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15 Best Day Trips from Hanoi

Hanoi is the ancient capital of Vietnam. It’s a city that can trace its long lineage back thousands of years; a city that has seen many different people and cultures come and go and leave their marks on the land through the ages.

From the Chinese to the French, there are influences in the food, architecture, and language of Hanoi from across the world.

In recent years, the northern Vietnamese city has slowly begun to open itself up to tourism, as the locals shrug off repression and open their doors.

It’s an interesting city to visit, and Hanoi’s prime location and position as the capital makes it an excellent place from which to explore the rest of the north of the country.

The iconic Halong Bay, with its floating villages and towering limestone karst rocks, is found on the nearby coastline, while ancient temples and traditional villages can be found across the spectacular, verdant countryside.

There are plenty of day trip opportunities from Hanoi, and here are the best of them.

1. Halong Bay

A trip to Halong Bay is top of any travelers list when visiting the north of Vietnam.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most world-renowned natural wonders in Southeast Asia – to miss seeing it in person would be a travesty.

Yes, it can be busy and touristy, but this attraction far exceeds its reputation and will leave you reeling from shock when you see the beauty.

Tall, limestone karsts are arrayed across the water for miles and there are many hidden caves and coves waiting to be explored.

There are almost 2000 individual islands in the area – it would be impossible to explore every single one.

The best way to see Halong Bay on a day trip, is, of course, to take a cruise through the spectacular scenery.

Recommended tour : Halong Day Tour: Islands, Caves, Kayak with Dragonfly Cruise

2. Haiphong

Haiphong is a sprawling, industrial city on the coast, used by some as a gateway to Halong Bay but not truly really visited by many for long.

Give the city a chance though – look past the urban, steely gaze and explore the unique, French styled, colonial architecture that’s found in the old center and the hidden but surprisingly green, tree-filled parks.

There is an intriguing museum where you can learn more about this overlooked Vietnamese city, while you can visit the Du Hang Pagoda to see more of the Buddhist influence too.

3. Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba is the largest of the many islands off the coast of Vietnam.

It’s found at the southern edge of Halong Bay; from the seafront, you see the thousands of other islands sprawled across the horizon.

As well as being an entrance point to the famous bay, it’s also an interesting destination in its own right, offering visitors a vast, green national park to explore.

The scenery here is wild and untouched, and the island is only sparsely populated, meaning there is a lot of that wild scenery to go around.

Explore the national park and make sure to visit the intriguing Cave Hospital, which was hidden away in the forests and used during the Vietnam War.

Available 2 day cruise : Mon Chéri Cruise 5 Star: Unique 2 Days Halong Bay & Cat Ba

4. Ninh Binh

As far as northern Vietnamese cities go, Ninh Binh is very much an unknown and unexplored destination.

Found just 100 kilometers to the south of Hanoi, it makes for an excellent, off the beaten track day trip.

Ninh Binh can’t remain hidden for long though, because it is utterly spectacular.

The area is a maze of rivers and waterways, as this is the Red River Delta.

There are beautifully green rice paddies and grazing pastures, while the Phat Diem Cathedral is an iconic piece of Christian history to be seen.

Hoa Lu is one of Vietnam’s historical capital cities, an ancient place that was once the center of life and politics during the middle ages.

Although it was superseded by Hanoi, it remains an important tourist destination.

It’s found close to Ninh Binh – but certainly worth a day trip by itself – and is in a beautiful location, surrounded by rivers and high limestone rocks.

The setting is as dramatic as it gets anywhere in Vietnam, but add to this the culture and immense history of Hoa Lu and you have one of the best sights in the country to see.

Top rated tour : Full Day Hoa Lu & Tam Coc: Small Group Tour & Buffet Lunch

6. Trang An

Trang An is one of the most incredible areas in the Ninh Binh district.

It’s not far from Hanoi, so this area of immense natural beauty is fast becoming a popular trip for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in greenery rather than concrete.

There is a vast network of rivers and deltas to explore, but the highlight is taking a boat to an enormous cave complex that’s hidden away in the mountains.

Available tour : Full-Day Trang An, Hoa Lu, Mua Cave – Group Tour with Lunch

7. Van Long

Van Long Nature Reserve is also found near Ninh Binh, and this scenic area of protected wilderness tends to be much quieter than the other points of interest in the region.

It’s the best place south of Hanoi to simply lose yourself in the vast beauty of Vietnam.

This is a haven for unique animals and wildlife too, and it’s becoming a favorite for bird watchers looking to spot many of the rare species found here, living along the river and amongst the limestone karsts that create such a domineering landscape.

8. Cuc Phuong

Cuc Phuong National Park is located to the south of Hanoi and it’s the largest national park in Vietnam.

It’s a huge area of protected land and offers visitors some of the best outdoor experiences in the country.

The scenery is magnificent, and there are many hikes through the park which allow you to enjoy that scenery at its best.

There’s also a fascinating primate rescue center to visit, where you can find out more about the rare and, in many cases, endangered species of monkey that are found in the wild here.

Ba Vi is a national park that’s found just 60 kilometers to the west of Hanoi’s city center.

It makes for an excellent outdoor day trip from the capital and is known for the many temples that are found in the forests here – some sit in striking position atop the various hills in the area.

There are waterfalls – even a water park nearby – and plenty of hikes to undertake amongst the beautiful scenery.

10. Mai Chau Valley

The Mai Chau Valley is the quintessential picture of Vietnam.

This breathtaking, green valley is exactly what you will imagine if you picture the Vietnamese countryside.

In fact, if you see a picture of the Vietnamese countryside, it might well be of the valley.

Extensive rice fields are surrounded by high hills and mountains, and life in the valley has changed little in hundreds of years.

It’s a refreshing escape from Hanoi, to the south-west of the city.

You can easily visit in a day, but many travelers will find themselves staying in this peaceful valley for much longer.

Suggested tour : 2-Day Mai Chau Valley Tour from Hanoi: Homestay, Bike & Trek

11. Perfume Pagoda

The Huong Pagoda, otherwise known as the Perfume Pagoda to tourists, is the centerpiece of a dramatic complex of temples and pagodas that are found in the spectacular mountains of Huong Tich, a place of limestone rocks and endless caves.

The Perfume Pagoda is incredibly popular with tourists, of course, because it’s close to Hanoi and is absolutely stunning.

But it’s also incredibly popular with Buddhist pilgrims; any day of the week you can expect the gates and steps to the temples to be very busy.

Get here as early as you can to enjoy any serenity.

Available tour : Full-Day Perfume Pagoda Small-Group Tour

12. Tam Dao Hill Station

Found in the cool hills to the north of Hanoi, the Tam Dao Hill Station makes for a spectacular – and at times cold – escape from Hanoi.

The hill station was originally built by the French, as the Europeans wanted to escape the heat of Hanoi in summer.

Now, it’s still used as a hilltop resort, but the French architecture is gone.

Views of the surrounding area are wonderful and there are many hiking opportunities to be had amongst the hills.

13. Ho Citadel

The Ho Citadel is another of Vietnam’s historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The citadel was constructed in the 14th Century, by the Ho Dynasty, and for years it was the ruler’s base of power in Vietnam.

Today, the walls have crumbled and the citadel was abandoned long ago, but it’s still well preserved, unique and very interesting for those who have a love of local history.

It takes about three hours to reach the Ho Citadel from Hanoi, but you can pass through the beautiful Ninh Binh province on the way, to make the journey seem to fly past as you admire the wonderful countryside.

14. Van Phuc

Van Phuc is just a few kilometers away from Hanoi, so this traditional Vietnamese village makes for an easy day trip from the city.

Van Phuc is the center of the ancient and very much refined craft of silk weaving.

Here, you can acquire some of the highest quality silk garments found anywhere in Asia, and of course, you can get them at a bargain price in comparison to many other countries.

15. Duong Lam

Duong Lam is known as the Ancient Village because this is an incredibly traditional and cultural place, found along the banks of the Red River.

It’s an old place and can trace its origins back thousands of years.

There are many traditional pagodas and houses, and it’s an excellent demonstration of Vietnamese history and tradition.

15 Best Day Trips from Hanoi:

• Cat Ba Island
• Mai Chau Valley
• Perfume Pagoda
• Tam Dao Hill Station

12 of the Best Day Trips from Hanoi (Less Than 2 Hour Drive)

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Are you hanging out for a few days in Hanoi or northern Vietnam, and looking to break free from the hum of the city? But also, perhaps, a tad time-crunched? I hear you.

Ever since I moved to this city in 2017, I’ve been on a never-ending quest to discover its nearby gems – quaint towns, captivating landscapes, and awe-inspiring natural wonders, all within a 2-hour drive or motorbike ride.

I still remember my first-ever day trip from Hanoi to the green hillsides of Ba Vi National Park. The ride was a stretch for my novice motorbiking skills, but the exhilaration and the views were worth every kilometer! That maiden trip ignited a spark in me to explore more, and that’s what I’ve been doing for the last six years.

So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Hanoi dweller, join me as we check out some of the best day trips from Hanoi – think the majestic Halong Bay, the idyllic Ninh Binh, and the serene Tam Dao.

There’s a lot more to Vietnam waiting to be discovered just a short ride away from Hanoi.

Perfume Pagoda

For a unique and spiritual day trip from Hanoi, the Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong) is one of the most popular options. It should take about 1 hour 40 minutes from the center of Hanoi.

Your journey starts in Ben Duc Village from where you’ll embark on a one-hour boat ride through a landscape dotted with rice paddies and lotus ponds.

Set amidst green hills and forests, the Perfume Pagoda is a complex of many pagodas, shrines, and statues, with the Chùa Hương being the largest and central temple inside the Huong Tich Cave.

The  inner temple is entirely inaccessible by roads. You can either hike the steep path or take a leisurely cable car ride.  You’ll find that the pilgrimage is as popular among tourists as it is with the Vietnamese. But, no matter how crowded it gets during peak times, the ambiance remains peaceful and spiritual.

When visiting Perfume Pagoda, make sure to be respectful of the fact that you will enter a temple. Cover knees and shoulders inside the temple. Also consider solid walking shoes if you opt for the hike up and down vs. the cable car.

A visit to Perfume Pagoda gives you a glimpse into the beauty of Vietnam. But be forewarned, it is filled with many shops and food stalls which gives the whole place a commercial-esque vibe. During Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year ), it will become jam packed with Vietnamese. For some this might me a cool cultural event to experience, for others the crowds may be off putting, so consider this.

Just a short journey of around two-ish hours from Hanoi, you’ll find the incredible Ha Long Bay. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. No matter how touristy it is (very), the beauty of this landscape makes it one of my favorite places in Vietnam.

If you haven’t seen pictures of Halong Bay, you’re missing out. It is a landscape synonymous with Vietnam. Picture a scene of over 2,000 limestone karsts emerging from the emerald sea. Each island has its own unique shape and character, forming a landscape that is incredible. Although it would be better to experience Halong Bay on an overnight cruise, you can totally experience the beauty of this place in just one day.

The best way to do it is to hop on a guided tour that will pick you up and drop you off right at your Hanoi hotel. The adventure  is a full day trip starting at 8am and wrapping up by 8pm. It will be a full on day filled with all sorts of activities.

When you arrive at the port, you will get on a cruise and immediately have lunch onboard. From there, the rest of the day will be spent kayaking your way around the bay, taking a dip in the sea if you’re feeling adventurous (and if it is warm enough), visiting a floating fishing village, and exploring the limestone caves and islands.

I definitely recommend doing the overnight boat tour, or even including an extra day or two to visit Cat Ba Island,  but if you are short on time (or just want to stay based in Hanoi), there are plenty of day tours organized from Hanoi.

Only about a 1.5-hour journey from Hanoi, this province is where you want to go for a chilled-out day in nature. Known as “Halong Bay on Land,” Ninh Binh is an easy and rewarding day trip from Hanoi.

Start off by going on a boat ride through the tranquil Trang An Grottoes—it’s far less crowded than Tam Coc and just as beautiful. *Fun Fact! The movie Godzilla was filmed here.

Next, jump on a bicycle to explore Tam Coc; the fresh(er) air and green landscapes are a nice respite from the city. Ride your bikes to the base of Hang Mua mountain, and make the climb to Hang Mua Viewpoint. The panoramic view of the countryside from the top is one of my favorite views in Vietnam.

Then, head to the massive Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex, the largest temple complex in Vietnam, and a spiritual oasis. It is cool to walk around and just explore the peaceful setting, even though it will likely be crowded with people.

A day trip to Ninh Binh is all about a slower pace, letting you unwind and enjoy the natural beauty.

Ba Vi National Park

Just an hour and a half drive from Hanoi, you’ll find Ba Vi National Park. This park is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and anyone looking for an escape from city life.

Untouched forests, cascading waterfalls, mountain peaks, and great views (on clear days) – it’s a true retreat filled with natural beauty. If you’ve been in Hanoi for awhile, the clean air is a nice respite from the polluted city.

The most popular thing to do in the park is hike, and there are three  peaks to choose from. There is also a winding road that snakes up the mountain, good for walking, cycling or motorbiking.

At the top of the road, you’ll find two temples that provide a calming spiritual escape, and panoramic views. The mountain trails and forest are dotted with French ruins worth exploring – adding a touch of history to your exploration.

If you are able to spend more than a day at Ba Vi, my favorite place is the Melia Hotel. And even if you only have a day to spare, the resort is worth checking out. It has a heated pool, animals, and serene walking trails.

High in the mountains, Tam Dao is often referred to as the “Da Lat of the North”, thanks to its mild climate that offers a refreshing retreat from the buzz of Hanoi.

This is your chance to venture off the beaten path, as this hidden gem is less frequented than other day trips from the city. The cooler mountain air is a welcome respite, regardless of when you visit.

Begin your journey at the Tam Dao National Park, where you can reconnect with nature, followed by a visit to the Bear Sanctuary(it is only open twice a month, so you’ll need to plan accordingly).

A stroll through the city reveals a charming main plaza, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and elegant French villas perched atop with sweet views.

Don’t miss out on the Buddhist Temple and Monastery overlooking the lake. I still remember my first visit, when a local family invited us to join a celebration at the temple – it was really cool! I still have the lucky money they gave us.

The Silver Waterfall is another activity. You’ll first have to pass through a narrow passage and descend some treacherous steps. The spectacle that awaits you at the end makes every careful step worthwhile.

Tam Dao is probably my favorite option or a day trip from Hanoi. It is chill, the air is cool, way less tourists than other places, and there is no pressure to do much other than enjoy nature and immerse yourself in the town.

