14+ Unmissable Day Trips from Hanoi: Beaches, nature & beyond

After living in Vietnam’s capital city for 3 years, I thought I’d already explored all possible day trips from Hanoi. Clearly, I was wrong.

In this blog post, I’ve gathered opinions from ten locals about 14+ unmissable day trips from Hanoi. Whether you’re interested in nature, culture, or the ocean, or just getting away from the hustles and bustles of Hanoi for a day, there’s something from this list for you.

Trust me, I’ve been to some lame places before, but these amazing day trips from Hanoi recommended by the locals themselves will not disappoint! I’ve also divided them into 3 categories for your ease of skimming: Nature lovers, Beach people, and Culture enthusiasts. Let’s see what they are!

Day trips from Hanoi for CULTURE ENTHUSIASTS

1. Duong Lam Ancient Village

So many people have asked me if Duong Lam Ancient Village is worth a visit? I’d say depending on your interest, but it’s a nice day trip from Hanoi if you’re keen on exploring the local culture.

The village is home to many old houses with traditional North Vietnam architecture. You can also visit one of them and pay for a home-cooked lunch with home-grown vegetables. They’re some of the most welcoming hosts I’ve met in Hanoi!

The best part of the village is taking a walk around. It’s so quaint and peaceful. You’ll also be able to observe how locals make soy sauce in big jars here.

2. Bat Trang Ceramic Village

If you’re looking for a day trip from Hanoi that is both fun and informative, be sure to include a visit to Bat Trang Ceramic Village.

I’d recommend taking a biking tour from Hanoi to Bat Trang, as this village is located just 15 km from Hanoi city center. Otherwise, hiring a car or minivan for private transportation from Hanoi is also a good option.

Once you arrive, you can take a leisurely walk around the old town and enjoy the traditional architecture of a northern Vietnamese village. You can also try your hand at making ceramic products using the traditional hand-turned wheels, which is much more fun, and then bring home what you’ve made as a souvenir.

Be sure to visit the incredible Bat Trang Museum of Ceramic Art to learn more about the history of this important craft. Of course, you can also go shopping for some of the best ceramic products in Vietnam here.

Whether you’re interested in history or simply want to enjoy some beautiful ceramics, a day trip to Bat Trang Ceramic Village is sure to please.

3. Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism

Vietnam is a country steeped in a rich tapestry of culture, with 54 distinct ethnic groups contributing to its vibrant diversity. While the majority of the population is Vietnamese, making up around 85%, each ethnic minority brings its own unique language, traditions, and way of life to the mix.

If you’re curious about exploring the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, consider a day trip from Hanoi to the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism. It’s an excellent choice whether you’re traveling solo or with family. At the village, you can savor traditional dishes from various ethnic groups, immerse yourself in their customs and traditions, and enjoy captivating musical performances.

Beyond the performances, you’ll also have the opportunity to join in folk games and learn how different ethnic groups build their homes, giving you a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s cultural mosaic.

Tips for visiting the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism

• An English-speaking tour guide can greatly enhance your visit, but keep in mind that the last time I visited, none were available on-site. It’s a good idea to hire one in advance if you’re not fluent in Vietnamese.
• Before you go, contact the village at 024 62929777 to check their event calendar. Planning your trip to coincide with one of their events can make your visit even more memorable.
• If you’re traveling in a group of three or more, consider booking a tour package through the village. These packages often include a variety of activities and a traditional lunch, offering the best value for your experience.

4. Perfume Pagoda

Nestled in the Huong Tich mountains, the Perfume Pagoda is a stunning Buddhist complex, home to an array of temples and shrines that draw visitors from near and far. Located just a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, it stands as one of Vietnam’s most revered pilgrimage sites.

One of the true highlights of a visit to the Perfume Pagoda is the tranquil riverboat journey along the Yen River. As you glide through the serene waters, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of rice paddies and towering limestone mountains on either side. Once you arrive, you’ll have the chance to explore several Buddhist shrines and delve into the mystical atmosphere of a religious cave.

For the best experience, I highly recommend booking a Perfume Pagoda tour with an English-speaking tour guide. Not only will you gain deeper insights into the local culture and religion, but a typical one-day tour also takes care of all the logistics, including transportation from Hanoi, hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance tickets.

Tips for visiting the Perfume Pagoda

• If you’re visiting during the summer months, don’t forget to pack wide-brimmed hats and umbrellas. The boat trip, while scenic, can become uncomfortable under the intense heat and humidity.
• When selecting a tour, consider one that includes a cable car ride. This is particularly advisable if you’re traveling with children or elderly companions, as there’s already quite a bit of walking involved in exploring the Perfume Pagoda.
• Try to avoid visiting during the Tet Holiday. The crowds of pilgrims can be overwhelming!

