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15 Best Day Trips from Hanoi

Hanoi is the ancient capital of Vietnam. It’s a city that can trace its long lineage back thousands of years; a city that has seen many different people and cultures come and go and leave their marks on the land through the ages.

From the Chinese to the French, there are influences in the food, architecture, and language of Hanoi from across the world.

In recent years, the northern Vietnamese city has slowly begun to open itself up to tourism, as the locals shrug off repression and open their doors.

It’s an interesting city to visit, and Hanoi’s prime location and position as the capital makes it an excellent place from which to explore the rest of the north of the country.

The iconic Halong Bay, with its floating villages and towering limestone karst rocks, is found on the nearby coastline, while ancient temples and traditional villages can be found across the spectacular, verdant countryside.

There are plenty of day trip opportunities from Hanoi, and here are the best of them.

1. Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

A trip to Halong Bay is top of any travelers list when visiting the north of Vietnam.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most world-renowned natural wonders in Southeast Asia – to miss seeing it in person would be a travesty.

Yes, it can be busy and touristy, but this attraction far exceeds its reputation and will leave you reeling from shock when you see the beauty.

Tall, limestone karsts are arrayed across the water for miles and there are many hidden caves and coves waiting to be explored.

There are almost 2000 individual islands in the area – it would be impossible to explore every single one.

The best way to see Halong Bay on a day trip, is, of course, to take a cruise through the spectacular scenery.

Recommended tour : Halong Day Tour: Islands, Caves, Kayak with Dragonfly Cruise

2. Haiphong

Haiphong, Vietnam

Haiphong is a sprawling, industrial city on the coast, used by some as a gateway to Halong Bay but not truly really visited by many for long.

Give the city a chance though – look past the urban, steely gaze and explore the unique, French styled, colonial architecture that’s found in the old center and the hidden but surprisingly green, tree-filled parks.

There is an intriguing museum where you can learn more about this overlooked Vietnamese city, while you can visit the Du Hang Pagoda to see more of the Buddhist influence too.

3. Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba is the largest of the many islands off the coast of Vietnam.

It’s found at the southern edge of Halong Bay; from the seafront, you see the thousands of other islands sprawled across the horizon.

As well as being an entrance point to the famous bay, it’s also an interesting destination in its own right, offering visitors a vast, green national park to explore.

The scenery here is wild and untouched, and the island is only sparsely populated, meaning there is a lot of that wild scenery to go around.

Explore the national park and make sure to visit the intriguing Cave Hospital, which was hidden away in the forests and used during the Vietnam War.

Available 2 day cruise : Mon Chéri Cruise 5 Star: Unique 2 Days Halong Bay & Cat Ba

4. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh

As far as northern Vietnamese cities go, Ninh Binh is very much an unknown and unexplored destination.

Found just 100 kilometers to the south of Hanoi, it makes for an excellent, off the beaten track day trip.

Ninh Binh can’t remain hidden for long though, because it is utterly spectacular.

The area is a maze of rivers and waterways, as this is the Red River Delta.

There are beautifully green rice paddies and grazing pastures, while the Phat Diem Cathedral is an iconic piece of Christian history to be seen.

Hoa Lu, Vietnam

Hoa Lu is one of Vietnam’s historical capital cities, an ancient place that was once the center of life and politics during the middle ages.

Although it was superseded by Hanoi, it remains an important tourist destination.

It’s found close to Ninh Binh – but certainly worth a day trip by itself – and is in a beautiful location, surrounded by rivers and high limestone rocks.

The setting is as dramatic as it gets anywhere in Vietnam, but add to this the culture and immense history of Hoa Lu and you have one of the best sights in the country to see.

Top rated tour : Full Day Hoa Lu & Tam Coc: Small Group Tour & Buffet Lunch

6. Trang An

Trang An, Ninh Binh

Trang An is one of the most incredible areas in the Ninh Binh district.

It’s not far from Hanoi, so this area of immense natural beauty is fast becoming a popular trip for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in greenery rather than concrete.

There is a vast network of rivers and deltas to explore, but the highlight is taking a boat to an enormous cave complex that’s hidden away in the mountains.

Available tour : Full-Day Trang An, Hoa Lu, Mua Cave – Group Tour with Lunch

7. Van Long

Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long Nature Reserve is also found near Ninh Binh, and this scenic area of protected wilderness tends to be much quieter than the other points of interest in the region.

It’s the best place south of Hanoi to simply lose yourself in the vast beauty of Vietnam.

This is a haven for unique animals and wildlife too, and it’s becoming a favorite for bird watchers looking to spot many of the rare species found here, living along the river and amongst the limestone karsts that create such a domineering landscape.

8. Cuc Phuong

Cuc Phuong Jungle Path

Cuc Phuong National Park is located to the south of Hanoi and it’s the largest national park in Vietnam.

It’s a huge area of protected land and offers visitors some of the best outdoor experiences in the country.

The scenery is magnificent, and there are many hikes through the park which allow you to enjoy that scenery at its best.

There’s also a fascinating primate rescue center to visit, where you can find out more about the rare and, in many cases, endangered species of monkey that are found in the wild here.

Ba Vi, Vietnam

Ba Vi is a national park that’s found just 60 kilometers to the west of Hanoi’s city center.

It makes for an excellent outdoor day trip from the capital and is known for the many temples that are found in the forests here – some sit in striking position atop the various hills in the area.

There are waterfalls – even a water park nearby – and plenty of hikes to undertake amongst the beautiful scenery.

10. Mai Chau Valley

Mai Chau Valley

The Mai Chau Valley is the quintessential picture of Vietnam.

This breathtaking, green valley is exactly what you will imagine if you picture the Vietnamese countryside.

In fact, if you see a picture of the Vietnamese countryside, it might well be of the valley.

Extensive rice fields are surrounded by high hills and mountains, and life in the valley has changed little in hundreds of years.

It’s a refreshing escape from Hanoi, to the south-west of the city.

You can easily visit in a day, but many travelers will find themselves staying in this peaceful valley for much longer.

Suggested tour : 2-Day Mai Chau Valley Tour from Hanoi: Homestay, Bike & Trek

11. Perfume Pagoda

Perfume Pagoda, Hanoi

The Huong Pagoda, otherwise known as the Perfume Pagoda to tourists, is the centerpiece of a dramatic complex of temples and pagodas that are found in the spectacular mountains of Huong Tich, a place of limestone rocks and endless caves.

The Perfume Pagoda is incredibly popular with tourists, of course, because it’s close to Hanoi and is absolutely stunning.

But it’s also incredibly popular with Buddhist pilgrims; any day of the week you can expect the gates and steps to the temples to be very busy.

Get here as early as you can to enjoy any serenity.

Available tour : Full-Day Perfume Pagoda Small-Group Tour

12. Tam Dao Hill Station

Tam Dao Hill Station

Found in the cool hills to the north of Hanoi, the Tam Dao Hill Station makes for a spectacular – and at times cold – escape from Hanoi.

The hill station was originally built by the French, as the Europeans wanted to escape the heat of Hanoi in summer.

Now, it’s still used as a hilltop resort, but the French architecture is gone.

Views of the surrounding area are wonderful and there are many hiking opportunities to be had amongst the hills.

13. Ho Citadel

Ho Citadel, Vietnam

The Ho Citadel is another of Vietnam’s historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The citadel was constructed in the 14th Century, by the Ho Dynasty, and for years it was the ruler’s base of power in Vietnam.

Today, the walls have crumbled and the citadel was abandoned long ago, but it’s still well preserved, unique and very interesting for those who have a love of local history.

It takes about three hours to reach the Ho Citadel from Hanoi, but you can pass through the beautiful Ninh Binh province on the way, to make the journey seem to fly past as you admire the wonderful countryside.

14. Van Phuc

Van Phuc Village, Vietnam

Van Phuc is just a few kilometers away from Hanoi, so this traditional Vietnamese village makes for an easy day trip from the city.

Van Phuc is the center of the ancient and very much refined craft of silk weaving.

Here, you can acquire some of the highest quality silk garments found anywhere in Asia, and of course, you can get them at a bargain price in comparison to many other countries.

15. Duong Lam

Duong Lam

Duong Lam is known as the Ancient Village because this is an incredibly traditional and cultural place, found along the banks of the Red River.

It’s an old place and can trace its origins back thousands of years.

There are many traditional pagodas and houses, and it’s an excellent demonstration of Vietnamese history and tradition.

15 Best Day Trips from Hanoi:

  • Cat Ba Island
  • Mai Chau Valley
  • Perfume Pagoda
  • Tam Dao Hill Station

The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips (2024)

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its incredible street food, charming colonial architecture in the Old Quarter, bustling markets, and the unique Train Street. 

However, there is so much more to explore beyond the city of Hanoi. The natural and cultural wonders surrounding Hanoi and northern Vietnam are simply amazing.

From UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ha Long Bay to breathtaking national parks such as Ba Vi National Park and Cuc Phuong National Park, the day trips you can take around Hanoi are absolutely incredible.

Hanoi is a fantastic starting point to discover the hidden gems and remote attractions of the region, as well as other parts of northern Vietnam.

On my visit to Vietnam, I went on several day trips around Hanoi. Let me give you a quick overview of my favorite Hanoi day trips.

1. Ha Long Bay

The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips - ha long bay

Ha Long Bay makes the first places, as it is truly breathtaking! As a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its thousands of limestone karsts and islands, it's an absolute paradise to explore with a boat tour for a day or even overnight.

The area consists of over 2000 limestone islands and islets rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. This incredible natural wonder is located just about 2.5 hours' drive away from Hanoi, making it one of the best day trips you can take from Hanoi.

You have the option of either a one-day trip or a multi-day trip, but for the ultimate experience, I highly recommend joining a boat trip that will take you around Ha Long Bay for at least two days. 

Trust me, waking up in the morning on a small cruise or sailboat amidst the mesmerizing limestone formations is simply incredible!

My day trip recommendations:

2-Day Cruise Trip

1-Day Ha Long Bay Cruise

2. Ninh Binh

The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips - ninh binh

Ninh Binh, a province often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land,” is a truly breathtaking place.

It boasts stunning natural wonders such as lakes, rivers, rice fields, caves, and magnificent limestone formations.

Once you arrive, you'll instantly understand why it earned that nickname.

The area is especially popular among tourists for what is called Mua Cave, which is not actually a cave but a complex of steep limestone cliffs rising from the ground, offering an amazing viewpoint from the very top. It's worth climbing up there to see the natural beauty of the region.

The scenery is simply out of this world! It's even been used as a filming location for several movies, including King Kong Skull Island.

Ninh Binh, Trang An, Bai Dinh, and Mua Cave Trip

Bai Dinh, Trang An, and Mua Cave Full-Day Tour

The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips - hoa lu

Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, is an incredible day trip from Hanoi! It's filled with magnificent temples and shrines dedicated to the ten emperors of the Dinh Dynasty.

The atmosphere and location of this historical capital are truly dramatic, nestled between breathtaking limestone formations and mountains.

If you have a passion for culture and a keen interest in history, Hoa Lu is undoubtedly one of the most interesting day tours to experience around Hanoi. But even if you're not into history, it's still a great way to spend the day exploring the beautiful temples and stunning scenery.

Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip

4. Perfume Pagoda

The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips - perfume pagoda

The Perfume Pagoda, nestled in the beautiful mountains southwest of Hanoi, is an incredible complex of Buddhist temples and shrines. It's one of Vietnam's most sacred sites and welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year.

A day trip to the Perfume Pagoda is a serene experience that starts with a peaceful boat journey lasting around 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, you'll then climb up several hundred steps to reach the pagoda. 

Just keep in mind that because of its proximity to Hanoi, the Pagoda can get quite busy with tourists, especially during the high season.

Full-Day Perfume Pagoda Private or Small-Group Tour

5. Cat Ba Island

The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips - cat ba island

Cat Ba Island, one of the largest islands in Halong Bay, is a must-visit gem that deserves a special spot on this list. This untouched paradise offers a unique and paradise-like experience. 

You can explore its national park and wilderness, soak up the beauty of its pristine white sandy beach for a relaxing sunbathing session, and even discover a remarkable sight – a cave hospital that played a vital role during the Vietnam War.

Ha Long – Lan Ha Bay: 3-Day Tour on 5-Star Cruise

6. Trang An

The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips - trang an

Trang An is an amazing destination within the Ninh Binh region near Hanoi. It's a magical blend of mountains, rivers, and gorgeous limestone caves that you can explore on a boat ride.

You'll find plenty of activities to enjoy in and around Trang An, such as kayaking, swimming, and visiting the nearby temples and pagodas. 

The highlight here, however, is taking one of the small wooden boats through the incredible caves and waterways, which is an unforgettable and unique experience.

Tucked away in the Ninh Binh region, Tam Coc is a truly magnificent landscape of limestone karsts, rice paddies, and winding rivers. This area was once known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam and you can still see this in its beautiful terraced fields. 

The most popular activity here is taking one of the small boats through the fascinating limestone caves which are simply magical. 

The boat ride takes about 2 hours and shows much of Vietnam's beautiful countryside.

8. Ha Giang Loop

The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips - ha giang loop

The Ha Giang Loop is an incredible motorbike tour around the north of Vietnam. It takes you through some of the most remote and untouched areas in northern Vietnam, including dense forests, tribal villages, and majestic mountains. 

The highlight of the Ha Giang Loop is a journey over the Quan Ba Pass and the Twin Mountains. This is an absolute must-see for anyone who loves adventure and exploring off the beaten path.

It's one of the most challenging routes in all of Asia due to its tough terrain – but the stunning landscapes and incredible culture make it totally worth it.

My trip recommendations:

2-Day 2-Night Motorbike Tour of Ha Giang Loop

9. Mai Chau Valley

The Mai Chau Valley is exactly what you would imagine the Vietnamese countryside to be. Here, you'll find lush green rolling hills, rice paddies, and small rural villages wherever you look.

It's a great place for a day trip if you want to escape the city life of Hanoi and experience authentic Vietnamese culture.

The Mai Chau Valley is home to various ethnic minority groups with unique cultures, including the White Thai people. You can go trekking through their villages, take a bike ride through the countryside, and admire the lush landscapes.

It's also one of the best places to try proper traditional food made from fresh, local ingredients.

Once again, you have the option to choose between a one-day or a two-day trekking and cycling trip. Personally, I believe that if you have the time, the two-day trip will give you a deeper insight into the traditional life here.

Mai Chau Full-Day Guided Trip with Lunch

Mai Chau Valley & Hill Tribes 2-Day Trek Tour

The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips - sapa

Sapa, far up in the north, is truly a hikers' paradise. From here, you can explore the breathtaking mountainous landscape that's filled with lush valleys, colorful hill tribe villages, rice terraces, and some of Vietnam's most magnificent views.

Visiting Sapa and staying with a Vietnamese family is an awesome way to immerse yourself in the life of a remote village. You'll be warmly welcomed by a local family and have the chance to learn about their rich culture, traditions, and way of life.

Sapa's true highlight however is Mount Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam and Indochina. You can take a cable car to reach the peak. The cable car ride takes about 15 min and the views from the top are simply breathtaking!

2-Day Sa Pa Ethnic Homestay Tour with Trekking

The Roof of Indochina – Fansipan Hiking Full-Day Trip

11. Bai Dinh

Bai Dinh, more specifically, the Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex, is an incredibly special place in Vietnam.

This amazing complex is home to hundreds of statues, stunning monuments, and the biggest Buddha in all of Vietnam, standing at 10 meters high.

It has become a popular destination, attracting people from all over the world who are eager to explore its rich history and learn more about the country's culture.

12. Cuc Phuong National Park

The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips - Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam's biggest national park, spanning over 22,000 hectares of lush green forest. It's an incredible place with a diverse range of flora and fauna.

You'll find 97 species of mammals, including the endangered langurs, 300 species of birds, 36 reptilian species, 17 amphibian species, 11 fish species, 2,000 species of vascular plants, and thousands of insect species.

What makes it even more special is the primate rescue center, where you can have an up-close and personal experience with some of the endangered primates. 

Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi

13. Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park is such a stunning place near Hanoi. It offers a unique opportunity to explore nature and learn about wildlife.

Not only does it boast breathtaking mountains, lush forests, and serene streams, but it's also home to some rare species of primates.

The national park is perfect for adventurous souls who love jungle trekking. There are plenty of trekking trails and super fun waterfalls to discover.

The park even has mysterious French ruins that add a touch of intrigue to the whole experience. Pretty cool, huh?

Ba Vi National Park Trekking Discovery Day tour

14. Bat Trang Village 

The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips - bat trang village

Bat Trang, an ancient pottery village, is a truly unique gem located not too far from the bustling city of Hanoi. It is full of culture, history, and craftsmanship, and is known for its exquisite ceramic and pottery products that are both functional and visually stunning. 

Here, you can engage in a hands-on pottery-making class where you not only get to experience the life of a local artisan but also craft your own unique piece.

Wander through the narrow alleys to find charming ceramic houses, and don't forget to buy some souvenirs from this cute little village.

Bat Trang Pottery ancient village

15. Duong Lam

Another ancient village near Hanoi is Duong Lam, where you can find stunning structures dating back to the 17th century.

Authentic traditional houses built from clay and laterite are scattered throughout this tranquil village, adding to its charm and beauty. It isn't a place that's often visited by tourists, so it still retains an air of mystery that makes it all the more fascinating.

Apart from admiring old housing structures, you can also take a leisurely walk through the village and explore local life. The friendly locals will be more than happy to share stories about their history and local culture.

8-Hour Countryside Tour to Duong Lam Village

Book Your Trip To Vietnam

Book Your Flight I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within Vietnam. Book Your Hotel My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com , as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings. Book Your Tours & Activities  I like finding and pre-booking tours with  Get Your Guide and Viator . You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities. Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees  I highly recommend  getting a Wise account  to withdraw money in Vietnam, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Vietnamese Dong. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to. Stay Connected Anywhere Getting an eSIM card from Airalo eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, so you can easily switch between mobile networks in over 190 countries worldwide without expensive roaming fees. Don't Go Without Travel Insurance Travel with confidence, knowing that Hey Mondo , my preferred travel insurance provider, has your back. Don't let illness, accidents, theft, or cancellations ruin your trip. As a Breathing Travel reader, you also get 5% off any policy purchased !

Hanoi Day Trips – Frequently Asked Questions

🏘 where should i stay in hanoi.

Hanoi is a great city with plenty of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to budget hostels, there is something to suit every taste. Popular areas in Hanoi include the Old Quarter, Ba Dinh District, and West Lake. To find out more about Hanoi's districts and hotels, check out my complete guide on  where to stay in Hanoi with all my recommendations.

📅 How many days should I spend in Hanoi?

The amount of time you should spend in Hanoi depends on your interests and the number of day trips you plan to take. If you want to explore all that Hanoi has to offer, then I would recommend spending at least 4-5 days in the city.

🌄 What is the best day trip from Hanoi?

This is a tough question to answer because there are so many incredible day trips from Hanoi. But let's be real, Ha Long Bay with its stunning waters and impressive limestone formations definitely takes the cake on this one!

🚤 Is visiting Halong Bay worth it?

Yes, absolutely! Its beauty will take your breath away, and the experience of cruising in a luxury cruise ship around Halong Bay's limestone islands is something you won't forget. But even if you're just going for a day trip, it's definitely worth it; the views are still breathtaking.

💰 Are Hanoi day trips expensive?

That depends on the type of day trip you choose. Some of the more popular trips, like Ha Long Bay, can be expensive, especially when wanting to stay on a more luxurious ship overnight. However, there are also a lot of cheaper options available, such as shared cabins, as well as visiting local villages and temples. Halong Bay cruises start at around US$50 for a day but can also get quite expensive, with up to US$200+ for a 2-day luxury cruise. With a bit of research, you should be able to find something that fits your budget.

Hanoi day trips – Final Words

When you're in Hanoi, exploring the wonders of northern Vietnam is an absolute must. From the absolutely stunning natural attractions like Ha Long Bay to the rich cultural sites such as Hoa Lu, there are so many amazing day trips you can take.

I know you won't be able to do all of them in one go, but at least this list of my favorite day trips will give you a better idea of what there is to do so you can maybe pick one or two.

Whether you're seeking adventure or simply want to delve deeper into the charm of Vietnam, make sure to add these best Hanoi day trips to your travel itinerary. With all these incredible options, you're bound to have a fantastic day or two away from Hanoi

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that – at absolutely no cost to you – we earn a small commission on sales generated through this website. We only recommend sites we actually use and thank you for your support!

About the Author: Breathing Travel

day trips in hanoi

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day trips in hanoi

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Hanoi Day Trips

Hanoi Day Trips

Best Day Trips from Hanoi

  • Motorbike Tours
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As a city, Hanoi can easily keep you busy. With narrow streets, sprawling street markets, countless fragrant food stalls along the streets to explore, you could spend a lifetime in this city and still return to beg for more. 

In spite of a wide variety of adventures to be had in Hanoi, there are too many chances for exploration outside the city limits. 

From famous historical landmarks to hidden gems and off the beaten track national parks nearby Hanoi, the city is waiting to ignite your wanderlust and inspire your passion for travel once more.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hanoi Day Trips

The Best Day Trips from Hanoi according to our reviews are: Hanoi Half-day Tour on Motorbike Halong & Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park with Kayaking and Swimming in Tranquil Lagoon Pedaling through Different Parts of Hanoi Halong Bay Full Day Tour with Kayaking and Seafood Lunch from Hanoi Small group Day Tour in Halong Bay with Luxury Shuttle and Highways ► See all Full-day Tours in Hanoi on Vietnam Discovery .

These hidden gems in Hanoi may have limited interaction with crowds: Hidden Hanoi Walking Morning Small Group Tour Small group Day Tour in Halong Bay with Luxury Shuttle and Highways Private Hanoi nightlife walking tour Halong bay one day cruise from hanoi ► See all Full-day Tours in Hanoi on Vietnam Discovery .

Basically, one day is only enough for you to get a taste of local Hanoi. Do not try to see too much. If you just have 1 Day in Hanoi , it is important for you to look for some Hanoi Day Trips getting around or near Hanoi Old Quarter, the central area of Hanoi)

The first and foremost vehicle to explore the area of Hanoi Old Quarter is electric cars since it is very easy to find them around Hanoi streets. Besides, this means of transportation is also suitable for small group tours because it is able to carry up to 8 passengers. Alternatively, you can also choose cyclo (Xích Lô in Vietnamese) or riding a bicycle or even going on foot to explore Hanoi in your own way.

What to bring on your day trip in Hanoi will depend on the destination and the season you go. For the beach, it is a good idea to bring swim gear, sunscreen, etc. For trips to areas which are higher-elevated, it is advisable to bring warm clothes. Regardless of your destination, always bring plenty of water.