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Hanoi’s city center, Soc Son is a peaceful retreat that can be reached within 30-40 minutes, depending on where you’re staying.

It’s a perfect getaway for either a morning or an afternoon, offering an unspoiled, mountainous escape from urban chaos of Hanoi.

Getting there is easy, hop on a motorbike if you’re renting one, or a hire a car for the scenic, enjoyable journey.

The biggest reason to go out to Soc Son is to be in nature – something that is lacking in Hanoi! There are lakes perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. My favorite journey is a mostly uphill climb to Hom Lon Peak – a 5K out and back trail.

When you finish your adventure, take a coffee break at the Gisy Lake House, absorbing the  peace and beautiful views.  And yes, the lakes are indeed swimmable if you’re up for a refreshing dip!

Cuc Phuong National Park

Experience more natural beauty of Vietnam at Cuc Phuong National Park. It is in Ninh Binh province, so about 2 hours from Hanoi, 40 kilometers from Tam Coc.

The park is bursting with animals, perfect for bird watching and monkey spotting, and immersing yourself in Vietnam’s wildlife. Check out the Endangered Primate Rescue Center at the entrance, which shows the park’s commitment to animal conservation.

The real highlight is the chance to get into nature and just enjoy the hiking options. From easy strolls to challenging hikes, the park has something for everyone. The most popular trail is a 6-kilometer trek leading to a 1000-year-old tree.

Another to-do is Mac Lake, where you can explore the shores or go kayaking. There are also tons of caves around the park you can explore

Quan Son Lake

At just 50 kilometers west of Hanoi, Quan Son Lake offers a tranquil retreat from the city’s relentless energy. Often overlooked by tourists, this hidden gem is ideal for a peaceful, nature-filled day trip.

The lake’s true charm comes during May and June when the lotus flowers bloom, transforming the landscape into a sea of vibrant pink. The scenery, often compared to the iconic Halong Bay, features limestone karst hills rising from the emerald waters, making it a great place for nature lovers.

You can rent a boat to explore the the lake, or if you prefer land, take a walk around the area, soaking in the quiet, unspoiled beauty that Quan Son Lake has to offer. I did this on a random Saturday from Hanoi. It took me about 2 hours to motorbike to. We then had some lunch, bought a bag of beers, and took a boat ride through the karsts to an island. We hung out and hiked and really didn’t do much other than chill in a very under traveler spot!

Villages Outside of Hanoi

There are lots of small villages along the outskirts of Hanoi that could be worth a visit if you are in Hanoi for a few days and want to explore the areas outside the capital city. These villages are some of the best places to get a look at more local and rural life. You can check out this post that goes much more deep into the villages around Hanoi. For now, these are the ones that I think are worth your time for travelers to Hanoi

• Duong Lam Ancient Village is one of the oldest villages in Vietnam, and even got a nod from UNESCO. It is a well preserved, peaceful and clean village to explore. 
• Bat Trang Pottery Village is the most well known local village around Hanoi (and Vietnam), and the closest. It is a neat experience to drive along the river to the village where you can explore the shops, purchase ceramic products, and even make your own. About a 30 minute drive to Bat Trang Village.
• Quang Phu Cao Incense Village is a local village that has turned part time work of making incense to a full blown production. You have likely seen pictures beautiful fields of red incense representing Vietnam, and this is the place to snap that photo! The sides of the roads are filled with bunches of incense. About 45 minutes from the center of Hanoi. 
• Snake Village is where the adventurous should go. No, it is not a village over run with snakes, but a neighborhood on the outskirts of Hanoi (in Long Bien) that specializes in eating snake. The whole event is and adventure with an almost performance put on by the restaurant owners. The experience involves drinking snake blood and bile, as well as a snake heart – go at your own risk! About 20 minutes from the center of Hanoi

So there you have it, folks! My personal favorite spots for day trips from the heart of Hanoi. From the ancient allure of the craft villages, to getting lost in the wilderness of the national parks, and soaking up the majestic beauty of Halong Bay, there are many options to experience the real Vietnam.

As a local, I’ve been privileged to experience these places firsthand, and these day trips from Hanoi are worth every bit of your time. So next time you find yourself in Hanoi, venture a little further, immerse yourself in our rich heritage, and create some sweet memories.

It’s time to start planning your incredible journey to Hanoi! Check out my list of must-do experiences that will give you a true taste of Vietnam’s vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes.

Don’t just stick around the city center – there’s a whole world out there waiting for you to explore!

Katie McGrain is a Vietnam Trip Planning Expert. She has lived in Hanoi, Vietnam since 2017, and has explored just about every corner of this country. She provides female travelers to Vietnam with resources, ideas, and guides on where to go and what to do. Her on the ground research, planning and advising helps women have a safe, memorable and authentic trip to Vietnam.

10 Affordable Day Trips From Hanoi

There’s so much to love about Hanoi , the great capital city, located in Northern Vietnam . It is definitely a must-visit place if you are in Vietnam! The city is filled with spectacular scenery, banging street food, rich history and culture.

The great thing about Hanoi is that the city is surrounded by national parks and other provinces that are perfect for day trips if you want to escape the crowded streets of Hanoi.

Table of Contents

Take a day trip: 10 great, easy, & affordable options, 1. ninh binh.

Ninh Binh is famous for its jaw-dropping landscape, limestone karst rising up from bodies of water, alongside mysterious caves and lush paddy fields. No wonder ‘King-Kong: Skull Island’ was filmed here.

Most visitors start the day at Trang An. Here you should join a boat tour that takes you through a maze of rivers and waterways that is the Red River Delta. You will float through caves and glide past towering limestone karsts in a sampan.

After the boat ride in Trang An, you should definitely visit Tam Coc where you can explore the vast network of lime formations and check out amazing underground Tam Coc caves. These two places are just 10 minutes apart so it is very easy to travel from one to the other.

You can either take a bus, train or taxi from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Travelling by limo bus is the most cost-effective and comfortable way, priced at about 130,000 VND per one-way ticket.

Duration: 2-hour drive from the south of Hanoi

2. Ha Long Bay- UNESCO World Heritage Site

One of the most popular destinations close to Hanoi is Halong Bay . An overnight cruise is a good way to truly enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it also makes for a great day cruise, which is more budget-friendly.

Visit Halong Bay and cruise around the majestic seascape; take in the picturesque limestone mountains, wondrous caves, sandy beaches, and amazing biodiversity. Places of interest include the floating villages, Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay, or Monkey Island, which is a great viewpoint and snorkelling spot. 

There’s so much to enjoy while taking in the natural beauty of Halong Bay, we even created a full guide to the best things to do in Halong Bay to prepare you for it!

The biggest island in Ha Long Bay is Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island offers a lot of interesting natural wonders. It has a national park that you can explore, nice beaches, and good food. Make some time to visit the famous Hospital Cave, tucked in the middle of the forests, it was operational during the Vietnam war.

Duration: 3 hours by boat, this will be a full day tour so it is best to book your itinerary in advance for a stress-free excellent trip.

3. Ho Citadel

Another UNESCO World Historical Site in Vietnam, the Ho Citadel can be found in the remote backwaters of Thanh Hoa Province.

The citadel was built in the 14th Century by the Ho Dynasty and formed the rulers’ base of power in Vietnam. Lasting a mere 7 years, it nonetheless was a Dynasty of great historical significance . Additionally, UNESCO recognises that the citadel (built-in three months!) as an outstanding example of a new style of Southeast Asian imperial city.

The citadel is empty, no palace, no pagodas, no monuments. It is just the four walls surrounding the bare land. Interestingly, it now contains farmland, and which is actively used by Vietnamese farmers in the area. Stop by a local restaurant to sample fresh Northern Vietnamese food.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours by car

4. Mai Chau Valley

Allow the rural landscape to enchant you at Mai Chau Valley, and visit traditional villages to learn more about the different cultures of Vietnam. Take a sneak peek into the daily life of the Tai Dam and Tai Cao ethnic minorities who live in stilt houses that are elevated above ground in case of annual floods.

The best way to get around is by motorbike or bicycle – which you can rent from the hotels or shops in the area. You might also want to spend some time hiking around the beautiful rice paddies and take in the sights of jagged mountain ridges. Some of the most impressive views of the mountains and rice terraces are from the Thung Khe Pass.

Duration : Approximately 3 hours

5. Cuc Phuong National Park

Home to the Muong ethnic minority, Co Phuong National Park is the first established and largest national park in Vietnam. While extremely popular as a destination for day trips from Hanoi, you can also choose to stay here overnight.

Head over here to be one with nature – get ready to hike around the rural landscapes of lush forests, swim into crystal clear lakes, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains.

Rich in Biodiversity and wildlife, the park is also running conservation programmes to protect the endangered species in the area, including primates, pangolins, and turtles.

The butterfly season is a great time to visit the national park, you will be able to see almost 400 different types of butterfly species. This runs from the end of April for about a month.

Duration : Approximately 3 hours by car. We recommend booking a private car.

6. Perfume Pagoda

One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Vietnam, the Buddhist Perfume Pagoda is a complex of many temples, shrines, and houses built into the limestone cliffs of the Huong (Perfume) mountains.

Many visitors choose a boat ride along the Yen River to take them to the start of the temples, giving them a good view of the Vietnamese Buddhist architecture set amongst the mountains. After that, you have an option either to hike or take the cable car up to the top of Huong Tich mountain to visit Perfume Pagoda and Huong Tich Cave. Hiking to the Perfume Pagoda is a bit of a challenge, the steps are steep but the journey is worth it! You will be able to take in the peaceful surroundings and see different altars on the way up.

The cave is filled with stalagmites and stalactites, which are named after the blessings people seek. Dun Tien offers prosperity and Nui Co offers the chance of having a baby while Dun Gao is for people hoping for a bountiful harvest.

Duration: 2 hours by car.

7. Ba Vi National Park

If you are looking to immerse yourself in nature, a day trip from Hanoi to Ba Vi National Park is a great choice!

The national park has three peaks, visitors can hike through the towering mountains, rivers and tropic rainforest that is well preserved and protected. There is also an orchid garden that you can also enjoy.

Starting from the base, after about 45 minutes of hiking, the path forks to the different peaks. Take the left to Dinh But peak to see a shrine dedicated to the founder of modern Vietnam Ho Chi Minh. Take the right to see the shrine of Tan Vien, an immortal hero in Vietnamese legends.

If the sky is clear enough, you will be able to see Hanoi from the top. After a few hours hike, you could also enjoy some spa time in some of the resort’s hot springs and experience being in a mud bath for a refreshing finish!

Duration : Approximately 1 hour by car

8. Bat Trang Village

If you are not keen to travel for hundreds of kilometres, Bat Trang Village is the trip for you. This day trip from Hanoi is only 13 kilometres or a short thirty minutes away from Hanoi Old Quarter.

Bat Trang Village is famous for being a ceramic and pottery centre. This is a great getaway for those wanting to understand more about Vietnam’s traditional crafts. It is said to have been established as early as the 10th century, and if not then by the 14th or 15th centuries.

A budget-friendly way to take in the sights is by walking around the village, immerse yourself in rural life, and window shop while you visit the porcelain and pottery workshops and stores. Otherwise, opt for a guided tour to better understand the history of the place and to find out the meanings behind different motifs on the pottery.

A fun thing to do would be to join a pottery workshop, a great way to enjoy the culture, and get a personalised souvenir to take home!

If Hanoi summer gets too hot for you, visit the cool mountain town of Tam Dao. It is about 70 km away from Hanoi, the drive is an hour and half long.

It was once a French hill resort that was built by Europeans to flee from the warm summer weather of Hanoi. It is still a hilltop resort but most of the French architecture is gone. One of the remainders is Tam Dao Stone Church, an iconic attraction built in 1906 which is symbolic of the town’s French connection. Not far away from the church, you will find one of Tam Dao’s hidden gems – the silver waterfalls known as Thác Bạc. An absolutely stunning waterfall that will make your day.

There are also some hiking opportunities you can do to visit the Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple and the viewpoint at the Tam Dao TV Tower that you can also explore.

10. Hoa Lu – Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu is one of Vietnam’s ancient capital, it was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. Located 90km south of Hanoi in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province.

Known as the first capital of Vietnam, it was the focal point of the ancient Vietnamese Kingdom called Dai Co Viet. Once the centre of life and politics, it is now an important historic and cultural site.

Visit the ancient citadel, city walls, temples, tombs and pagodas. The two most significant sites here are the temple of Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor and the temple of Le Dai Hanh Emperor.

Day Tripper

If you are lucky enough to live in Hanoi, you have one week in Hanoi, spice up your time with these day trips from the capital city. Day trips are also some of the most budget-friendly ways to see North Vietnam, given that you do not need to book accommodation in a new place. From hiking to pottery making, from cruising to visiting historic sites, the list of things to do is never-ending. 

After a hard day’s work day-tripping, it’s time to eat some awesome must-try food from Hanoi.

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Unforgettable Day Trips from Hanoi: A Comprehensive Guide

PLANNING A DAY TRIP FROM HANOI?

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Hanoi is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. But don’t just stop at the city limits; there’s a whole world of day trips that will take your Vietnam journey to the next level.

Picture this: just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the city’s hustle and bustle are hidden gems offering serene landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and unique cultural experiences. 

That’s right, folks, we’re talking about the unforgettable day trips you can take from Hanoi.

Preparing for Your Day Trip

Day trips from Hanoi? You might be thinking, “how on Earth do I get there?” Don’t sweat it; I’ve got you covered. Vietnam’s got a transport option for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re into the local bus scene, prefer the cushier tourist buses, or want to go full-on adventurer with a motorbike rental, the choice is all yours!

Now, let’s talk logistics. Time management is key when you’re planning day trips. Depending on where you’re headed, you could be looking at anywhere from an hour to a four-hour journey from Hanoi. So, make sure to plan your day wisely to squeeze every drop of fun out of your trip.

As for the best time to set off on these day trips, here’s the scoop: most of these destinations are jaw-droppingly beautiful year-round.

But if you want to dodge the sweltering summer heat and the downpours of the rainy season, aim for spring (February to April) or autumn (October to December).

• What to Wear in Vietnam
• Things to Know Before Traveling to Vietnam

Top 7 Day Trips from Hanoi

1. ha long bay.

• Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 170 km.
• Travel time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours by car or bus via the Hanoi-Hai Phong highway.
• Activities : Boat cruises, cave explorations, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, squid fishing.
• Best months to travel: March-May, September-November for warm weather and less chance of rain

Imagine yourself in a boat, cruising through emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone islands, lush rainforests, and hidden caves – sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Welcome to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning natural wonders you’ll ever lay your eyes on.

Here in Ha Long Bay, there’s no shortage of things to do. From island hopping, kayaking, or even visiting fishing villages – there’s something for everyone. 

Glide through the calm waters, explore the fascinating caves, or learn about local life in the floating villages – each activity offering a unique experience.

But hold up, when’s the best time to visit? Well, Ha Long Bay is mesmerizing all year round, but for the most comfortable weather, aim for Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November). 

Book a Ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Best day tours to halong bay from hanoi.

Here are two highly-rated day tours from Hanoi you shouldn’t miss!

• Luxury Alova Cruise Tour on Halong Bay from Hanoi: Got a day to spare? Go cruising around the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. Marvel at towering limestone peaks, explore enchanting caves, and treat yourself to a delicious Vietnamese cuisine lunch on board. Wait, there’s more! Enjoy panoramic views of the bay as you sail, and don’t worry about the commute – hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi are all taken care of!
• Ha Long Bay Day Tour by 5 Stars Cozy Bay Premium Cruise : Short on time? Fear not! This 12-hour day tour has been designed to let you experience the best of Halong Bay even in a tight schedule. Expect a day packed with adventure as you visit iconic spots like Surprising Cave and Titop Island. Take a kayak or bamboo boat ride and revel in a delightful Vietnamese lunch. Roundtrip transfers from Hanoi? Of course, that’s covered too! This is truly an efficient and enjoyable way to explore the magnificent Halong Bay.
• Getting from Hanoi to Halong Bay
• Getting from Hanoi airport to Halong Bay

Cat Ba Island

• Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 160 km.
• Travel time: Around 4 hours, which includes a ferry ride from Hai Phong city.
• Activities : Hiking in Cat Ba National Park, boat tours, exploring local fishing villages.
• Best months to travel: April to November when the weather is warm and suitable for outdoor activities.

Discover the raw natural beauty of Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Ha Long Bay. Home to an abundance of wildlife and a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking in Cat Ba National Park to boat tours around the smaller islands, this is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. 

2. Ninh Binh

• Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 100 km
• Travel time: About 1.5 to 2.5 hours by car or bus (from Giat Bat Station or Nuoc Ngam Station).
• Activities : Visiting Trang An Landscape Complex, exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, boat trips in Tam Coc.
• Best months to travel: May-July during harvest season, September-October for cooler weather

Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land” is brimming with historical significance and natural attractions that will leave you awestruck. With a past that goes back a thousand years, Ninh Binh was the ancient capital of Vietnam, and guess what? The glory of its rich history can still be felt today.

The activities here are just as impressive as the landscape. Hop onto a boat tour in Tam Coc, where you’ll find yourself weaving through a network of emerald-green rivers flanked by towering limestone karsts. It’s like you’ve walked straight into a postcard!

Next up on our list is the majestic Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam. 

Don’t forget the Trang An Grottoes. Picture limestone mountain ranges, valley systems with submerged caves filled with stalactites. Trust me, it’s a haven for nature lovers!

So, when’s the best time to visit Ninh Binh? To catch the golden rice fields in full bloom, plan your trip around May or June. If you fancy cooler weather and beautiful yellow rice fields, then October is your month.

Wondering how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi City? Read our in-depth guide from Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Hanoi airport to Ninh Binh .

Book a Ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Best day tour to ninh binh from hanoi.

Let’s narrow it down to three highly-rated tours:

• Hoa Lu, Tam Coc/Trang An, and Mua Cave Day Tour from Hanoi: This 11-12 hour journey covers all the major attractions – all while enjoying a Vietnamese buffet lunch. With a small group size and comfortable limousine transfers, it’s a top pick for those seeking an intimate, relaxed tour.
• Hoa Lu, Trang An and Hang Mua Cave Day Tour from Hanoi : This 10-hour tour is perfect for nature lovers and history buffs. You’ll get to explore Hoa Lu, the ancient Vietnamese capital, and the Hang Mua Cave. Plus, a professional guide, round-trip hotel transportation, and lunch are all included. It’s a win-win!
• The Bai Dinh – Trang An – Mua Cave Tour from Ha Noi is an excellent day tour option, giving you a serene escape to the tranquil and picturesque countryside.

3. Perfume Pagoda (Huong Son District)

• Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 60 km.
• Travel time: Around 1-2 hours by car or bus (bus no. 211, 78, 75).
• Activities : Pilgrimage tours, boat trips, exploring caves.
• Best months to travel: end of March after the annual pilgrimage festival is held, September-December for a cooler weather.

Ready for a dose of spirituality blended with adventure? Perfume Pagoda, or as the locals call it, Chua Huong, is nestled amidst the lush Huong Son District. This pagoda is an architectural marvel with a deep spiritual significance for Buddhists in Vietnam.

Kickstart your visit with a serene boat ride on the Yen Stream, flanked by towering limestone hills and tranquil rice paddies.

Got your hiking boots on? You’ll need them for the climb up the mountain. But the sweat will be worth it when you reach the top and take in the breathtaking views of the countryside.

Of course, visiting the pagoda and the caves is a must! The awe-inspiring Buddhist structures and the hushed, peaceful atmosphere inside the caves will make your visit an unforgettable one.

Planning your visit? The peak time to head to the Perfume Pagoda is during the festival season between January and March. If you don’t like crowds, visit after the annual pilgrimage. And remember, it’s a spiritual site, so let’s be mindful of cultural etiquette.

Best Day Tour to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi

Wondering about the best day tour to the Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi? Check this out:

Perfume Pagoda Day Tour from Hanoi: This 8-hour tour is a complete package, including a 50-minute rowboat ride along scenic waterways, a climb to the Huong Tich Cave, and a visit to centuries-old temples. With a Vietnamese lunch included and hotel pickup and drop-off from the Old Quarter, you can enjoy the journey without any worry.

4. Mai Chau

• Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 140 km.
• Travel time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours by taxi or bus .
• Activities : Trekking, biking, visiting local hill tribe villages.
• Best months to travel: March to April and September to November when the weather is pleasant.

Looking for a cultural immersion experience? Mai Chau, a charming town known for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, is your pick.

Here, you can explore the area on bicycle tours, watch traditional dance performances, and visit local villages to understand the ways of life of the Thai minority. It’s a true paradise for those seeking an authentic, rural Vietnam experience.

Plan your visit between September and October for the best weather and a chance to see the golden rice fields in full bloom.

Book a Ride from Hanoi to Mai Chau

5. bat trang pottery village.

• Distance from Hanoi : Approximately 17 km.
• Travel time: Around 30 to 45 minutes by car or bus (bus no. 47 from Long Bien bus station).
• Activities : Pottery workshops, local market visit, exploring the village.
• Best months to travel : Suitable for year-round visits, but November to April is usually cooler and less rainy.

Bat Trang Pottery Village is a captivating artistic hub, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of producing high-quality ceramics. 

Situated along the Red River, this village brims with historical significance. Participate in pottery workshops to shape, paint, and fire your own ceramic creations, or stroll through the local market to witness the astounding variety of pottery on display. 

When visiting Bat Trang Pottery Village, try to plan your trip during the dry season, between October and March. Purchasing your favorite pottery pieces? Inquire about international shipping options, so your souvenirs can arrive home safely.

Consider this for your day tour: Rural Hanoi Vintage Minsk Motorbike Tour . This 4.5-hour join-in tour includes a ride along the Red River Delta banks, a personal guide, Bat Trang Pottery Village, and ample time for shopping for those treasured souvenirs.

Or if you’re into potteries, try booking one of the top Hanoi pottery classes that take you to Bat Trang.

6. Duong Lam Ancient Village

• Distance from Hanoi: About 50 km.
• Travel time: Around 1.5 hours by taxi or or 2.5-3 hours by bus (bus no. 20A, 70, 71, and 77)
• Activities : Exploring ancient houses, trying local food specialties, interacting with villagers.
• Best months to travel: October to April when the weather is cooler and dry.

Step back in time and into the shoes of the locals in Duong Lam Ancient Village. As an over thousand-year-old village, it’s like a living museum filled with traditional architecture and culture.

Wanna do something fun and educational? Start with exploring the ancient houses, marveling at the way they’ve stood the test of time. Oh, and definitely try the local food specialties.

Delicious, authentic Vietnamese cuisine will leave your taste buds dancing! Want to get to know the real heart of the village? Spend time meeting and interacting with the local villagers, the living, breathing soul of Duong Lam.

Now, some tips for your visit. The best times to visit are during the dry season, from November to April. And remember, always respect the local culture. It’s not just good manners, it’s a sign of appreciation for their way of life.

• Distance from Hanoi: Approximately 320 km.
• Travel time: Around 5-6 hours by car or bus, or an 8-hour overnight train journey.
• Activities : Trekking through rice terraces, visiting local ethnic markets, exploring Fansipan – the highest peak in Indochina.
• Best months to travel: February to May and September to November for the best trekking conditions and views.

Sapa, a hill station famous for its rugged scenery and rich cultural diversity, is like a beautiful painting come to life. Not only is it easy on the eyes, but it’s also home to many ethnic minorities in Vietnam.

Trekking through the breathtaking rice terraces is a must-do. Add to that, visiting local ethnic markets where you can buy unique souvenirs, and exploring Fansipan (3143m above sea level), the highest peak in Indochina.

Now, if you’re thinking about when to visit Sapa, the best times are from March to May and from September to November. And if you’re planning on trekking or a local homestay, always remember to respect the local customs and environment.

Best 2-Day Tour to Sapa from Hanoi

The 2D1N Sapa Tour from Hanoi Fanxipang Cable Car or Moana View includes bus ride from and back to Hanoi, hiking scenic routes through the hills and villages, hotel accommodation, and meals throughout the tour. You will have the chance to engage with the indigenous communities of Black H’Mong, Tay, and Red Dzao as you visit Y Linh Ho, Ta Van, and Giang Ta Chai. This tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a must-visit for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some popular day trips from hanoi.

There are several popular day trips from Hanoi that you can take. These include exploring the Halong Bay on a cruise, immersing yourself in history at the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, discovering the natural beauty of Ninh Binh, learning about pottery making in Bat Trang Pottery Village, or trekking in the rugged landscape of Sapa.

How can I get to Halong Bay from Hanoi for a day trip?

Several tour companies operate daily trips from Hanoi to Halong Bay, which typically include round-trip transport. The journey usually takes about 3.5 to 4 hours each way by car or bus. You can also opt for a more luxurious option like a seaplane, which takes around 45 minutes.

Can I take a day trip from Hanoi to Sapa?

Although Sapa is around 320 km from Hanoi, it is possible to do a day trip to Sapa. However, it’s quite a long journey, typically taking 5-6 hours each way by car or bus. For a more relaxed experience, consider an overnight stay in Sapa, or choose a tour that includes transportation, such as the 2-Day Tour to Sapa from Hanoi .

What activities can I do in Bat Trang Pottery Village?

In Bat Trang Pottery Village, you can explore the local market, visit workshops, and even take part in a pottery class to craft your own piece of ceramic art. It’s a great way to experience the village’s artistic heritage and learn about the process of pottery making.

What’s the best time to take day trips from Hanoi?

The best time to take day trips from Hanoi largely depends on the destination. However, generally speaking, the dry season from November to April tends to be a good time to visit most locations. During these months, the weather is typically cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Are there guided tours for day trips from Hanoi?

Yes, there are many guided tours available for day trips from Hanoi. These tours often include transportation, meals, and an experienced guide, making it easier for you to explore and learn about the destination. For instance, the Overnight Sapa Tour by Luxury Van Limousine or the Duong Lam Ancient Village Private Tour are excellent choices.

That’s a wrap! If you’re in Hanoi and itching for a day trip, there’s plenty to choose from. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast, there’s a trip for you. So, get out there and explore beyond Hanoi’s city limits! You won’t regret it.

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Top 22 Incredible Day Trips from Hanoi – Best Ideal for A Weekend Day Trips from Hanoi

22 Amazing Places You Should Visit For A Day Trips from Hanoi

If you are looking for a place to travel around Hanoi with your family and friends to take a rest and relax within the day to get away from the bustling and noisy of city, Hanoi Explore Travel will suggest 21 Most Cheap and Best weekend trips from Hanoi

Some of them are in the top 50 most beautiful places of Asia voted by many prestigious travel magazines around the world. These places are not only attractive but also very convenient for you to move and explore within the day.

What are you waiting for without choosing quickly the place to visit near Hanoi for couples falling in love and your family ? It will surely brings great experiences as well as profound knowledge about Vietnamese culture and traditions.

Table of Contents

Most Popular & Romantic Day Trips from Hanoi for Couples, Family

Ha long bay – an amazing & romantic day trip from hanoi .

• Address: Ha Phong, Halong City, Quang Ninh, Province. 170km from Hanoi
• Open in Google Maps

This unique UNESCO World Heritage is one of the best quality beach travel destinations near Hanoi for trips with family and friends . Ha Long is not only famous for its beautiful, blue beaches and majestic limestone mountains but also shimmering, spectacular, enchanting stalactites.

Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Labyrinth Cave, Virgin Cave and Drum Cave are the 6 most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay that you should explore.

In addition, you can also visit the coastal fishing villages such as Vung Vieng, Cua Van and Ba Hang fishing villages … this is not only an interesting stop for travelers who like to learning about fishing life of fishermen. It is also a great place to take photos .

More for you:

• How To Choose Your BEST Halong Bay 1 Day Cruise Tour?
• Only Halong Bay 1 Day – What to do 1 Day in Halong Bay?
• How to Make a Perfect Halong Bay Day Trip from Hanoi?

What should you travel ?

• Rowing Kayak
• Visiting fishing villages on the Bay
• Swimming in blue water
• Discovering beautiful caves
• Trying mountain climbing
• Participating in beach sports games
• Seeing Ha Long Bay from hovercraft

For travelers who feel that self-sufficient Ha Long tourism is difficult , annoying and time consuming , Hanoi Explore Travel recommends choosing a tour. Currently there are 2 forms of tour as follows:

• Free tour – “Free & Easy Tour”: Only shuttle bus and hotel .This is a new type of tour has appeared in Vietnam recently, for young people who want not to be constrained by a specific schedule but find it troublesome to find a way to go by themselves.
• Package tour: Including from A – Z as shuttle, tour schedule, dining, accommodation. Package tour helps you get many points but save time, effort and money. This type of tour can visit the Bay 4 hours, 6 hours by yacht. There are many travel and price options.

