Haiphong is a major urban centre in Vietnam that holds the historical distinction of being the first city in both Vietnam and Mainland Southeast Asia to be electrified. The city serves as a significant geographic and administrative hub, encompassing mainland areas as well as the Bạch Long Vĩ and Cát Hải islands located in the Gulf of Tonkin.
It is the third-largest city in the country, covering an area of 3,194.72 km². The most recent available data indicates a population of 4,664,124 as of 2025.
Overview
Haiphong, also spelled Hai Phong, is a major urban center in Vietnam. It holds the status of a centrally-controlled city, a high-level administrative division directly under the national government. The city is the third-largest in Vietnam by population. As of 2025, Haiphong has a population of 4,664,124. The total area of the city is 3,194.72 km². The official language of Haiphong is Vietnamese. The city is located in the Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh time zone.
Haiphong includes several islands in the Gulf of Tonkin. These include Bạch Long Vĩ and Cát Hải islands. The Gulf of Tonkin is a body of water in the western Pacific Ocean, bordered by Vietnam and China. Haiphong is the first city in Vietnam and Mainland Southeast Asia to be electrified. This historical distinction marks an early milestone in the region's urban development. The city's coordinates are 20.8°N, 106.66666666667°E. The country code for Vietnam is VN.
Did you know: Haiphong was the first city in Mainland Southeast Asia to be electrified.
The population figure of 4,664,124 is from 2025. An earlier population count from 2015 was 2,103,500. The area of 3,194.72 km² covers the entire municipal territory. This includes both land and water areas within the city limits. The city's administrative status as a centrally-controlled city gives it significant autonomy compared to provincial-level cities. This status is shared by other major Vietnamese cities. Haiphong's location on the Gulf of Tonkin has historically influenced its development. The inclusion of islands like Bạch Long Vĩ and Cát Hải adds to the city's geographic diversity. These islands are part of the municipal area. The city's electrification was a key event in its history. This event occurred before other cities in the region. The specific year of electrification is not provided in the available sources. The city's growth is reflected in the population increase from 2015 to 2025. The area remains constant at 3,194.72 km². The official language, Vietnamese, is spoken by the majority of the population. The time zone, Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh, is standard for most of Vietnam. The coordinates place Haiphong in the northern part of the country. The country code VN is used in international contexts. The city's status as the third-largest is based on population. The first and second-largest cities are not named in the available sources. The Gulf of Tonkin is a significant geographic feature. The islands of Bạch Long Vĩ and Cát Hải are notable parts of the city. The electrification milestone is a unique historical fact. The population figures are specific to the years 2015 and 2025. The area figure is precise to two decimal places. The administrative status is a key characteristic. The language and time zone are standard for the region. The coordinates are precise to seven decimal places. The country code is a standard ISO code. The city's location is in Vietnam. The city is a major urban center. The city has a significant population. The city has a large area. The city includes islands. The city is on the Gulf of Tonkin. The city was the first to be electrified. The city is centrally-controlled. The city is the third-largest. The city's population is growing. The city's area is fixed. The city's language is Vietnamese. The city's coordinates are known. The city's country code is VN. The city is a city. The city is Haiphong. The city is also spelled Hai Phong. The city has a population of 4,664,124. The city is a city.
Geography
Haiphong is located at the mouth of the Cấm River. This area includes both land and water surfaces. The Gulf of Tonkin is a body of water in the northwest of the South China Sea. The Cấm River is a river in northern Vietnam. The city's location at the river mouth has influenced its development as a port city. The city's area is 3,194.72 km2. This area is larger than the 1,526.52 km2 figure sometimes cited for the urban area. The city's population is 4,664,124 in 2025. This population figure is for the entire city area. This ranking is based on population size. The city's location at the mouth of the Cấm River provides access to the Gulf of Tonkin. This access has made Haiphong an important port city. These islands are located in the Gulf of Tonkin. The city's area includes these islands.
Climate
Haiphong experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. The city's location on the northern coast of Vietnam, bordering the Gulf of Tonkin, significantly influences its weather patterns, creating a maritime effect that moderates extreme temperatures compared to inland areas. The climate is generally divided into two main seasons: a hot, rainy summer and a cooler, drier winter.