► Day trip to Halong Bay (174km – 2 to 4 hrs from Hanoi ) ► Day trip to Duong Lam Village (50km – 1hr15m by car from Hanoi) ► Day trip to Ninh Binh province (94km – 1hr30m south of Hanoi) ► Day trip to Bat Trang Village (16km – 40 mins by car from Hanoi) ► Day trip to Ba Vi National Park (62km – 2 to 3 hrs from Hanoi)

It is a smart choice to have a guided tour for day trips in Hanoi, particularly in more remote areas. Fear of local logistics or language has not been troublesome any more since the guided tour will provide you with peace of mind, convenience, safety and the chance to bond with fellow travelers.

Hanoi Day Trips Things to Do

Whether you are into strolling around the ancient walled city, or would prefer adventures like trekking in national parks, or mountain biking, rest assured that our Hanoi Day Trips will make the most of your time in and around Hanoi. They are especially perfect for solo travelers, families or small groups of any kind.

Most recommended Hanoi Day Trips things to do include: 

Long Bien bridge | Van Phuc Silk village | Perfume pagoda (Chua Huong) | Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) | Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam) | Vietnam Women’s Museum | St Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon) | Hoa Lo Prison | Hanoi Old Quarter | Bat Trang Ceramic Village | Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son temple) | Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre | Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex | West Lake (Ho Tay) | Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House (Nha Bac Ho) | Quang Ba Flower Market | Tay Ho Temple | Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME)

Things to Do Near Hanoi

Free Things to Do in Hanoi | Things to do in Halong Bay | Things to do in Ninh Binh | Things to Do in Sapa | Things to do in Hoi An | Things to do in Da Nang | Things to Do in Nha Trang | Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh | Things to Do in Phu Quoc | Things to Do in Mui Ne | Things to Do in Can Tho

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10 Affordable Day Trips From Hanoi

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Last Updated: October 13, 2023

There’s so much to love about Hanoi , the great capital city, located in Northern Vietnam . It is definitely a must-visit place if you are in Vietnam! The city is filled with spectacular scenery, banging street food, rich history and culture.

The great thing about Hanoi is that the city is surrounded by national parks and other provinces that are perfect for day trips if you want to escape the crowded streets of Hanoi.

Table of Contents

Take a day trip: 10 great, easy, & affordable options, 1. ninh binh.

Trang An Ninh Binh 1 - 10 Affordable Day Trips From Hanoi

Ninh Binh is famous for its jaw-dropping landscape, limestone karst rising up from bodies of water, alongside mysterious caves and lush paddy fields. No wonder ‘King-Kong: Skull Island’ was filmed here.

Most visitors start the day at Trang An. Here you should join a boat tour that takes you through a maze of rivers and waterways that is the Red River Delta. You will float through caves and glide past towering limestone karsts in a sampan.

affordable day trips from hanoi

After the boat ride in Trang An, you should definitely visit Tam Coc where you can explore the vast network of lime formations and check out amazing underground Tam Coc caves. These two places are just 10 minutes apart so it is very easy to travel from one to the other.

You can either take a bus, train or taxi from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Travelling by limo bus is the most cost-effective and comfortable way, priced at about 130,000 VND per one-way ticket.

Duration: 2-hour drive from the south of Hanoi

2. Ha Long Bay- UNESCO World Heritage Site

halong bay

One of the most popular destinations close to Hanoi is Halong Bay . An overnight cruise is a good way to truly enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it also makes for a great day cruise, which is more budget-friendly.

Visit Halong Bay and cruise around the majestic seascape; take in the picturesque limestone mountains, wondrous caves, sandy beaches, and amazing biodiversity. Places of interest include the floating villages, Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay, or Monkey Island, which is a great viewpoint and snorkelling spot. 

There’s so much to enjoy while taking in the natural beauty of Halong Bay, we even created a full guide to the best things to do in Halong Bay to prepare you for it!

The biggest island in Ha Long Bay is Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island offers a lot of interesting natural wonders. It has a national park that you can explore, nice beaches, and good food. Make some time to visit the famous Hospital Cave, tucked in the middle of the forests, it was operational during the Vietnam war.

Duration: 3 hours by boat, this will be a full day tour so it is best to book your itinerary in advance for a stress-free excellent trip.

3. Ho Citadel

ho citadel 01 1692454884 - 10 Affordable Day Trips From Hanoi

Another UNESCO World Historical Site in Vietnam, the Ho Citadel can be found in the remote backwaters of Thanh Hoa Province.

The citadel was built in the 14th Century by the Ho Dynasty and formed the rulers’ base of power in Vietnam. Lasting a mere 7 years, it nonetheless was a Dynasty of great historic significance . Additionally, UNESCO recognises that the citadel (built-in three months!) as an outstanding example of a new style of Southeast Asian imperial city.

The citadel is empty, no palace, no pagodas, no monuments. It is just the four walls surrounding the bare land. Interestingly, it now contains farmland, and which is actively used by Vietnamese farmers in the area. Stop by a local restaurant to sample fresh Northern Vietnamese food.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours by car

4. Mai Chau Valley

du lich mai chau 1541 e1446803922591 - 10 Affordable Day Trips From Hanoi

Allow the rural landscape to enchant you at Mai Chau Valley, and visit traditional villages to learn more about the different cultures of Vietnam. Take a sneak peek into the daily life of the Tai Dam and Tai Cao ethnic minorities who live in stilt houses that are elevated above ground in case of annual floods.

The best way to get around is by motorbike or bicycle – which you can rent from the hotels or shops in the area. You might also want to spend some time hiking around the beautiful rice paddies and take in the sights of jagged mountain ridges. Some of the most impressive views of the mountains and rice terraces are from the Thung Khe Pass.

Duration : Approximately 3 hours

5. Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park - 10 Affordable Day Trips From Hanoi

Home to the Muong ethnic minority, Co Phuong National Park is the first established and largest national park in Vietnam. While extremely popular as a destination for day trips from Hanoi, you can also choose to stay here overnight.

Head over here to be one with nature – get ready to hike around the rural landscapes of lush forests, swim into crystal clear lakes, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains.

Rich in Biodiversity and wildlife, the park is also running conservation programmes to protect the endangered species in the area, including primates, pangolins, and turtles.

The butterfly season is a great time to visit the national park, you will be able to see almost 400 different types of butterfly species. This runs from the end of April for about a month.

Duration : Approximately 3 hours by car. We recommend booking a private car.

6. Perfume Pagoda

2K5A3722 - 10 Affordable Day Trips From Hanoi

One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Vietnam, the Buddhist Perfume Pagoda is a complex of many temples, shrines, and houses built into the limestone cliffs of the Huong (Perfume) mountains.

Many visitors choose a boat ride along the Yen River to take them to the start of the temples, giving them a good view of the Vietnamese Buddhist architecture set amongst the mountains. After that, you have an option either to hike or take the cable car up to the top of Huong Tich mountain to visit Perfume Pagoda and Huong Tich Cave. Hiking to the Perfume Pagoda is a bit of a challenge, the steps are steep but the journey is worth it! You will be able to take in the peaceful surroundings and see different altars on the way up.

The cave is filled with stalagmites and stalactites, which are named after the blessings people seek. Dun Tien offers prosperity and Nui Co offers the chance of having a baby while Dun Gao is for people hoping for a bountiful harvest.

Duration: 2 hours by car.

7. Ba Vi National Park

affordable day trips in hanoi

If you are looking to immerse yourself in nature, a day trip from Hanoi to Ba Vi National Park is a great choice!

The national park has three peaks, visitors can hike through the towering mountains, rivers and tropic rainforest that is well preserved and protected. There is also an orchid garden that you can also enjoy.

Starting from the base, after about 45 minutes of hiking, the path forks to the different peaks. Take the left to Dinh But peak to see a shrine dedicated to the founder of modern Vietnam Ho Chi Minh. Take the right to see the shrine of Tan Vien, an immortal hero in Vietnamese legends.

If the sky is clear enough, you will be able to see Hanoi from the top. After a few hours hike, you could also enjoy some spa time in some of the resort’s hot springs and experience being in a mud bath for a refreshing finish!

Duration : Approximately 1 hour by car

8. Bat Trang Village

Bat Trang Ceramic Village - 10 Affordable Day Trips From Hanoi

If you are not keen to travel for hundreds of kilometres, Bat Trang Village is the trip for you. This day trip from Hanoi is only 13 kilometres or a short thirty minutes away from Hanoi Old Quarter.

Bat Trang Village is famous for being a ceramic and pottery centre. This is a great getaway for those wanting to understand more about Vietnam’s traditional crafts. It is said to have been established as early as the 10th century, and if not then by the 14th or 15th centuries.

A budget-friendly way to take in the sights is by walking around the village, immerse yourself in rural life, and window shop while you visit the porcelain and pottery workshops and stores. Otherwise, opt for a guided tour to better understand the history of the place and to find out the meanings behind different motifs on the pottery.

A fun thing to do would be to join a pottery workshop, a great way to enjoy the culture, and get a personalised souvenir to take home!

Villa Tam Dao 1 - 10 Affordable Day Trips From Hanoi

If Hanoi summer gets too hot for you, visit the cool mountain town of Tam Dao. It is about 70 km away from Hanoi, the drive is an hour and half long.

It was once a French hill resort that was built by Europeans to flee from the warm summer weather of Hanoi. It is still a hilltop resort but most of the French architecture is gone. One of the remainders is Tam Dao Stone Church, an iconic attraction built in 1906 which is symbolic of the town’s French connection. Not far away from the church, you will find one of Tam Dao’s hidden gems – the silver waterfalls known as Thác Bạc. An absolutely stunning waterfall that will make your day.

There are also some hiking opportunities you can do to visit the Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple and the viewpoint at the Tam Dao TV Tower that you can also explore.

10. Hoa Lu – Ancient Capital

hoa lu co do - 10 Affordable Day Trips From Hanoi

Hoa Lu is one of Vietnam’s ancient capital, it was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. Located 90km south of Hanoi in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province.

Known as the first capital of Vietnam, it was the focal point of the ancient Vietnamese Kingdom called Dai Co Viet. Once the centre of life and politics, it is now an important historic and cultural site.

Visit the ancient citadel, city walls, temples, tombs and pagodas. The two most significant sites here are the temple of Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor and the temple of Le Dai Hanh Emperor.

Day Tripper

If you are lucky enough to live in Hanoi, you have one week in Hanoi, spice up your time with these day trips from the capital city. Day trips are also some of the most budget-friendly ways to see North Vietnam, given that you do not need to book accommodation in a new place. From hiking to pottery making, from cruising to visiting historic sites, the list of things to do is never-ending. 

After a hard day’s work day-tripping, it’s time to eat some awesome must-try food from Hanoi.

Our publication is powered by our community.  Join the conversation on Facebook to find out and share great tips about Vietnam!

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The Top 7 Day Trips from Hanoi: How to Choose (Expert Guide)

The Top 7 Day Trips from Hanoi: How to Choose (Expert Guide)

Hanoi is the hub of Northern Vietnam. It is convenient to take day trips from Hanoi to explore the north of Vietnam.

In the east, Halong Bay is a world-renowned natural beauty spot, while to the south are the idyllic countryside of Ninh Binh and the dense green forests of Cuc Phuong National Park.

In this article, you can not only find out what day trip options are available, but also read our expert advice to help you choose trips that match your interests and situation.

1. Ninh Binh — for idyllic countryside scenery

  • Distance: about 100 km (60 miles) from Hanoi, a 2-hour drive

Ninh Binh is well-known for its stunning landscape, limestone karst, mysterious caves, and lush paddy fields.

It is an incredible experience to take a boat trip at Tam Coc or Trang An , which is promoted as "Halong Bay on Land" (if you'd like some help choosing between the two, contact us for an insider's suggestion). A 2–3-hour journey along a winding river and canals will allow you to enjoy views of mountain cliffs, paddy fields, and hidden caves.

It is also popular to take a bike trip around the countryside in Trang An and Tam Coc. En route, climb up to the Hang Múa viewpoint to enjoy a bird's-eye view of Ninh Binh.

2. Halong Bay — for UNESCO heritage seascape cruises

  • Distance: about 160 km (100 miles) from Hanoi, a 3½-hour drive

Halong Bay is a must-see attraction in Vietnam. It is a UNESCO Heritage site celebrated for its rugged limestone islets, karst caves, and turquoise water.

A one-day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay is possible, but not a nice choice. It is not worth a journey of about 4 hours (each way) just to stay a few hours on the bay. A 4–6-hour cruise trip would give you a quick tour around the famous landmarks of the Bay.

A 2-day cruise with one night on the boat is recommended for a more relaxing trip . You will have a chance to experience activities like cycling on an islet, swimming, and kayaking.

See our private Hanoi and Halong Bay tour for inspiration or contact us to solve any puzzles you may have, such as how to choose a suitable cruise, and how to choose between Halong Bay and nearby Bai Tu Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

3. Mai Chau Valley — for hiking or cycling through remote villages

  • Distance: about 140 km (87 miles) southwest of Hanoi, a 3½-hour drive

Mai Chau, located in an idyllic river valley, is an escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

Surrounded by a lush landscape and dotted with green rice paddies and small villages, this breathtaking valley is exactly what you might imagine if you picture the Vietnamese countryside.

If you're looking for an exciting adventure, Mai Chau might not a great option, but it's perfect for relaxing cycling or hiking.

It is possible to take a day trip, but many travelers spend a night there to experience the traditional stilted houses , which are home to the White Thai ethnic group.

Check out our sample itinerary including Mai Chau for inspiration.

4. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital — for a glimpse into Vietnam's history

  • Distance: about 90 km (55 miles) south of Hanoi, a 2-hour drive

If you are interested in the history of Vietnam, you could spend a day in Hoa Lu, which was once the capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Besides exploring historical relics, you can also hike up one of the small mountains surrounding the citadel to enjoy breathtaking views of the ancient capital.

5. Cuc Phuong National Park — for a green paradise

  • Distance: about 130 km (80 miles) from Hanoi, a 3-hour drive

If you are a nature lover, you can consider a day trip to Cuc Phuong National Park, which is one of Vietnam's largest parks and home to incredible biodiversity.

You can visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Central where rare primates of Vietnam are reared and rescued, discover the "Cave of Prehistoric Man", a place preserving archaeological sites of prehistoric people thousands of years ago, and enjoy a wilderness trek through the dense, verdant jungle valley to a giant ancient tree, where you can enjoy the beauty of fauna and flora.

One of the best times to visit is from April to May, which is butterfly season.

It is easily accessible from Ninh Pinh. Many travelers combine it with a Ninh Pinh trip.

6. Perfume Pagoda — for a mix of culture and scenery

  • Distance: about 50 km (30 miles) from Hanoi, 1-hour drive

If you want to have a cultural experience, you could take a day trip to Perfume Pagoda, which is one of the most sacred places in Northern Vietnam .

Beyond its complex of around 30 Buddhist shrines, it offers spectacular scenery of limestone cliffs and captivating caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

You can travel by boat to the base of a mountain and then climb the steps or opt to ride the cable car up to Huong Tich Cave.

Try to avoid weekends as it is busy with local people then.

7. Bat Trang Village — for local pottery

  • Distance: about 15 km (10 miles) from Hanoi, a ½-hour drive

Bat Trang Village is just a 30-minute drive away from Hanoi Old Quarter. It is a good day trip option if you don't want to spend too much time on the way.

Bat Trang Village is famous for being a ceramic and pottery center. It is a place often enjoyed by parents and children. You can walk around the village to immerse yourself in rural life, admire a wide selection of ceramics, and learn about Vietnam's traditional crafts. You could join in a pottery class to experience Vietnamese pottery making.

Let Us Help You Make the Most of Your Time

The easiest way to have a high-quality day trip from Hanoi is to travel with a customized guided tour that makes the most of your time. Our private transfers help you save time on the way and our experienced guides help you to avoid crowds and see the highlights in the best ways for you.

Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)

  • Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
  • Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.

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We made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

day trips in hanoi

Other highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,

Our day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.

We had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.

We visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.

Amazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!

We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion.

Guilin, but mostly Yangshuo was at the tail end of our China adventure so there was a lot to live up to. Having a guide like Gary Wei meant that our trip ended on a high! We arrived in Guilin very late from an 11 hour train journey. Gary met us with gifts of fruit, sweet bread and cakes which was so unexpected and thoughtful.Gary's knowledge of the area was exceptional and his attention to us the same. He really took our children under his wing - even tuning in to annoying sibling rivalry and managing to keep the peace very well! Gary was our personal photographer at times and even our Taiji instructor, making a beautiful video of us all doing Taiji in a scenic setting :)The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is definitely worth taking and we enjoyed our few nights in the area, riding bikes along the river, doing a cooking class and enjoying the scenery

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Incredible Day Trips From Hanoi, Vietnam

Get out of Hanoi and see the amazing limestone mountains and caves around Tam Coc

Hanoi is the kind of place where you’ll want to spend a few days and really explore all its museums, landmarks, restaurants and nightlife. But when the traffic and smog starts to drive you mad, leave the city behind and get out into the countryside on a day trip. It can be difficult to narrow your choices, so here are Culture Trip’s most recommended day trips out of Hanoi, Vietnam .

Looking for the whole package? With Culture Trip, you can experience the best of Hanoi, its surroundings and beyond with our Local Insider leading you. Check out the next departures for our epic 12-day adventure from Hanoi to Hoi An .

1. Duong Lam Ancient Village, for a traditional way of life

Historical Landmark

A farmer leading a water buffalo carrying vegetables and a person cycling next to them in Duong Lam Ancient Village

2. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, for historic architecture

The impressive stone gate with pagoda and flags at the entrance to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam

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4. Ba Vi National Park, for hiking trails

Natural Feature

To really engross yourself in nature, travel two hours west to Ba Vi National Park. There are three peaks that make the focal points of this park, and on the second tallest peak, Tan Vien, there’s an 11th-century shrine for the Mountain God. And after you’ve hiked the trails and gone for a swim, take a break in the spa.

5. Phat Diem Cathedral, for a glimpse into Vietnamese Catholicism

Cathedral, Church

Potted palm trees lining the street outside Phat Diem Cathedral complex, with a terracotta roof and pagoda towers

6. Perfume Pagoda, for natural beauty and cultural heritage

Buddhist Temple

People in boats on the Perfume Pagoda river, with forested hills behind

The Perfume Pagoda is a busy tourist spot in the region because Vietnamese Buddhists often make pilgrimages here. From February to April, crowds flock to this pagoda, so keep that in mind if you don’t want to bump shoulders with tour groups; but even at its busiest, the combination of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage still make this a day trip to consider. The boat trip alone to get to the pagoda is incredible enough to justify the trip.

7. Thay Temple, for a top-notch temple

Thay Temple, partially submerged in water, with a stone carved windows and a pagoda roof

8. Mai Chau Valley, for cycling through remote villages

A person walking across the rice fields in Mai Chau Valley

This valley is another picture-perfect spot, with rice paddies and lines of jagged mountain ridges. At over three hours, the journey from Hanoi is an effort, but once here you’ll get to experience the lifestyles of the region’s ethnic tribes. Overnight homestays are popular, but stopping in for one day is also a fine option. You can bike or trek through the remote villages and you’ll even have a chance to spot some rare and exotic wildlife.

Tempted? You can visit Mai Chau and enjoy a scenic bicycle ride as part of Culture Trip’s specially curated 12-day Vietnam adventure , led by our local insider.

9. Bat Trang Village, for local pottery

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

A man driving a motorcycle transporting large porcelain vases in the pottery village of Bat Trang

Bat Trang Village is just 30 minutes from the Old Quarter in Hanoi , so it’s a low-commitment excursion. The village is famous for its porcelain and ceramics, which are sought after throughout Asia because of their quality and traditional designs.

10. Ha Long Bay, for stunning scenery

A tour boat sailing around Ha Long Bay

Now to the crown jewel of tourism in Vietnam. Pretty much everyone who visits this country goes to Ha Long Bay. It’s page one of every travel guide ever written about Vietnam. It’s a mystical place – almost other-worldly – and famous for good reason. Even though Ha Long City is quickly going down the tubes, Ha Long Bay still deserves a day to take in the sights. We recommend you splurge on a fancy dinner boat, or a quality tour guide.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Top 22 Incredible Day Trips from Hanoi – Best Ideal for A Weekend Day Trips from Hanoi

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22 Amazing Places You Should Visit For A Day Trips from Hanoi

If you are looking for a place to travel around Hanoi with your family and friends to take a rest and relax within the day to get away from the bustling and noisy of city, Hanoi Explore Travel will suggest 21 Most Cheap and Best weekend trips from Hanoi

Some of them are in the top 50 most beautiful places of Asia voted by many prestigious travel magazines around the world. These places are not only attractive but also very convenient for you to move and explore within the day.

What are you waiting for without choosing quickly the place to visit near Hanoi for couples falling in love and your family ? It will surely brings great experiences as well as profound knowledge about Vietnamese culture and traditions.

Table of Contents

Most Popular & Romantic Day Trips from Hanoi for Couples, Family

Ha long bay – an amazing & romantic day trip from hanoi .

  • Address: Ha Phong, Halong City, Quang Ninh, Province. 170km from Hanoi
  • Open in Google Maps

This unique UNESCO World Heritage is one of the best quality beach travel destinations near Hanoi for trips with family and friends . Ha Long is not only famous for its beautiful, blue beaches and majestic limestone mountains but also shimmering, spectacular, enchanting stalactites.

Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Labyrinth Cave, Virgin Cave and Drum Cave are the 6 most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay that you should explore.

In addition, you can also visit the coastal fishing villages such as Vung Vieng, Cua Van and Ba Hang fishing villages … this is not only an interesting stop for travelers who like to learning about fishing life of fishermen. It is also a great place to take photos .

More for you:

  • How To Choose Your BEST Halong Bay 1 Day Cruise Tour?
  • Only Halong Bay 1 Day – What to do 1 Day in Halong Bay?
  • How to Make a Perfect Halong Bay Day Trip from Hanoi?

What should you travel ?

  • Rowing Kayak
  • Visiting fishing villages on the Bay
  • Swimming in blue water
  • Discovering beautiful caves
  • Trying mountain climbing
  • Participating in beach sports games
  • Seeing Ha Long Bay from hovercraft

For travelers who feel that self-sufficient Ha Long tourism is difficult , annoying and time consuming , Hanoi Explore Travel recommends choosing a tour. Currently there are 2 forms of tour as follows:

  • Free tour – “Free & Easy Tour”: Only shuttle bus and hotel .This is a new type of tour has appeared in Vietnam recently, for young people who want not to be constrained by a specific schedule but find it troublesome to find a way to go by themselves.
  • Package tour: Including from A – Z as shuttle, tour schedule, dining, accommodation. Package tour helps you get many points but save time, effort and money. This type of tour can visit the Bay 4 hours, 6 hours by yacht. There are many travel and price options.

view-from-peak-of-titop-mountain

There is a lot of cheating here, so don’t forget to study and find out thoroughly before booking a tour!

