Located in the northern part of Vietnam, Hanoi is a bustling city that offers visitors a unique blend of traditional and modern culture. While there are plenty of things to do in Hanoi itself, if you have a few extra days, it’s worth taking some time to explore the surrounding areas. With that in mind, here are the 10 best day trips from Hanoi:
Halong Bay Day Trip from Hanoi
Halong Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, known for its stunning natural beauty and iconic limestone karsts. A day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay is a great way to see this breathtaking landscape, even if you don’t have time for an overnight cruise.
What to See and Do
- Take a boat tour around the bay to see the famous limestone karsts up close
- Visit the floating villages and fishing communities to learn about local life
- Explore the Thien Cung Cave or the Sung Sot Cave, both of which are impressive limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites
- Go kayaking or swimming in the bay
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi is by booking a day tour through a travel agency. Most tours include round-trip transportation, a boat ride around the bay, and lunch.
Tips
- Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be intense on the water
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the caves and walking around the villages
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery
Tam Coc Day Trip from Hanoi
Tam Coc is often referred to as the “Halong Bay on Land,” thanks to its similar limestone karsts and scenic river cruises. If you’re interested in exploring Vietnam’s countryside, a day trip to Tam Coc is a must.
What to See and Do
- Take a boat ride along the picturesque Ngo Dong River, passing through three natural caves and past rice paddies and limestone cliffs
- Visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a series of Buddhist temples built into a mountain
- Explore the surrounding countryside by bike or on foot
How to Get There
Tam Coc is located about 100 km south of Hanoi, and can be reached by car or motorbike. It’s also possible to book a day tour from Hanoi that includes transportation, a boat ride, and lunch.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the temples and exploring the countryside
- Bring a hat and sunscreen, as it can get hot in the summer
- Be prepared for some crowds during peak season
Mai Chau Day Trip from Hanoi
Mai Chau is a small village nestled in a valley surrounded by lush green mountains. A day trip to Mai Chau is perfect for those looking to experience rural Vietnamese life and stunning natural scenery.
What to See and Do
- Take a bike ride through the countryside to explore local villages and rice paddies
- Watch a traditional Thai dance performance at a local stilt house
- Visit the local market to sample traditional foods and handicrafts
- Trek through the nearby Pu Luong Nature Reserve for even more stunning views
How to Get There
Mai Chau is located about 135 km west of Hanoi, and can be reached by car or motorbike. It’s also possible to book a day tour from Hanoi that includes transportation, activities, and lunch.
Tips
- Bring comfortable clothes and shoes for biking or trekking
- Be sure to try the local specialties, such as grilled pork and sticky rice
- Respect local customs and dress appropriately when visiting temples or stilt houses
Perfume Pagoda Day Trip from Hanoi
The Perfume Pagoda is a complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the Huong Tich limestone mountains. A day trip to the Perfume Pagoda offers visitors a chance to explore this spiritual site and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
What to See and Do
- Take a cable car up the mountain for stunning views of the valley below
- Visit the Huong Tich Cave, which features several Buddhist statues and carvings
- Explore the other temples and shrines throughout the complex
- Take a boat ride along the Yen Stream for even more scenic views
How to Get There
The Perfume Pagoda is located about 60 km southwest of Hanoi, and can be reached by car or motorbike. It’s also possible to book a day tour from Hanoi that includes transportation, cable car ride, boat ride, and lunch.
