Living in Hai Phong: the ultimate expat guide

Hai Phong's economy is driven by its strategic port location and extensive 14 industrial parks covering 6,000 hectares. The city attracted USD 3.5 billion in FDI in 2023, with manufacturing, logistics, and services sectors offering the most opportunities for international professionals.

Key Employment Sectors

The dominant industries include manufacturing (electronics, automotive components), logistics and port operations, shipbuilding, and export-import services. English teaching positions are available at international schools and language centers, requiring a bachelor's degree and TEFL certification. The hospitality sector is expanding with international hotel brands like Pullman, Mercure, and Wink! establishing presence in the city.

Work Permits and Visas

Foreign workers require an LD2 work visa and a work permit issued by MOLISA. Employers must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a Vietnamese citizen. Work permits are valid for up to 2 years and can be extended once. Requirements include a bachelor's degree or equivalent, 3+ years of relevant experience, health certificate, and criminal background check.

Sources: Trading Economics, InCorp Vietnam

Hai Phong hosts several higher education institutions, with Vietnam Maritime University (VMU) being the most prominent. Established in 1956, VMU is Vietnam's only maritime university and a member of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU).

Vietnam Maritime University

VMU offers 31 undergraduate majors, 11 master's programs, and 8 doctoral programs to approximately 26,000 students. Core disciplines include maritime navigation, shipbuilding, naval architecture, logistics, and marine engineering. The university maintains partnerships with institutions in Japan, South Korea, Norway, Russia, and the Netherlands. VMU's International School of Education offers Vietnamese language courses for foreigners and TOEIC preparation programs.

Other Institutions

Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy (established 1979) provides medical education with practice hospitals and modern facilities. The university has expanded to include multiple campuses and new faculties over the decades. For international students, tuition fees vary by program; prospective students should contact admissions offices directly for current rates and scholarship opportunities.

Sources: Vietnam Maritime University, Study Abroad Aide

Hai Phong is gaining attention as a retirement destination for its low cost of living, modern healthcare facilities, and relaxed lifestyle. While not as established as destinations like Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, the city offers practical advantages for retirees seeking authenticity over tourist infrastructure.

Visa Options for Retirees

Vietnam does not offer a specific retirement visa. Most retirees obtain a one-year renewable visa or enter on tourist visas with extensions. The process requires documentation and often benefits from professional assistance. Retirees with investments in Vietnam may qualify for investor visas (DT1-DT4) with longer validity periods.

Healthcare for Retirees

Vinmec Hai Phong International Hospital, opened in 2018, provides international-standard care with modern equipment including 3.0 Tesla MRI and 640-slice CT scanner. English-speaking doctors are available, primarily in private facilities. Customer satisfaction rates exceed 95%. Comprehensive international health insurance is strongly recommended, as public hospitals may not meet Western standards. For serious conditions, Hanoi's more extensive medical facilities are accessible within 2 hours.

Retirement Lifestyle

Retirees can maintain a comfortable lifestyle on USD 1,000-1,500/month, including quality housing, healthcare coverage, and regular leisure activities. The city's parks, coffee culture, and proximity to Cat Ba Island provide ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration.

Sources: Vinmec Healthcare, Expat Exchange

Hai Phong's growing international community has attracted several quality international schools. Options range from American and Singaporean curricula to Vietnamese bilingual programs, catering to families seeking English-language education.

International School Options

QSI International School of Haiphong is a private, non-profit institution founded in 2005, offering English-language education from preschool through secondary level. Students from over 22 nationalities attend, with a focus on 21st-century learning skills including critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy. The school is located in the Me Linh Village expat residential community.

The Dewey Schools Hai Phong is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and partners with Mount Vernon School (USA). The campus covers 9,900 m² and has earned EDGE and LOTUS Green Building Certifications. The curriculum uses English as the instructional language for up to 85% of classes.

New Schools Opening

Singapore International School (SIS) broke ground in April 2024 and opened in August 2024 in Le Chan District. The campus spans 3.04 hectares with capacity for 1,500 students from preschool through high school, offering both International and Integrated programs. Shattuck-St. Mary's International School, affiliated with the 168-year-old Minnesota institution, opened in August 2025 serving kindergarten through Grade 10. Vinschool also operates a campus in Hai Phong with Cambridge International programs.