>>> Immerse yourself into the majestic view of Halong bay with Bay Day Trip 6 Hour Cruise from Hanoi to have a reasonable itinerary for your day trip

Highlights of Halong Bay Day Trip 6 Hours Cruise

  • Cruising for a full 6 hours around Halong Bay with a professional guide and crew
  • Enjoy Vietnamese traditional Lunch with seafood
  • Visit Titop Island, trekking Titop Peak for taking photos with panoramic view of the bay.
  • Kayaking or taking a sampan boat around the gorgeous Luon Cave
  • Swimming on Beach
  • Discovering the mystical beauty and ancient history of Sung Sot Cave
  • Enjoy Cooking Class on cruise
  • All Included ( Only without drinks on Personal expenses )

Halong Bay Full Day Kayaking and Swimming

  • Ha Long Bay day trip from Hanoi – the best choice when you do not have much time
  • Rowing Kayak / bamboo boat around the bay and enjoying seafood lunch on the boat
  • Exploring Sung Sot cave and Titop island
  • Including hotel pick up and drop off in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter

>>> Pick a suitable of Halong Bay Day Trips and Cruises from Hanoi 

Find-Best-Cruise

>>>  Check out more:

  • A Halong Bay Day Cruise with an 8 Hour Tour Itinerary
  • Halong Bay Cruise for 2 Days 1 Night

Cat Ba island – A Best Day Tour from Hanoi

  •  Address : Tran Chau, Cat Hai, Hai Phong ( 150km from Hanoi )

 What’s interesting here?

  • Swiming and exploring Monkey Island
  • Rowing Kayak, scuba diving
  • Watching the sunset at the cannon fortress
  • Walking on the beach in the evening
  • Visiting Lan Ha Bay
  • Climbing the mountain
  • Visiting Cat Ba National Park
  • Visiting the caves
  • Squid fishing & enjoying seafood
  • Visiting Monkey Island

Cat Ba archipelago is also one of the famous tourist destinations near Hanoi – like Vien Dong pearl island. Coming to Cat Ba Island, you have to swimming . Scuba diving is also a favorite activity when visiting Cat Ba Island, if you are adventurous, you should especially try.

There are also many destinations with other interesting activities such as visiting Fortress, Cat Ba National Park, mangroves, kayaking on Lan Ha Bay, taking a boat to Monkey Island, …

Experience in visting Cat Ba Island

Instruction to Cat Ba Island

  • From Hanoi, you can take Hoang Long bus from Nuoc Ngam bus station along the 5B highway to Ben Got, then by ferry or speedboat to Ca port , center of Cat Ba town.

When do you visit Cat Ba ?

Most of people go to Cat Ba in the summer. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so the service, dining and entertainment prices are quite expensive. If you plan to go on these occasions , you should proactively book and contact to agency providing catering and playing services first.

cat-ba-island-from-ha-noi

If you’re not a fan of crowds on the beach, you can charter a speedboat or rent a kayak to Monkey Island and Lan Ha Bay, where the beaches are cleaner and quieter.

Just about every tour company in Hanoi offers daily trips to the island, attracting travellers looking to enjoy a day of sightseeing during their holiday.

Lan Ha Bay – A wonderful Boat Day Trip

Located in the south of Ha Long Bay and east of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay has become a popular tourist destination in recent times. The archipelago is larger than 7000 hectares, possessing over 400 large and small island , with unexploited beaches.

The attraction of Lan Ha Bay is the wild beauty, peachful space that is not everywhere, it is very suitable as a destination for those who want to find new space to relax. Besides, traveling to Lan Ha Bay, you also have the opportunity to visit the Cua Van fishing village and Cai Beo fishing village to explore the daily life of the fishermen here.

Have a look at: 

  • A Detailed Guide To Lan Ha Bay
  • How to Choose the Best Lan Ha Bay Cruise?

What can you do?

  • Sailing on the bay
  • Swimming and Scuba diving
  • Climb mountain
  • Rowing Kayak and Dangerous climbing
  • Visiting local floating market and Cai Beo fishing village
  • Exploring Caves

Unlike Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay has up to 139 small golden, lovely beaches and desolate as the “blue strait” inviting visitors to explore. Many sands stretch middle of two rocky mountains, are quiet with no big waves , so ideal for visiters.

Experience in visiting Lan Ha Bay

Time to travel Lan Ha Bay

  • The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay is in the summer. Because the weather is really hot , it is suitable for swimming and participating in recreational activities in the bay such as: boating, scuba diving.
  • However, tourism should be limited in the last months of summer from July to September to avoid erratic rains and storms.
  • From September the island begins to return to its tranquility, the number of tourists coming to the island is not much, you can play freely water sport games such as kayaking, climbing … and travel expense in this season is also relatively cheaper.

Lan Ha Bay –  One Day Tour

  • If you do not have much time, just come to Cat Ba on the weekend, you can contact to book a tour to explore Lan Ha Bay in one day. You can book at the hotel , any travel agency on the island or book directly with the ship owner who are outside the port also, there is a need to negotiate a price so reasonable to avoid being chopped.
  • If you book a tour, you will be picked up by the shuttle bus to the port, or if you go by yourself, you can also go to Beo port to find the boat . The first journey will go through Cai Beo fishing village, the natural islands on the Bay. About an hour and a half to the area of Sang Cave – Toi Cave.
  • In here, after renting a kayak, you are free to explore this area. Rowing Kayak at sea is also quite tired, it takes about 1.5-2 hours for this activity. After having lunch on board, you will be gone to some locations with beaches such as Ba Trai Dao island, Van Boi beach … to swim freely.
  • After swimming, maybe the boat will take you to Monkey Island area to play freely, then you will return to Beo port, end the one day journey to explore Lan Ha Bay.

>>> EXPLORE MORE: Lan Ha Bay One Day Tour From Hanoi

Lan-Ha-Bay-from-Ha-Noi

Bai Tu Long Bay – Free your soul with Cruise & Kayaking Adventure

Bai Tu Long Bay includes a sea area of Ha Long City : Cam Pha City and Van Don Island District. The South West borders Ha Long Bay, the East borders on the sea, the West borders the mainland to Cam Pha City and the Northeast borders on Co To Island District. Bai Tu Long Bay consists of hundreds of large and small islands and many of which are large and inhabited.

What is most attractive in Bai Tu Long Bay ?

Bai Tu Long Bay has fewer tourists than Ha Long Bay. So the places will be quieter here . At the same time, the air is also very pleasant .

What is not really fascinating here?

  • Fewer yachts go on this route, so there are fewer options.
  • Fewer islands on the Bay than Ha Long Bay.
  • Ha Long Bay has a larger area and more attractions.

Actitities in Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long has many activities like in Ha Long. Some beaches are less crowded here.

What should you do?

  • Visiting islands
  • Visiting floating fishing village

The best time to visit Bai Tu Long

  • The best weather is in January and February, during the rainy season between May and September, March / April and September / October are the best times to explore the Bay.

bai-tu-long-bay

Trang An and Tam Coc Cave – Explore the hidden gems of Viet Nam

  • Location: Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province
  • Entrance Fee: 250.000VND/Boat Trip in Trang An – 200.000VND/Boat Trip in Tam Coc
  • Opening Hours: 07.00am – 05.00pm

Highlight of Day Trip to Trang An and Tam Coc

  • 1 day trip in Ninh Binh with a small group of participants
  • Admiring a “gem” of Ninh Binh offering some picturesque places such as Tam Coc or Trang An
  • Along with unforgettable experiences in boating riding, exploring caves, visiting temples…in Ninh Binh
  • Quality services that supply a luxury car, intensive tour guide for you

Trang An Grottoes – Tam Coc tour might be the most popular tour from Hanoi because of their beautiful landscapes. The journey starts from Hanoi to Ninh Binh for 2 hours of travelling, then go on a boat and do sightseeing on Sao Khue river. Rowers here particularly use their feet skillfully and gently.

In Trang An, you will have the chance to look into more caves than in Tam Coc that none of other places can offer since it is a large area with towering moutains  surrounded by imposing views. After ending Trang An trip (around 2 hours), let’s go to visit Tam Coc . It only takes you around 10 minutes to move to this place!

>>> Book A Day Trip All Included with Most Famous Sightseeing Places & Activities, Reasonable Prices for:

  • Deluxe Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave Day Trip  from Hanoi with Limousine Transfer
  • A Day Trip to Hoa Lu Trang An Mua Cave Small Group from Hanoi – Limousine Transfer

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Explore Historical & Cultural

  • Location: Truong Yen, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, 100 kilometers to the south of Hanoi
  • Entrance fee: 20.000 VND/person
  • Opening Hours: from 06.00am to 05.00pm

Because Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is very near Trang An, Tam Coc, so tourists often combine visiting three places at the same time. As its name, Hoa Lu was the first capital of  Vietnam in 10 th and 11 th century.

Although its ancient architectures are not maintained as they were in the first place, the ancient temples where it worships Dinh and Le Kings are still intact until today.

king-dinh-temple-in Hoa-lu-ancient-capital-complex

>>> Check out Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Tour in Ninh Binh Day Tours  

Mua Cave Ninh Binh – Most exciting destination of foreign visitors

  • Location: Khe Dau Ha Hamlet, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh
  • Entrance fee: 100.000 VND/person
  • Opening Hours: 07.00am – 06.00pm

The cave brings you one of the best panoramic view of one of the nicest sceneries in Viet Nam- that’s Ninh Binh- which is known as a wonder of the world, the Telegraph from UK said “It’s an area known locally as Vietnam’s ‘Inland Halong Bay’”.

  • Read More: Mua Cave is worth being visited in Ninh Binh?

This can’t be denied since more and more foreigners choose Mua Cave( Hang Mua – Vietnamese name) for their short holidays while being in the north of Viet Nam. Dancing mountain like a bell, measuring approximately 800 square meters.

Dance Cave name associated with the ancient legend when King Tran moved the capital to Hoa Lu for building Thai Vi temple. He used to come the mountain cave for watching music and dance shows so that people from this place called Mua Cave.

View from the foot of the mountain can clearly see the white stone steps leading to the top, the stairs looked like Great Wall in China. On top of the mountain is placed a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva with the eyes down towards the ancient land of the ancient capital.

Dance Cave tourist area is developing into a place where relaxation combined with tourist hiking, sightseeing.

peak-of-mua-cave

Phat Diem Stone Cathedral

  • Location: Phat Diem, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province, 117 km to the south of Hanoi
  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 7:00 am – 9:30 pm

Phat Diem Christian temple firstly was initially indoctrinated by Spanish missionaries 4 centuries ago. It was built in 1892 and it exists until now.

The-Stone-church-in-Phat-Diem-Cathedral

Bai Dinh Pagoda – Significant Records in Ninh Binh

  • Location: Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh
  • Opening hours: Bai Dinh Pagoda: 6 a.m to 9 p.m. Trang An: 7 a.m to 4 p.m

Ninh Binh has many toursit destinations bringing spiritual values in which we could not mention Bai Dinh pagoda – one of the biggest pagodas of South East Asia with many set of records.

Additionally, Ninh Binh has Van Long lagoon, the biggest waterlogged nature reserve  of  Northen Delta consiting of more than 30 types of rare plants listed in Vietnam’s Red Book .

>>> Book a Bai Dinh Day Tour To Discover The Beauty of Nature and The Religious Monument <<<

bai-dinh-pagoda-at-night

Experience the nature with Cuc Phuong National Park

  • Location: Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, 120 kilometers to the south of Hanoi
  • Entrance fee: 40.000 VND/person
  • Opening hours: 8 am – 6 pm

Cuc Phuong national park is know as the first park of Vietnam, where it has a wide range of plants and animals with white meranti of thousands of years,caves of ancient people in which Vietnamese ancestors settled and there is the mineral spring of Ga canal.

Cuc-phuong-national-park

Mai Chau Valley – Hoa Binh

Directions to Mai Chau

  • You can go to Mai Chau in many ways. If you want to explore freely the experience with friends, you can choose to go by motorbike, drive if you go with your family, or a coach tour.

Mai Chau Travel Time

  • The best time to visiting Mai Chau is spring (from February to May) because of peach blossoms, plum blossoms’s dazzling beauty, especially plum blossoms forest or rice seasons in September, Octorber, combine with the weather is cool and no rain.

Accommodation in Mai Chau

  • Coming to Mai Chau, you should experience sleeping on stilts once. At Ban Lac 1, Ban Lac 2 has many homestays to choose from, priced from 20,000 to 50,000 VND / person for a stilt house. If in a private room, the room price ranges from 250,000 to 300,000 VND / room.
  • For large groups, you should rent the whole floor with price from 500,000 to 800,000 VND / night. Especially, if you want to experience in a private space with high-class services, let come to Mai Chau Ecolodge – a beautiful 4-star resort in Na Thia.

Mai Chau Specialties

  • Lam rice , sticky rice with five colors, Muong pork, bitter bamboo shoots, wild bees, sour bamboo shoots, hill chicken, buoy leaf water, …

mai-chau-valley

Top List Hanoi Day Trips & Excursions & Activities with Kids 

Sightseeing & street food walking tour.

  • Learn about Buddhism
  • Explore a cave
  • Fun boat trip

Below is one day Hanoi travel guide and schedule, it combines locations around Hanoi conveniently and cheaply. You will discover and experience Hanoi Cuisine – delicious and famous dishes.

Famous tourist destinations in Hanoi are: Quoc Tu Giam Temple, Mot Cot Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Thang Long Citadel, Hoan Kiem Lake, Long Bien Bridge …

Hope to be able to provide you with the useful and necessary information during your trip. Wish you a happy trip and many memories.

ha-noi-city

A Day Hanoi Tour with a Local Guide

  • Hanoi city tour starts at eight in the morning. Touring around Hanoi will bring you knowledge of Hanoi’s history, culture and architecture. You will visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature – the first university in Vietnam, which is also a highlight of this trip.
  • Along with other locations such as Bat Trang Pottery Village, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Old Quarter and Ethnography Museum. You will come some historic and formal locations, so you should avoid wearing shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops.

ha-noi-street-food-tours-by-night

Take A Hanoi Street Food Tour

  • Hanoi is famous for its distinctive dishes, distinct culinary culture. It is an unique thing for you to discover things in Hanoi with a local tour guide. The guide will show you the inspirational outstanding destinations of Hanoi city.
  • Let imagine when you walk into some small alleys and your guide explain to you what are they. You can find cafes and shops, some delicious drink, even a long alley of many different foods while you are walking around.

>>> BOOK Un-Pho-Gettable Hanoi Street Food Tours <<<

ha-noi-street-food-map

Van Phuc Silk Village

  • Location: Van Phuc Village, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, 10 kilometers to the southwest of Hanoi center.
  • Opening Hours: 07.00am – 07.00pm
  • Open In Google Maps

Van Phuc is just 10 kilometers away from Hanoi and basically the nearest location among those mentioned in this post, so it is easy to take a day trip from the city. Van Phuc is known for its silk production. This village produces some of the finest textiles in the country with a much cheaper price than those sold in the center of Hanoi.

van-phuc-silk-village

With over 1,000 silk shops offering a diverse range of delighting shirts, crafts, ties and dresses made of silk, the site is undoubtedly a paradise of silk and fashion lovers. The silk is very light weight and has a smooth appearance with high quality suitable for all skin tones.

Hanoi Old Quarter & French Old Quarter

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

  • As soon as you get to Hanoi, make sure to head to the Old Quarter.  Visiting the Old Quarter is one of the unmissable things to do in Hanoi.
  • This is the historic heart and commercial center of the city, where there are lot of interesting attractions – think temples and pagodas.

hanoi-old-quarter

French Old Quarter

  • Hanoi’s French Quarter is located on the southeastern end of the popular Hoan Kiem Lake, housing most of the city’s foreign embassies, government buildings and affluent residential neighbourhoods.
  • For travellers, it’s where they can find luxurious hotels and upmarket restaurants during their holiday in the Vietnam capital.

French-Old-Quarter-Hanoi

  • Part of its main road – Trang Tien – is a busy shopping area, featuring bookshops, galleries, boutiques and the Trang Tien Plaza, a French colonial shopping complex retailing international brands.
  • If this is your first time exploring Hanoi, this section encompasses just about everything you need to know about Hanoi French Quarter, namely its attractions, dining, nightlife and shopping venues.

french-old-quarter

Hanoi Green Farm with Local Family

  • Address: Lot 1, Tinh Quang village, Long Bien Dist., Hanoi

We specialize in organizing and hosting cultural and countryside life experience trip, provide you opportunity for some hands – on experience and understand more about the life and the people.

green-dảm-trip-ha-noi-with-local

What to do during the trip you could:

  • Join the farming activities;
  • Collect fruit and vegetables;
  • Prepare lunch with local family;
  • Cycling along the riverside;
  • Visiting ancient temple, primary school…

The main purpose of Green Farm Tour is to bring you different view of life in Vietnam. You not only experience the authentic daily life of local farming communities in the village but also meeting and feeling the friendliness of people.

green-farm-tour-ha-noi

Ba Vi National Park

  • Address: Ba Vi, Hanoi ( 68km from Hanoi )

Which places should you travel?

  • Thien Son Waterfall and Waterpark
  • Cactus Garden
  • French ruins
  • Trekking to the top of the mountain: King Peak, Tan Vien Peak, Ngoc Hoa Peak

Ba Vi is an interesting tourist destination because of its fresh air, pristine and attractive, combining many types of ecotourism, cultural tourism and exclusive unique resort travel. You can visit Ba Vi any season of the year.

However, the weather from April to October is cool and quiet, combined with fresh air, it’s the best time for you to organize sightseeing trips, picnics. In addition, from mid-November to early December you can come here to enjoy the beauty of wild sunflowers.

ba-vi-national-park-tourist-map

Duong Lam Ancient Village

  • Location: Son Tay Town, Hanoi, 40 kilometers to the west of Hanoi
  • Learn about the culture and architecture of over 300 years old village
  • Experience in cycling in peaceful village
  • Enjoy local specialties

Duong Lam Ancient Village is one of the most attractive suburban destinations in Hanoi because of the architectural features and pristine imprints of more than 300 years old Vietnamese ancient village in the Red River Delta. If you are interested in the old space and learn about historical cultural sites, this is a destination can not be missed.

To experience the true nature of a trip back to the village, you should rent a bicycle to both cycle and slowly explore every corner of the old village … Especially, remember to enjoy specialty : “ che lam” and many local dishes such as roast meat, cane chicken, soy sauce, candy, …

duong-lam-ancient-village

Perfume Pagoda – Explore spiritual life of the Vietnamese

  • Entrance fee: 50,000 VND / time

What should you explore ?

  • Learning bout Buddhism
  • Exploring a cave
  • Having funny boat trip

Huong Pagoda is located 60km Southwest of Hanoi between lush rice fields and limestone mountains. The temple is also famous for being one of the most sacred pagodas in Northern Vietnam, with a lot of landscapes scattered in Yen stream valley.

Coming to Huong Pagoda, you should experience a boat ride on the stream, visit Thien Tru Pagoda and Huong Tich cave, Trinh Temple. This is a great day trip from Hanoi for nature lovers, as well as for families with children.

perfume-pagoda

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

  • Entrance fee: 100,000 VND / Time/Pax

Quang Phu Cau, an Incense Village that upholds the traditional craft of incense making for more than 100 years.

About 35 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, the village is situated in Quang Phu Cau commune, Ung Hoa district. Quang Phu Cau has been known for making traditional incense sticks for the past over a century.

  • A visit to Quang Phu Cau incense village will bring visitors an opportunity to learn about the traditional craft of making incense sticks and take lots of unique check-in photos. Right after you enter the incense village, you’ll be able to see the busy lives of the locals here.
  • The village is filled with bundles of red incense sticks that look like enormous flowers under the sunlight. Incense is dried in a variety of large areas, including the yards of houses or community houses, and vacant lots, which brings an impressive sight for visitors.

>>> Read More: Quang Phu Cau Incense Village – A Spectacular Incense Village in Hanoi!

A-Hanoi's-spectacular-Incense-Village!

Thay Pagoda – Discovery History & Architecture

  • Established in 11 th century by Nhan Tong King of Ly Emperor, Thay pagoda is one the most ancient one of Vietnam. It is typical of Buddhism architecture of Vietnam and it is 30km away from Hanoi, so it is quite easy for you to get there.

Thay-pagoda

Bat Trang Pottery Village

  • Location: Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, 13 kilometers to the southeast of Hanoi
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Opening Hiours: 07.00am – 07.30pm

Where should you go?

  • Visiting Bat Trang ceramic market
  • Visiting Bat Trang ancient village
  • Experience the making of pottery

Bat Trang is a well-known traditional pottery village – one of the most popular tourist destinations near Hanoi. Coming to Bat Trang Pottery Village, you will visit the work place of pottery artists, pottery markets, packed with souvenirs, lovely cups to take back as gifts.

In particular, the most interesting activity when you come here is you can create your own ceramic products with the guidance of people in village.

bat-trang-ceramic-village

Below are 21 highly recomended destinations for your one day trip in Hanoi. We hope that this is useful for your question ‘What to do in Hanoi for 1 day”. You might have visited other places or heard about them but they are not mentioned in this list.

So please comment them below or contact us directly. We will continue updating more interesting destinations and giving feedback for you as quickly and exactly as possible!

>>> The list of Hanoi Travel Agency you need to know if you would like to do the tour to Bat Trang

Thung Nang – Sunshine Valley

  • Location: Dam Khe Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District
  • Opening Hours: 08.00am – 05.30pm

As the name says, the sun shines every corner of the valley, through leafy branches, rustic cottages on the shore and all the way down to the bottom of the water, create a brilliant and peaceful landscape.

On the way to Thung Nang valley, taking the rowing boat about 3 kilometers from Thach Bich Wharf, tourists will hear the murmur of paddy fields, see the majestic mountain lines and abundant fauna and flora underneath the cool water.

thung-nang-ninh-binh

Thung Nang is divided into 2 valley, one is 3 hectares wide and the other is 5 hectares. The valleys are connected by a cave system in the mountains with the low ceiling and the stalactites hanging down in different shape.

There are many attractions in Thung Nang such as Ba Doi Mountains, Coc Mountains, Mang Mountains, Vang Mountains.

thung-nang-ninh-binh

Crossing over Thung Nang about 100 meters, visitors will arrive at a Temple where people worship Mother Goddess Thuong Ngan, Voi Temple made of stone with well-carved worship things since Le Dynasty.

It is also quite near from Thung Nang to several tourism destinations such as Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Thung Nham, But Grotto, primary forest, Bird Garden, Ghe Grotto, Chua Grotto, etc.

rowing-boat-at-thung-nang

Tips for Your Amazing Day Trip From Hanoi

  • A day trip from Hanoi offers you a mix of ancient town and the cosmopolitan. But stepping out to the countryside you will see not only other traditional and historic sites but also the beautiful landscape of nature.
  • Mountains and rivers, jungle and paddies, temples and churches, you will get to see another side of Vietnam besides the crowd and rush in the city. These places are within a day trip from Hanoi, and you can easily travel to these locations in an hour or two by motorbikes or bus.
  • Plan your day trips from Hanoi with the help of this useful article, pack your bag, and get ready for some fantastic and memorable time!

