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
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. 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.
My day trip recommendations:
3. 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.
My day trip recommendations:
4. 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.
My day trip recommendations:
5. 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.
My day trip recommendations:
6. 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.
My day trip recommendations:
7. Tam Coc
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.
My day trip recommendations:
8. 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:
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.
My day trip recommendations:
10. 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!
My day trip recommendations:
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.
My day trip recommendations:
12. 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.
My day trip recommendations:
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?
My day trip recommendations:
14. 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.
My day trip recommendations:
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.
My day trip recommendations:
Book Your Trip To Vietnam
Book Your Flight
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Book Your Hotel
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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
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