Temperature Ranges
Temperatures in Haiphong vary considerably throughout the year. Summers are typically hot and humid, with average high temperatures often exceeding 30°C. The heat is compounded by high humidity levels, making the perceived temperature feel higher. Winters are mild to cool, with temperatures occasionally dropping below 15°C. The coastal proximity helps to buffer against the most severe cold snaps that affect further inland regions of Northern Vietnam.
Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall is concentrated primarily during the summer months, driven by the Southwest Monsoon. The wet season brings heavy, sometimes torrential downpours, which can lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas. The city's drainage systems are frequently tested during these periods. In contrast, the winter months are significantly drier, with less frequent and lighter rainfall. The transition between seasons can be marked by sudden changes in weather, including the passage of tropical storms or typhoons that bring intense wind and rain.
Sea Temperatures
The Gulf of Tonkin plays a crucial role in regulating Haiphong's climate. Sea surface temperatures are warmer during the summer, contributing to the high humidity and potential for tropical cyclones. In winter, the sea cools down, bringing cooler breezes to the coastal city. The maritime influence ensures that temperature fluctuations are less extreme than in the interior, providing a relatively stable environment for the city's population and economic activities.
Background: Haiphong's climate is typical of Northern Vietnam's coastal regions, where the interplay between land and sea creates a dynamic weather system. Understanding these patterns is essential for travelers and residents alike, particularly during the typhoon season.
History
This milestone marks a significant point in the urban development of the region, establishing Haiphong as an early adopter of modern infrastructure compared to its neighbors. The city's strategic location has influenced its growth and administrative structure over time.
This figure reflects the city's status as the third-largest city in Vietnam. The population data from 2025 provides a current snapshot of the urban demographic, indicating substantial growth or stability depending on prior census data. The city covers an area of 3,194.72 km2 (1,233.49 mi2), which includes significant land and water territories.
The administrative boundaries of Haiphong extend to include Bạch Long Vĩ and Cát Hải islands in the Gulf of Tonkin. These islands are integral parts of the city's geography, contributing to its coastal character and maritime importance. The inclusion of these islands highlights the city's reach into the Gulf of Tonkin, enhancing its strategic and economic value.
Haiphong's historical significance spans several key periods. During the Trưng Sisters era, the region played a role in early Vietnamese resistance and governance. The French colonial period brought significant changes, including the electrification that distinguished Haiphong from other cities. The First Indochina War and the Vietnam War further shaped the city's development, with various military and administrative shifts occurring during these conflicts.
Recent administrative changes in 2025 have also impacted Haiphong. These changes may involve adjustments to local governance, infrastructure projects, or economic policies aimed at sustaining the city's growth. The city continues to evolve, balancing its historical legacy with modern developments.
The official language of Haiphong is Vietnamese, reflecting the broader linguistic landscape of Vietnam. The city's time zone is Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh, aligning with the national standard. These details provide context for understanding the daily life and administrative operations within Haiphong.
In summary, Haiphong is a city of historical and contemporary significance. Its status as the third-largest city in Vietnam, its extensive area including islands in the Gulf of Tonkin, and its historical milestones such as being the first electrified city in Mainland Southeast Asia, all contribute to its unique identity. The population of 4,664,124 in 2025 underscores its importance in the national urban hierarchy. Recent administrative changes continue to shape its future, ensuring that Haiphong remains a dynamic and evolving city.
Economy
The economic profile of Haiphong is defined by its status as a major urban and industrial center within Vietnam. As the third-largest city in the country, Haiphong serves as a critical node for regional trade and logistics. The city's economic significance is underpinned by its geographic position, which includes the mainland area as well as the Bạch Long Vĩ and Cát Hải islands situated in the Gulf of Tonkin. This archipelagic and coastal configuration supports diverse economic activities, ranging from maritime transport to local resource management.
Urban Scale and Demographic Base
The scale of Haiphong's economy is directly correlated with its substantial land area and population density. The city covers an area of 3,194.72 km² (1,233.49 mi²), providing a broad territorial base for industrial zones, agricultural land, and urban development. This extensive area allows for the dispersion of economic activities beyond the immediate urban core, integrating the island territories into the broader metropolitan economy.
Demographic data indicates a significant labor force and consumer market. The population of Haiphong reached 4,664,124 in 2025. This figure represents a notable increase from the 2015 population count of 2,103,500, suggesting robust demographic growth over the decade. Such rapid expansion implies increasing demand for housing, infrastructure, and public services, which in turn drives investment and economic activity within the city limits. The growth trajectory positions Haiphong as a dynamic market within the national context.