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32 Attractive Hanoi Tourist Sites that Tourists Should not miss Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, draws visitors not only with its beautiful scenery, numerous well-known sites, and delectable cuisine that bears its distinctive flavor, but also with its wide variety of entertaining places. And if you are planning to travel to Hanoi, do not miss […]

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Unforgettable Day Trips from Hanoi: A Comprehensive Guide

PLANNING A DAY TRIP FROM HANOI?

You’re in good hands — as we have traveled around Vietnam since 2015! 

Hanoi is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. But don’t just stop at the city limits; there’s a whole world of day trips that will take your Vietnam journey to the next level.

Picture this: just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the city’s hustle and bustle are hidden gems offering serene landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and unique cultural experiences. 

That’s right, folks, we’re talking about the unforgettable day trips you can take from Hanoi.

Preparing for Your Day Trip

Day trips from Hanoi? You might be thinking, “how on Earth do I get there?” Don’t sweat it; I’ve got you covered. Vietnam’s got a transport option for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re into the local bus scene, prefer the cushier tourist buses, or want to go full-on adventurer with a motorbike rental, the choice is all yours!

Now, let’s talk logistics. Time management is key when you’re planning day trips. Depending on where you’re headed, you could be looking at anywhere from an hour to a four-hour journey from Hanoi. So, make sure to plan your day wisely to squeeze every drop of fun out of your trip.

As for the best time to set off on these day trips, here’s the scoop: most of these destinations are jaw-droppingly beautiful year-round.

But if you want to dodge the sweltering summer heat and the downpours of the rainy season, aim for spring (February to April) or autumn (October to December).

  • What to Wear in Vietnam
  • Things to Know Before Traveling to Vietnam

Top 7 Day Trips from Hanoi

1. ha long bay.

day trips in hanoi

  • Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 170 km.
  • Travel time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours by car or bus via the Hanoi-Hai Phong highway.
  • Activities : Boat cruises, cave explorations, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, squid fishing.
  • Best months to travel: March-May, September-November for warm weather and less chance of rain

Imagine yourself in a boat, cruising through emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone islands, lush rainforests, and hidden caves – sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Welcome to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning natural wonders you’ll ever lay your eyes on.

Here in Ha Long Bay, there’s no shortage of things to do. From island hopping, kayaking, or even visiting fishing villages – there’s something for everyone. 

Glide through the calm waters, explore the fascinating caves, or learn about local life in the floating villages – each activity offering a unique experience.

But hold up, when’s the best time to visit? Well, Ha Long Bay is mesmerizing all year round, but for the most comfortable weather, aim for Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November). 

Book a Ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Best day tours to halong bay from hanoi.

Here are two highly-rated day tours from Hanoi you shouldn’t miss!

  • Luxury Alova Cruise Tour on Halong Bay from Hanoi: Got a day to spare? Go cruising around the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. Marvel at towering limestone peaks, explore enchanting caves, and treat yourself to a delicious Vietnamese cuisine lunch on board. Wait, there’s more! Enjoy panoramic views of the bay as you sail, and don’t worry about the commute – hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi are all taken care of!
  • Ha Long Bay Day Tour by 5 Stars Cozy Bay Premium Cruise : Short on time? Fear not! This 12-hour day tour has been designed to let you experience the best of Halong Bay even in a tight schedule. Expect a day packed with adventure as you visit iconic spots like Surprising Cave and Titop Island. Take a kayak or bamboo boat ride and revel in a delightful Vietnamese lunch. Roundtrip transfers from Hanoi? Of course, that’s covered too! This is truly an efficient and enjoyable way to explore the magnificent Halong Bay.
  • Getting from Hanoi to Halong Bay
  • Getting from Hanoi airport to Halong Bay

Cat Ba Island

day trips in hanoi

  • Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 160 km.
  • Travel time: Around 4 hours, which includes a ferry ride from Hai Phong city.
  • Activities : Hiking in Cat Ba National Park, boat tours, exploring local fishing villages.
  • Best months to travel: April to November when the weather is warm and suitable for outdoor activities.

Discover the raw natural beauty of Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Ha Long Bay. Home to an abundance of wildlife and a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking in Cat Ba National Park to boat tours around the smaller islands, this is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. 

2. Ninh Binh

Mua Cave mountain, Ninh Binh

  • Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 100 km
  • Travel time: About 1.5 to 2.5 hours by car or bus (from Giat Bat Station or Nuoc Ngam Station).
  • Activities : Visiting Trang An Landscape Complex, exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, boat trips in Tam Coc.
  • Best months to travel: May-July during harvest season, September-October for cooler weather

Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land” is brimming with historical significance and natural attractions that will leave you awestruck. With a past that goes back a thousand years, Ninh Binh was the ancient capital of Vietnam, and guess what? The glory of its rich history can still be felt today.

The activities here are just as impressive as the landscape. Hop onto a boat tour in Tam Coc, where you’ll find yourself weaving through a network of emerald-green rivers flanked by towering limestone karsts. It’s like you’ve walked straight into a postcard!

Next up on our list is the majestic Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam. 

Don’t forget the Trang An Grottoes. Picture limestone mountain ranges, valley systems with submerged caves filled with stalactites. Trust me, it’s a haven for nature lovers!

So, when’s the best time to visit Ninh Binh? To catch the golden rice fields in full bloom, plan your trip around May or June. If you fancy cooler weather and beautiful yellow rice fields, then October is your month.

Wondering how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi City? Read our in-depth guide from Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Hanoi airport to Ninh Binh .

Book a Ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Best day tour to ninh binh from hanoi.

Let’s narrow it down to three highly-rated tours:

  • Hoa Lu, Tam Coc/Trang An, and Mua Cave Day Tour from Hanoi: This 11-12 hour journey covers all the major attractions – all while enjoying a Vietnamese buffet lunch. With a small group size and comfortable limousine transfers, it’s a top pick for those seeking an intimate, relaxed tour.
  • Hoa Lu, Trang An and Hang Mua Cave Day Tour from Hanoi : This 10-hour tour is perfect for nature lovers and history buffs. You’ll get to explore Hoa Lu, the ancient Vietnamese capital, and the Hang Mua Cave. Plus, a professional guide, round-trip hotel transportation, and lunch are all included. It’s a win-win!
  • The Bai Dinh – Trang An – Mua Cave Tour from Ha Noi is an excellent day tour option, giving you a serene escape to the tranquil and picturesque countryside.

3. Perfume Pagoda (Huong Son District)

Perfume Pagoda

  • Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 60 km.
  • Travel time: Around 1-2 hours by car or bus (bus no. 211, 78, 75).
  • Activities : Pilgrimage tours, boat trips, exploring caves.
  • Best months to travel: end of March after the annual pilgrimage festival is held, September-December for a cooler weather.

Ready for a dose of spirituality blended with adventure? Perfume Pagoda, or as the locals call it, Chua Huong, is nestled amidst the lush Huong Son District. This pagoda is an architectural marvel with a deep spiritual significance for Buddhists in Vietnam.

Kickstart your visit with a serene boat ride on the Yen Stream, flanked by towering limestone hills and tranquil rice paddies.

Got your hiking boots on? You’ll need them for the climb up the mountain. But the sweat will be worth it when you reach the top and take in the breathtaking views of the countryside.

Of course, visiting the pagoda and the caves is a must! The awe-inspiring Buddhist structures and the hushed, peaceful atmosphere inside the caves will make your visit an unforgettable one.

Planning your visit? The peak time to head to the Perfume Pagoda is during the festival season between January and March. If you don’t like crowds, visit after the annual pilgrimage. And remember, it’s a spiritual site, so let’s be mindful of cultural etiquette.

Best Day Tour to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi

Wondering about the best day tour to the Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi? Check this out:

Perfume Pagoda Day Tour from Hanoi: This 8-hour tour is a complete package, including a 50-minute rowboat ride along scenic waterways, a climb to the Huong Tich Cave, and a visit to centuries-old temples. With a Vietnamese lunch included and hotel pickup and drop-off from the Old Quarter, you can enjoy the journey without any worry.

4. Mai Chau

Mai Chau

  • Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 140 km.
  • Travel time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours by taxi or bus .
  • Activities : Trekking, biking, visiting local hill tribe villages.
  • Best months to travel: March to April and September to November when the weather is pleasant.

Looking for a cultural immersion experience? Mai Chau, a charming town known for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, is your pick.

Here, you can explore the area on bicycle tours, watch traditional dance performances, and visit local villages to understand the ways of life of the Thai minority. It’s a true paradise for those seeking an authentic, rural Vietnam experience.

Plan your visit between September and October for the best weather and a chance to see the golden rice fields in full bloom.

Book a Ride from Hanoi to Mai Chau

5. bat trang pottery village.

day trips in hanoi

  • Distance from Hanoi : Approximately 17 km.
  • Travel time: Around 30 to 45 minutes by car or bus (bus no. 47 from Long Bien bus station).
  • Activities : Pottery workshops, local market visit, exploring the village.
  • Best months to travel : Suitable for year-round visits, but November to April is usually cooler and less rainy.

Bat Trang Pottery Village is a captivating artistic hub, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of producing high-quality ceramics. 

Situated along the Red River, this village brims with historical significance. Participate in pottery workshops to shape, paint, and fire your own ceramic creations, or stroll through the local market to witness the astounding variety of pottery on display. 

When visiting Bat Trang Pottery Village, try to plan your trip during the dry season, between October and March. Purchasing your favorite pottery pieces? Inquire about international shipping options, so your souvenirs can arrive home safely.

Consider this for your day tour: Rural Hanoi Vintage Minsk Motorbike Tour . This 4.5-hour join-in tour includes a ride along the Red River Delta banks, a personal guide, Bat Trang Pottery Village, and ample time for shopping for those treasured souvenirs.

Or if you’re into potteries, try booking one of the top Hanoi pottery classes that take you to Bat Trang.

6. Duong Lam Ancient Village

Mong Phu Temple, Duong Lam Ancient Village

  • Distance from Hanoi: About 50 km.
  • Travel time: Around 1.5 hours by taxi or or 2.5-3 hours by bus (bus no. 20A, 70, 71, and 77)
  • Activities : Exploring ancient houses, trying local food specialties, interacting with villagers.
  • Best months to travel: October to April when the weather is cooler and dry.

Step back in time and into the shoes of the locals in Duong Lam Ancient Village. As an over thousand-year-old village, it’s like a living museum filled with traditional architecture and culture.

Wanna do something fun and educational? Start with exploring the ancient houses, marveling at the way they’ve stood the test of time. Oh, and definitely try the local food specialties.

Delicious, authentic Vietnamese cuisine will leave your taste buds dancing! Want to get to know the real heart of the village? Spend time meeting and interacting with the local villagers, the living, breathing soul of Duong Lam.

Now, some tips for your visit. The best times to visit are during the dry season, from November to April. And remember, always respect the local culture. It’s not just good manners, it’s a sign of appreciation for their way of life.

Fansipan mountain view, Sapa

  • Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 320 km.
  • Travel time: Around 5-6 hours by car or bus, or an 8-hour overnight train journey.
  • Activities : Trekking through rice terraces, visiting local ethnic markets, exploring Fansipan – the highest peak in Indochina.
  • Best months to travel: February to May and September to November for the best trekking conditions and views.

Sapa, a hill station famous for its rugged scenery and rich cultural diversity, is like a beautiful painting come to life. Not only is it easy on the eyes, but it’s also home to many ethnic minorities in Vietnam.

Trekking through the breathtaking rice terraces is a must-do. Add to that, visiting local ethnic markets where you can buy unique souvenirs, and exploring Fansipan (3143m above sea level), the highest peak in Indochina.

Now, if you’re thinking about when to visit Sapa, the best times are from March to May and from September to November. And if you’re planning on trekking or a local homestay, always remember to respect the local customs and environment.

Best 2-Day Tour to Sapa from Hanoi

The 2D1N Sapa Tour from Hanoi Fanxipang Cable Car or Moana View includes bus ride from and back to Hanoi, hiking scenic routes through the hills and villages, hotel accommodation, and meals throughout the tour. You will have the chance to engage with the indigenous communities of Black H’Mong, Tay, and Red Dzao as you visit Y Linh Ho, Ta Van, and Giang Ta Chai. This tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a must-visit for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some popular day trips from hanoi.

There are several popular day trips from Hanoi that you can take. These include exploring the Halong Bay on a cruise, immersing yourself in history at the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, discovering the natural beauty of Ninh Binh, learning about pottery making in Bat Trang Pottery Village, or trekking in the rugged landscape of Sapa.

How can I get to Halong Bay from Hanoi for a day trip?

Several tour companies operate daily trips from Hanoi to Halong Bay, which typically include round-trip transport. The journey usually takes about 3.5 to 4 hours each way by car or bus. You can also opt for a more luxurious option like a seaplane, which takes around 45 minutes.

Can I take a day trip from Hanoi to Sapa?

Although Sapa is around 320 km from Hanoi, it is possible to do a day trip to Sapa. However, it’s quite a long journey, typically taking 5-6 hours each way by car or bus. For a more relaxed experience, consider an overnight stay in Sapa, or choose a tour that includes transportation, such as the 2-Day Tour to Sapa from Hanoi .

What activities can I do in Bat Trang Pottery Village?

In Bat Trang Pottery Village, you can explore the local market, visit workshops, and even take part in a pottery class to craft your own piece of ceramic art. It’s a great way to experience the village’s artistic heritage and learn about the process of pottery making.

What’s the best time to take day trips from Hanoi?

The best time to take day trips from Hanoi largely depends on the destination. However, generally speaking, the dry season from November to April tends to be a good time to visit most locations. During these months, the weather is typically cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Are there guided tours for day trips from Hanoi?

Yes, there are many guided tours available for day trips from Hanoi. These tours often include transportation, meals, and an experienced guide, making it easier for you to explore and learn about the destination. For instance, the Overnight Sapa Tour by Luxury Van Limousine or the Duong Lam Ancient Village Private Tour are excellent choices.

That’s a wrap! If you’re in Hanoi and itching for a day trip, there’s plenty to choose from. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast, there’s a trip for you. So, get out there and explore beyond Hanoi’s city limits! You won’t regret it.

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Hanoi in a Day: Unveiling the Heart of Vietnam

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February 7, 2024 · 1 min read

Hanoi 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a whirlwind adventure through Hanoi, where history and modernity collide. Begin your day with a serene 3-hour visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring a temple and historic buildings that whisper tales of Vietnam's storied past. Next, marvel at the architectural splendor of St. Joseph Cathedral during a 1-hour stop; this church stands as a beacon of faith and a testament to Hanoi's French colonial heritage. Conclude your day with a 3-hour exploration of the vibrant 36 Pho Phuong, a characteristic neighborhood brimming with life. Here, the city's soul is palpable in every bustling street and alleyway, offering an immersive experience into the local culture and lifestyle. This compact itinerary is designed to ensure you capture the essence of Hanoi, leaving you with memories to cherish long after your visit.

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  • Day 1: Unveiling the Serenity and Spirit of Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake

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Begin your Hanoi adventure at the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis amidst the city's hustle. As the first stop of your day, immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere and explore the temple and historic buildings that grace its shores. The lake is not only a natural spectacle but also a cultural hub, where locals practice Tai Chi in the early hours, and visitors can spend up to three hours soaking in the scenic beauty and historical significance of this iconic Hanoi landmark.

Attraction Info

  • Hoan Kiem Lake in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour
  • Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Cha Ca Thang Long

St. Joseph Cathedral

After the calming embrace of Hoan Kiem Lake, a short stroll leads you to the majestic St. Joseph Cathedral. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to Hanoi's colonial past, with its neo-Gothic style piercing the sky. Spend an hour marveling at the church's intricate facade and the stained glass windows that adorn the interiors, offering a quiet respite and a touch of spiritual solace in the heart of the city.

  • 40 Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 5:00am-11:30am,2:00pm-7:00pm

36 Pho Phuong

Conclude your day with a journey through the vibrant 36 Pho Phuong, also known as the Old Quarter's 36 Streets. This characteristic neighborhood is a living museum, showcasing the rich tapestry of Hanoi's commercial life past and present. Meander through the narrow lanes for three hours, each street dedicated to a specific trade, and let the symphony of sights, sounds, and smells guide you through the heart of Hanoi's bustling heritage.

  • 36 Pho Phuong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Open from 7:00am-9:00pm

Where to Stay Tonight

Hanoi l'heritage centre hotel & spa, flora centre hotel & spa, hanoi flora hotel, parklane hanoi hotel, top things to do in hanoi-2024.

Hoan Kiem Lake

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Local Vietnam

10 best day trips from Hanoi

A day trip from Hanoi is a great way to explore the surrounding areas and experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of Vietnam. With a variety of destinations to choose from, such as Halong Bay, Tam Coc, and the Perfume Pagoda, you can tailor your trip to your interests. Day trips typically include transportation, entrance fees, and a guide, making them a convenient and hassle-free way to explore. However, keep in mind that some destinations may require a lot of travel time, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

1. Halong Bay

Catamaran Halong Bay day tour

A day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay typically involves a drive through the countryside to reach the bay, followed by a cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and islands that make up the bay. You can also opt to kayak or swim in the bay, visit a floating village, and enjoy a seafood lunch on board the boat. Some tours may also include a stop at a pearl farm or a visit to a cave.

While a Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi is certainly possible and can be a good way to experience the beauty of the area if you’re short on time, many travelers would recommend spending at least one night in the area to truly appreciate its natural wonders and peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, a day trip can be quite hectic with a lot of traveling and limited time for activities.

2. Perfume Pagoda

Perfume Pagoda day tour

Visiting the Perfume Pagoda in a day trip from Hanoi is a great way to experience the spiritual and natural beauty of Vietnam. The Perfume Pagoda, or Huong Pagoda, is a complex of temples and shrines built into the limestone cliffs of Huong Tich Mountain, surrounded by lush forests and streams. The journey to the pagoda includes a scenic boat ride and a cable car ride up to the mountain, followed by a hike up steep steps to the pagoda.

Once you reach the pagoda, you can explore the various temples and shrines dedicated to different Buddhist deities, and observe the locals praying and making offerings. The pagoda is especially busy during the annual Perfume Pagoda Festival, which takes place from the 6th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month.

Overall, the experience of visiting the Perfume Pagoda in a day trip from Hanoi is a unique and rewarding way to connect with Vietnam’s spiritual traditions and natural beauty.

day trips in hanoi

Tam Coc , also known as the “Halong Bay on land,” is a scenic area located about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi. A day trip to Tam Coc typically involves a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, passing through caves and limestone cliffs, and admiring the beautiful scenery of rice paddies, lotus ponds, and local villages.

During the boat ride, you will be paddled by a local rower using their feet, which is an interesting and unique experience. You can also opt to climb up to the top of one of the karst mountains to get a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

The day trip to Tam Coc often includes a visit to the nearby temples of Thai Vi and Bich Dong, which provide a glimpse into the local culture and history. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to visit a local market or village to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. Overall, a day trip to Tam Coc is a great way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Vietnam.

4. Mai Chau

Mai Chau Ecolodge

Mai Chau is a rural valley located about 135 kilometers southwest of Hanoi, known for its scenic rice paddies, traditional stilt houses, and ethnic minority communities. A day trip to Mai Chau from Hanoi typically involves a scenic drive through picturesque countryside, a visit to a local market or village, a cycling tour of the countryside, and a traditional lunch with local specialties. The trip is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and experience the natural beauty and traditional way of life of rural Vietnam.

5. Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park is located about 50km west of Hanoi and can be visited as a day trip from the city. The park is known for its lush greenery, scenic views, and fresh air. You can go hiking, bird watching, or take a cable car up to the summit of Ba Vi mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There are also several temples and pagodas within the park, including the 11th-century Thien Son Pagoda, which is built into the side of a mountain. You can expect to spend a full day exploring the park and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

6. Duong Lam Ancient Village

 Duong Lam Village day trip from Hanoi

Visiting the Duong Lam Ancient Village on a day trip from Hanoi is a unique and cultural experience. Located in Son Tay, the village is about 60 kilometers from Hanoi and is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, including old houses made of laterite bricks and wooden frames. You can explore the village’s narrow alleyways, visit its ancient temples and pagodas, and get a glimpse of rural life in Vietnam. Additionally, you can learn about the village’s history, dating back over 1,200 years, and enjoy local specialties such as Mia sticky rice and Gio Cha sausage.

7. Bat Trang Ceramic Village

day trips in hanoi

Visiting the Bat Trang Ceramic Village on a day trip from Hanoi is a great opportunity to learn about traditional Vietnamese pottery making. The village is known for its high-quality ceramics and the chance to observe the process of pottery making from start to finish, including shaping, painting, and glazing. You can also try their hand at making their own pottery under the guidance of experienced artisans. In addition to pottery, the village also offers other handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine.

8. Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong national park

Visiting Cuc Phuong National Park in a day trip from Hanoi is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Vietnam. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birds, 36 species of mammals, and many endangered species like the Delacour’s langur.

You can take a guided trek through the park to explore its caves, waterfalls, and ancient trees, or visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center to learn about the conservation efforts for primates in the region. There is also a botanical garden showcasing the diverse plant life found in the park. Overall, it’s a peaceful and refreshing day trip that provides a glimpse into the natural wonders of Vietnam.

9. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh

A day trip from Hanoi to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a great opportunity to explore Vietnam’s rich history and culture. Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties, and there are many temples and pagodas that still stand from this period.

You can expect to see the famous temples of King Dinh and King Le, as well as the surrounding landscape of rice paddies and limestone karsts. The journey to Hoa Lu takes around two hours from Hanoi, and you can hire a guide or take a tour to learn more about the history and significance of this important site. Additionally, many tours include a bike ride or boat trip to explore the surrounding countryside.

10. Thay Pagoda

Thay Pagoda day trip from Hanoi

Thay Pagoda , also known as Master’s Pagoda, is a popular options for a day trip from Hanoi, located about 20 kilometers southwest of the city.

The pagoda is famous for its beautiful architecture and scenic location, nestled in the mountainous landscape. You can explore the complex, which includes several temples, pagodas, and other buildings, as well as a large lake and surrounding gardens.

One of the highlights of visiting Thay Pagoda is the water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form that originated in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta. The show takes place on the lake in front of the main temple and features colorful puppets that dance and perform in the water.

