a beach vacation and wish to relax in the fresh air of Do Son. The expansive beaches with gentle waters offer a fantastic relaxing experience.
The beginning of the year (from January to March): This is the festival season in Do Son and other parts of Hai Phong. Continuous, distinctive cultural activities take place, showcasing the rich folk culture and local traditions, creating an exciting and vibrant atmosphere for tourists. It is also a great time to explore the unique cultural values of this region.
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3. Popular attractions in Do Son
3.1. Do Son beach
Visiting Do Son without swimming at the beach would be a huge miss. With three distinctive bathing areas, each with its own characteristics, they cater to various needs and preferences of tourists.
Area 1: This area is home to many seafood restaurants, attracting a large number of visitors who want to taste local specialties. However, the beach here has many submerged rocks, and the waves are quite strong, making it unsuitable for swimming. Therefore, Area 1 is ideal for those who want to enjoy the local cuisine, but for swimming, visitors need to pay attention to safety.
Area 2: This is the most crowded and popular area for tourists who want to swim and have fun. The waves here are not too strong, and the water is clear, making it very safe for swimming. This is also where visitors can participate in water sports such as windsurfing, jet skiing, or paragliding. Area 2 is the vibrant center of Do Son.
Area 3: Located further from the center of the tourist area, Area 3 still retains its natural beauty with fewer services. However, if you love tranquility and a less crowded beach atmosphere, this is the perfect spot to enjoy the fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of the busier areas.
In addition to the swimming areas, Do Son is also known for its water sports activities, attracting many young people. Activities like paragliding (500,000 VND per flight) and jet skiing (50,000 VND per minute) offer not only thrilling and adventurous moments but also a chance to admire the stunning scenery of Do Son from above. These experiences will certainly satisfy those who love novelty and challenges.
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3.2. Dragon stream
It’s not a coincidence that the people of Hai Phong often mention the folk verse:
“The Dragon Stream water is both clear and cool,
The Do Son road, full of sand, is easy to travel.”
To truly experience the wonder of this stream, visitors must visit Dragon Stream, where pure water flows from the heart of Mount Ngoc. This is not only a source of crystal-clear, cool water but also carries the freshness of nature, providing a wonderful sense of relaxation for anyone who visits.
Dragon Stream, with its pristine beauty and fresh air, has become an irresistible destination when visiting Do Son. This refreshing water is like a precious gift from nature, helping visitors not only rejuvenate their bodies but also find inner peace.
3.3. Hon Dau island, Do Son
As one of the most attractive destinations in Do Son, Hon Dau has increasingly become a favorite choice for tourists from near and far. With its large scale and notable amenities, Hon Dau is not just a beach destination but also a complex offering diverse entertainment.
What makes Hon Dau famous is the largest artificial swimming pool in Asia, where visitors can swim in crystal-clear water and enjoy the cool beach atmosphere. Additionally, Hon Dau offers various exciting recreational activities such as water sports and outdoor play areas, ensuring that tourists can enjoy a wonderful and refreshing vacation.
Moreover, Hon Dau features a bird garden and a zoo, offering visitors the chance to see rare animals and enjoy the rich natural environment. This is the perfect destination for those who enjoy a mix of relaxation and exploration, especially families with young children. With its modern infrastructure and diverse services, Hon Dau is certainly one of the must-visit tourism spots when coming to Do Son.
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3.4. Bao Dai King’s Pavilion
The Bao Dai King’s Pavilion, located at the peak of Vung Cao Hill in Do Son, Hai Phong, is an architectural masterpiece with a distinct French style, built in 1928. It is the only royal residence of the Nguyen Dynasty in the North, gifted by the Governor-General of Indochina, Pafquiere, to King Bao Dai in 1932 after his return to Vietnam. The pavilion spans 1,000m², offering stunning views and a peaceful environment. Today, it is a popular destination that attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Visitors can experience exciting activities such as wearing royal robes, sitting on the throne for photos, sleeping in the rooms of princes and princesses, and enjoying royal Hue cuisine. The Bao Dai King’s Pavilion is not only a historical heritage site but also an essential part of the journey to explore Do Son.
3.5. Ba De temple
At the foot of Doc Mountain in Do Son, there is an ancient temple dedicated to Ba De, also known as the wife of Lord Trinh. The legend says that in the 18th century, Lord Trinh Doanh met and fell in love with a young girl from a fishing village named Thi Huong. When he returned to Thang Long, he was too busy with state affairs to marry her, but Thi Huong became pregnant. According to local customs, she was harshly punished and drowned in the sea.
With her unjust fate unresolved, her spirit manifested to help fishermen in times of peril. To honor her sacrifices, the people of Do Son built a temple for Ba De at the foot of Doc Mountain, making it a sacred spiritual site in the area.
3.6. Do Son buffalo fighting festival
The Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival, which dates back to the 18th century, is an event held to pray for prosperity and happiness for the local people. Initially, this festival was associated with the worship of water deities and sacrifices, reflecting the beliefs of the settlers in this region.
