Peaceful retreat on Thien Van hill in the heart of Hai Phong city
VAN TUAN – DO QUYET – MINH NGUYEN•08/07/2025 09:16
Located in Phu Lien ward, Thien Van hill is one of the rare high spots in the heart of Hai Phong city, where nature, history, and science converge in harmony.
In recent years, Thien Van hill has become an ideal stop for those seeking a serene and fresh space amid the bustling cityThe hill comes alive from early morning or around 4 pm daily. Bicyclists can enjoy panoramic views of Hai Phong city from above and easily explore all attractions scattered across the hillIt’s a quiet place to rest and unwind, never too crowded or noisy, offering a comforting sense of intimacy, like the presence of a silent companionMidway up the hill lies a wide yard where locals and tourists alike can stroll and soak in the cool air. The path leading to the hill curves gently under the shade of old treesAt 113 m above sea level, the summit of Thien Van hill offers sweeping views of Hai Phong city. Surrounded by a pine forest attractive to tourists for bringing a green and refreshing atmosphere, the hill is often likened to a miniature Da Lat nestled in the heart of Hai Phong cityIn a city undergoing rapid urban development, Thien Van hill serves as a precious “green lung.” Many locals, especially the youth, hope to see the area preserved and enhanced to retain traces of an old observatory while being thoughtfully developed into a park of cultural and historical significancePhu Lien Observatory was the first structure built on the hilltop in 1902. With its French colonial architecture, the observatory became a familiar landmark in this port city. It provides hydrometeorological data for Northern Vietnam and is also called the Northeastern Hydrometeorological Station.
