Day Trips From Hanoi
Get out of the city with these top day trips from Hanoi.
Sure, the capital of Vietnam is a safe, beautiful, and vibrant city, but if you're spending more than three days there, you'll probably end up repeating a lot of your itinerary.
Why not spend that time exploring some of the local villages and national parks?
Hanoi is centrally located in the northern part of the country just a few hours from major destinations like Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. Rather than constantly moving with your luggage to a new hotel every few days, it's much more pleasant (and less physically taxing) to just base yourself in the city and take day trips out.
During my one month slow travel journey through Vietnam, I spent almost a week exploring Hanoi and its neighboring provinces. Though I feel like I saw a lot in that time, there were still a few places that I hadn't seen.
So, after asking some locals and deep diving into Vietnamese travel communities, here are the top 17 places to visit near Hanoi including popular beaches, villages, and national parks!
✨ Top 5 Day Trips From Hanoi ✨
🏞 NINH BINH | Best For: Nature, Rivers, Valleys, and Caves | Book A Tour
🌾 MAI CHAU | Best For: rice paddies, village life and ethnic minorities | Book A Tour
🌲 CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK | Best For: trekking, ecology, and conservation | Book A Tour
🏝 HA LONG BAY | Best For: beaches and cruises from Hanoi | Book A Tour
🛕 PERFUME PAGODA | Best For: culture, architecture, buddhism | Book A Tour
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NATURE LOVERS:
Ninh Binh | Soc Son | Mai Chau
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve
CULTURE & ARTS:
Perfume Pagoda | Le Mat Snake Village
BEACHES & CRUISES:
BONUS:
1. Ninh Bình
Known For: nature and ecotourism: rivers, valleys, caves
Distance From Hanoi: 95 km (60 mi) or roughly 2 hours by car
Often called "Ha Long Bay on Land," Ninh Binh is a huge province known for its magical landscapes consisting of vast rice fields, dramatic limestone mountains, winding rivers, and hidden grottos and caves.
This day trip is ideal for nature lovers looking to get out of the city and was one that I personally took during my stay in Hanoi.
The province is massive and a little hard to get around on your own, so I recommend taking a tour to get the most of your experience.
The one that we opted for included:
A visit to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries
A boat trip on the emerald waters of Tam Coc with stops at Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba (the mysterious three grottoes)
Hiking to Mua Cave and up the Ngoa Long (Lying Dragon Mountain) for expansive sunset views of the city
If those three attractions aren't enough, there's plenty more to see in Ninh Binh.
For an additional taste of culture, you can visit Bai Dinh Pagoda or for a deep dive into the ecosystems of the area, visit the protected area of Trang An on boat. (I'll talk more about those two later on.)
If you decide to organize the day trip for yourself, the best way to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is by limousine bus or a private car transfer. You can book both of those options through 12Go, a transportation platform that I used daily during my travels in Southeast Asia.
Once you get to Ninh Binh, you'll need to either rent a motorbike or a regular bike to get around. You can also use Grab, but expect to wait 8+ minutes for each ride as the area's pretty remote.
Lastly, Ninh Binh can easily be covered in a day trip from Hanoi, but for the best experience, I'd recommend staying overnight and exploring the region at a slower pace.
2. Soc Son
Known For: picnics, casual hikes, and private art collections
Distance From Hanoi: 30 km (18.5 mi) or roughly 45 minutes by car
For a similar dose of nature much closer to home, visit the Soc Son.
This district of Hanoi is located just 45 minutes north of the city and offers a quiet and charming getaway to scenic lakes and tranquil forests.
Spend an afternoon picnicking by the blue green waters of Dai Lai Lake or take a more active approach by hiking up to Ham Lon Peak for panoramic views of the city below.
Those who are interested in art can visit Thanh Chuong's Viet Palace, which features a private collection of ornamental Buddhas, stone sculptures, and exquisite artifacts stored in 30 traditional Vietnamese buildings, set amidst lotus ponds and leafy gardens on 2.5 acres of land.
Soc Son stays pretty cool all year round, so if you're looking to escape the summer heat, this is the perfect day trip for you.
3. Bat Trang Pottery Village
Known For: pottery, handicrafts, and culture
Distance From Hanoi: 13 km (8.6 mi) or roughly 30 minutes by car
If accessibility is a concern when looking for day trips from Hanoi, look no further than Bat Trang Pottery Village!