In addition to the spiritual aspect, the festival also showcases the martial spirit of the people of Do Son through exciting buffalo fights. The qualifying rounds begin in June, and the final match takes place on the 9th day of the 8th lunar month, attracting thousands of spectators to watch and cheer.
3.7. The Unnumbered Pier
The Unnumbered Pier (K15) located at the foot of Nghinh Phong Hill, Area 3, Do Son, was once the departure point for the unnumbered ships that carried goods and weapons to support the southern battlefield during the Vietnam War. This site marks the silent victories that contributed significantly to the national independence struggle.
With its immense historical value, K15 Pier has been recognized as a national historical site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Though only the timeworn concrete pillars remain, the pier still attracts visitors who come to learn about the history and enjoy the pristine beauty of the area. It is also an ideal spot to watch the sunset while enjoying the combination of historical significance and natural beauty.
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3.8. Tuong Long pagoda
Tuong Long Pagoda, located in Van Son Ward, Do Son, is not only a well-known spiritual tourism destination but also a place that preserves valuable relics from the Ly and Tran Dynasties. Covering an area of approximately 2,000m², this pagoda is one of the distinctive cultural landmarks of the coastal region.
The highlight of the pagoda is the Tuong Long Tower, also known as Do Son Tower, a magnificent and impressive architectural structure. When visiting Tuong Long Pagoda, tourists not only admire historical and cultural values but also find peace and tranquility to escape the worries of everyday life and restore inner calm.
4. Must-try foods when visiting Do Son
4.1. Hai Phong seafood
Do Son, with its captivating coastal beauty, is not only an ideal destination for nature lovers but also a seafood paradise. When visiting this area, tourists should not miss out on fresh seafood dishes that are the specialties of the region.
In Area 2 of Do Son, numerous seafood restaurants line the beach, ready to serve dishes made from fresh ingredients caught the same day. The food here is notable for its variety and richness, from shrimp, prawn, fish, squid to other unique seafood specialties. Not only are they delicious, but they also ensure freshness, providing visitors with an unforgettable culinary experience. With a spacious, open atmosphere, visitors can enjoy the breeze while savoring the food, making for a perfect vacation.
4.2. Hai Phong spicy bread
Hai Phong spicy bread, although small—about the size of two fingers—makes a strong impression with its unique taste. Inside each bread is only one topping: rich and flavorful pate that is delicious without being greasy. Biting into it, you will immediately feel the crispiness of the bread combined with the spicy, savory dipping sauce, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
4.3. Shrimp-filled rice rolls
Different from the traditional rice rolls of Hanoi, Hai Phong rice rolls offer a unique culinary experience with a filling of fresh, delicious shrimp. Each rice roll is thinly wrapped, containing small, sweet shrimp, seasoned with rich spices, creating the distinctive flavor of the dish.
When tasting it, visitors will experience the perfect blend of fresh shrimp, soft rice rolls, and fragrant fried onions. What makes this dish even more attractive is the sweet and sour dipping sauce, perfectly balanced, making it irresistible. This dish is a must-try when in Hai Phong, embodying the flavors of the sea and the creativity of the local people.
4.4. Hai Phong red jellyfish
Although no one knows exactly when Hai Phong red jellyfish first appeared, it has now become a famous specialty that every local is familiar with. Particularly in recent years, red jellyfish has “taken off” in Hanoi, attracting the attention of food lovers, causing many enthusiasts to “hunt” for it.
However, this dish has a special feature: it is only available seasonally, from April to June each year. Therefore, if you miss the chance to enjoy red jellyfish in the summer, you’ll have to wait until next year to taste it. This is one reason why Hai Phong red jellyfish has become a beloved specialty and a signature summer dish, making diners always eagerly await its return.
4.5. Hai Phong crab noodle soup
Hai Phong crab noodle soup has long been one of the city’s standout specialties, known for its perfect combination of fresh ingredients. A bowl of crab noodle soup typically includes sweet, fragrant river crabs, flavorful cha la lot, fresh prawn, crispy fried onions, all immersed in a rich broth that delivers an unforgettable flavor.
What makes this dish unique is the delicate balance of spicy chili and the slight tanginess of fresh lime, creating a delightful culinary experience that captivates diners. Additionally, the crispy fried dough stick served alongside makes it even more enticing. Just thinking about it is enough to make anyone eager to try this delicious dish.
4.6. Crab spring rolls
When visiting Hai Phong, in addition to the famous crab noodle soup, another specialty that cannot be overlooked is crab spring rolls—a dish deeply embedded in the hearts of the people of Hai Phong. The special feature of crab spring rolls lies in the perfect combination of crab meat and crab roe, creating a rich and unforgettable flavor.
Although the crabs in Hai Phong are not as large as other sea crabs, their meat is very firm, sweet, and delicious. Crab spring rolls are often served with fresh noodles, vegetables, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce, creating an attractive dish that anyone who tries it will have a hard time forgetting the distinctive taste of the coastal region.
As you conclude your journey exploring Do Son, you will be impressed not only by the pristine natural beauty but also by the unique historical and cultural values. If you get the chance, don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the wonderful things that Do Son has to offer – a destination that is perfect not only for beach lovers but also for those who wish to explore a part of Vietnam’s history and culture.
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