In addition to the pagoda and water puppet show, you can also take a stroll around the lake or climb up the nearby mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

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Local tip! You might like these experiences

Tam Coc boat trip

Ninh Binh discover: Hoa Lu, Mua cave, Tam Coc & cycling day tour from Hanoi

  • Learn more about the ancient history of Vietnam at Hoa Lu.
  • Visit the best viewpoint of Ninh Binh at Mua Cave
  • Enjoy a calm boat trip in Tam Coc with beautiful rice fields and impressive mountains
  • Day trip from Hanoi by comfortable limousine van

Perfume Pagoda

Perfume pagoda day tour from Hanoi

Halong Bay luxury 1 day tour

Halong Bay luxury 1 day tour

  • Enjoy a luxury boat and service while cruising through the bay.
  • Explore by kayaking or bamboo rowing boat
  • Visit Ti Top Island; best viewpoint in the bay
  • Destination: Hanoi
  • By: Marnick Schoonderwoerd
  • June 8, 2023

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22 Best Day Trips from Hanoi

best day trips from Hanoi

Culturally enriching; Vietnam is a country where local traditions reign and residents are beyond proud of their heritage. Part of its charm is that it’s pretty untouched by “Westernized” influences, and many of its destinations are as it once was, say, 100 years ago!

Divided by the north and south, if the capital city is your base, uncover northern worlds of wonder during these best day trips from Hanoi ! From mountains to valleys to jungles to lakes to oceans, you’re in for a traveler’s treat of note.

In the Land of Rice Fields, some of the most breathtaking are close to Hanoi , like Mai Chau or the famous Mu Cang Chai terraces. Visit ancient cities, see ruins and temples, notable pagodas and spiritual sites (many listed by UNESCO and with facets dating to the Bronze Age!).

Cycle around the countryside between verdant paddies and smiling local communities; boat on lakes and rivers with emerging peaks around you or on the coastal waters of iconic Halong Bay, where karst limestone giants tower above you.

Visit a traditional ceramic village or the iconic Silk Village, bike road trip to national parks, follow the hiking trails and there are even beaches to adventure to!

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

  • day trips from Hanoi

1 – For insane views above rice paddies and rivers, hike up to Mua Cave

Mua Cave, Vietnam

A regular on Instagram feeds, this is one cavern system when, strangely enough, most of the exploration is done around and on top of Mua Cave!

Fast facts:

  • It’s rumored to be modeled after the Great Wall of China.
  • It means Dancing Cave, named by a king.
  • It’s about ten minutes from Tam Coc.

The cave is technically a viewpoint, perched high atop the Ngoa Long Mountain. Getting here requires a bit of footwork, leaving behind pathways of lotus ponds and trekking up the hill to reach Hang Mua (as referred to in Vietnamese).

En route to the top, winding pathways lead to seriously scenic vistas — like that iconic shot standing above the twisting Ngo Dong River — and pose alongside majestic dragon statues and the remnants of ancient Buddha structures.

(Keep eyes peeled for a small pagoda and the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue.)

Climbing 500 stone steps, you’re treated to the most insane views for miles, and the ascend to Ngoa Long Mountain’s summit brings you to this incredible watchtower.

Situated within Ninh Binh’s undulating mountains, the cave is located in the Trang An Landscape Complex. Ninh Binh tours from Hanoi are one of the most popular day trips!

Travel time: 1h42mins

  • Mua Cave tours from Hanoi

2 – Picture Vietnam nearly 1000 years ago in Hoa Lu

Hoa Lu, Vietnam

Travel back in time to when the country was ruled by dynasties at Hoa Lu, also known as the “Ancient City.” Enveloped by towering limestones, discover the landmarks spread across bridges, lakes and hills.

Circa the 10th century, it was, in fact, a former Vietnamese Kingdom, known as Dai Co Viet , ruling from the 10th to 11th centuries and was the official capital of Vietnam at the time.

From 968 until 1010, its royal citadel served three different dynasties (Dinh, Le and Ly), and the various structures and buildings relate to each of these, some even added years later.

What to see at this UNESCO site?

  • Bao Thien Tue Palace for its architectural integrity.
  • The One Pillar Pagoda, i.e., Nhat Tru Pagoda.
  • Climb a flight of steps to reach Dinh Tien Hoang Temple (Dinh Dynasty) and Le Hoan Temple (Le Dynasty), both reconstructed in the 17th century.
  • The tomb of King Le Dai Hanh (ruler of the Le Dynasty) is kept at the foothills of Ma Yen Mountain.

Speaking of that, go trekking to the top of the 200-meter-high Ma Yen Mountain for unparalleled views over the Ancient City!

Another fun outdoor activity? Cycle around Hoa Lu’s local villages, like Tam Coc — more on that later.

Travel time: 1h38mins

  • Hoa Lu tours from Hanoi

3 – Tick Halong Bay (a UNESCO World Wonder) off your list

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Welcome to the greatest natural wonder of Vietnam, and officially one of the New 7 Wonders of the world (as of 2011), i.e. Halong Bay!

Fusing ocean vibes, culture and nature into one, its bay is littered with staggering limestone karsts and wild and rugged islets of all shapes and sizes.

Junk boats cruise by brimming with curious travelers; floating markets appear out of nowhere with local vendors selling snacks and fresh produce from their wooden plank-keel boats; and fish farms bob on the bay.

Naturally, discover Halong Bay during boat cruises , with agendas full of island hopping, cave explorations, beach fun and even cooking classes. There are various types of boat trips to choose from, from party boats to lunch cruises to overnight catamaran stays.

Sites to see include:

  • Its many caves: the famous Dau Go Cave (Wooden Head) on Dau Go Island, Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace), Hang Bo Nau (Pelican Cave) and Hung Sung Sot Cave and Hang Trinh Nu, i.e., Virgin Cave (both on Bon Island).
  • Islands and islets: Dau Be Island for swimming and snorkeling among grottos; crescent moon-shaped Ti Top Island; Quan Lan Island for seafood; and “Fighting Cocks” Islet, also known as Trong Mai (Ga Choi) Islet.

Go kayaking , kite surfing or even test your skills at rock climbing. For something truly remarkable, opt for a 30-minute seaplane over Ha Long Bay.

Forming part of the Ha Long Province, you can also check out some of the sights on land, for example, Sun World Halong Park and Quang Ninh Museum, or enjoy a hike up Poem Mountain (Bai Tho Mountain) for jaw-dropping vistas over Halong!

Travel tip: Check out these multi-day trips from Hanoi , converting your day excursion into a once-in-a-lifetime experience; spending a night or three on Halong Bay.

Travel time: 2h12mins

  • Halong Bay tours from Hanoi

Read more: Best Halong Bay Cruises from Hanoi

4 – Rice paddies, waterfalls, cherry blossoms and epic local villages, visit scenic Mai Chau

Mai Chau, Vietnam

Cycle through fields of rice paddies, admire houses built on stilts, meet smiling locals on their daily commute, shop for tribal textiles and fabrics and treat your tastebuds to a different type of Northern cuisine in evergreen Mai Chau.

This countryside destination is often favored by travelers who really want to visit Sapa but aren’t sold on a five-hour car ride, offering a similar cultural away-in-the-hills vibe.

It’s easy to walk around Mai Chau, or our favorite mode of transport is exploring the rural district on bicycle for a couple of hours!

Exercise your legs a different way and go hiking through its mountain-top neighbor, the breathtaking Pu Luong Nature Reserve . The drive up to the reserve along the unique Thung Khe Pass is like anywhere else on Earth — just don’t look down!

Without even trying, learn more about the six ethnic groups calling these parts their home, including the Black and White Thais, Muong and Hmong ethnic minority tribes.

Compare the different textiles that each produces at the Pa Co Fair Market (a great spot for local street food, too); visit the Pom Coong Village and Lac Village; and watch a White Thai musical dance performance.

Don’t miss some of Mother Nature’s wonders either, including Go Lao Waterfall, Mỏ Luông Cave, sakura’s blossoming between October and December, and the brightest green paddies during autumn.

Travel time: 3h44mins

  • Mai Chau tours from Hanoi

Looking for something fun to do? Check out the best rafting tours from Hanoi ! 

5 – Visit the country’s other “Ha Long Bay”: Tam Coc

day trips in hanoi

In the land of mystery and wonder, here’s another setting that leaves remnants of other destinations…

Dubbed “Halong Bay on Land,” it’s easy to put two and two together why it’s garnered the nickname — cue the sky-rising limestone karsts protruding out emerald-colored waters and boats gently floating along the river …

The difference here is the inland setting, wrapped in verdant rice fields and fruit orchards.

Useful to know, this tourist area is referred to as Tam Cốc – Bích Động. ‘Tam Cốc’ refers to the natural caves and karsts, and ‘Bích Động’ refers to the mountain temples. The local village is also known as Tam Coc.

There’s no question about it, you have to experience Tam Coc for yourself by boating through all of its magic along its Ngo Dong River (running through the village). Trips typically bring visitors to Tam Cốc’s three main caves: Hang Cả, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba.

Must-see sites include:

  • The insta-worthy three-tiered Bich Dong Pagoda (comprising the Ha, Trung and Thuong Pagodas).
  • Vu Lam Palace — used as a defense base against Mongolian invaders.

After exploring, try the area’s local delicacy: com chay , made from crispy rice. Street food vendors sell it or find it on a menu at one of the local restaurants.

Some lovely dining options for a pukka authentic meal are Thung Sen Tam Coc: Tam Coc Secret Garden , Minh Khoi Restaurant, An Tam Coc, Ninh Loan Rose Restaurant and Ngo Dong Vegan Restaurant .

Travel time: 1h40mins

  • Tam Coc tours from Hanoi

6 – Catch a gondola to a cave temple: Perfume Pagoda

Perfume Pagoda, Vietnam

How incredible does catching a cable car through centuries-old pagodas and ancient caves sound? Your final destination? A Buddhist temple inside of a cavern!

Named after the Huong Tich Mountain range surrounding it, when translated it means ‘Mountain of the Fragrant Traces,’ hence the Perfume Pagoda’s English title.

Known as Chua Huong in Vietnamese, the only way to reach this spiritual complex is by boat. Speaking of, for hundreds of years, it’s been a local pilgrimage site, pilgrims journeying up from the river on foot.

Hopping off of the Yen River, the sightseeing starts immediately!

Highlights comprising the Hương complex include:

  • Đền Trình (Presentation Shrine)
  • Thiên Trù Temple (Heaven Kitchen) is referred to as the “outer temple”
  • Giải Oan Pagoda with its pond, is known as the ‘Clearing Unjust Charges’ pagoda

The star attraction is Hương Tích Cave: the sanctuary on top of a hill dedicated to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin), the Southeast Asian god of compassion, and the cable car lands directly here!

Travel time: 2 hours on the road and a 45-minute boat trip on the water until you reach the Perfume Pagoda

  • Perfume Pagoda tours from Hanoi

7 – Rent a scooter and bike around Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park, Hanoi

Are you keen on a bike trip? If there’s one destination easily doable by motorbike/scooter and requires only 20 minutes of navigating Hanoi’s chaos (before you exit the city), it’s to Ba Vi National Park. Then the rest is driving through the countryside scenery and past a million stalls selling milk (sữa).

The park is massive, and there’s so much to do and see around here, it all depends on what you’re after.

A winding tar road runs throughout the main park area, and you’ll spot many other roadtrippers traveling from one section to the next, the road leading all the way to the highest point: Vua Peak!

Trek through forest stairs to the top of the Upper Temple (Den Thuong) on Tan Vien Peak, and the vistas from here are sublime!

En route, pull over into the forest and hunt down the derelict French church covered in vines and moss — such an insta-worthy moment!

On that note, happy snappers and green-fingered fundis, check out the cactus greenhouse (Vườn Xương Rồng), posing with giant cacti.

Hike around the area to caves and waterfalls or attempt one of the summits; picnic in the Pine Forest and frolic in flower fields, and if you’re keen to taste new things, enjoy a super local lunch at one of the Vietnamese restaurants.

There are the bulk of attractions within the main park area, but also on the bottom outskirts of Ba Vi are a few designated “tourist areas” (like Dong Mo and Ban Xoi Valley), where you can hang out around lakes, canoeing, picnicking and even golfing!

Travel time: 1h23mins

  • Ba Vi National Park tours from Hanoi

Travel tip: check out the best motorbike tours from Hanoi  

8 – Shop for silk and see how it’s made at the Van Phuc Silk Village

Silk Village tours from Hanoi

After the best day trips from Hanoi that are close by? Or ones that are super family-friendly? Look no further than the Van Phuc Silk Village.

Just 30 minutes outside of Hanoi, it’s one of the most popular day ventures (advertised everywhere in the Old Quarter), some tours stopping at the 11th-century Buddhist Thay Pagoda on the way to the 1,000-year-old silk manufacturing commune.

Forget about any ‘Made in Vietnam’ stores here, and instead, see where the “Made in Van Phuc” silk products originate!

Witness firsthand the art of silk production, watching ladies spin wheels from thread to textile! Most of the houses are converted into silk shops.

A prized fabric around the world, you can shop for super cheap silk products, from silk pashminas to bags to handkerchiefs to ao dais (the traditional Vietnamese dress).

Interestingly, the products are made from different types of silk, for example, van silk or satin silk.

Arriving at the village, the entrance road is lined with strings of colorful umbrellas hanging across houses from either side! It’s such a pretty backdrop!

Travel time: 22 minutes

  • Silk Village tours from Hanoi

9 – With its Alpine landscape, misty valleys and unique culture, fall in love with Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam

Hike mountains beneath forests off bamboo shoots and between bushes of indigo flowers, meet local farmers and ladies carrying baskets of harvested treasures, gaze upon endless rice terraces and catch a cable car to the highest peak in Indochina, Mt. Fansipan, in spectacular Sapa.

It’s a one-of-a-kind wonder that feels like anywhere else in Vietnam, tucked away in the misty Northern hills.

From the main town, which has this French/Swiss feel to it, explore its mix of Vietnamese and European buildings or grab a bite on the balcony of a cute cafe.

Don’t miss the French Notre Dame Cathedral (referred to as the Sapa Stone Church), SUP on the artificial Seo My Ty Lake, photograph the British-style clock of the Sun Plaza building and shop for patterned belts, bags, pillowcases and other traditional wear, textiles and fabrics at the Sapa Market.

Head down from the main town into the mountains, home to five ethnic tribes. Trekking and hiking tours are from here, with dedicated trails through the Muong Hoa Valley or to local villages, for example, Cat Cat – Sin Chai Village.

Bathe in hot springs at Ban Ho Village, canyon down Love Waterfall, soak in native medicinal plants at Red Dao herbal baths or stand with your head in the clouds on Ham Rong Mountain.

P.S. If you do have the time, the overnight train journey between Hanoi and Sapa is unreal — not to mention staying in Sapa at an authentic homestay! Speaking from experience, it’s the trip of a lifetime!

Travel tip: Leave extra early in the morning for this one!

Travel time: 5 hours

  • Sapa tours from Hanoi

Check out the best multi-day trips from Hanoi !

10 – Feel like a pirate in peaceful Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay tours from Hanoi

Do you prefer to take the road less traveled? While Lan Ha Bay is no hidden secret, it is appreciated for being a quieter companion to the globally recognized Halong Bay.

Its limestone makeup is pretty identical to Halong, and the bay sits in front of busy Cat Ba Island, jam-packed with on-land activities! Considered a slightly less touristy option, this has many pros!

Its 300-odd karst formations and 130-or-so-white sandy beaches are not as visited; therefore, their natural beauty has remained pretty much untouched!

Sea caves aren’t overloaded with kayaks and because there aren’t as many boats cruising around, snorkeling visibility around its bays is fab!

With fewer people in sight, the landscape makes you dream of movies like Avatar, or you feel like some sort of maritime explorer.

Apart from sea kayaking (Ba Trai Dao island, Tra Bau, and Ba Ham Lake are popular places), go canoeing, scuba diving or even rock climbing! Or, learn how sea gypsies live at the floating Cai Beo Fishing Village.

Travel time: 2.5 hours

  • Lan Ha Bay tours from Hanoi

11 – Get your spiritual on at the Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex

Bai Dinh, Vietnam

In the midst of karst mountains, rice fields and mist rolling in stands a statuesque Bell Tower — spotted from miles and miles around Ninh Binh.

Housing the largest gilded bronze Buddha in Asia, Asia’s tallest stupa, the largest number of Bodhi trees in Vietnam and Southeast Asia’s biggest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue, welcome to the world-record-breaking Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex!

(And that’s only covering half of its distinguished titles!)

Vietnam’s largest pagoda complex has a fascinating history, chronicling back to the Dinh, the Le and the Ly dynasties who ruled over the Ancient City (Hoa Lu).

The architecture of the temples, pagodas, stupas and towers relates to this time period, but there is a new section added to the complex in the 2000s, so there’s a feeling of old-meets-new.

What to see at the new Bai Dinh Pagoda (built between 2003 and 2010)?

  • The 22-meter-high lotus-shaped Bell Tower
  • The corridor with 500 stone Arhat Statues
  • Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Hall
  • Phap Chu Hall houses the country’s largest bronze Buddha
  • Tam The Hall
  • 13-story Bao Thap Tower
  • The Maitreya Statue, Stone House, Bodhi Tree Garden and Releasing Lake

Located 800 meters from the new pagoda, here’s what to see at the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda: the Ngoc Well (Pearl Well); the Light Cave and the Dark Cave; Cao Son Temple and Saint Nguyen Temple.

Travel time: 1h45mins

  • Bai Dinh tours from Hanoi

12 – Enjoy a simpler life (and ceramic shopping) in Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Bat Trang Ceramic Village tours from Hanoi

Enjoy life in the slow lane in time-warped Bat Trang Ceramic Village, where time-honored pastimes, i.e., the art of ceramic-making, have been carried down generations and are still the main activity of this local community.

This lazy, dusty village is on the banks of the Red River, and if you drive past the village’s entrance too quickly from the main road, you’ll blink and miss it!

Entering its first roads, local houses spill over with ceramics of all kinds, but there’s a main market in the center of the village for all your ceramic shopping needs — pick up ornate vases, bowls, mugs, toys, trinkets, decorations and more — all made from ceramic!

Around the market are a handful of authentic Vietnamese restaurants (the classic rustic kind you find in the countryside) for a banh mi or a quick bowl of pho .

Get hands-on and learn from the professionals when joining a pottery-making workshop! For the finale, visit the Bat Trang Pottery Museum.

Travel tip: Hunt the outskirts along the river banks for thrown-away treasures (albeit el defecto ), but this adds half the charm — and stories!

Travel time: 43 minutes

  • Bat Trang Ceramic Village tours from Hanoi

13 – See one of the world’s Top 10 rice terraces in Yen Bai

Yen Bai, Vietnam

Rolling rice paddies that seem to never end, clouds creeping in over the bright green then yellow terraces … Yen Bai, you’re all too beautiful!

The province itself is pretty big, with a main city and seven districts, but it’s really the local villages, communes and scenery of its highlands’ makeup that sets this destination apart!

In high demand among bike trippers, there’s so much natural scenery to fall head over heels in love with, and with many natural attractions and activities.

Don’t miss:

  • The famous Mu Cang Chai rice terraces
  • Muong Lo Valley
  • 20-meter-tall Pu Nhu Waterfall
  • Thac Ba Lake
  • Tram Tau Hotsprings
  • Trekking in Ta Xua Mountain
  • Driving along the Khau Pha Pass
  • Suoi Giang and its tea plantations and Hmong tribes

Immerse yourself culturally at the Ngoi Tu Village, home of the Dao people, and this is another village in Vietnam where you will see stilt houses.

Feeling adventurous? Try the local delicacy: Yen Bai stir-fried larvae, eaten for its medicinal properties! It’s one of the best day trips from Hanoi.

Travel time: 2h51

14 – Ride a traditional boat through Trang An

Trang An, Vietnam

Hoa Lu and Tam Coc, along with the Trang Ang tourism area, make up the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex, right near Ninh Binh on the Red River Delta.

Another Ninh Binh local, it’s also a hotspot in the area for boat rides through its otherworldly setting, trailing through deep-green grottoes, between valleys and water caves!

Nature freaks, Trang An boasts two types of ecosystems: its limestone habitat and its aquatic ecosystem – both teeming with fauna and flora.

Wild orchids, honeysuckle, juniper berries, Indian mahogany trees and Chinese yam are just some of the plants flourishing in these parts, but there are over 500 identifiable species.

Underwater life is home to the endangered striped neck turtle, as well as numerous types of freshwater plankton and benthos (critters that live on the river floor).

History buffs: The caves around here date back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

The Ancient City and all its temples and palaces, along with the local Tam Coc village, are all part of UNESCO-listed Trang An, and a nifty day trip is to visit all in a day — departing from Hanoi extra early to get the most out of each.

Travel time: 1h41mins

  • Trang An tours from Hanoi

15 – Admire 400-year-old houses made from laterite, bamboo and other raw materials at Duong Lam Ancient Village

Duong Lam tours from Hanoi

One of our favorite parts of traveling is learning about new cultures, especially when you have the chance to chat with locals! Vietnam is perfect for this; its smiling residents are overloaded with hospitality!

End up spending time drinking green tea with the locals and swapping stories (with those that can speak English or French), see terra cotta pots come to life from clay and discover what the country was like before any modernization!

Located in the Son Tay district, this area is still technically part of Hanoi, but it’s roughly 50 kilometers from the Old Quarter and close to Ha Dong’s side.

But you don’t feel like you’re in the hive of the bustling city in the slightest at the Duong Lam Ancient Village, where thousand-year-old houses have been preserved like a still moment in time, and centuries-old traditions are still a part of everyday living.

Still today, the village holds extreme significance among Northern Vietnamese as the birthplace of two famous kings: Phung Hung (born in 761 CE) and Ngo Quyen (born in 896 CE).

Ride a bike through the sleepy commune, investigate the remnants, visit the local market and lap up the genuine atmosphere — from the architecture to the people.

Travel time: 1h19mins

  • Duong Lam tours from Hanoi

16 – Hike through Vietnam’s oldest national park: Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam

Picture this jungle setting: overgrown ferns, ginormous delicious monsters, lakes, rice paddies and butterflies … Outdoor adventurers, nature appreciators and wildlife lovers, lace up your trekking boots and enter Cuc Phuong National Park, kicking things off at the Visitor Center for the first introductions.

A 1,000-year-old tree is proudly rooted here, endangered clouded leopards creep beneath the jungle, and red-bellied squirrels scuttle around the trees.

Boasting more than 15 different trails, uncover Edens of natural wonders, from its fauna to the flora to the natural resources!

Main day treks include:

  • The 3-kilometer Botanical Garden Loop Trail
  • Mac Lake Mountain Peak Trail
  • Cave of the Prehistoric Man (30 minutes to one hour)
  • The three to four-hour Fossil and Ancient Tree Loop Trail
  • The seven-kilometer Thousand Year Old Tree Loop Trail and Palace Cave
  • Silver Cloudy Peak trail to Cuc Phuong’s tallest peak
  • The one-hour uphill Observation Lookout Trail

Other paths lead to more park highlights such as Ngan Hang Cave and the local Muong Village where you can watch a traditional music performance.