There is a lot of cheating here, so don’t forget to study and find out thoroughly before booking a tour!

>>> Immerse yourself into the majestic view of Halong bay with Bay Day Trip 6 Hour Cruise from Hanoi to have a reasonable itinerary for your day trip

Highlights of Halong Bay Day Trip 6 Hours Cruise

• Cruising for a full 6 hours around Halong Bay with a professional guide and crew
• Enjoy Vietnamese traditional Lunch with seafood
• Visit Titop Island, trekking Titop Peak for taking photos with panoramic view of the bay.
• Kayaking or taking a sampan boat around the gorgeous Luon Cave
• Swimming on Beach
• Discovering the mystical beauty and ancient history of Sung Sot Cave
• Enjoy Cooking Class on cruise
• All Included ( Only without drinks on Personal expenses )

Halong Bay Full Day Kayaking and Swimming

• Ha Long Bay day trip from Hanoi – the best choice when you do not have much time
• Rowing Kayak / bamboo boat around the bay and enjoying seafood lunch on the boat
• Exploring Sung Sot cave and Titop island
• Including hotel pick up and drop off in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter

>>> Pick a suitable of Halong Bay Day Trips and Cruises from Hanoi 

>>>  Check out more:

• A Halong Bay Day Cruise with an 8 Hour Tour Itinerary
• Halong Bay Cruise for 2 Days 1 Night

Cat Ba island – A Best Day Tour from Hanoi

•  Address : Tran Chau, Cat Hai, Hai Phong ( 150km from Hanoi )

 What’s interesting here?

• Swiming and exploring Monkey Island
• Rowing Kayak, scuba diving
• Watching the sunset at the cannon fortress
• Walking on the beach in the evening
• Visiting Lan Ha Bay
• Climbing the mountain
• Visiting Cat Ba National Park
• Visiting the caves
• Squid fishing & enjoying seafood
• Visiting Monkey Island

Cat Ba archipelago is also one of the famous tourist destinations near Hanoi – like Vien Dong pearl island. Coming to Cat Ba Island, you have to swimming . Scuba diving is also a favorite activity when visiting Cat Ba Island, if you are adventurous, you should especially try.

There are also many destinations with other interesting activities such as visiting Fortress, Cat Ba National Park, mangroves, kayaking on Lan Ha Bay, taking a boat to Monkey Island, …

Experience in visting Cat Ba Island

Instruction to Cat Ba Island

• From Hanoi, you can take Hoang Long bus from Nuoc Ngam bus station along the 5B highway to Ben Got, then by ferry or speedboat to Ca port , center of Cat Ba town.

When do you visit Cat Ba ?

Most of people go to Cat Ba in the summer. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so the service, dining and entertainment prices are quite expensive. If you plan to go on these occasions , you should proactively book and contact to agency providing catering and playing services first.

If you’re not a fan of crowds on the beach, you can charter a speedboat or rent a kayak to Monkey Island and Lan Ha Bay, where the beaches are cleaner and quieter.

Just about every tour company in Hanoi offers daily trips to the island, attracting travellers looking to enjoy a day of sightseeing during their holiday.

Lan Ha Bay – A wonderful Boat Day Trip

Located in the south of Ha Long Bay and east of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay has become a popular tourist destination in recent times. The archipelago is larger than 7000 hectares, possessing over 400 large and small island , with unexploited beaches.

The attraction of Lan Ha Bay is the wild beauty, peachful space that is not everywhere, it is very suitable as a destination for those who want to find new space to relax. Besides, traveling to Lan Ha Bay, you also have the opportunity to visit the Cua Van fishing village and Cai Beo fishing village to explore the daily life of the fishermen here.

Have a look at: 

• A Detailed Guide To Lan Ha Bay
• How to Choose the Best Lan Ha Bay Cruise?

What can you do?

• Sailing on the bay
• Swimming and Scuba diving
• Climb mountain
• Rowing Kayak and Dangerous climbing
• Visiting local floating market and Cai Beo fishing village
• Exploring Caves

Unlike Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay has up to 139 small golden, lovely beaches and desolate as the “blue strait” inviting visitors to explore. Many sands stretch middle of two rocky mountains, are quiet with no big waves , so ideal for visiters.

Experience in visiting Lan Ha Bay

Time to travel Lan Ha Bay

• The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay is in the summer. Because the weather is really hot , it is suitable for swimming and participating in recreational activities in the bay such as: boating, scuba diving.
• However, tourism should be limited in the last months of summer from July to September to avoid erratic rains and storms.
• From September the island begins to return to its tranquility, the number of tourists coming to the island is not much, you can play freely water sport games such as kayaking, climbing … and travel expense in this season is also relatively cheaper.

Lan Ha Bay –  One Day Tour

• If you do not have much time, just come to Cat Ba on the weekend, you can contact to book a tour to explore Lan Ha Bay in one day. You can book at the hotel , any travel agency on the island or book directly with the ship owner who are outside the port also, there is a need to negotiate a price so reasonable to avoid being chopped.
• If you book a tour, you will be picked up by the shuttle bus to the port, or if you go by yourself, you can also go to Beo port to find the boat . The first journey will go through Cai Beo fishing village, the natural islands on the Bay. About an hour and a half to the area of Sang Cave – Toi Cave.
• In here, after renting a kayak, you are free to explore this area. Rowing Kayak at sea is also quite tired, it takes about 1.5-2 hours for this activity. After having lunch on board, you will be gone to some locations with beaches such as Ba Trai Dao island, Van Boi beach … to swim freely.
• After swimming, maybe the boat will take you to Monkey Island area to play freely, then you will return to Beo port, end the one day journey to explore Lan Ha Bay.

>>> EXPLORE MORE: Lan Ha Bay One Day Tour From Hanoi

Bai Tu Long Bay – Free your soul with Cruise & Kayaking Adventure

Bai Tu Long Bay includes a sea area of Ha Long City : Cam Pha City and Van Don Island District. The South West borders Ha Long Bay, the East borders on the sea, the West borders the mainland to Cam Pha City and the Northeast borders on Co To Island District. Bai Tu Long Bay consists of hundreds of large and small islands and many of which are large and inhabited.

What is most attractive in Bai Tu Long Bay ?

Bai Tu Long Bay has fewer tourists than Ha Long Bay. So the places will be quieter here . At the same time, the air is also very pleasant .

What is not really fascinating here?

• Fewer yachts go on this route, so there are fewer options.
• Fewer islands on the Bay than Ha Long Bay.
• Ha Long Bay has a larger area and more attractions.

Actitities in Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long has many activities like in Ha Long. Some beaches are less crowded here.

What should you do?

• Visiting islands
• Visiting floating fishing village

The best time to visit Bai Tu Long

• The best weather is in January and February, during the rainy season between May and September, March / April and September / October are the best times to explore the Bay.

Trang An and Tam Coc Cave – Explore the hidden gems of Viet Nam

• Location: Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province
• Entrance Fee: 250.000VND/Boat Trip in Trang An – 200.000VND/Boat Trip in Tam Coc
• Opening Hours: 07.00am – 05.00pm

Highlight of Day Trip to Trang An and Tam Coc

• 1 day trip in Ninh Binh with a small group of participants
• Admiring a “gem” of Ninh Binh offering some picturesque places such as Tam Coc or Trang An
• Along with unforgettable experiences in boating riding, exploring caves, visiting temples…in Ninh Binh
• Quality services that supply a luxury car, intensive tour guide for you

Trang An Grottoes – Tam Coc tour might be the most popular tour from Hanoi because of their beautiful landscapes. The journey starts from Hanoi to Ninh Binh for 2 hours of travelling, then go on a boat and do sightseeing on Sao Khue river. Rowers here particularly use their feet skillfully and gently.

In Trang An, you will have the chance to look into more caves than in Tam Coc that none of other places can offer since it is a large area with towering moutains  surrounded by imposing views. After ending Trang An trip (around 2 hours), let’s go to visit Tam Coc . It only takes you around 10 minutes to move to this place!

>>> Book A Day Trip All Included with Most Famous Sightseeing Places & Activities, Reasonable Prices for:

• Deluxe Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave Day Trip  from Hanoi with Limousine Transfer
• A Day Trip to Hoa Lu Trang An Mua Cave Small Group from Hanoi – Limousine Transfer

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Explore Historical & Cultural

• Location: Truong Yen, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, 100 kilometers to the south of Hanoi
• Entrance fee: 20.000 VND/person
• Opening Hours: from 06.00am to 05.00pm

Because Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is very near Trang An, Tam Coc, so tourists often combine visiting three places at the same time. As its name, Hoa Lu was the first capital of  Vietnam in 10 th and 11 th century.

Although its ancient architectures are not maintained as they were in the first place, the ancient temples where it worships Dinh and Le Kings are still intact until today.

>>> Check out Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Tour in Ninh Binh Day Tours  

Mua Cave Ninh Binh – Most exciting destination of foreign visitors

• Location: Khe Dau Ha Hamlet, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh
• Entrance fee: 100.000 VND/person
• Opening Hours: 07.00am – 06.00pm

The cave brings you one of the best panoramic view of one of the nicest sceneries in Viet Nam- that’s Ninh Binh- which is known as a wonder of the world, the Telegraph from UK said “It’s an area known locally as Vietnam’s ‘Inland Halong Bay’”.

• Read More: Mua Cave is worth being visited in Ninh Binh?

This can’t be denied since more and more foreigners choose Mua Cave( Hang Mua – Vietnamese name) for their short holidays while being in the north of Viet Nam. Dancing mountain like a bell, measuring approximately 800 square meters.

Dance Cave name associated with the ancient legend when King Tran moved the capital to Hoa Lu for building Thai Vi temple. He used to come the mountain cave for watching music and dance shows so that people from this place called Mua Cave.

View from the foot of the mountain can clearly see the white stone steps leading to the top, the stairs looked like Great Wall in China. On top of the mountain is placed a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva with the eyes down towards the ancient land of the ancient capital.

Dance Cave tourist area is developing into a place where relaxation combined with tourist hiking, sightseeing.

Phat Diem Stone Cathedral

• Location: Phat Diem, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province, 117 km to the south of Hanoi
• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: 7:00 am – 9:30 pm

Phat Diem Christian temple firstly was initially indoctrinated by Spanish missionaries 4 centuries ago. It was built in 1892 and it exists until now.

Bai Dinh Pagoda – Significant Records in Ninh Binh

• Location: Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh
• Opening hours: Bai Dinh Pagoda: 6 a.m to 9 p.m. Trang An: 7 a.m to 4 p.m

Ninh Binh has many toursit destinations bringing spiritual values in which we could not mention Bai Dinh pagoda – one of the biggest pagodas of South East Asia with many set of records.

Additionally, Ninh Binh has Van Long lagoon, the biggest waterlogged nature reserve  of  Northen Delta consiting of more than 30 types of rare plants listed in Vietnam’s Red Book .

>>> Book a Bai Dinh Day Tour To Discover The Beauty of Nature and The Religious Monument <<<

Experience the nature with Cuc Phuong National Park

• Location: Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, 120 kilometers to the south of Hanoi
• Entrance fee: 40.000 VND/person
• Opening hours: 8 am – 6 pm

Cuc Phuong national park is know as the first park of Vietnam, where it has a wide range of plants and animals with white meranti of thousands of years,caves of ancient people in which Vietnamese ancestors settled and there is the mineral spring of Ga canal.

Mai Chau Valley – Hoa Binh

Directions to Mai Chau

• You can go to Mai Chau in many ways. If you want to explore freely the experience with friends, you can choose to go by motorbike, drive if you go with your family, or a coach tour.

Mai Chau Travel Time

• The best time to visiting Mai Chau is spring (from February to May) because of peach blossoms, plum blossoms’s dazzling beauty, especially plum blossoms forest or rice seasons in September, Octorber, combine with the weather is cool and no rain.

Accommodation in Mai Chau

• Coming to Mai Chau, you should experience sleeping on stilts once. At Ban Lac 1, Ban Lac 2 has many homestays to choose from, priced from 20,000 to 50,000 VND / person for a stilt house. If in a private room, the room price ranges from 250,000 to 300,000 VND / room.
• For large groups, you should rent the whole floor with price from 500,000 to 800,000 VND / night. Especially, if you want to experience in a private space with high-class services, let come to Mai Chau Ecolodge – a beautiful 4-star resort in Na Thia.

Mai Chau Specialties

• Lam rice , sticky rice with five colors, Muong pork, bitter bamboo shoots, wild bees, sour bamboo shoots, hill chicken, buoy leaf water, …

Top List Hanoi Day Trips & Excursions & Activities with Kids 

Sightseeing & street food walking tour.

• Learn about Buddhism
• Explore a cave
• Fun boat trip

Below is one day Hanoi travel guide and schedule, it combines locations around Hanoi conveniently and cheaply. You will discover and experience Hanoi Cuisine – delicious and famous dishes.

Famous tourist destinations in Hanoi are: Quoc Tu Giam Temple, Mot Cot Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Thang Long Citadel, Hoan Kiem Lake, Long Bien Bridge …

Hope to be able to provide you with the useful and necessary information during your trip. Wish you a happy trip and many memories.

A Day Hanoi Tour with a Local Guide

• Hanoi city tour starts at eight in the morning. Touring around Hanoi will bring you knowledge of Hanoi’s history, culture and architecture. You will visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature – the first university in Vietnam, which is also a highlight of this trip.
• Along with other locations such as Bat Trang Pottery Village, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Old Quarter and Ethnography Museum. You will come some historic and formal locations, so you should avoid wearing shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops.

Take A Hanoi Street Food Tour

• Hanoi is famous for its distinctive dishes, distinct culinary culture. It is an unique thing for you to discover things in Hanoi with a local tour guide. The guide will show you the inspirational outstanding destinations of Hanoi city.
• Let imagine when you walk into some small alleys and your guide explain to you what are they. You can find cafes and shops, some delicious drink, even a long alley of many different foods while you are walking around.

>>> BOOK Un-Pho-Gettable Hanoi Street Food Tours <<<

Van Phuc Silk Village

• Location: Van Phuc Village, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, 10 kilometers to the southwest of Hanoi center.
• Opening Hours: 07.00am – 07.00pm
• Open In Google Maps

Van Phuc is just 10 kilometers away from Hanoi and basically the nearest location among those mentioned in this post, so it is easy to take a day trip from the city. Van Phuc is known for its silk production. This village produces some of the finest textiles in the country with a much cheaper price than those sold in the center of Hanoi.