This traditional handicraft village is located only 30 minutes by public bus from Old Quarter and offers an in-depth look at one of Vietnam's most traditional art forms.
Bat Trang Pottery Village was created over 700 years ago when Emperor Ly Thai To decided to move the capital to Dai La (modern day Hanoi). The village today does its best to preserve that history while staying up-to-date with its modern offerings.
Spend your day learning more about the history of this village at the Bat Trang Pottery Museum, and then swing by the pottery market to support local artisans by picking up unique souvenirs. For those who’d like to get more hands-on, join in on a pottery making or a ceramics painting workshop and learn directly from the locals!
You can plan this day trip for yourself but I always feel like taking a guided tour offers insight on details that I might miss otherwise.
4. Quang Phu Cau Incense Village
Known For: incense, handicrafts, and must-see photo destination
Distance From Hanoi: 40 km (25 mi) or roughly one hour by car
While we're on the topic of handicrafts villages, it would be remiss of me to not mention Incense Village!
Hanoi's Incense Village, or Quang Phu Cau, is about 1 hour south of the city. If you're on Instagram at all, you’ve definitely seen the photos of aunties wearing conical hats drying the vibrant red, yellow, and purple bamboo incense sticks in the sun.
While this traditional handicraft village does stand on over one hundred years of history, a lot of that has changed in modern times. In my opinion, Incense Village definitely felt more like a tourist destination than an authentic experience but regardless, it was worth seeing for myself.
If you're a photographer or just want some quintessentially Vietnamese photos for your socials, this place is a must-visit. The Hanoi day tour that I booked walked us through the process of making incense, gave us a hands-on rolling experience, and of course, allocated plenty of time to take photos.
5. Perfume Pagoda
Known For: architecture, culture, contemplative grounds
Distance From Hanoi: 58 km (36 mi) or roughly 1.5 hours by car
For a more authentic experience, retreat to the peaceful interiors of Perfume Pagoda (Huong Pagoda).
Perfume Pagoda is a vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone mountains to the south of Hanoi. The journey to get there itself is quite a pilgrimage in itself as it requires an hour-long car ride, a boat ride down a river, and then a hike up to the temple grounds.
Once you get there, you can spend a quiet afternoon trekking through the mountains, paying homage to each of the different temples, and exploring the various caves filled with jaw-dropping stalactites and stalagmites.
This destination is the perfect balance of nature and culture at a slower pace.
6. Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve
Known For: nature, bird watching, sustainable travel
Distance From Hanoi: 86 km (53 mi) or roughly 2 hours by car
Take a break from the mountain landscapes and switch it up with a day trip to the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve.
Located in the inland lowlands of the Red River Delta approximately two hours away from Hanoi, this Ramsar Site highlights a serene landscape made up of Vietnam's iconic limestone karsts surrounded by tranquil freshwater lakes, marshes, and swamps.
Spend an idyllic afternoon riding a bamboo boat through the picturesque lagoon, learning about the biodiversity and ecological significance of the wetlands, and soaking in the rural vibes of Ninh Binh's countryside.
7. Ba Vi National Park
Known For: hiking, wildlife, forests
Distance From Hanoi: 65 km (40 mi) or roughly one hour 45 minutes by car
An alternative for nature lovers is Ba Vi National Park located just 60 km to the west of Hanoi.
It's home to over 3,000 different plant and wildlife species, and is considered the "lung" of the capital city as it does an incredible job of trapping carbon and cooling down the climate.
Spend your day trip at Ba Vi Mountain hiking through the deep forest trails and visiting cultural sites such as Uncle Ho’s Temple is located on Vua Peak and the Upper Temple (Den Thuong) at Tan Vien Peak. On your way back down, stop by Ao Vua Tourist Area for a recreation complex featuring cute cafes and scenic viewpoints.
8. Duong Lam Ancient Village
Known For: Vietnamese architecture and village life
Distance From Hanoi: 50 km (31 mi) or roughly one hour 15 minutes by car
Step back in time with a visit to Duong Lam Ancient Village, just 50 km to the west of Hanoi.
This ancient village is one of the most well-preserved examples of Vietnamese architecture and traditional village life. The town consists of 956 old houses built across 9 different hamlets that date back 400 years.
A trip here takes you back centuries to a time where community was at the center of everyday living. This is apparent in the layout of the village with its shared wells, communal courtyards, pagodas, and temples.