Pop into the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) or the Carnivore and Pangolin Education Centre for an insightful experience. More fun activities to do include bamboo rafting, bird-watching, bike rides and kayaking!

Travel time: 2h40mins

  • Cuc Phuong National Park tours from Hanoi

17 – Have a beach day at Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

Craving some TLSea? We don’t blame you; Hanoi, with all its weirdness and wonderfulness, can feel a little claustrophobic with a thousand and one bikes on the road, hooters going off and swarms of tourists flooding its streets.

Leave behind the madness and live it up island style — although Cát Bà Island isn’t your typical Thai or Balinese vibe! But that’s half the magic about visiting here; you can get a real sense of what a Vietnamese isle is all about!

Part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, it’s the biggest island in Lan Ha Bay, but many travelers skip the Bay and travel straight here.

(If you are keen to check out both, join one of the boat tours or charter a private catamaran for the day from Cat Ba around Lan Ha Bay, breaking in between karst islets for swimming and snorkeling and with a BBQ lunch onboard. Not sold on a cruise? Opt for a kayaking adventure instead.)

Otherwise, around Cát Bà, rent out a scooter and drive around its verdant coastal cliffs and to mountainous viewpoints.

Go beach-hopping around Woodstock, Cat Dua (also known as Monkey Island Beach), Ba Trai Dao (also called Three Beaches Peach), Cat Co and Tung Thu Beaches, and Moody and Tiger Beaches have rock-climbing activities.

Feast on seafood, visit the local Viet Hai Village or hike through Cát Bà National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its biosphere reserve.

  • Cat Ba Island tours from Hanoi

18 – Compare architecture at Phat Diem Cathedral

Phat Diem Cathedral tours from Hanoi

Enjoy a silent retreat at tranquil Phat Diem Cathedral, where you instantly feel like you’ve arrived at some sort of ancient dynasty … it has this mystical regal feel about it!

But is it a Vietnamese temple? An age-old castle? Now, try not to fall over when you realize it’s actually … a Catholic Church (and seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phát Diệm in Ninh Binh)!

Constructed circa 1891 entirely from stone as well as wood, it’s famed for its fusion of East-meets-West architectural style.

Renaissance-esque-inspired arches and heavily intricate detailed wooden doors open to the cathedral, but then there are the classic Vietnamese temple vibes with the sides of the buildings and their low-hanging wooden roofs.

Inside are the altar and pews, and everything given a gold touch (which is also so typically Vietnamese). Outside, there are archetypal long sanctuary corridor paths and temple-like rockeries — but enshrine statues of Mother Mary.

Other religious buildings to admire within the complex are the chapels, Phuong Dinh (the bell tower) and the Trai Tim Duc Me Stone Church.

Travel time: 2h30mins

  • Phat Diem Cathedral tours from Hanoi

19 – Walk up a set of stairs into the clouds in unique Tam Đảo

Tam Đảo, Vietnam

One of the first things you’ll notice when arriving in up-and-coming Tam Đảo (especially among young, trendy locals) is that the weather is instantly cooler out here, and it sort of has the same vibes as Northern Thailand.

It was actually named the “world’s best town destination in 2022” by the World Travel Awards™!

From a bird’s eye view, it appears like landscapes somewhere in the Swiss Alps, with European-styled castle-like resorts perched atop hills, misty clouds rolling in and curved roads between whimsical mountain towns.

Expect plenty of cool cafes (with views) for a cà phê sữa đá . Other spots with jaw-dropping backdrops (for photos) are Cầu Mây Studio with bamboo nests and staircases on the cliff’s edge, and the iconic Sky Gate walkway between the clouds! Or there’s also Silver Waterfall.

Tam Đảo National Park surrounds the town, offering plenty of hikes and nature-filled outings.

Walk through a bamboo forest and past hanging angel’s trumpets (i.e., the Brugmansia flower) at Princess Thuong Ngan Temple (Đền Bà Chúa Thượng Ngàn).

The Stone Church is another religious landmark, this one with a distinctly European feel, and the French constructed the Gothic-style Tam Dao Church.

20 – Swim at the unusual beach in Nam Dinh

Nam Dinh tours from Hanoi

What’s the fun in traveling to new countries if you simply follow the crowds? Pointing you out of the ordinary, you’ll especially love Nam Dinh if you appreciate architecture and could spend days admiring the intricate details of buildings and the facts behind each construction.

More so, there’s also a beach here: Thinh Long. Gaze upon fishermen at work on one end, and the other side has a shoreline chockablock with bathers, restaurants and souvenir stalls.

The Xuan Thuy National Park is unique to other national parks close to Hanoi because of its coastal wetland, and it’s the largest ecosystem of this kind in all of the north!

Wondering what’s the deal with all the churches? The French occupied Vietnam between 1858 and 1885 and definitely left their mark in their 26 years! For example, Nam Dinh’s Bui Chu Cathedral and Phu Nhai Basilica.

Cross cultures and visit the Tran Temple Complex of the Tran Dynasty (who ruled from 1224 to 1400)!

Travel time: 1h21mins

21 – Take a boat tour among lotus flowers on Quan Son Lake

Quan Son Lake, Vietnam

Float among blossoming lotus flowers and dark dinosaur-colored waters along the sleepy Quan Son Lake, also known as the Quan Son Lake Ecotourism Area in My Duc.

The best time to visit to see the pink and white florals in full action is between May and June, but boating between giant lily pads is also magic!

There are dedicated boat tours along the lake, navigating between the natural flora and past caves, small islands and lushly decorated mountains. Surrounding the lake are 20 peaks, with a range of outdoor activities.

Trek Quai Cheo Mountain, Su Tu Island or Hoa Qua Son are examples, and how cool is this: all these islands and mountains are named after the shape they resemble.

On the way to Quan Son Lake, stop by the Buddhist Boi Khe Pagoda and visit the Chuong “Conical Hat” Village (both in Thanh Oai).

Travel time: 1h22mins

22 – Stand in two countries at once at Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam

One that needs no introduction if you’ve got a Bucket List for the world’s best waterfalls, the massively majestic and powerful Ban Gioc Waterfall sits between the Vietnam and Chinese border!

Located on the banks of the Bằng Giang River, on one side is the Cao Bằng Province and next door is China’s Guangxi region — and by next door, we mean one step away, literally!

Also known as Detian Falls (in China), it comprises two falls, but a natural phenomenon sometimes makes it appear as one gigantic cascade! In Vietnam, locals refer to the waterfall in two parts: thác chính (main waterfall) and thác phụ (secondary waterfall).

Multiple falls at each pummel down from 30 meters high into one main natural pool, and therefore, swimming is strictly off-bounds!

You can, however, take a local bamboo raft around the pool with a local guide steering you close enough to get water kisses from the fountains!

The nearest Vietnamese city to it is Cao Bằng.

Travel time: 6 hours

  • Ban Gioc Waterfall from Hanoi

Final thoughts

Whether you’re in search of an epic daytime excursion nearby to fill a few hours or are hunting down a day full of adventure of the most unique kind, these best day trips from Hanoi are enough to leave you amazed, with memories to last a lifetime!

Have you ever visited this part of Vietnam before? What were some of your favorite things to do in Hanoi ?

Hoan Kiem Lake? The history museums and sites? Quảng Bá Flower Market? Share with us your most memorable travel moments in the comments — we love hearing from our readers!

Moving on from Hanoi, check out the best places to visit in Southeast Asia . It’s super convenient and affordable to travel from one country to the next in SEA.

As always, happy travels!

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Hanoi

Day trips from hanoi.

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1. Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

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8. Private Ninh Binh Luxury Day Tour (Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Cycling)

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9. Hanoi City Half-Day Private Tour: Train Street And All Highlights

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10. Ambassador Cruise Luxury Day Trip From Hanoi by Expressway

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11. Highlight Ninh Binh Full Day Tour Tam Coc Boat, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu

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12. Halong Bay Full Day With Cave, Kayaking And Swimming - Highway Transfer

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13. Halong Luxury Cruise Full Day Tour from Hanoi: All inclusive

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14. 1 Day Luxury Tour in Bai Dinh, Trang An and Mua Cave

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15. Halong Bay Deluxe Day Tour

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16. Halong 6 hours Boat tour with Cave, Kayak, lunch, transfer high-way from Hanoi

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17. BEST SELLER - Halong 5 Star Day Cruise: Buffet Lunch, Wine& Fruit

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22. Hanoi to Ninh Binh 1 day: Trang An - Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Hoa Lu

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The Unknown Enthusiast

The Unknown Enthusiast

9 Can’t Miss Day Trips From Hanoi, Vietnam [2024]

Looking for the best day trips from Hanoi? I’ve got some great suggestions for you – read on for details!

An asian woman in a pink dress working on red bundles of incense.

Hanoi, the cultural capital of Vietnam (and actual capital for that matter) is a must-visit for anyone visiting the country. Indeed, Hanoi, with its romantic old-world streets, unique history, and amazing food was a high point in our trip to Vietnam.

But once you’ve wrapped up your time in the city itself, there is a myriad of interesting day trip opportunities to experience even more of Vietnam’s gorgeous landscapes and cultural destinations.

These day trips from Hanoi, whether you’re visiting ancient temples, rice terraces, beautiful waterways, or small villages, provide a glimpse into Vietnam’s history and charm, and leave a lasting memory of this southeast Asian country.

This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help keep this site running. Thank you so much for your support!

9 Incredible Day Trips from Hanoi, Vietnam

1. quang phu cau – the incense village.

A woman strolls through a field of colorful bundles of incense.

Recommended Tour : Colors of the Incense Village Tour ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 5-6 hours

There are many exquisite craft villages near Hanoi, but the most picturesque among these villages must be Quang Phu Cau, known as the Incense Village . This beautiful village has upheld the ancient practice of incense craftsmanship for more than a century.

No matter where you visit in Vietnam, you will observe yellow and red incense sticks being used for worship at temples and pagodas. These incense sticks are an integral aspect of an important part of Vietnamese culture, and a trip to the incense village is both culturally significant and also extremely beautiful.

And it is absolutely a sight to behold – as bundles of incense sticks are fanned open to dry and cure, and the streets and large and small courtyards are covered in brightly covered incense bundles. Often, the locals will arrange these rows of colorful bundles into pretty designs.

It is polite and expected to tip around 50,000 VND (about $2) to take photos around the incense bundles, which is a small price to pay for one of the most incredible, photogenic places in Vietnam .

How To Visit:

By Bus : Take the #91 Bus south from Hanoi. Ask the driver to stop at Quang Phu Cau for you.

By Taxi : You can hire a taxi to take you down, but make sure you ask him to stay, as taxis can be hard to find in the village.

By Private Guided Tour : This is one of the best options for visiting the Incense Village, as your private guide will pick you up, drive you directly to the village, and then take you around the village and show you all the stages of incense production.

This particular tour has a focus on getting great pictures, so your guide will show you the best places and help you get the best shots.

👉 Check prices and availability for this Incense Village tour here

2. Van Phuc Silk Village

People walk through a market alley with a roof of colorful rows of umbrellas.

Recommended Tour : Cu Da and Van Phuc Villages Tour ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 8 hours

One nearby but still fascinating day trip from Hanoi is the Van Phuc Silk Village. Located just 10 kilometers southwest of Hanoi, this craft village is a respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Van Phuc has a 2000-year-old history in the ancient art of silk weaving. You can watch talented silk weavers ply their craft on simple looms to create colorful silk fabrics. Stroll the streets to browse the many boutique shops selling high-quality silk apparel and cloth. 

As you enter the ornate gate of the silk village, your senses come alive with views of the umbrellas of many colors shading the streets. There is a beautiful garden with a tranquil pond and an impressive shrine. You will also find a temple honoring Ho Chi Minh, who resided here at one time.     

Van Phuc is the oldest silk village in Vietnam making it a must-see attraction. The vibrant colors of silks will draw you to explore the beautiful streets. Silk articles from Van Phuc make a wonderful gift or souvenir of Vietnam.

By Bus : There are multiple buses that run throughout the day to the Silk Village – I’d recommend just checking Google Maps to see the best option from where you’re located. The bus will take about an hour.

By Taxi : You can hire a taxi to take you down, or you can use Grab, Vietnam’s version of Uber , to order a car. It’s a good idea to ask your driver to wait for you to return.

By Private Guided Tour : This is one of the best options for visiting the Silk Village, as your private guide will pick you up, drive you directly to the village, and then take you around the village and teach you about the production of silk, and show you the best shops

You’ll also visit another nearby fascinating craft village that makes vermicelli noodles and soybean paste.

👉 Check prices and availability for this tour here

3. Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong)

An old stone building with white Vietnamese letters with multiple arches and overhangs.

Recommended Tour : Perfume Pagoda Tour from Hanoi ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 8 hours

The Perfume Pagoda is a bit of a hidden gem day trip from Hanoi (at least for foreigners), but it is still one of the most interesting  places to visit in Vietnam . When you go, you’ll enjoy a very local experience, and one of the few Westerners around (when we visited, we counted maybe 10 among thousands of locals).

But what is the Perfume Pagoda? This is a complex of Buddhist temples built along the Houng Tich mountain chain. Chua Trong, located inside a cave, is the most important of the temples.

Getting to the Perfume Pagoda is an experience and part of the fun of this day trip. You are better off arranging a  guided tour such as this one.  Indeed, while the area is actually quite close to the city, there’s a lot of traffic that makes moving around on public transport even slower.

To visit the Perfume Pagoda, you’ll first ride in a wooden boat ride along the Yen stream to Thien Tru harbor. Boats are traditionally maneuvered by women and move quite slowly through the valley, so it is a very pleasant ride – the surrounding views are stunning.

Once you get to Thien Tru, you will find what really looks like a market, with food and souvenir stalls. You can hike up to the various pagodas and caves and then take the cable car down for even more impressive views.

One thing to keep in mind is that this part of Vietnam can be very humid, so depending on the time of year you are visiting, you may find quite a bit of mist and muddy terrain. Wearing good hiking boots with a good grip is essential for this day trip, even if you think you will just be sightseeing! 

By Bus : The village where the boat tours to the Perfume Pagoda start is Ben Duc Village. There are multiple buses that run throughout the day to Ben Duc and you can look them up on the transit tab of Google Maps. However, the bus can take over 3 hours to reach Ben Duc, whereas a car is almost half that, I’d recommend doing a tour or hiring a driver.

By Taxi : You can hire a taxi or order a Grab to take you down. It’s a good idea to ask your driver to wait for you to return.

By Private Guided Tour : Your local guide will drive you directly to the village docks, where you’ll get in a boat and enjoy the gentle ride down the river. You’ll take a cable car ride up the mountain and then stop at all the caves and pagodas that dot the mountain as you walk back down.

The views, activities, and experiences all make for an unforgettable Hanoi day tour.

4. Ninh Binh/Tam Coc

The view from the tip of the mountain. with multiple lush green rock mountains going far into the horizon with a small water channel curving through them.

Recommended Tour : Highlights of Ninh Binh Tour ⭐ Ratings : 4.97 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 11 hours

Located two hours south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh (and the neighboring town of Tam Coc) are beautiful destinations. Known as “Halong Bay on land”, Ninh Binh and Tam Coc are filled with tall limestone cliffs reminiscent of what you’d see in Halong Bay, with a vast network of waterways that wind through the mountains.

The top thing to do in Ninh Binh is to go on a boat tour through the waterways, on a traditional wooden boat rowed by a local woman or man. These tours will take you on the rivers and streams, through the river caves, and up to different pagodas and temples right on the river shore. These waterways are also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can also visit the Hang Mua Caves, which is a beautiful viewpoint on top of some mountains, or the Bich Dong Pagoda, located nearby. The Hoa Lu Citadel is also a fascinating stop in Ninh Binh, as this was the capital of Vietnam in the 11th and 12th centuries.

This was probably our favorite spot we visited in all of North Vietnam – we loved biking around the countryside, the laidback vibes, and the beautiful views.

By Train : Ninh Binh has its own train station, and there are direct trains a couple of times a day from Hanoi down to Ninh Binh. You can check the schedules and make reservations on 12 Go Asia

By Guided Tour : A small-group guided tour is a great way to experience Ninh Binh, as the sites are spread out in the countryside enough that you’ll either need to take taxis or rent a scooter or bicycle to get around.

This tour takes you to all the main points in Ninh Binh – that we mention here, and also gives you some time to bicycle around the countryside.

5. Halong Bay

2 large sheer rock hills and floating in the water with multiple rock hills continuing farther back behind them.

Recommended Tour : Full Day on Halong Bay from Hanoi ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 12 hours

Halong Bay is one of the most popular and well-known destinations in all of Vietnam, and is very deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The entire bay is filled with these tall, sheer, limestone mountains that emerge from the water everywhere you look. While many people choose to spend a couple of days on an overnight cruise in the bay, if you’re limited on time, you can definitely have a great time on a day trip.

On a Halong Bay day cruise, you’ll get in a traditional “junk boat” and glide between the breathtaking mountain-meets-bay landscapes. You’ll also get the chance to visit floating villages, go kayaking in the bay, visit some caves, go swimming, eat a seafood lunch, and of course, relax on the boat’s sundeck.

By Guided Tour : For this day trip, I actually think the only option to consider is going by guided tour because the logistics are just much simpler.

You’ll get round trip transportation from Hanoi down to the harbor in Halong Bay and then all the activities mentioned above.

6. Lan Ha Bay

Multiple sheer rock islands scatter around in the blue and round water.

Recommended Tour : 5 Star Lan Ha + Halong Bay Day Cruise ⭐ Ratings : 4.88 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 12 hours

If you want to see the turquoise waters and lush limestone islands of Ha Long Bay—but without all the crowds, take a daytrip from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay, which is located adjacent to its more famous cousin.

From Hanoi, you’ll need to either take an organized tour or, alternatively, a bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island, which takes approximately three and a half to four hours (one-way).

From Cat Ba, you’ll have a few options to explore the stunning scenery of the Gulf of Tonkin. For example, there are several outfitters on the island, which will provide you a kayak rental and transfer to Lan Ha Bay.

Once on the water, you can take a self-guided tour around the beautiful lagoons and hidden caves, carved into the massive karsts, the bay has to offer. 

Alternatively, if you want to cover more ground (or, in this case, more water!), consider going on an organized tour, which usually will include a cruise on a larger boat. You’ll be able to see way more of the gorgeous limestone islands and dive a bit deeper into this unique area this way. 

For example, many tours, like this one , pass by or even stop at floating villages, where families of fishermen depend on the ocean for food, income, and even shelter. Additionally, most of these tours include cruising around the bay at sunset, so you can take in the towering karts, illuminated by golden light.

By Bus: There are multiple buses running from Hanoi to Halong Bay every day. I would recommend checking timetables and making a reservation on 12Go Asia .

By Guided Tour : A guided day tour from Hanoi to Lan Ha and Halong Bay is certainly going to be the easiest option, by far. This tour provides round trip transportation from Hanoi to the docks, plus your 5-6 hour boat cruise. Your boat is updated and modern and has nice places for lounging,

The tour includes lunch, cruising through the bay, kayaking, plus time for swimming and playing on the waterslide and water trampoline.

7. Cat Ba Island

The landscape of the overlapping hills with trees covering the entire surface of the hills. There is a small fog covering the base of the rocks.

Recommended Tour : Cat Ba: Rock Climbing on Moody Beach Tour ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 11 hours

Often noted as one of the most beautiful islands in Asia , Cat Ba Island is the perfect place for an adventurous day trip from Hanoi. It is the largest island in Halong Bay, but is a much more affordable place to experience the beautiful beaches and clear waters of this region.

From Hanoi, Cat Ba Island can be reached by car in two hours or by bus in just over three hours.

There are plenty of activities to do on the island including hiking through the National Park and spotting Langurs (small monkeys with golden hair), swimming in the sea at one of the four secluded beaches (aptly named Cat Ba Beach 1 to 4), taking a cruise along Lan Ha Bay, or trying one of the most popular things to do in the area, rock climbing.

Cat Ba Island has plenty of places to rock climb including Moody’s Beach and Hai Pai Beach, which are both adorned with steep limestone rocks. They are perfect for beginners or experienced climbers, but it is best to join a tour as some of the beaches can only be reached by boat.

By Guided Tour : Definitely the best way to visit Moody Beach and go rock climbing is with a tour group. which includes all the necessary gear and equipment, help from experienced professionals, lunch, time for swimming on the beach, and a ride on a traditional junk boat.

It doesn’t include transportation from Hanoi, but the tour will give you information on what buses to take from Hanoi to reach their location.

8. Duong Lam Ancient Village

A small street cafe with an arched roof with bamboo shingling and umbrellas outside.

Recommended Tour : Duong Lam Local Life Village tour ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 9 hours

Reachable in under 2 hours by road from Hanoi, Duong Lam Ancient Village is an easy side trip from Vietnam’s capital city. Perfectly suited to history/architecture buffs and families alike, Duong Lam offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and get a taste for what Hanoi might have been like in centuries past.

Located in the Red River Delta, Duong Lam is an agricultural settlement and living museum where much of the traditional village architecture has been preserved. This includes the old village gates, communal courtyard and water well, and more than 900 traditional wooden houses.

Things to see in Duong Lam include the many pagodas, the elegant Mong Phu village hall, and the ancient banyan trees. In recent years several contemporary art galleries and trendy cafes have popped up, too.

Duong Lam is easy to get to by taxi or public bus. The village is compact and relatively straightforward to navigate – set out on foot, following your nose down the winding alleyways, or hire a bicycle from one of the vendors near the main gate and cycle around.

For a more in-depth look at village culture and the Northern Vietnamese traditions that are still alive in Duong Lam, join an excursion from Hanoi with a local guide .

Remember that Duong Lam is a real village where families live and work – please be courteous and respectful of people’s privacy when exploring, and especially when taking photos.

By Bus : There are multiple buses that run throughout the day to Duong Lam – I’d recommend just checking the transit tab on Google Maps to see the best option from where you’re located. The bus will take about 2-3 hours.

By Taxi : You can hire a taxi to take you down, or you can use Grab, Vietnam’s version of Uber , to order a car. It’s recommended to ask your taxi or driver to wait for you at the village.

By Private Guided Tour : This day tour to Duong Lam from Hanoi gives you an insightful and interesting experience in the village. In a small group, your local guide will show you the historical sites in town, take you to the temples, and introduce you to an ethnic family, who you’ll have lunch with.

9. Mai Chau

A field at the base of a lush forest hill with mud puddles all over the field.

Recommended Tour : Mai Chau Full Day Guided Trip ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 10 hours

Mai Chau  is located in northern Vietnam, only a three-hour drive from the lively capital Hanoi. It’s the perfect destination if you want to get out of the city and visit a tranquil place where life still goes at a relaxed pace.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in Mai Chau, you can find lush rice paddies, towering limestone karts, and stunning valleys.