With over 1,000 silk shops offering a diverse range of delighting shirts, crafts, ties and dresses made of silk, the site is undoubtedly a paradise of silk and fashion lovers. The silk is very light weight and has a smooth appearance with high quality suitable for all skin tones.

Hanoi Old Quarter & French Old Quarter

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

• As soon as you get to Hanoi, make sure to head to the Old Quarter.  Visiting the Old Quarter is one of the unmissable things to do in Hanoi.
• This is the historic heart and commercial center of the city, where there are lot of interesting attractions – think temples and pagodas.

French Old Quarter

• Hanoi’s French Quarter is located on the southeastern end of the popular Hoan Kiem Lake, housing most of the city’s foreign embassies, government buildings and affluent residential neighbourhoods.
• For travellers, it’s where they can find luxurious hotels and upmarket restaurants during their holiday in the Vietnam capital.

• Part of its main road – Trang Tien – is a busy shopping area, featuring bookshops, galleries, boutiques and the Trang Tien Plaza, a French colonial shopping complex retailing international brands.
• If this is your first time exploring Hanoi, this section encompasses just about everything you need to know about Hanoi French Quarter, namely its attractions, dining, nightlife and shopping venues.

Hanoi Green Farm with Local Family

• Address: Lot 1, Tinh Quang village, Long Bien Dist., Hanoi

We specialize in organizing and hosting cultural and countryside life experience trip, provide you opportunity for some hands – on experience and understand more about the life and the people.

What to do during the trip you could:

• Join the farming activities;
• Collect fruit and vegetables;
• Prepare lunch with local family;
• Cycling along the riverside;
• Visiting ancient temple, primary school…

The main purpose of Green Farm Tour is to bring you different view of life in Vietnam. You not only experience the authentic daily life of local farming communities in the village but also meeting and feeling the friendliness of people.

Ba Vi National Park

• Address: Ba Vi, Hanoi ( 68km from Hanoi )

Which places should you travel?

• Thien Son Waterfall and Waterpark
• Cactus Garden
• French ruins
• Trekking to the top of the mountain: King Peak, Tan Vien Peak, Ngoc Hoa Peak

Ba Vi is an interesting tourist destination because of its fresh air, pristine and attractive, combining many types of ecotourism, cultural tourism and exclusive unique resort travel. You can visit Ba Vi any season of the year.

However, the weather from April to October is cool and quiet, combined with fresh air, it’s the best time for you to organize sightseeing trips, picnics. In addition, from mid-November to early December you can come here to enjoy the beauty of wild sunflowers.

Duong Lam Ancient Village

• Location: Son Tay Town, Hanoi, 40 kilometers to the west of Hanoi
• Learn about the culture and architecture of over 300 years old village
• Experience in cycling in peaceful village
• Enjoy local specialties

Duong Lam Ancient Village is one of the most attractive suburban destinations in Hanoi because of the architectural features and pristine imprints of more than 300 years old Vietnamese ancient village in the Red River Delta. If you are interested in the old space and learn about historical cultural sites, this is a destination can not be missed.

To experience the true nature of a trip back to the village, you should rent a bicycle to both cycle and slowly explore every corner of the old village … Especially, remember to enjoy specialty : “ che lam” and many local dishes such as roast meat, cane chicken, soy sauce, candy, …

Perfume Pagoda – Explore spiritual life of the Vietnamese

• Entrance fee: 50,000 VND / time

What should you explore ?

• Learning bout Buddhism
• Exploring a cave
• Having funny boat trip

Huong Pagoda is located 60km Southwest of Hanoi between lush rice fields and limestone mountains. The temple is also famous for being one of the most sacred pagodas in Northern Vietnam, with a lot of landscapes scattered in Yen stream valley.

Coming to Huong Pagoda, you should experience a boat ride on the stream, visit Thien Tru Pagoda and Huong Tich cave, Trinh Temple. This is a great day trip from Hanoi for nature lovers, as well as for families with children.

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

• Entrance fee: 100,000 VND / Time/Pax

Quang Phu Cau, an Incense Village that upholds the traditional craft of incense making for more than 100 years.

About 35 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, the village is situated in Quang Phu Cau commune, Ung Hoa district. Quang Phu Cau has been known for making traditional incense sticks for the past over a century.

• A visit to Quang Phu Cau incense village will bring visitors an opportunity to learn about the traditional craft of making incense sticks and take lots of unique check-in photos. Right after you enter the incense village, you’ll be able to see the busy lives of the locals here.
• The village is filled with bundles of red incense sticks that look like enormous flowers under the sunlight. Incense is dried in a variety of large areas, including the yards of houses or community houses, and vacant lots, which brings an impressive sight for visitors.

>>> Read More: Quang Phu Cau Incense Village – A Spectacular Incense Village in Hanoi!

Thay Pagoda – Discovery History & Architecture

• Established in 11 th century by Nhan Tong King of Ly Emperor, Thay pagoda is one the most ancient one of Vietnam. It is typical of Buddhism architecture of Vietnam and it is 30km away from Hanoi, so it is quite easy for you to get there.

Bat Trang Pottery Village

• Location: Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, 13 kilometers to the southeast of Hanoi
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Opening Hiours: 07.00am – 07.30pm

Where should you go?

• Visiting Bat Trang ceramic market
• Visiting Bat Trang ancient village
• Experience the making of pottery

Bat Trang is a well-known traditional pottery village – one of the most popular tourist destinations near Hanoi. Coming to Bat Trang Pottery Village, you will visit the work place of pottery artists, pottery markets, packed with souvenirs, lovely cups to take back as gifts.

In particular, the most interesting activity when you come here is you can create your own ceramic products with the guidance of people in village.

Below are 21 highly recomended destinations for your one day trip in Hanoi. We hope that this is useful for your question ‘What to do in Hanoi for 1 day”. You might have visited other places or heard about them but they are not mentioned in this list.

So please comment them below or contact us directly. We will continue updating more interesting destinations and giving feedback for you as quickly and exactly as possible!

>>> The list of Hanoi Travel Agency you need to know if you would like to do the tour to Bat Trang

Thung Nang – Sunshine Valley

• Location: Dam Khe Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District
• Opening Hours: 08.00am – 05.30pm

As the name says, the sun shines every corner of the valley, through leafy branches, rustic cottages on the shore and all the way down to the bottom of the water, create a brilliant and peaceful landscape.

On the way to Thung Nang valley, taking the rowing boat about 3 kilometers from Thach Bich Wharf, tourists will hear the murmur of paddy fields, see the majestic mountain lines and abundant fauna and flora underneath the cool water.

Thung Nang is divided into 2 valley, one is 3 hectares wide and the other is 5 hectares. The valleys are connected by a cave system in the mountains with the low ceiling and the stalactites hanging down in different shape.

There are many attractions in Thung Nang such as Ba Doi Mountains, Coc Mountains, Mang Mountains, Vang Mountains.

Crossing over Thung Nang about 100 meters, visitors will arrive at a Temple where people worship Mother Goddess Thuong Ngan, Voi Temple made of stone with well-carved worship things since Le Dynasty.

It is also quite near from Thung Nang to several tourism destinations such as Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Thung Nham, But Grotto, primary forest, Bird Garden, Ghe Grotto, Chua Grotto, etc.

Tips for Your Amazing Day Trip From Hanoi

• A day trip from Hanoi offers you a mix of ancient town and the cosmopolitan. But stepping out to the countryside you will see not only other traditional and historic sites but also the beautiful landscape of nature.
• Mountains and rivers, jungle and paddies, temples and churches, you will get to see another side of Vietnam besides the crowd and rush in the city. These places are within a day trip from Hanoi, and you can easily travel to these locations in an hour or two by motorbikes or bus.
• Plan your day trips from Hanoi with the help of this useful article, pack your bag, and get ready for some fantastic and memorable time!

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10 best day trips from Hanoi

A day trip from Hanoi is a great way to explore the surrounding areas and experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of Vietnam. With a variety of destinations to choose from, such as Halong Bay, Tam Coc, and the Perfume Pagoda, you can tailor your trip to your interests. Day trips typically include transportation, entrance fees, and a guide, making them a convenient and hassle-free way to explore. However, keep in mind that some destinations may require a lot of travel time, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

1. Halong Bay

A day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay typically involves a drive through the countryside to reach the bay, followed by a cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and islands that make up the bay. You can also opt to kayak or swim in the bay, visit a floating village, and enjoy a seafood lunch on board the boat. Some tours may also include a stop at a pearl farm or a visit to a cave.

While a Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi is certainly possible and can be a good way to experience the beauty of the area if you’re short on time, many travelers would recommend spending at least one night in the area to truly appreciate its natural wonders and peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, a day trip can be quite hectic with a lot of traveling and limited time for activities.

2. Perfume Pagoda

Visiting the Perfume Pagoda in a day trip from Hanoi is a great way to experience the spiritual and natural beauty of Vietnam. The Perfume Pagoda, or Huong Pagoda, is a complex of temples and shrines built into the limestone cliffs of Huong Tich Mountain, surrounded by lush forests and streams. The journey to the pagoda includes a scenic boat ride and a cable car ride up to the mountain, followed by a hike up steep steps to the pagoda.

Once you reach the pagoda, you can explore the various temples and shrines dedicated to different Buddhist deities, and observe the locals praying and making offerings. The pagoda is especially busy during the annual Perfume Pagoda Festival, which takes place from the 6th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month.

Overall, the experience of visiting the Perfume Pagoda in a day trip from Hanoi is a unique and rewarding way to connect with Vietnam’s spiritual traditions and natural beauty.

Tam Coc , also known as the “Halong Bay on land,” is a scenic area located about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi. A day trip to Tam Coc typically involves a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, passing through caves and limestone cliffs, and admiring the beautiful scenery of rice paddies, lotus ponds, and local villages.

During the boat ride, you will be paddled by a local rower using their feet, which is an interesting and unique experience. You can also opt to climb up to the top of one of the karst mountains to get a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

The day trip to Tam Coc often includes a visit to the nearby temples of Thai Vi and Bich Dong, which provide a glimpse into the local culture and history. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to visit a local market or village to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. Overall, a day trip to Tam Coc is a great way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Vietnam.

4. Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a rural valley located about 135 kilometers southwest of Hanoi, known for its scenic rice paddies, traditional stilt houses, and ethnic minority communities. A day trip to Mai Chau from Hanoi typically involves a scenic drive through picturesque countryside, a visit to a local market or village, a cycling tour of the countryside, and a traditional lunch with local specialties. The trip is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and experience the natural beauty and traditional way of life of rural Vietnam.

5. Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park is located about 50km west of Hanoi and can be visited as a day trip from the city. The park is known for its lush greenery, scenic views, and fresh air. You can go hiking, bird watching, or take a cable car up to the summit of Ba Vi mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There are also several temples and pagodas within the park, including the 11th-century Thien Son Pagoda, which is built into the side of a mountain. You can expect to spend a full day exploring the park and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

6. Duong Lam Ancient Village

Visiting the Duong Lam Ancient Village on a day trip from Hanoi is a unique and cultural experience. Located in Son Tay, the village is about 60 kilometers from Hanoi and is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, including old houses made of laterite bricks and wooden frames. You can explore the village’s narrow alleyways, visit its ancient temples and pagodas, and get a glimpse of rural life in Vietnam. Additionally, you can learn about the village’s history, dating back over 1,200 years, and enjoy local specialties such as Mia sticky rice and Gio Cha sausage.

7. Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Visiting the Bat Trang Ceramic Village on a day trip from Hanoi is a great opportunity to learn about traditional Vietnamese pottery making. The village is known for its high-quality ceramics and the chance to observe the process of pottery making from start to finish, including shaping, painting, and glazing. You can also try their hand at making their own pottery under the guidance of experienced artisans. In addition to pottery, the village also offers other handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine.

8. Cuc Phuong National Park

Visiting Cuc Phuong National Park in a day trip from Hanoi is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Vietnam. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birds, 36 species of mammals, and many endangered species like the Delacour’s langur.

You can take a guided trek through the park to explore its caves, waterfalls, and ancient trees, or visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center to learn about the conservation efforts for primates in the region. There is also a botanical garden showcasing the diverse plant life found in the park. Overall, it’s a peaceful and refreshing day trip that provides a glimpse into the natural wonders of Vietnam.

9. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

A day trip from Hanoi to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a great opportunity to explore Vietnam’s rich history and culture. Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties, and there are many temples and pagodas that still stand from this period.

You can expect to see the famous temples of King Dinh and King Le, as well as the surrounding landscape of rice paddies and limestone karsts. The journey to Hoa Lu takes around two hours from Hanoi, and you can hire a guide or take a tour to learn more about the history and significance of this important site. Additionally, many tours include a bike ride or boat trip to explore the surrounding countryside.

10. Thay Pagoda

Thay Pagoda , also known as Master’s Pagoda, is a popular options for a day trip from Hanoi, located about 20 kilometers southwest of the city.

The pagoda is famous for its beautiful architecture and scenic location, nestled in the mountainous landscape. You can explore the complex, which includes several temples, pagodas, and other buildings, as well as a large lake and surrounding gardens.

One of the highlights of visiting Thay Pagoda is the water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form that originated in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta. The show takes place on the lake in front of the main temple and features colorful puppets that dance and perform in the water.

In addition to the pagoda and water puppet show, you can also take a stroll around the lake or climb up the nearby mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

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Local tip! You might like these experiences

Ninh Binh discover: Hoa Lu, Mua cave, Tam Coc & cycling day tour from Hanoi

• Learn more about the ancient history of Vietnam at Hoa Lu.
• Visit the best viewpoint of Ninh Binh at Mua Cave
• Enjoy a calm boat trip in Tam Coc with beautiful rice fields and impressive mountains
• Day trip from Hanoi by comfortable limousine van

Perfume pagoda day tour from Hanoi

Halong Bay luxury 1 day tour

• Enjoy a luxury boat and service while cruising through the bay.
• Explore by kayaking or bamboo rowing boat
• Visit Ti Top Island; best viewpoint in the bay
• Destination: Hanoi
• By: Marnick Schoonderwoerd
• June 8, 2023

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9 Can’t Miss Day Trips From Hanoi, Vietnam [2024]

Looking for the best day trips from Hanoi? I’ve got some great suggestions for you – read on for details!

Hanoi, the cultural capital of Vietnam (and actual capital for that matter) is a must-visit for anyone visiting the country. Indeed, Hanoi, with its romantic old-world streets, unique history, and amazing food was a high point in our trip to Vietnam.