Sources: QSI Haiphong, Dewey Schools, KinderWorld

Hai Phong's real estate market offers diverse options from modern high-rise apartments to traditional houses. Property prices have been rising 30-40% annually due to infrastructure development and FDI influx, though rental costs remain significantly lower than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

The city center (Hong Bang and Le Chan districts) offers proximity to restaurants, supermarkets, and entertainment. Vinhomes Marina and Vinhomes Imperia are popular modern developments with amenities including swimming pools, gyms, and 24/7 security. Me Linh Village in Duong Kinh District is an established expat residential community near QSI International School. Do Son Beach (25 km south) and areas near industrial parks are alternatives for those seeking specific lifestyles.

Rental Costs

Rental contracts typically require a one-month deposit plus the first month's rent in advance. Most landlords prefer minimum one-year leases. Furnished apartments in modern developments like Vinhomes start from VND 14-18 million/month (USD 550-710) for 1-2 bedrooms. The median monthly rent across Hai Phong is approximately USD 835.

Sources: FazWaz, Bamboo Routes

Hai Phong offers a rich blend of cultural heritage, natural attractions, and modern entertainment. The city's French colonial architecture stands alongside traditional Vietnamese temples, while nearby Cat Ba Island provides world-class natural scenery.

Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay

Cat Ba Island, just 30 km from the city center, welcomed 3.7 million tourists in 2024. The island features Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve home to the endangered Cat Ba langur. Lan Ha Bay offers a less crowded alternative to Ha Long Bay, with over 300 limestone karsts and pristine beaches. Activities include kayaking, rock climbing, trekking, and boat cruises. The Sun World Cat Ba Cable Car (opened 2020) provides stunning aerial views across the bay.

City Attractions

Within Hai Phong, notable sites include the Hai Phong Opera House (French colonial architecture), Hai Phong Museum, and the historic Du Hang Pagoda. Do Son Beach (25 km south) offers swimming and seafood restaurants. VinWonders Vu Yen on Vu Yen Island is one of northern Vietnam's largest entertainment parks. The city's nightlife centers around bars and restaurants along Dien Bien Phu Street and areas near major hotels.

Cultural Events

Hai Phong hosts the famous Buffalo Fighting Festival and celebrates traditional Vietnamese holidays including Tet (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival. The flame flower trees bloom spectacularly in May-June, giving the city its nickname.

Sources: VinWonders, Oxalis Adventure

Daily life in Hai Phong moves at a slower pace than Vietnam's larger cities. The local culture maintains strong traditional values, with residents gathering in parks and coffee shops. Learning basic Vietnamese significantly enhances the expat experience, as English proficiency outside tourist areas is limited.

Getting Around

Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) is located just 6 km from the city center, offering domestic flights to major Vietnamese cities. The Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway connects the city to the capital in approximately 1.5 hours. Public buses operate on multiple routes including connections to the airport (Bus 16B) and Cat Hai Island (Bus 16C). Tickets cost VND 13,000-30,000 (USD 0.50-1.20). Motorbikes remain the primary local transportation mode; many expats rent or purchase motorbikes for daily commuting. Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate throughout the city.

Climate and Lifestyle

Hai Phong experiences a tropical monsoon climate with hot, rainy summers (May-October) and cool, dry winters (November-April). Average temperatures range from 23°C to 33°C. The city offers a mix of traditional markets, modern shopping at AEON Mall and Vincom Plaza, and abundant local restaurants. Seafood is a staple, with bánh đa cua (crab noodle soup) being a famous local specialty.

Sources: Cat Bi Airport, Haiphong Bus Routes

Hai Phong offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to Vietnam's major cities, making it attractive for budget-conscious expats. The average monthly cost of living is approximately USD 593, ranking it among the most affordable cities globally while providing modern amenities.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

A single professional can live comfortably on USD 800-1,200/month, including rent in a furnished apartment, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment. Those on tighter budgets can manage with USD 500-600/month by choosing local housing and dining primarily at local restaurants.

Sources: Numbeo, LivingCost.org