The area is inhabited by the White Thai ethnic minority known for their warm hospitality and traditional stilt houses that dot the landscape. A great way to immerse yourself in the character of Mai Chau is to participate in activities organized by the White Thai, like taking part in a weaving class or participating in traditional dances.

Furthermore, Mai Chau is a trekking and cycling paradise with cute roads that are car-free and beautiful terraces of rice fields to explore higher up in the mountains.

You can also find many more attractions in Mai Chau like caves, Hoa Binh Lake, and the Goc Lao Waterfall. If you don’t have your own wheels, Mai Chau is best explored from Hanoi by an organized tour. This  full-day tour from Hanoi  with lunch lets you take in the most important sights.

Mai Chau is a particularly good day trip from Hanoi if you don’t have time to make it out to Sapa , but want to experience the beautiful rice-growing countryside of Vietnam.

By Bus : I wouldn’t recommend going by bus to Mai Chau – first off, there isn’t a direct bus, and second, any route that involves a bus is going to take much longer, making it almost not worth the trip out. I’d go with a private driver, but ideally a guided tour for this experience.

By Taxi : You can hire a taxi or get a Grab to drive you to Mai Chau, but you will definitely want to arrange for the driver to wait and take you back to Hanoi.

By Guided Tour : This small group tour to Mai Chau includes a driver to the countryside – you’ll stop at mountain passes to admire the view, and then visit several of the villages in the valley. You’ll enjoy lunch with a local family, and then hop on a bike to explore the beautiful hamlets and admire the rice fields in the valley and on the terraces.

The Wrap Up – Best Day Trips from Hanoi

We had an incredible time exploring Hanoi, but to truly experience Vietnam you will want to explore the other amazing sights and treasures in the regions around it. Using Hanoi as a base for these trips, you can sample from the various delights Vietnam offers.

Hopefully these examples can inspire you to visit and dive deeply into Vietnamese culture. Happy travels!

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Stephanie is the author of The Unknown Enthusiast. She's visited 21 countries and 37 of the 50 US states (but her first love will always be France). When she's not traveling, she enjoys reading, taking naps, playing games, eating popcorn, and spending time with her husband (Matthew) and 4 daughters. Stephanie lives in Alabama, USA.

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16 Day Trips To Consider Before Leaving Hanoi

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM HANOI

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a hot spot for tourists with its rich cultural and ethnic landscape.

While there are many amazing activities and things to do in Hanoi, it offers much more to do if you are willing to venture out further from the city.

Where to go after Hanoi?

Hanoi serves as the ideal home base for many day trips. There are plenty of options short drive away from the city for nature lovers, adventurists, history buffs, and foodies alike, with additional opportunities for adventure and sight seeing.

Below are some of the best day tours from Hanoi, each with a travel time of 4 hours or less. There are destinations for

Grab your walking shoes, prepare your camera , and clear space in your bag for souvenirs as you embark on these fantastic day tours Hanoi offers!

1. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay could be easily one of the best places to see in Vietnam . It has designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 for its outstanding natural heritage. Today Ha Long Bay World Heritage site covers 434 km2 including 775 islands and islets.

Most people visiting Ha Long Bay are setting off on 2 or 3-day cruises  around the majestic waters and rocky escarpments that are so synonymous with the area.

There are many day tours from Hanoi that organize sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, rock climbing, bike riding, and hiking. One extremely popular location is Cát Bà National Park.

Cat Ba Island is gaining a reputation as an adventure tourism destination. The nearby town of Ha Long is a great staging point for Ha Long Bay activities.

You can visit a floating village, go swimming on deserted islands and even explore caves in the middle of the bay.

It quite an experience to visit a floating village and see this traditional way of life that exists in a modern world. The Ha Long Bay area is located just over 150 kilometers from the capital of Vietnam Hanoi.

You can access the island by public transport or one of the many day tours that run out to the bay. Just for its sheer beauty and postcard view makes visiting the place a must when traveling in Vietnam.

Staying overnight? Check the Premier Village Ha Long Bay Resort

Top tours & activities for Ha Long Bay

  • Best seller Halong Bay Day cruise: Sung Sot cave, Titop, kayaking
  • From Hanoi: Halong Bay Day Trip with Lunch and Transfers
  • Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour – best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, hiking & Lunch

2. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh vietnam

Ninh Binh offers acres upon acres of wildlife and natural landscape to explore. Famous for its limestone mountains, the province was nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on Land,” making it a perfect day trip for nature lovers.

A trip with the Vietnam Railways takes about 2.5 hours and costs roughly $8 USD.

Alternately, you could take a shared mini bus for $7 USD. Check the latest pricing by clicking the banner below on 12GO.com

Prepare for a breathtaking view from the top of the limestone mountains. Start with Mua Caves , then hike to the top to take in the surrounding scenery. There is also a dragon sculpture you can take a photo with once you reach the top.

You can also find the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia during your day trip to Ninh Binh Province.

The Bai Dinh Pagoda is a spiritual and cultural complex of Buddhist statues and temples. The complex features an original, older temple, and a modern, larger one.

Most stunning of all may be the Thung Nham Bird Garden, a wetland area where you can see hundreds of birds on a boat tour. Entrance is 100,000 VND, or roughly $4.30 USD.

Staying overnight? Try  MOMALI Hotel Ninh Binh .

Best rated tours & activities for Ninh Binh

  • From Hanoi: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip
  • Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang An and Mua Caves Hiking Day Trip

tam coc vietnam

It is a two-hour drive from Hanoi to Tam Coc , a village south of Vietnam’s capital famous for limestone karsts like those in Halong Bay.

The shorter distance makes it ideal for day trips with local tour companies, the preferred option for visitors who have neither personal transport nor the luxury of time. The local bus and train take about an hour longer each to get there.

The rock formations are part of the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. To get up close to them, take one of the little boats that the local women row down the river using their feet.

Be prepared, though–using sun protection is strongly advised, as is steeling yourself for the hard sell tactics at the point where the boat turns around.

If you buy the overpriced refreshments for the rower, they get returned to the seller in front of your own eyes. Apart from that, it is a relaxing 45-minute ride.

At harvest time, the ripe rice grains turn the paddy fields surrounding the hills gold and it is a magnificent sight.

If you prefer enjoying the scenery with less haggling, the generally flat terrain makes cycling out of the village easy.

Trang An is a more popular option with the locals for a longer, more peaceful boat ride. Bich Dong pagoda is a short distance away, while you can climb Hang Mua for a panorama of the landscape.

If you are planning not to return to Hanoi on the same day, check Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Villa.

Top tours & activities for Tam Coc

  • Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave w/ Amazing View- All Inclusive
  • Hanoi: Full-Day Mua Cave, Hoa Lu and Tam Coc Tour

4. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hua Lu Main Gate, Vietnam

While in Ninh Binh, don’t miss a chance to visit the ancient capital surrounded by wooden walls reaching 10-15 meters high. On this day trip, you can learn about the history of the ancient city, and see many historical sites.

If making a second day trip to the province, take the Vietnam Railways again at $3.50 USD.

Entrance to the ancient capital is 20,000 VND, or $1 USD. Visitors can look forward to a plethora of temples to explore when visiting Hoa Lu, including Guy Minh, Thien Ton, Cao Son, and Nguyen. These temples were places to worship emperors and other royals.

Other monuments include Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Dai Hanh, Nhat Tru, and Dinh Tien Hoang’s Daughter.

Get a guide that speaks English to learn more about the site.

Top tours & activities for Hua Lu

  • Hanoi: Hoa Lu, Trang An Caves, & Mua Cave Day Trip and Lunch
  • From Hanoi: Hoa Lu & Tam Coc with Buffet lunch & Cycling

5. Phat Diem Cathedral

Phat Diem Cathedral Vietnam

The Phat Diem Cathedral was built of stone and wood from 1875 to 1898. It is located in the Kim Son District of Ninh Binh and is popular with visitors who enjoy exploring unique architecture. Prepare for a peaceful day trip as you walk the 15-acre complex.

From Hanoi, take a bus to Kim Son bus station for about 2.5 hours at $3.50 USD.

This Vietnamese-European fusion complex comprises a stone church, cathedral, lake, and the Phuong Dinh Bell House. The church was originally named Nha Tho Trai Tim vo Nhiem Ngyen toi Duc Me but is now called the stone church by both locals and travelers.

The cathedral is about 64m in length and 18m in width, featuring an altar, exquisite portraits, and a ceiling sprawled with paintings of angels.

At the center of the lake is a statue of Our Lady of La Vang, a spirit said to appear in the late 16th century when Vietnamese Catholics were mistreated and killed.

Top tours & activities for Phat Diem Cathedral

  • Private trip: hidden Phat Diem cathedral -Van Long -Mua cave

6. Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in the country and known as the Green Lung of Northern Vietnam. Like Tam Dao National Park, Cuc Phuong is home to thousands of animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.

If you visit late April to early May, you will find yourself in a wonderland of butterflies unlike any other.

Taking the Vietnam Local Bus for $13-15 USD will get you to the park in roughly 4 hours.

You can cut an hour of travel time by taking the Ninh Binh Excursion Transport from Rap Xiec Trung Uong to Bai Dinh Pagoda for $16 USD. Then take a taxi the rest of the way for $30-40 USD.

Limestone mountains serve as highlights in the park, surrounded by forest and rice paddies to explore.

There are several trails to choose from, the most popular leading to prehistoric caves. These include the Cave of the Prehistoric Man, Crescent Moon Cave, and Mang Chieng Cave.

There are two conservation and rescue centers you can visit to see endangered animals and the care they are receiving. These include the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and the Turtle Conservation Center, which opened in 1993 and 1998 respectively.

Rent a bike to explore the forest and see more sights before returning to Hanoi.

Or, you can stay overnight just 4km away from the National Park at Cuc Phuong Bungalow .

Top tours & activities for Cuc Phuong

  • From Ha Noi: Cuc Phuong National Park Full Day Small Group
  • Private Day Tour: Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi

7. Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

This reserve is located in the Gia Vien district of Ninh Binh. You can look forward to towering limestone mountains, diverse flora and fauna, and close-ups of the Delacour’s langur.

A coach from Giap Bat station, or a train from the Hanoi Railway Station, will get you there in about 2 hours.

A ticket to the reserve is 20,000 VND, or roughly $1 USD. With this entrance ticket, you can explore the forest, mountains, caves, and spot langurs on your trek. You are most likely to see them mid-afternoon at Ca Cave.

You can also explore Van Long by boat for 60,000 VND, or about $2.50 USD.

For your safety, do not exceed more than 3 people on a boat.

Top tours & activities for Van Long Wetland Reserve

  • Ninh Binh Private Tour: Van Long – Hoa Lu – Mua Cave
  • Private Van Long Floating Village and Kenh Ga Geyser Day Trip

8. Hai Phong

haiphong vietnam

The City of Flame Flowers, so named for its streets of flame flower trees, is the third-most populous city in Vietnam. Visitors can look forward to extravagant shrines and temples during their visit.

Just 100km from Hanoi, a bus trip will cost you $6 USD and take about 2 hours. Start at the Hanoi Gia Lam station and get off at the Hai Phong bus station . Or you can book a private transfer from Hanoi.

For a day of entertainment, visit the Municipal Theatre in the city center, recognizable by its French design and vibrant flower garden.

Follow your time at the theater with a trip to Du Hang Pagoda. Built-in the 17th century, this Buddhist temple features a bonsai collection in its gardens and dozens of Buddha statues throughout the area. Make sure to dress with respect when visiting.

The Municipal Theatre does not announce its regular hours, so be sure to ask a guide or tour desk their opening hours beforehand.

9. Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, Kayak

It’s really hard to beat Cat Ba Island when it comes to the best day trips from Hanoi.

Easily accessible via a bus and then ferry ride – a combined ticket will usually include both parts of this journey and get you straight to your accommodation on the island in under 3 hours from Hanoi.

Cat Ba Express is one company that provides this service and you can buy online through 12go.asia

What makes Cat Ba so worth visiting is the stunning marine landscape nearby (known as Lan Ha Bay), which looks exactly like Halong Bay, but with half the crowds and half the price tag!

Set just south of Halong Bay, the wonderful limestone formations that jut out of the turquoise waters of Lan Ha Bay are just as magnificent as those of its more famous neighbor, but boat trips to explore the region are a fraction of the price because this spot is far less known about!

Thankfully this means you can snorkel, kayak, and cruise the waters of Lan Ha Bay with half the number of tourists and half the amount of boats that you’d experience in Halong Bay!

Lan Ha Bay is best accessed via a day trip from Cat Ba Island, (if you take a day trip with Cat Ba Express you can get a discount on your travel to Hanoi), but it’s worth giving the land attractions of this cute isle at least a day of your time too.

In particular, hiking in Cat Ba’s wonderful national park can’t be missed.

See when is the best time to visit Vietnam before making any booking.

If you decide to stay overnight, the best place to stay in Cat Ba Island is the Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort , thanks to its location and great vibes.

Top tours & activities for Cat Ba Island

  • BEST SELLER- 2 Day/1 Night Cruise with All-Inclusive in Halong
  • Cat Ba: Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay Kayak & Snorkel Boat Tour

10. Perfume Pagoda

perfume pagoda Huong Pagoda

The Perfume Pagoda is a fun, easy place to visit from  Hanoi . This complex of Buddhist temples, where the nicest one is the Chau Trong cave temple, was built along the Huong Tich mountain chain.

You will be approaching the pagoda area on a wooden boat where traditionally women are those who row. Boats move at a slow, relaxing pace along the river, so you can enjoy the view.

Surrounding the pagoda is a market proper – packed with eateries and souvenir shops.

From there, you can either ride the gondola or walk all the way to the temples – beware that this part of the country is very humid, so the trail is slippery and the humidity can be an issue year-round.

The area is a pleasant place to visit – albeit there is a lot of garbage on the trail that leads to the main temple – and the temples are beautiful. What makes it worth visiting, however, is the entire experience.

Furthermore, the area is a very popular day-trip destination for locals who go there to pray in the temples, it is virtually unknown to international tourists – for some reason, very few actually venture there.

This makes it all the more special because you can rest assured the experience you’ll be having is real and not construed for the pleasure of tourists.

Top tours & activities for Perfume Pagoda

  • From Hanoi: Perfume Pagoda Tour and Yen Stream Boat Ride
  • Private Tour: Day Trip to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi

11. Duong Lam Ancient Village

Duong Lam Ancient Village

The first ancient village in Vietnam is located in the Son Tay district of Hanoi. Many of the houses are over 400 years old, making the village a National Historical and Cultural Heritage Site.

Starting at the My Dinh Bus Station at the center of Hanoi, a bus trip to Duong Lam Ancient Village will cost about $1 USD.

This ancient village is home to several centuries’ old attractions that visitors can explore and learn about, including over 950 houses.

Every family has a well, but the communal well has been preserved at the center of the village and has become a popular highlight.

Another attraction in the center of the village, built about 380 years ago, is the Mong Phu Temple.

For a sweet snack, try the village’s specialty Doi candy, filled with malt, sugar, and peanuts.

Top tours & activities for Duong Lam Ancient Village

  • Hanoi: Duong Lam Historical Village Private Day Tour
  • Experice Culture VN: From Hanoi – Duong Lam Ancent Village

See also:  Things to Learn about Vietnamese Culture

12. Bat Trang Village

Bat Trang Village, Vietnam

The craftsmen of Bat Trang Ceramic Village have been creating world-renowned ceramics and pottery for over 600 years. Each one knows thousands of techniques to make their products, which are shipped to collectors around the globe.

Taking the Long Bien City Bus Terminal for $3.50 USD will get you there in 1 hour.

Pottery, ceramics, and other handicrafts in Bat Trang are affordable and one-of-a-kind. You can purchase small statues and fixtures, decorative plates, cups, and pots, and even swords.

These earthenware are created from carefully inspected, high-quality clay and baked for three days before being inspected and placed on sale.

To experience first-hand the different techniques used by these craftsmen, pottery workshops are available to visitors.

Learn from friendly instructors, make an item of your own, and bring it home as a souvenir. A workshop starts at $3 USD, which goes up depending on how far in the process you wish to go.

Top tours & activities for Bat Trang Village

  • Bat Trang Pottery ancient village by Motorbike
  • From Hanoi: 4-Hour Bat Trang Ceramics Village Tour

13. Mai Chau Valley

Mai Chau Valley, Vietnam

Another perfect destination for nature lovers, Mai Chau Valley is overflowing with rice paddies, forest, and mountains.

For lunch, you can sit in an open-air restaurant built entirely of wood, where you can taste local dishes with a view of the valley’s famous scenery.

The trip from Hanoi to Mai Chau Valley takes a little over 4 hours by bus and will cost about $5 USD.

The White Thai household is a highlight of the valley. Watch a White Thai performance as you snack on tea and lychees, featuring live folk music, dancers in full ethnic dress, and music from one-of-a-kind instruments.

Explore the valley on foot, or explore on bike. The scenic paths and serene gardens offer a calm escape from the city to connect with nature and catch your breath. You can also kayak on the Hoa Binh Reservoir to take in the sights from sparkling waters.

The best place to stay in Mai Chau Valley is, by far, Mai Chau Ecolodge .

Top tours & activities in Mai Chau Village

  • Mai Chau Private Tour Full Day: Biking and Untouched Landscapes
  • From Hanoi: Mai Chau Valley & Hill Tribes 2-Day Trek Tour

See also:  Where is the Best Vietnam Massage

14. Tam Dao National Park

Tam Dao Hill, Vietnam

Here you will find the Tam Dao National Park and a surplus of restaurants and bars to socialize. Start off your day trip with a hike, and end it with a delicious meal before returning to Hanoi.

Start your journey by taking a 1-hour bus for $1.30 USD, then take a taxi for the rest of the 45 minutes for $10 USD.

Prepare your hiking camera for the hundreds of animals in Tam Dao National Park, including 64 mammal species and 239 bird species. The park comprises a large area of the town and was opened to the public in 1996.

There are various hikes to choose between, ranging from 30 minutes to an entire day. You will need to decide beforehand if you want to experience many, a couple, or just one depending on which you would most enjoy.

And do remember to wear your waterproof hiking boots if you are there in the monsoon season as it will be hard to escape rains!

Regardless of which trails you choose, you will see forests and waterfalls that take your breath away.

A really unique place to stay in Tam Dao is Homestay 90s Tam Dao .

Top tours & activities in Tam Dao

  • Private Tam Dao full day tour

15. Van Phuc Silk Village

Van Phuc Silk Village, Vietnam

Van Phuc Silk Village is another world-renowned crafts town where you can find unique souvenirs made by special techniques. It is known as the cradle of Viet silk.

On the banks of the Nhue Thi River, the village is just 10km from Hanoi Old Quarter and can be reached by a local bus. You can also take a motorbike to get there in 30 minutes.

Visitors walking through the street can find ready-to-wear clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs at affordable prices.

The village’s traditional apparel is woven using looms with high-quality silk. These products are sold to visitors and locals and exported around the world.

You will be surrounded by gorgeous silks to choose from, so look through them all before deciding what to bring back home.

Day tours are available for tourists who want to learn more about the techniques used to create luxurious cloth.

Top tours & activities in Van Phuc Silk Village

  • Half-day VAN PHUC SILK TOUR from HA NOI

16. Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park, Vietnam

Another national park famous for its limestone mountains and stunning scenery, Ba Vi National Park encompasses a three-peaked mountain. These peaks are Dinh Vua, Tan Cien, and Ngoc Hoa.

A 2-hour trip will cost no more than $14 USD total. Ride from the My Dinh bus station to Xuan Khanh for $1 USD, then take a taxi for $10-13 USD the rest of the way.

Explore the natural beauty of Ba Vi on foot as you hike through the forest. At the top of the mountain is a temple where you can rest and take in a view of the Red River Valley. While you’re there, stop by the bird and orchid gardens to enjoy more of the wildlife.

At the foot of the mountain is a spa resort where you can enjoy natural therapies after the invigorating trek to the mountain top.

A day trip to Ba Vi National Park is not enough? Stay one night at AKU HOUSE Villa Ao vua .

Top tours & activities in Ba Vi National Park

  • Ba Vi National Park Private Day Tour Sightseeings; Short Trekking

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Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Sunil

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Top Things To Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

W e arrived to Hanoi, Vietnam via airplane. The 40-minute ride from the airport to the city in a minibus cost ₫100,000 (Vietnamese Dong)(approximately 4.50 USD) per person. However, the 40 minute ride, turned into two hours, after waiting to fill the minibus and dropping others off. If you do not have the time to wait, you can take a taxi for around ₫400,000.

➳ Read More:  What to do in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam in a 3 day-2 night Cruise

If you are traveling to Hanoi with three or four people, remember that the taxi is equivalently priced as waiting for a minibus.

We arrived in the evening, so we just walked around neighborhood to check out the the mini shops, where you can find pretty much anything.

➳ Find all:   Hotels in Hanoi

What to do and see in Hanoi:

Hoan kiem lake.

The next day we woke up early and left to the Hoan Kiem Lake. The lake itself is dirty but has tons of shops around the edges, as well as great picture opportunities across the lake. In the middle of the lake is Turtle Tower, a small temple which you cannot access.

Jade Mountain Temple

The lake also has a beautiful red bridge that takes you to the Jade Mountain Temple, on a larger island within the lake. It provides a beautiful oasis in the center of a bustling city.

Entrance fee:  30,000 dong or 15,000 with a student ID.

Hanoi Opera House

We walked east, away from the lake along the street until we hit the Hanoi Opera House and the Hanoi Stock Exchange building. The Opera house is a beautiful building to see and photograph. It is also centrally located to many of the big shopping centers in the city.

Saint Joseph Cathedral

The Saint Joseph Cathedral is the oldest church in Hanoi, built resembling the Notre Dame de Paris. Around the church are a lot of little shops. We almost missed seeing the church because we had to go through an alley which we thought was a dead end.

Quan Su Pagoda

We then walked to the Quan Su Pagoda. You can get the best photo of the pagoda from through the entrance gate. At first we thought it was closed, but you have to walk past the main gate to enter through the side door. The temple is closed up around colorful walls and beautiful flowers.

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature was the first national university in Vietnam. The temple consists of five courtyards, each one designed differently. It ranges from different gardens to massive drums and bells. There is also a massive pool between the entrance and the temple.

Entrance fee:  30k dong or 15k dong with a student ID.

Ba Dinh Square

We then walked to the Ba Dinh Square. The square is the location of President Ho Chi Minh’s Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on September 2, 1945. It is now home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The square is also flanked by many other massive government buildings.

One Pillar Pagoda

Next to the mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam. It is a gorgeous area to walk around and explore. It is perfect for a quick fruit picnic while enjoying the view.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Behind the pagoda is the the Ho Chi Minh Museum. The museum is focused on the creation of the modern state of Vietnam and its struggles against

The museum costs 25k dong and is open daily from 8AM to 11.30AM daily and from 2PM to 4PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Truc Bach Lake

We then took a walk to the Truc Bach Lake. When we first got to the lake we saw a beautiful mural of lotus and a heart sign with the word Hanoi in it. There are also many tables with elderly playing chess.