5. Yen Tu Mountain

Yen Tu Mountain makes a great day trip from Hanoi, as this place combines both natural beauty and cultural significance.

A center of Buddhism in Vietnam, Yen Tu is famous for being the birthplace of the Truc Lam Zen Sect founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. The Emperor gave up his throne in the 13th century to pursue a secluded life here, then established a monastery to continue the teachings of the Buddha.

Visitors to Yen Tu Mountain nowadays can explore beautiful Buddhist temples and shrines with stunning mountain views. There are also many scenic trekking trails available in Yen Tu, as well as a cable car system for those who want to enjoy a more leisurely visit.

For a more extended stay, I’d suggest booking a room at the luxurious MGallery Legacy Yen Tu, which offers 5-star accommodations amidst the tranquility of this place. The hotel also provides complimentary meditation sessions and guided walks for guests to enjoy a peaceful escape from the hustles and bustles of city life.

Day trips from Hanoi for NATURE LOVERS

6. Trang An

Nicknamed the “Ha Long Bay on dry land,” the Trang An Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with towering limestone cliffs, breathtaking caves, and historic temples. Needless to say, it’s an essential item on any Southeast Asia travel itinerary 

One of the best things to do in Trang An is to admire all the historic and natural wonders on a boat ride on the Sao Khe River. Costing around $10, there are a few different routes you can choose from, with most of the boat rides lasting over two hours.

But how do you get to Trang An? Located around 100 km south of Hanoi, an easy way to get to Trang An is to take the train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Tickets can cost up to $12 to $15, with the train ride taking around 2.5 hours.

However, the journey doesn’t end there. As Ninh Binh is located around 7 km east of Trang An, you can either hire a taxi or rent a scooter to drive the rest of the way to Trang An. Alternatively, you can look into inclusive Trang An tours from Hanoi that cover the transportation entirely.

Regardless, it’ll take around 3 hours in total to get to Trang An from Hanoi, so make sure to leave early!

7. Mua Cave – Ninh Binh

Climbing the nearly 500 steps to the top of Mua Mountain is well worth the effort, as you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding rice paddy fields, valleys, and mountains. At the summit, you’ll also find an impressive dragon statue and a stone tower, both perfect for capturing those dreamy photos.

If you visit Mua Cave between May and July, you’ll be treated to the sight of a beautiful lotus pond within the complex, offering another stunning backdrop for your photos.

Tips for visiting Mua Cave in Ninh Binh

• For the most comfortable experience, plan your visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler. The midday heat can be intense, especially during the summer.
• The entrance fee is VND 100,000 per person. However, if you’d like to extend your stay, consider booking a room at Mua Caves Ecolodge which is located right within the complex. As a guest, you’ll enjoy free entrance to the site.
• You can also rent traditional ethnic costumes on-site to add a touch of cultural flair to your shots 😉

8. Tuyet Tinh Coc aka Am Tien Cave – Ninh Binh

Located around 90 km from Hanoi, Tuyet Tinh Coc aka Am Tien Cave is truly a hidden gem in Ninh Binh. Furthermore, it is only 500 meters from Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, so a day trip from Hanoi can conveniently combine these 2 destinations.

Things to see at Tuyet Tinh Coc aka Am Tien Cave

• The beautiful central large pond is surrounded by karst mountains: Its water is so clear that you can easily see all the fish swimming inside.
• Am Tien Cave: You can climb 200 steps amid breathtaking scenery to reach this cave and explore the temple inside

9. Tam Coc

Tam Coc is a fantastic day trip from Hanoi, especially for those who can’t make it to Ha Long Bay. Much like Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc offers limestone karsts rising from the waters of the Ngo Dong River.

Similar to Trang An, the best thing to do in Tam Coc is a boat tour through the gorgeous scenery. From the boat, you can take in the cliffs, caves, and rice paddies from the unique vantage point of the river.

My biggest tip is to bring your sunscreen and hat for the boat tour. There won’t be any shade, and the sun can get very strong. There are also many Tam Coc tours from Hanoi which include round-trip transportation from your Hanoi hotel, lunch, and entrance tickets as well.

10. Cuc Phuong National Park

This is one of my favorite day trips from Hanoi ever – I’ve been here twice and still want to come back! 🙂

Cuc Phuong National Park is located 120 km from the capital, making it a convenient day trip from Hanoi. The oldest national park in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong is also home to some of Asia’s rarest animals and plant species.

Things to do at Cuc Phuong National Park

There are many things to do in the park for everyone. A visit to Cuc Phuong National Park also offers plenty of educational activities for kids of all ages!