But once you’ve wrapped up your time in the city itself, there is a myriad of interesting day trip opportunities to experience even more of Vietnam’s gorgeous landscapes and cultural destinations.

These day trips from Hanoi, whether you’re visiting ancient temples, rice terraces, beautiful waterways, or small villages, provide a glimpse into Vietnam’s history and charm, and leave a lasting memory of this southeast Asian country.

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9 Incredible Day Trips from Hanoi, Vietnam

1. quang phu cau – the incense village.

Recommended Tour : Colors of the Incense Village Tour ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 5-6 hours

There are many exquisite craft villages near Hanoi, but the most picturesque among these villages must be Quang Phu Cau, known as the Incense Village . This beautiful village has upheld the ancient practice of incense craftsmanship for more than a century.

No matter where you visit in Vietnam, you will observe yellow and red incense sticks being used for worship at temples and pagodas. These incense sticks are an integral aspect of an important part of Vietnamese culture, and a trip to the incense village is both culturally significant and also extremely beautiful.

And it is absolutely a sight to behold – as bundles of incense sticks are fanned open to dry and cure, and the streets and large and small courtyards are covered in brightly covered incense bundles. Often, the locals will arrange these rows of colorful bundles into pretty designs.

It is polite and expected to tip around 50,000 VND (about $2) to take photos around the incense bundles, which is a small price to pay for one of the most incredible, photogenic places in Vietnam .

How To Visit:

By Bus : Take the #91 Bus south from Hanoi. Ask the driver to stop at Quang Phu Cau for you.

By Taxi : You can hire a taxi to take you down, but make sure you ask him to stay, as taxis can be hard to find in the village.

By Private Guided Tour : This is one of the best options for visiting the Incense Village, as your private guide will pick you up, drive you directly to the village, and then take you around the village and show you all the stages of incense production.

This particular tour has a focus on getting great pictures, so your guide will show you the best places and help you get the best shots.

👉 Check prices and availability for this Incense Village tour here

2. Van Phuc Silk Village

Recommended Tour : Cu Da and Van Phuc Villages Tour ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 8 hours

One nearby but still fascinating day trip from Hanoi is the Van Phuc Silk Village. Located just 10 kilometers southwest of Hanoi, this craft village is a respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Van Phuc has a 2000-year-old history in the ancient art of silk weaving. You can watch talented silk weavers ply their craft on simple looms to create colorful silk fabrics. Stroll the streets to browse the many boutique shops selling high-quality silk apparel and cloth. 

As you enter the ornate gate of the silk village, your senses come alive with views of the umbrellas of many colors shading the streets. There is a beautiful garden with a tranquil pond and an impressive shrine. You will also find a temple honoring Ho Chi Minh, who resided here at one time.     

Van Phuc is the oldest silk village in Vietnam making it a must-see attraction. The vibrant colors of silks will draw you to explore the beautiful streets. Silk articles from Van Phuc make a wonderful gift or souvenir of Vietnam.

By Bus : There are multiple buses that run throughout the day to the Silk Village – I’d recommend just checking Google Maps to see the best option from where you’re located. The bus will take about an hour.

By Taxi : You can hire a taxi to take you down, or you can use Grab, Vietnam’s version of Uber , to order a car. It’s a good idea to ask your driver to wait for you to return.

By Private Guided Tour : This is one of the best options for visiting the Silk Village, as your private guide will pick you up, drive you directly to the village, and then take you around the village and teach you about the production of silk, and show you the best shops

You’ll also visit another nearby fascinating craft village that makes vermicelli noodles and soybean paste.

👉 Check prices and availability for this tour here

3. Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong)

Recommended Tour : Perfume Pagoda Tour from Hanoi ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 8 hours

The Perfume Pagoda is a bit of a hidden gem day trip from Hanoi (at least for foreigners), but it is still one of the most interesting  places to visit in Vietnam . When you go, you’ll enjoy a very local experience, and one of the few Westerners around (when we visited, we counted maybe 10 among thousands of locals).

But what is the Perfume Pagoda? This is a complex of Buddhist temples built along the Houng Tich mountain chain. Chua Trong, located inside a cave, is the most important of the temples.

Getting to the Perfume Pagoda is an experience and part of the fun of this day trip. You are better off arranging a  guided tour such as this one.  Indeed, while the area is actually quite close to the city, there’s a lot of traffic that makes moving around on public transport even slower.

To visit the Perfume Pagoda, you’ll first ride in a wooden boat ride along the Yen stream to Thien Tru harbor. Boats are traditionally maneuvered by women and move quite slowly through the valley, so it is a very pleasant ride – the surrounding views are stunning.

Once you get to Thien Tru, you will find what really looks like a market, with food and souvenir stalls. You can hike up to the various pagodas and caves and then take the cable car down for even more impressive views.

One thing to keep in mind is that this part of Vietnam can be very humid, so depending on the time of year you are visiting, you may find quite a bit of mist and muddy terrain. Wearing good hiking boots with a good grip is essential for this day trip, even if you think you will just be sightseeing! 

By Bus : The village where the boat tours to the Perfume Pagoda start is Ben Duc Village. There are multiple buses that run throughout the day to Ben Duc and you can look them up on the transit tab of Google Maps. However, the bus can take over 3 hours to reach Ben Duc, whereas a car is almost half that, I’d recommend doing a tour or hiring a driver.

By Taxi : You can hire a taxi or order a Grab to take you down. It’s a good idea to ask your driver to wait for you to return.

By Private Guided Tour : Your local guide will drive you directly to the village docks, where you’ll get in a boat and enjoy the gentle ride down the river. You’ll take a cable car ride up the mountain and then stop at all the caves and pagodas that dot the mountain as you walk back down.

The views, activities, and experiences all make for an unforgettable Hanoi day tour.

4. Ninh Binh/Tam Coc

Recommended Tour : Highlights of Ninh Binh Tour ⭐ Ratings : 4.97 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 11 hours

Located two hours south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh (and the neighboring town of Tam Coc) are beautiful destinations. Known as “Halong Bay on land”, Ninh Binh and Tam Coc are filled with tall limestone cliffs reminiscent of what you’d see in Halong Bay, with a vast network of waterways that wind through the mountains.

The top thing to do in Ninh Binh is to go on a boat tour through the waterways, on a traditional wooden boat rowed by a local woman or man. These tours will take you on the rivers and streams, through the river caves, and up to different pagodas and temples right on the river shore. These waterways are also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can also visit the Hang Mua Caves, which is a beautiful viewpoint on top of some mountains, or the Bich Dong Pagoda, located nearby. The Hoa Lu Citadel is also a fascinating stop in Ninh Binh, as this was the capital of Vietnam in the 11th and 12th centuries.

This was probably our favorite spot we visited in all of North Vietnam – we loved biking around the countryside, the laidback vibes, and the beautiful views.

By Train : Ninh Binh has its own train station, and there are direct trains a couple of times a day from Hanoi down to Ninh Binh. You can check the schedules and make reservations on 12 Go Asia

By Guided Tour : A small-group guided tour is a great way to experience Ninh Binh, as the sites are spread out in the countryside enough that you’ll either need to take taxis or rent a scooter or bicycle to get around.

This tour takes you to all the main points in Ninh Binh – that we mention here, and also gives you some time to bicycle around the countryside.

5. Halong Bay

Recommended Tour : Full Day on Halong Bay from Hanoi ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 12 hours

Halong Bay is one of the most popular and well-known destinations in all of Vietnam, and is very deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The entire bay is filled with these tall, sheer, limestone mountains that emerge from the water everywhere you look. While many people choose to spend a couple of days on an overnight cruise in the bay, if you’re limited on time, you can definitely have a great time on a day trip.

On a Halong Bay day cruise, you’ll get in a traditional “junk boat” and glide between the breathtaking mountain-meets-bay landscapes. You’ll also get the chance to visit floating villages, go kayaking in the bay, visit some caves, go swimming, eat a seafood lunch, and of course, relax on the boat’s sundeck.

By Guided Tour : For this day trip, I actually think the only option to consider is going by guided tour because the logistics are just much simpler.

You’ll get round trip transportation from Hanoi down to the harbor in Halong Bay and then all the activities mentioned above.

6. Lan Ha Bay

Recommended Tour : 5 Star Lan Ha + Halong Bay Day Cruise ⭐ Ratings : 4.88 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 12 hours

If you want to see the turquoise waters and lush limestone islands of Ha Long Bay—but without all the crowds, take a daytrip from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay, which is located adjacent to its more famous cousin.

From Hanoi, you’ll need to either take an organized tour or, alternatively, a bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island, which takes approximately three and a half to four hours (one-way).

From Cat Ba, you’ll have a few options to explore the stunning scenery of the Gulf of Tonkin. For example, there are several outfitters on the island, which will provide you a kayak rental and transfer to Lan Ha Bay.

Once on the water, you can take a self-guided tour around the beautiful lagoons and hidden caves, carved into the massive karsts, the bay has to offer. 

Alternatively, if you want to cover more ground (or, in this case, more water!), consider going on an organized tour, which usually will include a cruise on a larger boat. You’ll be able to see way more of the gorgeous limestone islands and dive a bit deeper into this unique area this way. 

For example, many tours, like this one , pass by or even stop at floating villages, where families of fishermen depend on the ocean for food, income, and even shelter. Additionally, most of these tours include cruising around the bay at sunset, so you can take in the towering karts, illuminated by golden light.

By Bus: There are multiple buses running from Hanoi to Halong Bay every day. I would recommend checking timetables and making a reservation on 12Go Asia .

By Guided Tour : A guided day tour from Hanoi to Lan Ha and Halong Bay is certainly going to be the easiest option, by far. This tour provides round trip transportation from Hanoi to the docks, plus your 5-6 hour boat cruise. Your boat is updated and modern and has nice places for lounging,

The tour includes lunch, cruising through the bay, kayaking, plus time for swimming and playing on the waterslide and water trampoline.

7. Cat Ba Island

Recommended Tour : Cat Ba: Rock Climbing on Moody Beach Tour ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 11 hours

Often noted as one of the most beautiful islands in Asia , Cat Ba Island is the perfect place for an adventurous day trip from Hanoi. It is the largest island in Halong Bay, but is a much more affordable place to experience the beautiful beaches and clear waters of this region.

From Hanoi, Cat Ba Island can be reached by car in two hours or by bus in just over three hours.

There are plenty of activities to do on the island including hiking through the National Park and spotting Langurs (small monkeys with golden hair), swimming in the sea at one of the four secluded beaches (aptly named Cat Ba Beach 1 to 4), taking a cruise along Lan Ha Bay, or trying one of the most popular things to do in the area, rock climbing.

Cat Ba Island has plenty of places to rock climb including Moody’s Beach and Hai Pai Beach, which are both adorned with steep limestone rocks. They are perfect for beginners or experienced climbers, but it is best to join a tour as some of the beaches can only be reached by boat.

By Guided Tour : Definitely the best way to visit Moody Beach and go rock climbing is with a tour group. which includes all the necessary gear and equipment, help from experienced professionals, lunch, time for swimming on the beach, and a ride on a traditional junk boat.

It doesn’t include transportation from Hanoi, but the tour will give you information on what buses to take from Hanoi to reach their location.

8. Duong Lam Ancient Village

Recommended Tour : Duong Lam Local Life Village tour ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 9 hours

Reachable in under 2 hours by road from Hanoi, Duong Lam Ancient Village is an easy side trip from Vietnam’s capital city. Perfectly suited to history/architecture buffs and families alike, Duong Lam offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and get a taste for what Hanoi might have been like in centuries past.

Located in the Red River Delta, Duong Lam is an agricultural settlement and living museum where much of the traditional village architecture has been preserved. This includes the old village gates, communal courtyard and water well, and more than 900 traditional wooden houses.

Things to see in Duong Lam include the many pagodas, the elegant Mong Phu village hall, and the ancient banyan trees. In recent years several contemporary art galleries and trendy cafes have popped up, too.

Duong Lam is easy to get to by taxi or public bus. The village is compact and relatively straightforward to navigate – set out on foot, following your nose down the winding alleyways, or hire a bicycle from one of the vendors near the main gate and cycle around.

For a more in-depth look at village culture and the Northern Vietnamese traditions that are still alive in Duong Lam, join an excursion from Hanoi with a local guide .

Remember that Duong Lam is a real village where families live and work – please be courteous and respectful of people’s privacy when exploring, and especially when taking photos.

By Bus : There are multiple buses that run throughout the day to Duong Lam – I’d recommend just checking the transit tab on Google Maps to see the best option from where you’re located. The bus will take about 2-3 hours.

By Taxi : You can hire a taxi to take you down, or you can use Grab, Vietnam’s version of Uber , to order a car. It’s recommended to ask your taxi or driver to wait for you at the village.

By Private Guided Tour : This day tour to Duong Lam from Hanoi gives you an insightful and interesting experience in the village. In a small group, your local guide will show you the historical sites in town, take you to the temples, and introduce you to an ethnic family, who you’ll have lunch with.

9. Mai Chau

Recommended Tour : Mai Chau Full Day Guided Trip ⭐ Ratings : 5 of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Time : 10 hours

Mai Chau  is located in northern Vietnam, only a three-hour drive from the lively capital Hanoi. It’s the perfect destination if you want to get out of the city and visit a tranquil place where life still goes at a relaxed pace.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in Mai Chau, you can find lush rice paddies, towering limestone karts, and stunning valleys.

The area is inhabited by the White Thai ethnic minority known for their warm hospitality and traditional stilt houses that dot the landscape. A great way to immerse yourself in the character of Mai Chau is to participate in activities organized by the White Thai, like taking part in a weaving class or participating in traditional dances.

Furthermore, Mai Chau is a trekking and cycling paradise with cute roads that are car-free and beautiful terraces of rice fields to explore higher up in the mountains.

You can also find many more attractions in Mai Chau like caves, Hoa Binh Lake, and the Goc Lao Waterfall. If you don’t have your own wheels, Mai Chau is best explored from Hanoi by an organized tour. This  full-day tour from Hanoi  with lunch lets you take in the most important sights.

Mai Chau is a particularly good day trip from Hanoi if you don’t have time to make it out to Sapa , but want to experience the beautiful rice-growing countryside of Vietnam.

By Bus : I wouldn’t recommend going by bus to Mai Chau – first off, there isn’t a direct bus, and second, any route that involves a bus is going to take much longer, making it almost not worth the trip out. I’d go with a private driver, but ideally a guided tour for this experience.

