If you’re dreaming of a coastal city where bustling harbors meet tranquil rivers, hidden lagoons, and peaceful freshwater lakes, then Hải Phòng is the perfect place to cast your line. Known as the “Flamboyant City,” Hai Phong blends its busy port life with a surprising number of quiet, natural fishing areas that feel worlds away from the urban center.
Whether you’re planning guided Hai Phong fishing tours, weekend Hai Phong Fishing Trips, or long, relaxed Hai Phong Fishing Holidays, this updated 2025 guide will walk you through the best fishing destinations, insider tips, and practical travel advice from a blogger who’s spent years exploring the region.
Hải Phòng’s geography is unique:
✔ A massive coastline along the Gulf of Tonkin
✔ Numerous rivers flowing toward the sea
✔ Quiet freshwater lakes hidden within suburban villages
✔ Direct access to Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay
This blend of freshwater and saltwater environments means anglers enjoy a huge variety of fish species—and plenty of stunning scenery.
2025 has also seen the expansion of eco-tourism zones, newly managed fishing areas, and better infrastructure around Cat Hai and Thuy Nguyen districts, making fishing more accessible than ever.
Here are the best and most rewarding places for Fishing in Hai Phong, covering freshwater lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas.
Do Son is famous for its beaches, resorts, and lush hills—but it’s also a productive saltwater fishing hotspot.
What you can catch:
🐠 Mackerel, snapper, sea bass, trevally, squid
Why it’s worth your time:
Wide and open coastal areas
Ideal for casting, shore fishing, and night squid fishing
Boat rentals available for short offshore trips
Perfect for saltwater Hai Phong Fishing Trips
2025 update:
New night-fishing services now operate on Do Son’s Zone II, with LED squid lights and gear rental included.
One of Hai Phong’s most iconic rivers, Lạch Tray flows straight through the city. Yet despite the urban environment, it’s full of fish—especially near quieter banks.
Species:
🐟 Catfish, carp, tilapia, snakehead
What anglers enjoy here:
Easy access from anywhere in the city
Plenty of shaded banks
Suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers
Great for quick afternoon fishing sessions
Local tip:
Try fishing under the bridge shadows in early morning—they’re natural fish gathering zones.
Thủy Nguyên, just across the river from downtown, is considered the “countryside zone” of Hai Phong, filled with green hills and peaceful lakes.
Best lakes for fishing:
Hồ Sông Giá
Hồ Trung Hà
Hồ Khe Dương
Fish species:
🎣 Bighead carp, grass carp, silver carp, tilapia, snakehead
Why anglers love it:
Open, spacious natural lakes
Surrounded by lush greenery
Low-cost day passes
Ideal for long, relaxing fishing days
2025 update:
Several lakes now offer improved access roads and new fishing huts.
Cat Hai is the main gateway to Cat Ba Island, and its surrounding waters are rich with marine life.
Fish species:
🐠 Grouper, snapper, tuna (seasonal), barracuda, squid
Why Cat Hai is ideal:
Clean, less crowded waters
Beautiful sunset fishing sessions
Plenty of local boat captains offering guided trips
Perfect for premium Hai Phong fishing tours or tailored Hai Phong Fishing Packages
Bonus:
Combine fishing with seafood dining at floating restaurants—fresh catches guaranteed.
This southern district is known for its traditional culture—and dozens of natural ponds and calm lakes.
Fish species:
🐟 Carp, grass carp, catfish, snakehead
Why you should visit:
Quiet, rural landscapes
Always stocked with natural fish
Friendly local fishing culture
Cheap and relaxing for full-day sessions
This is a great stop during longer Hai Phong Fishing Holidays.
An Lão is another local favorite, especially for carp fishing.
Best features:
Clear freshwater
Easy road access
Great for both float and feeder fishing
Scenic surroundings for photography
Best time:
Sunrise to late morning.
Fishing conditions in Hai Phong vary with the seasons—especially for saltwater spots.
✔ Best for freshwater carp and catfish
✔ Mild weather and fewer tourists
✔ Prime saltwater fishing season
✔ Ideal for squid & offshore species
⚠ Watch out for occasional summer storms
✔ Great for big carp in lakes
✔ Popular for river fishing
✔ Cool, comfortable climate
Even if you join full-service Hai Phong fishing tours, these essentials help ensure the best experience:
🧢 Hat & sun protection
🚰 Drinking water
🦟 Mosquito spray (especially in rural lakes)
🎣 Your preferred fishing rod (optional – rentals available)
📸 A camera for Cat Hai & Do Son views
💰 Small cash for bait and lake fees
🌧 Lightweight raincoat (weather can change fast)
Hai Phong now offers more diverse fishing services than ever before.
Ideal for short visits and quick fishing sessions. Includes:
Rod rental
Bait
Local guide
Choice of lake or river
Great for experienced anglers. Includes:
Multiple fishing locations
Boat option (river or coastal)
Lunch at a seaside restaurant
Cooler box for your catches
Recommended for dedicated fishing holidays. Includes:
Your choice of freshwater or saltwater locations
Transportation
Boat trips to Cat Hai or Do Son
Accommodation
Optional night squid fishing
✨ Saltwater fishing is best at dawn or after sunset
✨ Use natural bait such as shrimp, worms, small crabs, or anchovies
✨ Chat with local fishers—they will tell you exactly where fish are biting
✨ Bring anti-slip shoes for rocky coastal areas
✨ Watch the tides—Hai Phong’s coastal fishing depends heavily on tidal flow
✨ Respect marine zones and avoid busy shipping lanes
📍 How to get there: Easy 2-hour drive from Hanoi via the Hà Nội – Hải Phòng Expressway
🚕 Local transport: Taxi, motorbike rental, or Grab
⛴ Island access: Ferries to Cat Hai & Cat Ba run frequently
🛏 Where to stay:
Harbour hotels in Hai Phong City
Beachfront resorts in Do Son
Homestays on Cat Hai Island
🍜 What to eat:
Hải Phòng spicy fish noodle soup (bún cá cay)
Crab spring rolls
Fresh grilled oysters
Famous red rice cakes (bánh đa đỏ)
Fishing pairs perfectly with Hai Phong’s food culture—fresh seafood after a long fishing trip is a must.
From vibrant coastal zones to peaceful countryside lakes, Hai Phong offers some of the most diverse fishing environments in northern Vietnam. Whether you prefer casting from the shore, floating quietly on a river, or hopping onto a small boat to chase saltwater species, Fishing in Hai Phong has something for everyone.
With improved access, upgraded services, and a warm fishing community, it’s the perfect place to enjoy Hai Phong fishing tours, plan relaxing Hai Phong Fishing Holidays, or book custom Hai Phong Fishing Packages that suit your style.