• Butterfly watching in April and May
• Visiting Muong minority villages near the park and learning about their culture
• Trekking through the peaceful forest. You can book a guided tour or take a map from the information center and just follow the trails
• Bird watching. There are 336 documented bird species here.
• Join a wildlife night spotting tour to see some of the park’s exclusive mammal species.
• Cycling around the park (Bike rentals are available).
• Visiting the first immersive Carnivore and Pangolin Education Centre in Vietnam
• Visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and the Turtle Conservation Center – I’d highly recommend booking a tour guide because there’s a lot of interesting information about the primates and turtles here.
• Visiting the Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh nearby – Great trip for the kids!

11. Ba Vi

Ba Vi is the ideal day trip destination from Hanoi if you’re looking to escape the city heat. The weather here is always cooler, making it a popular day-out spot for Hanoi’s locals.

Ba Vi used to be a holiday destination for French colonists in Vietnam. Thus, you can still see some remnants of French buildings here nowadays, such as an abandoned church, an orphanage, a secret prison, and a French mansion.

Trekking through Ba Vi National Park, you’ll also be able to immerse yourself in nature and see some lovely streams flowing from the mountains. See options for private trekking tours from Hanoi to Ba Vi here.

If you want to spend the night here, Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat is the perfect place. It’s an eco-friendly resort in Ba Vi National Park and offers stunning mountain and forest views.

12. Mai Chau

A day trip from Hanoi to Mai Chau is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Just a short drive away, Mai Chau is a peaceful oasis surrounded by breathtaking mountains, lush green rice paddies, and tranquil ethnic villages.

Things to do in Mai Chau

• Rent a bicycle and explore the traditional Thai villages Ban Lac and Ban Pom Coong, where you can shop for beautiful handmade handicrafts from the local ethnic minorities.
• For a little adventure, join a scenic Mai Chau Valley trekking tour through Thai ethnic minority villages
• Enjoy the mesmerizing view of mountains and valleys at Thung Khe
• Have lunch at one of the local homestays in Mai Chau and savor the best local cuisine

Extend your stay in Mai Chau

Mai Chau makes a great day trip from Hanoi, but you can consider staying at a homestay overnight to really immerse yourself in the local culture.

My favorite is definitely the Mai Chau Countryside Homestay which I visited in 2016 and felt so impressed that I wrote a whole blog article about it here.

For a more comfortable stay, I’d highly recommend booking a room at one of these beautiful resorts in Mai Chau, all of which come with a spectacular mountain-view swimming pool.

• Mai Chau Ecolodge
• Avana Retreat
• Maichau Hideaway Resort

13. Dai Lai Lake

A day trip from Hanoi to Dai Lai Lake is more suitable for families than couples or solo travelers.

Things to do at Dai Lai Lake

• Camping by the lake
• Taking part in water activities such as kayaking, rowing, etc.
• Swimming in the lake
• Playing golf
• Visiting Wonder Park Flamingo – a children’s playground in the wood
• Visiting Art in the Forest – a museum of contemporary art situated in the wood

Things to know before going on a day trip from Hanoi to Dai Lai Lake

• The best time to visit Dai Lai Lake is from April to August as the weather here is cooler than Hanoi’s
• Most activities here are arranged by Flamingo Dai Lai Resort, so I’d recommend visiting this place first. The entrance ticket is VND 280,000 per person (free for children under 5) if you don’t want to spend the night.

Day trips from Hanoi for BEACH PEOPLE

14. Ha Long Bay

Recommended as one of the must-do activities in all Vietnam guidebooks, a trip to Vietnam is not complete without a visit to Ha Long Bay! 

Although there is a three-hour bus from the city to the shore, doing a tour is the best and most popular way to visit Ha Long Bay. The most popular tours vary from 1 day to 4 days/3 nights. The longer you are out there, the longer you get to explore. However, you can get a lot done on the Ha Long Bay one-day tours! 

There are plenty of day trips to choose from, depending on whether you would like to experience it as a group or privately. If you are up for a bit (okay, a LOT) of a party, check out the tours to Castaway Island. Advertised as “not for the faint-hearted”, I had the time of my life! 

A typical Ha Long Bay one-day tour includes transportation to and from your accommodation in Hanoi, snorkel stops, a visit to a floating village, a traditional Vietnamese lunch, a quick swim stop at Titop beach, and the chance to kayak through Luon Cave and the stunning turquoise waters. 

Tips for visiting Ha Long Bay

I would recommend deciding what you want to do early on and booking in advance, especially if you are traveling in peak season as the tours tend to sell out fast. Also, if there’s a big group of you wanting to go, see if you can negotiate a group discount!

Summary: Top Day Trips from Hanoi as suggested by locals

What do you think of these day trips from Hanoi? Which trip would you most like to take? Don’t hesitate to let me know by leaving a comment below!

If you can please also share this article with anyone whom you think might be interested. I hope this list will inspire them to hit the road and discover all the wonderful destinations around Vietnam’s capital 🙂

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