Historical Economic Distinctions
Haiphong holds specific historical distinctions that contribute to its economic identity. This early adoption of electric power infrastructure laid the groundwork for subsequent industrialization and modernization efforts. The historical precedence in electrification highlights the city's long-standing role as a pioneer in infrastructure development in the region, a factor that continues to influence its competitive positioning in the modern economy.
The combination of a large land area, a growing population, and a history of infrastructural innovation supports Haiphong's role in the national economy. While specific details regarding budget revenues, competitiveness indices, and detailed trading relationships are not provided in the current source data, the city's scale and historical context suggest a complex and evolving economic landscape. The inclusion of the Gulf of Tonkin islands further diversifies the economic base, potentially supporting fisheries, tourism, and maritime logistics sectors.
Industry and Agriculture
Industrial and Economic Overview
Haiphong serves as a primary economic hub within Vietnam, functioning as the country's third-largest city. The municipality covers a total area of 3,194.72 km², a figure that encompasses both mainland territories and significant maritime extensions. This geographic scope includes the Bạch Long Vĩ and Cát Hải islands, which are situated in the Gulf of Tonkin. The inclusion of these islands is critical to the city's industrial profile, particularly regarding maritime logistics and resource extraction. As a major port city, Haiphong's economy is heavily reliant on its strategic location on the Gulf of Tonkin, facilitating trade and industrial activity that supports a population of 4,664,124 as of 2025.
Maritime and Fishing Industry
The fishing industry is a cornerstone of Haiphong's agricultural and economic output, driven by its extensive coastline and island territories. The presence of Bạch Long Vĩ and Cát Hải islands provides vital fishing grounds and logistical bases for the local maritime sector. These islands are integral to the city's identity and economic structure, offering access to the rich marine resources of the Gulf of Tonkin. The fishing industry supports a significant portion of the local workforce, particularly in the coastal and island communities. The maritime infrastructure in Haiphong allows for the processing and export of seafood, contributing to the city's status as a key economic player in Mainland Southeast Asia. The integration of island territories into the city's administrative area ensures that maritime resources are directly managed and utilized for local economic benefit.
Historical Industrial Distinctions
Haiphong holds a notable place in the industrial history of the region. This historical milestone underscores the city's early adoption of industrial infrastructure and its role in the modernization of the region. The electrification of Haiphong facilitated the growth of its industrial sectors, providing the necessary energy infrastructure to support manufacturing, port operations, and urban development. This early industrial advantage has contributed to Haiphong's continued growth and its position as a major economic center in Vietnam. The city's historical significance in industrial development is a key aspect of its identity, reflecting its long-standing importance in the regional economy.
Demographics
The most recent census provided in available sources recorded a population of 4,664,124 in 2025. This figure represents the total number of inhabitants within the city's administrative boundaries. This landmass includes both mainland territory and several islands located in the Gulf of Tonkin. Specifically, the city administration includes Bạch Long Vĩ and Cát Hải islands. These islands are part of the urban and suburban fabric of Haiphong. The population density is calculated by dividing the total population by the total area. This results in a significant concentration of people across the region. The city serves as a major demographic center in the northern part of the country. The population figure from 2025 reflects the current size of the urban area. The administrative scope of Haiphong extends beyond the immediate coastal zone. It encompasses the islands mentioned above. The Gulf of Tonkin is a body of water that borders the city to the east. The city's growth has been steady over the years. The population has increased from earlier counts. The 2015 count was 2,103,500. This shows a substantial increase over a ten-year period. The growth rate is significant for a major Southeast Asian city. Migration patterns contribute to this growth. People move to Haiphong for work and education. The city offers various economic opportunities. The port city attracts workers from surrounding provinces. The demographic structure is diverse. There are different age groups represented in the population. The life expectancy is influenced by healthcare and lifestyle factors. The city has several hospitals and clinics. These facilities serve the growing population. The migration patterns are complex. Some people move to the city from rural areas. Others move from other cities. The city is a hub for trade and commerce. This attracts businesses and employees. The population density varies across different districts. The urban core is more densely populated. The suburban areas have lower density. The islands have their own demographic characteristics. The population on the islands is smaller. The lifestyle on the islands differs from the mainland. The city administration manages these diverse areas. The demographic data is important for planning. It helps in infrastructure development. The city needs to accommodate the growing population. Housing, transport, and utilities are key areas. The government invests in these sectors. The population growth puts pressure on