Spend a day wandering the quaint red-brick-lined streets and admiring the architecture of traditional wooden houses. When you're tired, take a seat under the shade of centuries old banyan trees and snack on some local specialities like banh te, keo doi, and che lam.
9. Le Mat Snake Village
Known For: snakes; ideal for foodies, the eclectic, and the adventurous
Distance From Hanoi: 7 km (4.4 mi) or roughly 20 minutes by car
For a unique and unexpected village experience, visit Le Mat Snake Village!
In Vietnamese culture, snakes symbolize immortality and play a significant role in traditional medicine.
Le Mat Snake Village, located just 20 minutes outside of Hanoi, is renowned for its expertise in snake catching and the preparation of specialty snake dishes.
Historically, snake catching and raising were vital to village life. Healers used captured snakes to produce antidotes for venomous bites, saving lives and treating injuries. These practices not only safeguarded the community but also became a legacy passed down from generation to generation.
Today, Le Mat offers visitors a glimpse into these fading traditions.
Spend a day exploring the fascinating history of snake catching, learn about traditional Vietnamese medicine, and sample over 10 unique snake dishes for yourself!
10. Tam Dao
Known For: mountain town getaway
Distance From Hanoi: 72 km (45 mi) or roughly two hours by car
I get it, snake catching isn't for everyone.
For a more balanced and approachable day tour, visit Tam Dao, the World Travel Award's "best town destination" of 2022!
This charming mountain town is located in a protected region of northern Vietnam just two hours from Old Quarter. Favored by the French during colonial times as a summer retreat, this municipality is known for its year-round cool climate, mountainous terrain, beautiful forests, and foggy landscapes.
Escape into the woods of Tam Dao National Park for a quick hike to Rung Rinh Peak or Silver Waterfall and then return back to the town for amazing street food, artisanal crafts, and authentic conversations with the locals.
11. Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An
Known For: buddhist temples, boat rides, caves, grottoes
Distance From Hanoi: 100 km (62 mi) or roughly two hours by car
Heading back to Ninh Binh province, Bai Dinh Pagoda and the grottoes of Trang An are another popular combo for those looking to escape city life.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the largest buddhist complexes in Southeast Asia, spanning over 539 hectares with multiple pagodas, temples, and shrines for visitors to see.
Spend your day admiring the artwork and leaning more about buddhism in Vietnam and when you're done wandering temple grounds, head over to the nature reserve of Trang An to explore limestone karst peaks, caves, and rivers on boat.
These two destinations are relatively close to each other so I recommend pairing them together for a comprehensive and balanced day trip.
12. Van Giang Village
Known For: quiet village life
Distance From Hanoi: 48 km (30 mi) or roughly 1.5 hours by car
At this point, you're probably quite familiar with all the cultural villages around Hanoi, but how about just a normal village?
Van Giang Village is located in a rural district of Hung Yen in the suburbs of Hanoi. It's a local, quiet, and peaceful way to enjoy the gentle red river countryside.
Get a taste for everyday village life by spending your morning shopping at the local market and then heading back to a traditional home for an intimate lesson on classic Vietnamese cuisine. Learn to make spring rolls, fish sauce, and cut "chung" cake with bamboo rope while chatting with the locals about their everyday lives.
This day trip gives you a peak into slow village life and is the perfect way to reset after a hectic itinerary packed with the usual tourist attractions.
13. Giang Mo Muong Village
Known For: Muong ethnic minority group
Distance From Hanoi: 90 km (56 mi) or roughly 2 hours by car
Venturing further from the city, Giang Mo Village in Hoa Binh Province offers a glimpse into the rich culture of the Muong people, one of Vietnam's ethnic minority groups.
Home to 140 households, the indigenous Giang Mo Muong community lives in traditional wooden stilt houses with thatched roofs and split-bamboo walls.
This day tour from Hanoi teaches you about the distinctive artistic and cultural heritage of the Muong people. Learn more about their weaving and farming traditions, experience the captivating sounds of "gong" music, and savor locally fermented whiskey and for an authentic taste of village life.
14. Mai Chau
Known For: rolling hills, rice paddies, White Thai ethnic minority group
Distance From Hanoi: 140 km (87 mi) or roughly 3 hours by car
While you're in the area, why not explore Mai Chau?
Located three hours from Hanoi, Mai Chau offers a tranquil escape into rural Vietnam.