Tips
- Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites, covering shoulders and knees
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the complex
- Be prepared for some crowds during peak season
Hoa Lu and Trang An Day Trip from Hanoi
Hoa Lu and Trang An are two historic sites located in Ninh Binh province, known for their ancient temples and stunning natural beauty. A day trip to Hoa Lu and Trang An offers visitors a chance to explore Vietnam’s rich history and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
What to See and Do
- Visit the Dinh and Le Temples, which date back to the 10th and 11th centuries and were built to honor the first two emperors of Vietnam
- Take a boat ride through the Trang An scenic landscape complex, passing by caves, limestone cliffs, and rice paddies
- Explore the Mua Cave, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside
How to Get There
Hoa Lu and Trang An are located about 100 km south of Hanoi, and can be reached by car or motorbike. It’s also possible to book a day tour from Hanoi that includes transportation, activities, and lunch.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the temples and caves
- Bring sunscreen and a hat, as it can get hot in the summer
- Respect local customs and dress appropriately when visiting temples
Ba Vi National Park Day Trip from Hanoi
Ba Vi National Park is a nature reserve located about 50 km west of Hanoi, known for its hiking trails, hot springs, and beautiful views. A day trip to Ba Vi National Park is perfect for nature lovers and those looking to escape the city for a while.
What to See and Do
- Hike up the Ba Vi Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside
- Visit the Thien Son – Suoi Nga Eco-tourism Area, which features hot springs and hiking trails
- Explore the Duong Lam Ancient Village, which is located near the park and is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture
How to Get There
Ba Vi National Park is located about 50 km west of Hanoi, and can be reached by car or motorbike. It’s also possible to book a day tour from Hanoi that includes transportation, activities, and lunch.
Tips
- Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes for exploring the park
- Bring sunscreen and a hat, as it can get hot in the summer
- Be prepared for some crowds during peak season
Cuc Phuong National Park Day Trip from Hanoi
Cuc Phuong National Park is another nature reserve located near Hanoi, known for its diverse ecosystem and wildlife. A day trip to Cuc Phuong National Park offers visitors a chance to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty and learn about conservation efforts.
What to See and Do
- Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, which works to protect and rehabilitate several species of primates
- Explore the botanical garden and butterfly center, which feature a wide variety of plant and insect species
- Hike through the park’s many trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding forest
How to Get There
Cuc Phuong National Park is located about 120 km south of Hanoi, and can be reached by car or motorbike. It’s also possible to book a day tour from Hanoi that includes transportation, activities, and lunch.
Tips
- Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes for exploring the park
- Bring sunscreen and a hat, as it can get hot in the summer
- Respect local customs and follow park rules to help preserve the environment
Duong Lam Ancient Village Day Trip from Hanoi
Duong Lam Ancient Village is a well-preserved traditional Vietnamese village located about 60 km west of Hanoi. A day trip to Duong Lam Ancient Village offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
What to See and Do
- Visit the village’s many ancient houses and temples, some of which date back over 400 years
- Sample local foods and handicrafts at the village market
- Learn about traditional Vietnamese culture and customs from local residents
How to Get There
Duong Lam Ancient Village is located about 60 km west of Hanoi, and can be reached by car or motorbike. It’s also possible to book a day tour from Hanoi that includes transportation, activities, and lunch.
Tips
- Dress appropriately when visiting temples and other religious sites
- Respect local customs and traditions when interacting with villagers
- Be sure to try the local specialty, gio cha uoc (pork sausage)
Bat Trang Ceramic Village Day Trip from Hanoi
Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a traditional pottery village located about 13 km southeast of Hanoi. A day trip to Bat Trang Ceramic Village offers visitors a chance to learn about traditional pottery making techniques and purchase unique souvenirs.
What to See and Do
- Watch potters in action as they create beautiful ceramic pieces using traditional techniques
- Visit the manypottery shops and purchase unique souvenirs or gifts
- Try your hand at pottery making with a hands-on workshop
- Visit the Bat Trang Communal House, which is dedicated to the village’s founder and features beautiful architecture and paintings
How to Get There
Bat Trang Ceramic Village is located about 13 km southeast of Hanoi, and can be reached by car, motorbike, or public transportation. It’s also possible to book a day tour from Hanoi that includes transportation and activities.
Tips
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking around the village
- Be prepared to bargain when purchasing pottery pieces
- Respect local customs and traditions when visiting the communal house
Conclusion
Exploring the surrounding areas of Hanoi offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of northern Vietnam. From stunning landscapes to traditional villages, there’s something for everyone on these 10 best day trips from Hanoi.