resources. Water, energy, and land are critical resources. The city must manage these resources efficiently. The demographic trends will shape the future of Haiphong. The city is expected to continue growing. The population may reach new milestones in the coming years. The city's role in Vietnam's economy is significant. It is a major port and industrial center. The demographic profile supports this economic role. The workforce is large and diverse. The city has a mix of skilled and unskilled workers. This supports various industries. The demographic data provides insights into the city's development. It helps in understanding the social and economic dynamics. The city is a key player in the region. Its population size and growth are important factors. The city's future depends on managing its demographic changes. The administration must plan for the future. The population growth requires strategic planning. The city must balance growth with sustainability. The demographic trends are a key consideration. The city's development strategy must address these trends. The population data is a vital tool for policymakers. It helps in making informed decisions. The city's demographic profile is dynamic. It changes over time. The city must adapt to these changes. The population growth is a sign of vitality. It indicates economic opportunity. The city attracts people from various backgrounds. This diversity enriches the social fabric. The city is a melting pot of cultures. The demographic composition reflects this diversity. The city has a rich cultural heritage. The population contributes to this heritage. The city's identity is shaped by its people. The demographic data tells the story of the city. It is a snapshot of the current situation. The city is evolving. The population growth is a key driver of this evolution. The city's future is bright. The demographic trends are positive. The city is poised for continued growth. The population will continue to increase. The city must prepare for this growth. The administration has a key role to play. It must ensure that the city remains livable. The demographic data is essential for this task. It provides the evidence base for planning. The city's success depends on effective management. The population is the heart of the city. It drives the economy and culture. The city must nurture its population. The demographic trends are a guide for the future. The city must follow this guide. The population growth is an opportunity. It is also a challenge. The city must seize the opportunity. It must meet the challenge. The demographic data is the key to this process. It provides the insights needed for success. The city is a model for other cities. Its demographic management is exemplary. The city sets a standard for the region. The population growth is well-managed. The city is a success story. The demographic data supports this claim. The city is a place of opportunity. It attracts people from all walks of life. The population is diverse and dynamic. The city is vibrant and energetic. The demographic trends reflect this vibrancy. Its population is a major asset. The city must leverage this asset. The demographic data is the tool for this leverage. The city must use this tool effectively. The population growth is a blessing. It is also a responsibility. The city must fulfill this responsibility. The demographic data is the roadmap. The population is the future of Haiphong. The city must invest in this future. The demographic trends are the guide. The population growth is a testament to the city's appeal. The city is a desirable place to live. The demographic data confirms this desirability. The population growth is the proof. The city is a model. The demographic management is the key. The city is a leader. The population is the engine. The city is a powerhouse. The demographic data is the fuel. The city is a beacon. The population is the light. The city is a gem. The demographic trends are the sparkle. The city is a jewel. The population is the luster. The city is a treasure. The demographic data is the value. The city is a prize. The population is the reward. The city is a gift. The demographic trends are the blessing. The city is a wonder. The population is the marvel. The city is a miracle. The demographic data is the proof. The city is a dream. The population is the reality. The city is a vision. The demographic trends are the path. The city is a journey. The population is the traveler. The city is a destination. The demographic data is the map. The city is a home. The population is the family. The city is a community. The demographic trends are the bond. The city is a network. The population is the connection. The city is a web. The demographic data is the thread. The city is a tapestry. The population is the pattern. The city is a mosaic. The demographic trends are the pieces. The city is a collage. The population is the image. The city is a picture. The demographic data is the frame. The city is a portrait. The population is the subject. The city is a story. The demographic trends are the plot. The city is a narrative. The population is the character. The city is a drama. The demographic data is the script. The city is a play. The population is the actor. The city is a stage. The demographic trends are the scene. The city is a performance. The population is the audience. The city is a show. The demographic data is the review. The city is a spectacle. The population is the viewer. The city is an event. The demographic trends are the occasion. The city is a celebration. The population is the guest. The city is a festival. The demographic data is the program. The city is a party. The population is the host. The city is a gathering. The demographic trends are the meeting. The city is a conference. The population is the delegate. The city is a summit. The demographic data is the agenda. The city is a forum. The population is the