We began to walk around the lake and stumbled upon the memorial for where former presidential candidate John McCain, was shot down during the Vietnam War.

Quan Thanh Temple

We walked towards the beautiful Quan Thanh Temple. The temple is pretty small but majestic. Diagonally in front to the temple is a beautiful park with a magnificent lotus flower statue in the middle of the fountain.

Entrance costs 10k dong per person, but we did not have enough cash at the moment, so we unfortunately could not enter.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Our last stop was just a few blocks away; the Tran Quoc Pagoda in the West Lake. It is by far our favorite spot in Hanoi, so do not miss it! It is gorgeous temple with a large tower shrine. and it is free. Outside there are several vendors selling handmade crafts. It is the best spot to get a great panoramic view of the city.

Then while I went to the hotel my wife went to a spa near our hotel. The Natural Spa, was a neat place with excellent service and an amazing price. My wife was really happy with her experience there. She got a massage, a facial, her nails done and wax her eye browns for less than 30 USD.

Hanoi Night Market

Every Friday, Saturday and Sundays evening the old quarter of Hanoi has a 3km long street market with live music! The market is open from 7PM to approximately midnight. Along the route can buy souvenirs, food and pretty much anything you want. Just beware that some prices are higher than the stores due to the high number of tourists.

Accommodations in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi legacy hotel – hang bac.

Our first nights in Hanoi we had reservations at the L’Heritage Hotel . Unfortunately when we arrived we were informed that there were no rooms available due to a leaky roof and we were transferred to one of their nearby hotels, Hanoi Legacy Hotel – Hang Bac .

The hotel was technically an upgrade from our original reservations, giving us a bigger room and a ridiculously large bed. They were a bit pushy about us signing up for a tour they offered, but after they accepted we were not doing one, it was much better. It also includes a full breakfast buffet.

Budget Friendly option: Nova Hotel

The last nights in Hanoi we spent at the nearby Nova Hotel . It was a bit cheaper than the other hotel, and it did show. The room was not much bigger than the bed itself and the TV was broken. It also includes a breakfast menu that you can order one option from. If you are only worried about a comfortable bed, this is the place to stay.

Restaurant suggestion

The front desk at our hotel recommend it to eat at  Gecko’s Restaurant , an excellent place to try traditional Vietnamese food, with the option for international cuisine. If you or your travel partners are not keen to such new flavors, or if you are traveling with children, this is a good compromise. Jazmin gives it two thumbs up!

We spent 160.000 dong for two meals and one appetizer. The next day we went back and spent 180,000 dong for 2 course meal, with drinks, including a buy one beer get one free special.

While this sounds cheap compared to the US or Europe, we suggest skipping traditional restaurants all together and heading to smaller traditional food servers along the streets.

If we are missing someplace in our travel guide that is not to be missed in Hanoi, please let us know in the comments below!

Save this article for later ⇟

We arrived to Hanoi, Vietnam via airplane. The 40-minute ride from the airport to the city in a minibus cost ₫100,000 (Vietnamese Dong)(approximately 4.50 USD) per person. However, the 40 minute ride, turned into two hours, after waiting to fill the minibus and dropping others off. If you do not have the time to wait, you …

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Hanoi

Day trips from hanoi.

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  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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10. Hanoi City Half-Day Private Tour: Train Street And All Highlights

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11. Highlight Ninh Binh Full Day Tour Tam Coc Boat, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu

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12. Halong Bay Full Day With Cave, Kayaking And Swimming - Highway Transfer

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13. Halong Luxury Cruise Full Day Tour from Hanoi: All inclusive

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14. 1 Day Luxury Tour in Bai Dinh, Trang An and Mua Cave

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16. Halong 6 hours Boat tour with Cave, Kayak, lunch, transfer high-way from Hanoi

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21. Best seller Halong Bay Day cruise: Sung Sot cave, Titop, kayaking

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22. Hanoi to Ninh Binh 1 day: Trang An - Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Hoa Lu

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29. Ninh Binh Deluxe Day Tour To Visit Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave

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30. Unique Private Mua Cave Tam Coc Hoa Lu Biking Hiking Boat Trip

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Hanoi

Day trips from hanoi.

  • Hanoi to Ninh Binh
  • Hanoi to Halong Bay
  • Hanoi to Cat Ba
  • Hanoi to Sapa
  • Private Day Trips
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

day trips in hanoi

1. Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

day trips in hanoi

2. Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike

day trips in hanoi

3. Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, hiking & Lunch

day trips in hanoi

4. Cozy Bay Halong 5-Star Day Cruise, Buffet, Cave, Kayak, Swimming

day trips in hanoi

5. PRIVATE TOUR HALONG BAY ONE DAY with Cave, Kayaking, Bamboo Boat

day trips in hanoi

6. Ninh Binh Day Trip: Hoa Lu-Trang An-Mua Cave, Buffet,Cycling,Boat

day trips in hanoi

7. Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - Cave, Kayaking, Swimming & Lunch

day trips in hanoi

8. Private Ninh Binh Luxury Day Tour (Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Cycling)

day trips in hanoi

9. Cong Cruise Full-day Explore Halong Bay

day trips in hanoi

10. Hanoi City Half-Day Private Tour: Train Street And All Highlights

day trips in hanoi

11. Highlight Ninh Binh Full Day Tour Tam Coc Boat, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu

day trips in hanoi

12. Halong Bay Full Day With Cave, Kayaking And Swimming - Highway Transfer

day trips in hanoi

13. Halong Luxury Cruise Full Day Tour from Hanoi: All inclusive

day trips in hanoi

14. 1 Day Luxury Tour in Bai Dinh, Trang An and Mua Cave

day trips in hanoi

15. Halong Bay Deluxe Day Tour

day trips in hanoi

16. Halong 6 hours Boat tour with Cave, Kayak, lunch, transfer high-way from Hanoi

day trips in hanoi

17. BEST SELLER - Halong 5 Star Day Cruise: Buffet Lunch, Wine& Fruit

day trips in hanoi

18. LEADING: All inclusive 3D/2N on cruises in HALONG - many options

day trips in hanoi

19. Hanoi City Tour Full Day ALL IN ONE - ALL INCLUDED

day trips in hanoi

20. Best seller Halong Bay Day cruise: Sung Sot cave, Titop, kayaking

day trips in hanoi

21. Hanoi to Ninh Binh 1 day: Trang An - Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Hoa Lu

day trips in hanoi

22. Ha Long Bay Full Day Tour Cruise

day trips in hanoi

23. Sapa Trekking Tour 2 Days 1 Night By Bus

day trips in hanoi

24. Ninh Binh Full-Day Small Group of 9 Guided Tour from Hanoi

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25. Best Halong Bay Tour On Luxury Excursion Cruise 6 Hours Cruising

day trips in hanoi

26. Diamond Halong 5-Star Day Cruise,Cave,Kayak,Jacuzzi Pool,Buffet

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27. Deluxe Hoa Lu Trang An Mua Cave Small Group - Cruising, Biking,Hiking, Limousine

day trips in hanoi

28. Incense Village Small Group Of 9 Tour From Hanoi to Ninh Binh

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29. Ninh Binh Deluxe Day Tour To Visit Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave

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30. Unique Private Mua Cave Tam Coc Hoa Lu Biking Hiking Boat Trip

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  • Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, hiking & Lunch
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From watch parties to music festivals, choose your April 8 total solar eclipse adventure

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. It will be the last one visible from the contiguous United States until 2044. Here’s what viewers should expect to see during each stage of the eclipse. (Feb. 16) (AP video: Christine Nguyen)

day trips in hanoi

A total solar eclipse will cross North America in April. This animated map shows the path of totality across parts of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. (Feb. 29) (AP Animation: Panagiotis Mouzakis and Marshall Ritzel)

FILE - Blake Davis, 10, of Coral Springs, Fla., looks through solar glasses as he watches the eclipse, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fla. After April 8, 2024, there won’t be another U.S. eclipse, spanning coast to coast, until 2045. That one will stretch from Northern California all the way to Cape Canaveral, Florida. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Sunglasses won’t cut it during the April 8 eclipse. Special eclipse glasses are crucial for safely observing the sun as the moon marches across the late morning and afternoon sky on April 8, covering more and more and then less and less of our star. (AP Video/Shelby Lum)

FILE - People gather near Redmond, Ore., to view the sun as it nears a total eclipse by the moon, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. The April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse in North America first hits land at Mexico’s Pacific coast, cuts diagonally across the U.S. from Texas to Maine and exits in eastern Canada. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

FILE - People gather near Redmond, Ore., to view the sun as it nears a total eclipse by the moon, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. The April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse in North America first hits land at Mexico’s Pacific coast, cuts diagonally across the U.S. from Texas to Maine and exits in eastern Canada. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

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FILE - Heavy traffic moves slowly along Interstate 80 in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. Wyoming was one of the states in the path of the total eclipse, and thousands of people poured into the state for the view, causing massive traffic jams that are normally seen in major metropolitan areas. (Blaine McCartney/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP, File)

FILE - Tyler Hanson, of Fort Rucker, Ala., watches the sun moments before the total eclipse, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse in North America first hits land at Mexico’s Pacific coast, cuts diagonally across the U.S. from Texas to Maine and exits in eastern Canada. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

FILE - A model of the planet Saturn stands near Route 1 in Westfield, Maine, Friday, May 9, 2003. The nation’s largest three-dimensional scale model of the solar system is positioned along a 40-mile stretch of highway between Presque Isle, Maine, and Houlton, Maine. The April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse in North America first hits land at Mexico’s Pacific coast, cuts diagonally across the U.S. from Texas to Maine and exits in eastern Canada. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Where will you be watching the April 8 total solar eclipse ? There are just a few weeks left to pick your spot to see the skies darken along a strip of North America, whether by land, sea or air.

For those who live inside the 115-mile-wide (185-kilometer-wide) path of total darkness , it may be a matter of just stepping outside and donning special eclipse glasses to watch the spectacle unfold. For the millions outside the path, or those who just want to improve their chances of clear skies, it could mean hitting the road with a game plan.

The eclipse reaches Mexico’s Pacific coast in the morning, cuts diagonally across the U.S. from Texas to Maine and exits in eastern Canada by late afternoon. Most of the rest of the continent will see a partial eclipse.

Where to watch the total solar eclipse

The weather will be key, and spring weather along the path can be dicey. Mexico and Texas offer the best odds of sunny skies, said retired Canadian meteorologist Jay Anderson .

“There’s no guarantee of sunshine anywhere — just better chances,” he said.

Anderson studies satellite data for the previous 20 years to calculate how often a location has cloudy weather on any eclipse day. Besides Mexico and Texas, he said there are other promising spots on the path of totality, particularly along the Great Lakes.

FILE - Eclipse watchers squint through protective filters as they view an eclipse of the sun from the top deck of New York's Empire State Building in New York on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 1932. Full solar eclipses occur every year or two or three, often in the middle of nowhere like the South Pacific or Antarctic. (AP Photo/File, File)

The advice: If you’re flexible, start paying attention to local weather about 10 days out, and make your plans on the three-day forecast. Die-hard eclipse chasers often line up more than one location and make last-minute decisions based on the best forecast, he said.

How to prepare like an eclipse chaser

One veteran eclipse chaser recommends picking a location and make it a vacation so that the eclipse is “the cherry on top” and not the only highlight — just in case things don’t work out.

Tom Schultz will be traveling from his retirement home in Costa Rica to watch the eclipse from his mother-in-law’s house in Rochester, New York, along with other relatives.

“If we get rained out, we’ll get this great family reunion,” said Schultz.

Veteran Anne Marie Adkins could drive across town in San Antonio to see the total eclipse, but opted to join an astronomer-led tour to Mazatlán, Mexico, betting on clear skies there. She’s been thwarted by clouds on other trips. For the 2017 U.S. eclipse, she went to Nebraska and had to scramble that day to find better skies.

“It’s a gamble. You never know what you are going to get,” said Adkins.

Post-eclipse traffic is a particular worry, especially in more rural areas like the Texas Hill Country. Patricia Moore, of the Bandera visitors center , said last year’s “ring of fire” eclipse provided a dress rehearsal for police and other first responders. Tiny Bandera — the “Cowboy Capital of the World” — expects crowds from nearby weekend music festivals.

“After the eclipse will be a challenge,” she said.

Where are the eclipse watch parties?

With the eclipse falling on a Monday, cities and towns along the path have lined up a weekend full of activities and watch parties to attract visitors. There are a multitude of music festivals and gatherings planned at museums, parks, wineries and other businesses hoping to capitalize on the buzz.

Niagara Falls has a slate of events for days and is expecting July Fourth-sized crowds for the eclipse, said Sara Harvey, spokeswoman for Destination Niagara USA.

There are multiple vantage points to watch the show from Niagara Falls State Park, and the famous Maid of the Mist tourist boats may be running, weather permitting, she said. Even if it’s cloudy, visitors will get “a beautiful view of the falls,” Harvey said.

FILE - A telescope projects an image of a partial solar eclipse onto a piece of paper, at the Astronomy Institute on the campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, in Mexico City, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. On April 8, 2024, the sun will pull another disappearing act across parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada, turning day into night for as much as 4 minutes, 28 seconds. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

In Waco, Texas, festivities will culminate on eclipse day with science-themed activities outside Baylor’s McLane stadium , along what’s called Touchdown Alley.

It may be too late to snag a cabin on a cruise ship positioned off the Mexico coast for the eclipse, but there are other watery options including a ride on the paddle-wheeler Victorian Princess on Lake Erie from Erie, Pennsylvania.

If the sky beckons, Southwest and Delta have identified flights that will fly along or near the eclipse path. A special Delta flight from Austin to Detroit quickly sold out, prompting the airline to add another from Dallas.

Looking for an different kind of place to watch the sun, moon and Earth align? The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host NASA astronauts and other guests. Cedar Point amusement park on Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, is opening for the day. And the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas is throwing a tailgate fundraising party and inviting visitors to watch the zoo’s residents react to the midday darkness.

You can also spend the day visiting the planets. In northern Maine, a scale model of the solar system is displayed along nearly 100 miles (160 kilometers) of U.S. Route 1. Retired geology professor Kevin McCartney expects to unveil a new 23- foot-tall (7-meters-tall) roadside sun at the University of Maine at Presque Isle on eclipse day. “You won’t be able to miss it,” he said.

Anderson, the weather expert, said it’s well worth the travel to see the “special magical moment” of a total eclipse: “It’s the Taylor Swift of natural events.”

FILE - People view a total solar eclipse from La Higuera, Chile, Tuesday, July 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix, File)

People view a total solar eclipse from La Higuera, Chile, Tuesday, July 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix, File)

This story was first published on March 2 and was updated on March 4 to fix the spelling of McLane stadium.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

day trips in hanoi

COMMENTS

  1. THE TOP 10 Hanoi Day Trips (w/Prices)

    A: The best Day Trips in Hanoi according to Viator travelers are: Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike. Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, hiking & Lunch. Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi.

  2. 15 Best Day Trips from Hanoi

    4. Ninh Binh. Source: JunPhoto / shutterstock. Ninh Binh. As far as northern Vietnamese cities go, Ninh Binh is very much an unknown and unexplored destination. Found just 100 kilometers to the south of Hanoi, it makes for an excellent, off the beaten track day trip.

  3. The 16 Best Hanoi Day Trips (2024)

    The area consists of over 2000 limestone islands and islets rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. This incredible natural wonder is located just about 2.5 hours' drive away from Hanoi, making it one of the best day trips you can take from Hanoi.

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    Hanoi Day Trips Things to Do. Whether you are into strolling around the ancient walled city, or would prefer adventures like trekking in national parks, or mountain biking, rest assured that our Hanoi Day Trips will make the most of your time in and around Hanoi. They are especially perfect for solo travelers, families or small groups of any kind.

  5. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Hanoi (UPDATED 2024)

    Hanoi is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from Hanoi, Vietnam directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 1,180,633 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Hanoi to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend.

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    8. Bat Trang Village. Bat Trang Village. If you are not keen to travel for hundreds of kilometres, Bat Trang Village is the trip for you. This day trip from Hanoi is only 13 kilometres or a short thirty minutes away from Hanoi Old Quarter. Bat Trang Village is famous for being a ceramic and pottery centre.

  7. Day Tours in Hanoi

    Looking for day trips from Hanoi, join our group or private Hanoi tours, customize it and traveling on your own pace with day tour in Hanoi. Make your trip free and easy

  8. 10 Best Day Trips from Hanoi

    Efired / shutterstock.com. 1. Tam Coc. Often dubbed the "Ha Long Bay but on land", Tam Coc is one of the most beautiful Hanoi day trips possible. The Ninh Binh region is known for its limestone mountain scenery and Tam Coc is home to some of the best of it.

  9. Hanoi day trips: 15 best places inside and outside Hanoi

    Hanoi day trips to Ninh Binh offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty, history, and culture of Vietnam. 12. Day trips to Sapa from Hanoi. Located approximately 320 kilometers from Hanoi, Sapa is a charming town nestled in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Visitors can take a scenic train journey from Hanoi to Sapa ...

  10. THE TOP 10 Day Trips in Hanoi (w/Prices)

    A: The best Day Trips in Hanoi according to Viator travelers are: Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike. Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, hiking & Lunch. Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi.

  11. Top 7 Day Trips from Hanoi: How to Choose (Expert Guide)

    7. Bat Trang Village — for local pottery. Distance: about 15 km (10 miles) from Hanoi, a ½-hour drive. Bat Trang Village is just a 30-minute drive away from Hanoi Old Quarter. It is a good day trip option if you don't want to spend too much time on the way.

  12. Incredible Day Trips From Hanoi Vietnam

    You can visit Mai Chau and enjoy a scenic bicycle ride as part of Culture Trip's specially curated 12-day Vietnam adventure, led by our local insider. 9. Bat Trang Village, for local pottery. Bat Trang Village is just 30 minutes from the Old Quarter in Hanoi, so it's a low-commitment excursion.

  13. 22 BEST Day Trips From Hanoi

    Top Best Day Trips & Weekend Trips from Hanoi 22 Amazing Places You Should Visit For A Day Trips from Hanoi. If you are looking for a place to travel around Hanoi with your family and friends to take a rest and relax within the day to get away from the bustling and noisy of city, Hanoi Explore Travel will suggest 21 Most Cheap and Best weekend trips from Hanoi

  14. Unforgettable Day Trips from Hanoi: A Comprehensive Guide

    Top 7 Day Trips from Hanoi. 1. Ha Long Bay. Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 170 km. Travel time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours by car or bus via the Hanoi-Hai Phong highway. Activities: Boat cruises, cave explorations, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, squid fishing.

  15. Hanoi in a Day: Unveiling the Heart of Vietnam

    Embark on a whirlwind adventure through Hanoi, where history and modernity collide. Begin your day with a serene 3-hour visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring a temple and historic buildings that whisper tales of Vietnam's storied past.

  16. Top 12 Day Trips From Hanoi, Vietnam

    Get to know the places to go and read on to find the top day trips from Hanoi, Vietnam. Read Also: Discover Saigon: Things to do in Ho Chi Minh; Overwhelming beauty of Halong Bay; Top 11 Halal Hotels In Hanoi, Vietnam; 1. Ba Vi National Park (from USD 59.0) 1/5 day trips in hanoi | ba vi national park.

  17. 10 best day trips from Hanoi

    Additionally, many tours include a bike ride or boat trip to explore the surrounding countryside. 10. Thay Pagoda. Thay Pagoda, also known as Master's Pagoda, is a popular options for a day trip from Hanoi, located about 20 kilometers southwest of the city.

  18. 22 Best Day Trips from Hanoi

    Ninh Binh tours from Hanoi are one of the most popular day trips! Travel time: 1h42mins. Mua Cave tours from Hanoi; 2 - Picture Vietnam nearly 1000 years ago in Hoa Lu. Travel back in time to when the country was ruled by dynasties at Hoa Lu, also known as the "Ancient City."

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    53,499. Book the best day trips from Hanoi, Vietnam directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 11,76,614 traveller reviews and view photos of different trips from Hanoi to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend.

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    9 Incredible Day Trips from Hanoi, Vietnam. 1. Quang Phu Cau - The Incense Village. There are many exquisite craft villages near Hanoi, but the most picturesque among these villages must be Quang Phu Cau, known as the Incense Village.

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    Thay Temple. At just 30 km (18.6 miles) from Hanoi, Thay Temple makes for an excellent trip out of town. The temple was founded in the 11th century by the Lý dynasty and it is still used by a community of Buddhist monks. It's a great example of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture.

  22. 16 Day Trips From Hanoi: Cruises, Kayaking, Hikes, Bikes & more

    Best rated tours & activities for Ninh Binh. From Hanoi: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip. Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang An and Mua Caves Hiking Day Trip. 3. Tam Coc. It is a two-hour drive from Hanoi to Tam Coc, a village south of Vietnam's capital famous for limestone karsts like those in Halong Bay.

  23. Top Things To Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

    We arrived to Hanoi, Vietnam via airplane. The 40-minute ride from the airport to the city in a minibus cost ₫100,000 (Vietnamese Dong)(approximately 4.50 USD) per person. However, the 40 minute ...

  24. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Hanoi (UPDATED 2024)

    Hanoi is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from Hanoi, Vietnam directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 1,179,293 traveller reviews and view photos of different trips from Hanoi to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend.

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    We will be travelling from Hanoi. Currently planning on 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Halong Bay so if we spent a night in Nimh Vinh it leaves us one less night in Hanoi. I mainly want to do river trip. Would it be too hectic in one day though. Will be traveling with an 8 year old and a 15 year old (if that makes a difference). Thanks

  26. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Hanoi (UPDATED 2024)

    Hanoi is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Book the best day trips from Hanoi, Vietnam directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Read 1,180,775 traveller reviews and view photos of different trips from Hanoi to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend.

  27. Find an April 8 total solar eclipse watch party near you

    You can also spend the day visiting the planets. In northern Maine, a scale model of the solar system is displayed along nearly 100 miles (160 kilometers) of U.S. Route 1. Retired geology professor Kevin McCartney expects to unveil a new 23- foot-tall (7-meters-tall) roadside sun at the University of Maine at Presque Isle on eclipse day.

  28. Nana on Instagram: " Pho Hanoi Yatai 33 Tokyo, Ikebukuro, LumineEst 8F

    14 likes, 0 comments - imnaasan_trip on January 28, 2023: " Pho Hanoi Yatai 33 Tokyo, Ikebukuro, LumineEst 8F Price Pho set : 1200yen~ Revi..." Nana on Instagram: "🍴Pho Hanoi Yatai 33 📍Tokyo, Ikebukuro, LumineEst 8F 💰Price Pho set : 1200yen~ 🗣Review 💭All this food in this price was very worth it (especially for Tokyo)!