Cycle through picturesque hamlets, along winding paths, past quiet gardens, rolling hills, and lush rice paddies. For a more active experience, take a drive to nearby attractions like Chieu Cave, Go Lao Waterfall, or Pu Luong Nature Reserve—ideal for hikes to breathtaking views of terraced rice fields.
Mai Chau is also home to the White Thai people, an ethnic minority group named as such because of their traditional attire featuring elegant white upper garments. You can try some of their traditional dishes, learn about classic weaving techniques, and take home unique souvenirs as a lasting memory of this vibrant community.
15. Cuc Phuong National Park
Known For: old growth forests, hiking, prehistoric caves, conservation
Distance From Hanoi: 150 km (93 mi) or roughly 3 hours by car
Nature aficionados should definitely make a trip out to the old growth forests of Cuc Phuong National Park.
Vietnam's oldest national park was established in 1962 and sits on the northwest border of Ninh Binh.
This park preserves the country's wild variety of flora and fauna in a dense forest of millenia-old trees, prehistoric caves, and multiple conservation centers including one for primates and one for freshwater turtles.
The commute to Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi is a lengthy 3-hour drive, so plan to leave early in order to make the most of your day!
16. Ha Long Bay
Known For: beaches, emerald waters, limestone islands and islets
Distance From Hanoi: 150 km (93 mi) or roughly 3 hours by car
I recommend spending at least two to three days at Ha Long Bay, but if you're short on time, a day trip will suffice.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning emerald waters and thousands of dramatic limestone islands and islets. Each of the islands features something unexpected--whether that's a hidden cave, an untouched beach, or an exciting mountain hike through lush rainforests.
The best way to explore the bay is by taking a cruise, which allows you to get up close to the stunning limestone formations. Most cruises also include activities like sea kayaking, snorkeling, and stops at secret beaches, allowing you ample opportunity to fully relax and connect with nature.
17. Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay
Known For: beaches, craggy cliffs, fishing villages, limestone islands and islets
Distance From Hanoi: 150 km (93 mi) or roughly 3 hours by car
Ha Long Bay’s lesser-known sibling, Lan Ha Bay, offers a similar experience with fewer crowds and a budget-friendly price tag.
Lan Ha Bay is literally the same body of water as Ha Long Bay. It's just a little further south and under a different jurisdiction, and therefore has a different name. Cat Ba Island is the largest of the 367 islands spanning the archipelago. It's one of the closest beach getaways from Hanoi and a worth day trip if you're craving the ocean.
While it’s less polished than Ha Long Bay, this raw and rugged destination does an incredible job of showcasing the beauty of this region in its full and natural expression.
For the best experience, I recommend taking a cruise tour. The commute to this region itself is an arduous three-hour task and an all-inclusive tour will give you the chance to explore charming fishing villages, relax on sandy beaches, and indulge in local seafood delicacies without the worries of arranging logistics.
Bonus: Mu Cang Chai and Ban Gioc Waterfall
Known For: trekking, terraced rice fields, waterfalls
Distance From Hanoi: 293 km (182 mi) or roughly 6 hours by car for Mu Cang Chai and 330 km (205 mi) or 6.5 hours to Ban Gioc Waterfall
I'm including these two as must-see destinations from Hanoi but realistically speaking, they're a little far for a day trip.
For outdoorsy adventurers, the mesmerizing terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai Province offer the perfect backdrop for a multi-day trekking tour. I recommend taking a limousine bus to the town in the afternoon, so you can start your hiking adventures fresh in the morning.
Alternatively, Ban Gioc Waterfall, located on the Vietnam-China border, is Southeast Asia’s largest natural waterfall. Though it’s a formidable 6–7 hour drive from Hanoi, it’s well worth the journey for waterfall enthusiasts. To make the most of your visit, consider taking a bus the day before and spending the following day exploring the majestic falls.
Hanoi is the perfect gateway to some of northern Vietnam's most breathtaking natural landscapes, cultural treasures, and hidden gems.
Fly straight into Noi Bai International Airport and after a few days of exploring the city, venture out to explore protected national parks or nearby cultural villages to maximize your time in Vietnam.
When you're done with Hanoi and all the nearby places, consider embarking on a multi-day motorbike adventure through the Ha Giang mountains or trekking through the terraced rice fields of Sapa.
Pack light, plan ahead, and let your excitement take you beyond city limits!
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