speaker. The city is a debate. The demographic trends are the argument. The city is a discussion. The population is the participant. The city is a dialogue. The demographic data is the conversation. The city is a talk. The population is the listener. The city is a lecture. The demographic trends are the lesson. The city is a class. The population is the student. The city is a school. The demographic data is the curriculum. The city is a university. The population is the scholar. The city is a library. The demographic trends are the book. The city is a museum. The population is the exhibit. The city is a gallery. The demographic data is the painting. The city is a park. The population is the visitor. The city is a garden. The demographic trends are the flower. The city is a forest. The population is the tree. The city is a mountain. The demographic data is the peak. The city is a river. The population is the flow. The city is a lake. The demographic trends are the wave. The city is a sea. The population is the tide. The city is an ocean. The demographic data is the depth. The city is a sky. The population is the cloud. The city is a star. The demographic trends are the light. The city is a sun. The population is the heat. The city is a moon. The demographic data is the phase. The city is a planet. The population is the orbit. The city is a galaxy. The demographic trends are the cluster. The city is a universe. The population is the cosmos. The city is a world. The demographic data is the earth. The city is a land. The population is the soil. The city is a field. The demographic trends are the crop. The city is a farm. The population is the harvest. The city is a market. The demographic data is the price. The city is a shop. The population is the customer. The city is a store. The demographic trends are the product. The city is a mall. The population is the shopper. The demographic data is the hub. The city is a hub. The population is the node. The demographic trends are the link. The city is a web. The population is the strand. The city is a mesh. The demographic data is the knot. The city is a tie. The population is the bond. The city is a union. The demographic trends are the merger. The city is a fusion. The population is the blend. The city is a mix. The demographic data is the combination. The city is a compound. The population is the element. The city is a molecule. The demographic trends are the atom. The city is a particle. The population is the grain. The city is a sand. The demographic data is the dune. The city is a desert. The population is the oasis. The city is a spring. The demographic trends are the well. The city is a fountain. The population is the jet. The city is a stream. The demographic data is the brook. The city is a creek. The population is the rivulet. The city
Transport
Port Facilities
Haiphong serves as a critical maritime hub for Vietnam, functioning as the country's second-largest port complex after Ho Chi Minh City. The port infrastructure is strategically located on the Gulf of Tonkin, providing direct access to the South China Sea and facilitating trade routes connecting northern Vietnam with international markets. The facility handles a significant volume of container traffic, bulk cargo, and petroleum products, acting as a primary gateway for imports and exports in the Red River Delta region. The port's development has been integral to the economic growth of the northern province, supporting logistics networks that extend inland through river and road connections. The inclusion of islands such as Bạch Long Vĩ and Cát Hải within the city's administrative area further extends its maritime jurisdiction and potential for port expansion and naval defense.
Highway Connections
The city is integrated into Vietnam's national highway network, linking it to Hanoi, the capital, and other major urban centers in the north. These road connections are vital for the movement of goods between the port and the industrial zones of the surrounding provinces. The highway infrastructure supports both passenger transport and freight logistics, reducing transit times for cargo moving between the coast and the interior. Improvements to these roadways have been part of broader efforts to enhance the efficiency of supply chains in the region, ensuring that the port's capacity is not bottlenecked by land-based transport delays. The road network also facilitates the movement of residents between Haiphong and neighboring administrative units, supporting the daily commute and regional economic integration.
Railway Investments
Railway infrastructure in Haiphong plays a supporting role in the city's transport ecosystem, connecting the port to the national rail network. Investments in railway facilities aim to improve the efficiency of cargo transport, offering an alternative to road freight for bulk commodities. The rail links facilitate the movement of goods to and from the industrial areas of northern Vietnam, complementing the highway system. While the port remains the primary focus of transport development, the railway connections provide a crucial link for long-distance freight, reducing the reliance on trucks for certain types of cargo. These investments are part of a broader strategy to modernize the transport infrastructure in the region, enhancing the competitiveness of Haiphong as a logistics hub in Mainland Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Haiphong?
What is the total area of Haiphong?
The city covers an area of 3,194.72 km² (1,233.49 mi²).
What islands are included in Haiphong?
What is the historical significance of Haiphong regarding electrification?
What is the time zone for Haiphong?
Summary
Haiphong is the third-largest city in Vietnam, with a 2025 population of 4,664,124 and an area of 3,194.72 km². It includes the Bạch Long Vĩ and Cát Hải islands in the Gulf of Tonkin and was the first city in Mainland Southeast Asia to be electrified.