By Taxi : You can hire a taxi or get a Grab to drive you to Mai Chau, but you will definitely want to arrange for the driver to wait and take you back to Hanoi.

By Guided Tour : This small group tour to Mai Chau includes a driver to the countryside – you’ll stop at mountain passes to admire the view, and then visit several of the villages in the valley. You’ll enjoy lunch with a local family, and then hop on a bike to explore the beautiful hamlets and admire the rice fields in the valley and on the terraces.

The Wrap Up – Best Day Trips from Hanoi

We had an incredible time exploring Hanoi, but to truly experience Vietnam you will want to explore the other amazing sights and treasures in the regions around it. Using Hanoi as a base for these trips, you can sample from the various delights Vietnam offers.

Hopefully these examples can inspire you to visit and dive deeply into Vietnamese culture. Happy travels!

Stephanie is the author of The Unknown Enthusiast. She's visited 21 countries and 37 of the 50 US states (but her first love will always be France). When she's not traveling, she enjoys reading, taking naps, playing games, eating popcorn, and spending time with her husband (Matthew) and 4 daughters. Stephanie lives in Alabama, USA.

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The Top 7 Day Trips from Hanoi: How to Choose (Expert Guide)

Hanoi is the hub of Northern Vietnam. It is convenient to take day trips from Hanoi to explore the north of Vietnam.

In the east, Halong Bay is a world-renowned natural beauty spot, while to the south are the idyllic countryside of Ninh Binh and the dense green forests of Cuc Phuong National Park.

In this article, you can not only find out what day trip options are available, but also read our expert advice to help you choose trips that match your interests and situation.

1. Ninh Binh — for idyllic countryside scenery

• Distance: about 100 km (60 miles) from Hanoi, a 2-hour drive

Ninh Binh is well-known for its stunning landscape, limestone karst, mysterious caves, and lush paddy fields.

It is an incredible experience to take a boat trip at Tam Coc or Trang An , which is promoted as "Halong Bay on Land" (if you'd like some help choosing between the two, contact us for an insider's suggestion). A 2–3-hour journey along a winding river and canals will allow you to enjoy views of mountain cliffs, paddy fields, and hidden caves.

It is also popular to take a bike trip around the countryside in Trang An and Tam Coc. En route, climb up to the Hang Múa viewpoint to enjoy a bird's-eye view of Ninh Binh.

2. Halong Bay — for UNESCO heritage seascape cruises

• Distance: about 160 km (100 miles) from Hanoi, a 3½-hour drive

Halong Bay is a must-see attraction in Vietnam. It is a UNESCO Heritage site celebrated for its rugged limestone islets, karst caves, and turquoise water.

A one-day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay is possible, but not a nice choice. It is not worth a journey of about 4 hours (each way) just to stay a few hours on the bay. A 4–6-hour cruise trip would give you a quick tour around the famous landmarks of the Bay.

A 2-day cruise with one night on the boat is recommended for a more relaxing trip . You will have a chance to experience activities like cycling on an islet, swimming, and kayaking.

See our private Hanoi and Halong Bay tour for inspiration or contact us to solve any puzzles you may have, such as how to choose a suitable cruise, and how to choose between Halong Bay and nearby Bai Tu Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

3. Mai Chau Valley — for hiking or cycling through remote villages

• Distance: about 140 km (87 miles) southwest of Hanoi, a 3½-hour drive

Mai Chau, located in an idyllic river valley, is an escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

Surrounded by a lush landscape and dotted with green rice paddies and small villages, this breathtaking valley is exactly what you might imagine if you picture the Vietnamese countryside.

If you're looking for an exciting adventure, Mai Chau might not a great option, but it's perfect for relaxing cycling or hiking.

It is possible to take a day trip, but many travelers spend a night there to experience the traditional stilted houses , which are home to the White Thai ethnic group.

Check out our sample itinerary including Mai Chau for inspiration.

4. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital — for a glimpse into Vietnam's history

• Distance: about 90 km (55 miles) south of Hanoi, a 2-hour drive

If you are interested in the history of Vietnam, you could spend a day in Hoa Lu, which was once the capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Besides exploring historical relics, you can also hike up one of the small mountains surrounding the citadel to enjoy breathtaking views of the ancient capital.

5. Cuc Phuong National Park — for a green paradise

• Distance: about 130 km (80 miles) from Hanoi, a 3-hour drive

If you are a nature lover, you can consider a day trip to Cuc Phuong National Park, which is one of Vietnam's largest parks and home to incredible biodiversity.

You can visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Central where rare primates of Vietnam are reared and rescued, discover the "Cave of Prehistoric Man", a place preserving archaeological sites of prehistoric people thousands of years ago, and enjoy a wilderness trek through the dense, verdant jungle valley to a giant ancient tree, where you can enjoy the beauty of fauna and flora.

One of the best times to visit is from April to May, which is butterfly season.

It is easily accessible from Ninh Pinh. Many travelers combine it with a Ninh Pinh trip.

6. Perfume Pagoda — for a mix of culture and scenery

• Distance: about 50 km (30 miles) from Hanoi, 1-hour drive

If you want to have a cultural experience, you could take a day trip to Perfume Pagoda, which is one of the most sacred places in Northern Vietnam .

Beyond its complex of around 30 Buddhist shrines, it offers spectacular scenery of limestone cliffs and captivating caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

You can travel by boat to the base of a mountain and then climb the steps or opt to ride the cable car up to Huong Tich Cave.

Try to avoid weekends as it is busy with local people then.

7. Bat Trang Village — for local pottery

• Distance: about 15 km (10 miles) from Hanoi, a ½-hour drive

Bat Trang Village is just a 30-minute drive away from Hanoi Old Quarter. It is a good day trip option if you don't want to spend too much time on the way.

Bat Trang Village is famous for being a ceramic and pottery center. It is a place often enjoyed by parents and children. You can walk around the village to immerse yourself in rural life, admire a wide selection of ceramics, and learn about Vietnam's traditional crafts. You could join in a pottery class to experience Vietnamese pottery making.

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• 5 day trip destinations from Hanoi

All photography by Christian Berg

Go just a few hours outside of Hanoi, and you’ll find another world, one that can be dreamy, dramatic, and enriching all at once. After taking in the whirlwind of sights, tastes and sounds in the capital, it’s good to spend a day in the countryside, getting in touch with the nature and culture of Northern Vietnam. Whether you head west to the ocean, east to the mountains or set off for a nearby national park, you’ll be glad you made the effort. Here are five easy destinations to explore from Hanoi.

A relaxing retreat: mai châu.

In Northwestern Vietnam, a three and a half-hour drive from the city takes you into the mountains of Hoà Bình. Here you’ll find the peaceful valley of Mai Châu, nestled close to the border with Laos. With a mountain range hugging it all around, Mai Châu is a great choice for laid-back nature lovers looking to cycle through quiet rice paddy fields, enjoy authentic cultural experiences and devour scrumptious home-cooked meals. Spend a day visiting the valley, or stay the night in a Tày stilt house and catch a live dance performance and sunrise over the rice paddies. 

Read more: The essential guide to Mai Chau

A once-in-a-lifetime cruise: Hạ Long Bay

One of Vietnam’s most famous attractions sits right on Hanoi’s doorstep. Hạ Long Bay, and its less well-known neighbours (Bái Tử Long Bay and Lan Hạ Bay), are just two hours outside of the city. For a convenient day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site, leave the capital at the crack of dawn. That way you can spend the day cruising in the sunshine, soaking up the magnificent landscape, exploring historic caves or kayaking in the jade waters. 

TIP: Bhaya Cruises -- a leader in sustainable cruising in Vietnam -- offers a comprehensive one-day excursion to Hạ Long Bay, including delicious meals and smooth transfers from Hanoi. Their traditional junk boats and smiling staff will make your Hạ Long outing unforgettable.

A day in the countryside: Ba Vì

An hour and a half from the capital, Ba Vì National park is a great gulp of fresh air. The rural hamlets and pastoral scenes on the way let you know you’ve definitely left the capital behind, and the park itself is full of bubbling brooks, lush jungle and lofty hills. Hike up one of the three peaks, where you’ll find a temple for national hero Ho Chi Minh and abandoned French military outposts. A soothing soundtrack of exotic birds, insects and frogs will keep you company at all times. Homestays and hotels are available in and near the park if you choose to stay the night.

A journey through history: Ninh Bình

What do a World Heritage Site, Vietnam’s biggest pagoda, and the country’s oldest national park have in common? They can all be found in Ninh Bình , a province just two and a half hours southwest of Hanoi. Ninh Bình can be seen in a day but be sure to arrange your tour in advance for a seamless experience. Float down a maze of waterways below epic karsts in Tràng An, before hiking up a hill to the epic viewpoint at Hang Múa. Don’t miss a visit to Hoa Lư, the ancient capital of the north, to discover the history of this area. If you want to extend your stay, kick back at a homestay enveloped by karsts in Tam Cốc. 

TIP: SensAsia offers one day and multi-day tours of this charming province with the expertise of a local guide and comfort of a private transfer. If you choose to combine several destinations in the north, look into their bespoke multi-day tours from Hanoi to Mai Châu, Ninh Bình and Hạ long Bay.

A spiritual adventure: Perfume Pagoda

In Vietnam, nature and culture are often intertwined, as the most beautiful areas were often chosen as sites for shrines, tombs, and palaces. This is the case at Perfume Pagoda, a series of pagodas and shrines set within the mouth of a cave just two hours from Hanoi. You’ll find the beauty of this destination not only in the sacred temple grounds but also in the journey there. Drifting along Yến stream, climbing the steps to the cave entrance, and marvelling at the impressive stalagmites are a few highlights to look forward to. 

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• 10 Incredible Day Trips From...

10 Incredible Day Trips From Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is the kind of place where you’ll want to spend a few days and really explore all its museums, landmarks, restaurants and nightlife. But when the traffic and smog starts to drive you mad, leave the city behind and get out into the countryside on a day trip. It can be difficult to narrow your choices, so here are Culture Trip’s most recommended day trips out of Hanoi, Vietnam .

1. duong lam ancient village, for a traditional way of life.

Historical Landmark

2. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, for historic architecture

3. Trang An and Tam Coc, for exploring caves

Natural Feature

Likely the most popular day trip from Hanoi because of the spectacular scenery, the trip starts with a two-hour drive into Ninh Binh Province , where you then get on boats and float down the Sao Khe River. At Trang An, you’ll float into caves and glide past towering limestone karsts, weaving through scenery unlike anywhere else in the world. After you finish your Trang An boat trip (which takes about two hours), make the short trip to Tam Coc. It only takes about 10 minutes to travel between these two popular spots. At Tam Coc, there are even more amazing karst formations. Unless a tour group has decided for you, you’ll have the option of either biking or going on another boat ride.

There are many companies running day trips to both places as a package deal, but it’s really not all that difficult to just show up on your own. You can catch a bus there and then rent a motorbike to get between the places. It all depends on how comfortable you are travelling to your own schedule.

4. Ba Vi National Park, for hiking trails

To really engross yourself in nature, travel two hours west to Ba Vi National Park. There are three peaks that make the focal points of this park, and on the second tallest peak, Tan Vien, there’s an 11th-century shrine for the Mountain God. And after you’ve hiked the trails and gone for a swim, take a break in the spa.

5. Phat Diem Cathedral, for a glimpse into Vietnamese Catholicism

Cathedral, Church

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6. Perfume Pagoda, for natural beauty and cultural heritage

Buddhist Temple

The Perfume Pagoda is a busy tourist spot in the region because Vietnamese Buddhists often make pilgrimages here. From February to April, crowds flock to this pagoda, so keep that in mind if you don’t want to bump shoulders with tour groups; but even at its busiest, the combination of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage still make this a day trip to consider. The boat trip alone to get to the pagoda is incredible enough to justify the trip.

7. Thay Temple, for a top-notch temple

8. mai chau valley, for cycling through remote villages.

This valley is another picture-perfect spot, with rice paddies and lines of jagged mountain ridges. At over three hours, the journey from Hanoi is an effort, but once here you’ll get to experience the lifestyles of the region’s ethnic tribes. Overnight homestays are popular, but stopping in for one day is also a fine option. You can bike or trek through the remote villages and you’ll even have a chance to spot some rare and exotic wildlife.

9. Bat Trang Village, for local pottery

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Bat Trang Village is just 30 minutes from the Old Quarter in Hanoi , so it’s a low-commitment excursion. The village is famous for its porcelain and ceramics, which are sought after throughout Asia because of their quality and traditional designs.

10. Ha Long Bay, for stunning scenery

Now to the crown jewel of tourism in Vietnam. Pretty much everyone who visits this country goes to Ha Long Bay. It’s page one of every travel guide ever written about Vietnam. It’s a mystical place – almost other-worldly – and famous for good reason. Even though Ha Long City is quickly going down the tubes, Ha Long Bay still deserves a day to take in the sights. We recommend you splurge on a fancy dinner boat, or a quality tour guide.

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22 Best Day Trips from Hanoi

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Culturally enriching; Vietnam is a country where local traditions reign and residents are beyond proud of their heritage. Part of its charm is that it’s pretty untouched by “Westernized” influences, and many of its destinations are as it once was, say, 100 years ago!

Divided by the north and south, if the capital city is your base, uncover northern worlds of wonder during these best day trips from Hanoi ! From mountains to valleys to jungles to lakes to oceans, you’re in for a traveler’s treat of note.

In the Land of Rice Fields, some of the most breathtaking are close to Hanoi , like Mai Chau or the famous Mu Cang Chai terraces. Visit ancient cities, see ruins and temples, notable pagodas and spiritual sites (many listed by UNESCO and with facets dating to the Bronze Age!).

Cycle around the countryside between verdant paddies and smiling local communities; boat on lakes and rivers with emerging peaks around you or on the coastal waters of iconic Halong Bay, where karst limestone giants tower above you.

Visit a traditional ceramic village or the iconic Silk Village, bike road trip to national parks, follow the hiking trails and there are even beaches to adventure to!

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• day trips from Hanoi

1 – For insane views above rice paddies and rivers, hike up to Mua Cave

A regular on Instagram feeds, this is one cavern system when, strangely enough, most of the exploration is done around and on top of Mua Cave!

Fast facts:

• It’s rumored to be modeled after the Great Wall of China.
• It means Dancing Cave, named by a king.
• It’s about ten minutes from Tam Coc.

