The Best Day Trips from Hanoi
If you're looking to explore beyond Hanoi, here are 5 incredible day trips that offer stunning landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable experiences.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Bình Province, often called "Halong Bay on Land," is a stunning destination just a short trip from Hanoi, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes. Imagine majestic limestone mountains rising from emerald rice paddies, intersected by tranquil rivers. It's a truly picturesque region.
Key attractions include:
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering captivating boat rides through limestone caves, hidden temples, and serene waterways. - Tam Coc: Another beautiful karst landscape with rice fields and rivers, perfect for boat tours and visiting ancient temples.
Mua Cave: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the rice fields and surrounding mountains.
Hoa Lu: Explore the ruins of Vietnam's ancient capital, including temples and palaces.
Bai Dinh Pagoda: One of Vietnam's largest Buddhist complexes, featuring a grand pagoda and a magnificent Buddha statue.
A typical day trip itinerary would involve departing Hanoi at 8 AM, arriving in Ninh Bình after a 2-hour drive, enjoying a 3-4 hour boat tour in Trang An, having lunch, hiking Mua Cave, and potentially visiting Hoa Lu before returning to Hanoi around 5 PM.
Tips: Bring VND for a tip (around 50K/person) for the boat paddler in Trang An and wear comfortable shoes for hiking in Mua Cave.
Ha Long Bay
A day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay is a great idea that you should not miss if you come to Hanoi for a few days. Only about 150 km from Hanoi center, it only takes about 2-3 hours to go from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Once you arrive, you'll be captivated by its stunning limestone islands, crystal-clear waters, and mysterious caves. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a breathtaking natural wonder that will leave you breathless. Enjoy a scenic boat ride, explore hidden caves, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. With convenient transportation options and a variety of day tour packages, a day trip to Halong Bay is a perfect way to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
Bat Trang Pottery Village
Bat Trang Pottery Village is a charming village located about 13 kilometers southeast of Hanoi, known for its centuries-old pottery tradition. It is one of the oldest pottery villages in Vietnam, dating back to the 14th or 15th century. The village is home to many potters who continue to use traditional techniques to create beautiful and intricate ceramics.
Visitors can watch the artisans at work, learn about the pottery-making process, and purchase finished products. The village is also known for its many shops and stalls selling pottery, as well as other local handicrafts. Visitors can find a wide variety of items, including vases, bowls, plates, cups, figurines, and tiles.
Tam Dao National Park
Located only 43 miles (70 kilometers) from Hanoi, Tam Dao National Park provides time-pressed visitors with a more convenient—yet no less restorative—alternative to the mountain highlands of Sapa. The tropical mountains are rich in biodiversity and harbor more than 750 species of flora and fauna.
Tam Dao National Park is more suited to relaxation than intense adventure, offering visitors a myriad of gentle to intermediate walks and spectacular vistas. Hikes vary from 30-minute strolls to all-day treks that require guides and involve more-challenging terrain and increased chances of spotting wildlife. Travelers looking to take a short break from the bustle of Hanoi can visit the national park on a day trip, which typically include round-trip transfers.
Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park is a famous tourist attraction in Hanoi’s suburban area. It is located in Ba Vi District, which is just around 60 kilometers away from the city center. This nature reserve is situated on the mountain range of the same name, covering an area of 10,814 hectares. The natural greens of this place make it an ideal stop for a day trip from Hanoi.
Thanks to its hilly terrain, Ba Vi has a pleasant tropical monsoon climate. The annual average temperature is 23.2°C. It is colder in December and January, when the temperature might decrease by 2-3°C. On the other hand, the temperature reaches its peak during the summer (especially in May and June). Still, Ba Vi National Park weather is still much cooler than in Hanoi’s city center, which makes it the favorite hideaway destination for the people of Hanoi to cool down on hot summer days.