The cave is technically a viewpoint, perched high atop the Ngoa Long Mountain. Getting here requires a bit of footwork, leaving behind pathways of lotus ponds and trekking up the hill to reach Hang Mua (as referred to in Vietnamese).

En route to the top, winding pathways lead to seriously scenic vistas — like that iconic shot standing above the twisting Ngo Dong River — and pose alongside majestic dragon statues and the remnants of ancient Buddha structures.

(Keep eyes peeled for a small pagoda and the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue.)

Climbing 500 stone steps, you’re treated to the most insane views for miles, and the ascend to Ngoa Long Mountain’s summit brings you to this incredible watchtower.

Situated within Ninh Binh’s undulating mountains, the cave is located in the Trang An Landscape Complex. Ninh Binh tours from Hanoi are one of the most popular day trips!

Travel time: 1h42mins

• Mua Cave tours from Hanoi

2 – Picture Vietnam nearly 1000 years ago in Hoa Lu

Travel back in time to when the country was ruled by dynasties at Hoa Lu, also known as the “Ancient City.” Enveloped by towering limestones, discover the landmarks spread across bridges, lakes and hills.

Circa the 10th century, it was, in fact, a former Vietnamese Kingdom, known as Dai Co Viet , ruling from the 10th to 11th centuries and was the official capital of Vietnam at the time.

From 968 until 1010, its royal citadel served three different dynasties (Dinh, Le and Ly), and the various structures and buildings relate to each of these, some even added years later.

What to see at this UNESCO site?

• Bao Thien Tue Palace for its architectural integrity.
• The One Pillar Pagoda, i.e., Nhat Tru Pagoda.
• Climb a flight of steps to reach Dinh Tien Hoang Temple (Dinh Dynasty) and Le Hoan Temple (Le Dynasty), both reconstructed in the 17th century.
• The tomb of King Le Dai Hanh (ruler of the Le Dynasty) is kept at the foothills of Ma Yen Mountain.

Speaking of that, go trekking to the top of the 200-meter-high Ma Yen Mountain for unparalleled views over the Ancient City!

Another fun outdoor activity? Cycle around Hoa Lu’s local villages, like Tam Coc — more on that later.

Travel time: 1h38mins

• Hoa Lu tours from Hanoi

3 – Tick Halong Bay (a UNESCO World Wonder) off your list

Welcome to the greatest natural wonder of Vietnam, and officially one of the New 7 Wonders of the world (as of 2011), i.e. Halong Bay!

Fusing ocean vibes, culture and nature into one, its bay is littered with staggering limestone karsts and wild and rugged islets of all shapes and sizes.

Junk boats cruise by brimming with curious travelers; floating markets appear out of nowhere with local vendors selling snacks and fresh produce from their wooden plank-keel boats; and fish farms bob on the bay.

Naturally, discover Halong Bay during boat cruises , with agendas full of island hopping, cave explorations, beach fun and even cooking classes. There are various types of boat trips to choose from, from party boats to lunch cruises to overnight catamaran stays.

Sites to see include:

• Its many caves: the famous Dau Go Cave (Wooden Head) on Dau Go Island, Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace), Hang Bo Nau (Pelican Cave) and Hung Sung Sot Cave and Hang Trinh Nu, i.e., Virgin Cave (both on Bon Island).
• Islands and islets: Dau Be Island for swimming and snorkeling among grottos; crescent moon-shaped Ti Top Island; Quan Lan Island for seafood; and “Fighting Cocks” Islet, also known as Trong Mai (Ga Choi) Islet.

Go kayaking , kite surfing or even test your skills at rock climbing. For something truly remarkable, opt for a 30-minute seaplane over Ha Long Bay.

Forming part of the Ha Long Province, you can also check out some of the sights on land, for example, Sun World Halong Park and Quang Ninh Museum, or enjoy a hike up Poem Mountain (Bai Tho Mountain) for jaw-dropping vistas over Halong!

Travel tip: Check out these multi-day trips from Hanoi , converting your day excursion into a once-in-a-lifetime experience; spending a night or three on Halong Bay.

Travel time: 2h12mins

• Halong Bay tours from Hanoi

Read more: Best Halong Bay Cruises from Hanoi

4 – Rice paddies, waterfalls, cherry blossoms and epic local villages, visit scenic Mai Chau

Cycle through fields of rice paddies, admire houses built on stilts, meet smiling locals on their daily commute, shop for tribal textiles and fabrics and treat your tastebuds to a different type of Northern cuisine in evergreen Mai Chau.

This countryside destination is often favored by travelers who really want to visit Sapa but aren’t sold on a five-hour car ride, offering a similar cultural away-in-the-hills vibe.

It’s easy to walk around Mai Chau, or our favorite mode of transport is exploring the rural district on bicycle for a couple of hours!

Exercise your legs a different way and go hiking through its mountain-top neighbor, the breathtaking Pu Luong Nature Reserve . The drive up to the reserve along the unique Thung Khe Pass is like anywhere else on Earth — just don’t look down!

Without even trying, learn more about the six ethnic groups calling these parts their home, including the Black and White Thais, Muong and Hmong ethnic minority tribes.

Compare the different textiles that each produces at the Pa Co Fair Market (a great spot for local street food, too); visit the Pom Coong Village and Lac Village; and watch a White Thai musical dance performance.

Don’t miss some of Mother Nature’s wonders either, including Go Lao Waterfall, Mỏ Luông Cave, sakura’s blossoming between October and December, and the brightest green paddies during autumn.

Travel time: 3h44mins

• Mai Chau tours from Hanoi

Looking for something fun to do? Check out the best rafting tours from Hanoi ! 

5 – Visit the country’s other “Ha Long Bay”: Tam Coc

In the land of mystery and wonder, here’s another setting that leaves remnants of other destinations…

Dubbed “Halong Bay on Land,” it’s easy to put two and two together why it’s garnered the nickname — cue the sky-rising limestone karsts protruding out emerald-colored waters and boats gently floating along the river …

The difference here is the inland setting, wrapped in verdant rice fields and fruit orchards.

Useful to know, this tourist area is referred to as Tam Cốc – Bích Động. ‘Tam Cốc’ refers to the natural caves and karsts, and ‘Bích Động’ refers to the mountain temples. The local village is also known as Tam Coc.

There’s no question about it, you have to experience Tam Coc for yourself by boating through all of its magic along its Ngo Dong River (running through the village). Trips typically bring visitors to Tam Cốc’s three main caves: Hang Cả, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba.

Must-see sites include:

• The insta-worthy three-tiered Bich Dong Pagoda (comprising the Ha, Trung and Thuong Pagodas).
• Vu Lam Palace — used as a defense base against Mongolian invaders.

After exploring, try the area’s local delicacy: com chay , made from crispy rice. Street food vendors sell it or find it on a menu at one of the local restaurants.

Some lovely dining options for a pukka authentic meal are Thung Sen Tam Coc: Tam Coc Secret Garden , Minh Khoi Restaurant, An Tam Coc, Ninh Loan Rose Restaurant and Ngo Dong Vegan Restaurant .

Travel time: 1h40mins

• Tam Coc tours from Hanoi

6 – Catch a gondola to a cave temple: Perfume Pagoda

How incredible does catching a cable car through centuries-old pagodas and ancient caves sound? Your final destination? A Buddhist temple inside of a cavern!

Named after the Huong Tich Mountain range surrounding it, when translated it means ‘Mountain of the Fragrant Traces,’ hence the Perfume Pagoda’s English title.

Known as Chua Huong in Vietnamese, the only way to reach this spiritual complex is by boat. Speaking of, for hundreds of years, it’s been a local pilgrimage site, pilgrims journeying up from the river on foot.

Hopping off of the Yen River, the sightseeing starts immediately!

Highlights comprising the Hương complex include:

• Đền Trình (Presentation Shrine)
• Thiên Trù Temple (Heaven Kitchen) is referred to as the “outer temple”
• Giải Oan Pagoda with its pond, is known as the ‘Clearing Unjust Charges’ pagoda

The star attraction is Hương Tích Cave: the sanctuary on top of a hill dedicated to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin), the Southeast Asian god of compassion, and the cable car lands directly here!

Travel time: 2 hours on the road and a 45-minute boat trip on the water until you reach the Perfume Pagoda

• Perfume Pagoda tours from Hanoi

7 – Rent a scooter and bike around Ba Vi National Park

Are you keen on a bike trip? If there’s one destination easily doable by motorbike/scooter and requires only 20 minutes of navigating Hanoi’s chaos (before you exit the city), it’s to Ba Vi National Park. Then the rest is driving through the countryside scenery and past a million stalls selling milk (sữa).

The park is massive, and there’s so much to do and see around here, it all depends on what you’re after.

A winding tar road runs throughout the main park area, and you’ll spot many other roadtrippers traveling from one section to the next, the road leading all the way to the highest point: Vua Peak!

Trek through forest stairs to the top of the Upper Temple (Den Thuong) on Tan Vien Peak, and the vistas from here are sublime!

En route, pull over into the forest and hunt down the derelict French church covered in vines and moss — such an insta-worthy moment!

On that note, happy snappers and green-fingered fundis, check out the cactus greenhouse (Vườn Xương Rồng), posing with giant cacti.

Hike around the area to caves and waterfalls or attempt one of the summits; picnic in the Pine Forest and frolic in flower fields, and if you’re keen to taste new things, enjoy a super local lunch at one of the Vietnamese restaurants.

There are the bulk of attractions within the main park area, but also on the bottom outskirts of Ba Vi are a few designated “tourist areas” (like Dong Mo and Ban Xoi Valley), where you can hang out around lakes, canoeing, picnicking and even golfing!

Travel time: 1h23mins

• Ba Vi National Park tours from Hanoi

Travel tip: check out the best motorbike tours from Hanoi  

8 – Shop for silk and see how it’s made at the Van Phuc Silk Village

After the best day trips from Hanoi that are close by? Or ones that are super family-friendly? Look no further than the Van Phuc Silk Village.

Just 30 minutes outside of Hanoi, it’s one of the most popular day ventures (advertised everywhere in the Old Quarter), some tours stopping at the 11th-century Buddhist Thay Pagoda on the way to the 1,000-year-old silk manufacturing commune.

Forget about any ‘Made in Vietnam’ stores here, and instead, see where the “Made in Van Phuc” silk products originate!

Witness firsthand the art of silk production, watching ladies spin wheels from thread to textile! Most of the houses are converted into silk shops.

A prized fabric around the world, you can shop for super cheap silk products, from silk pashminas to bags to handkerchiefs to ao dais (the traditional Vietnamese dress).

Interestingly, the products are made from different types of silk, for example, van silk or satin silk.

Arriving at the village, the entrance road is lined with strings of colorful umbrellas hanging across houses from either side! It’s such a pretty backdrop!

Travel time: 22 minutes

• Silk Village tours from Hanoi

9 – With its Alpine landscape, misty valleys and unique culture, fall in love with Sapa

Hike mountains beneath forests off bamboo shoots and between bushes of indigo flowers, meet local farmers and ladies carrying baskets of harvested treasures, gaze upon endless rice terraces and catch a cable car to the highest peak in Indochina, Mt. Fansipan, in spectacular Sapa.

It’s a one-of-a-kind wonder that feels like anywhere else in Vietnam, tucked away in the misty Northern hills.

From the main town, which has this French/Swiss feel to it, explore its mix of Vietnamese and European buildings or grab a bite on the balcony of a cute cafe.

Don’t miss the French Notre Dame Cathedral (referred to as the Sapa Stone Church), SUP on the artificial Seo My Ty Lake, photograph the British-style clock of the Sun Plaza building and shop for patterned belts, bags, pillowcases and other traditional wear, textiles and fabrics at the Sapa Market.

Head down from the main town into the mountains, home to five ethnic tribes. Trekking and hiking tours are from here, with dedicated trails through the Muong Hoa Valley or to local villages, for example, Cat Cat – Sin Chai Village.

Bathe in hot springs at Ban Ho Village, canyon down Love Waterfall, soak in native medicinal plants at Red Dao herbal baths or stand with your head in the clouds on Ham Rong Mountain.

P.S. If you do have the time, the overnight train journey between Hanoi and Sapa is unreal — not to mention staying in Sapa at an authentic homestay! Speaking from experience, it’s the trip of a lifetime!

Travel tip: Leave extra early in the morning for this one!

Travel time: 5 hours

• Sapa tours from Hanoi

Check out the best multi-day trips from Hanoi !

10 – Feel like a pirate in peaceful Lan Ha Bay

Do you prefer to take the road less traveled? While Lan Ha Bay is no hidden secret, it is appreciated for being a quieter companion to the globally recognized Halong Bay.

Its limestone makeup is pretty identical to Halong, and the bay sits in front of busy Cat Ba Island, jam-packed with on-land activities! Considered a slightly less touristy option, this has many pros!

Its 300-odd karst formations and 130-or-so-white sandy beaches are not as visited; therefore, their natural beauty has remained pretty much untouched!

Sea caves aren’t overloaded with kayaks and because there aren’t as many boats cruising around, snorkeling visibility around its bays is fab!

With fewer people in sight, the landscape makes you dream of movies like Avatar, or you feel like some sort of maritime explorer.

Apart from sea kayaking (Ba Trai Dao island, Tra Bau, and Ba Ham Lake are popular places), go canoeing, scuba diving or even rock climbing! Or, learn how sea gypsies live at the floating Cai Beo Fishing Village.

Travel time: 2.5 hours

• Lan Ha Bay tours from Hanoi

11 – Get your spiritual on at the Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex

In the midst of karst mountains, rice fields and mist rolling in stands a statuesque Bell Tower — spotted from miles and miles around Ninh Binh.

Housing the largest gilded bronze Buddha in Asia, Asia’s tallest stupa, the largest number of Bodhi trees in Vietnam and Southeast Asia’s biggest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue, welcome to the world-record-breaking Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex!

(And that’s only covering half of its distinguished titles!)

Vietnam’s largest pagoda complex has a fascinating history, chronicling back to the Dinh, the Le and the Ly dynasties who ruled over the Ancient City (Hoa Lu).

The architecture of the temples, pagodas, stupas and towers relates to this time period, but there is a new section added to the complex in the 2000s, so there’s a feeling of old-meets-new.

What to see at the new Bai Dinh Pagoda (built between 2003 and 2010)?

• The 22-meter-high lotus-shaped Bell Tower
• The corridor with 500 stone Arhat Statues
• Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Hall
• Phap Chu Hall houses the country’s largest bronze Buddha
• Tam The Hall
• 13-story Bao Thap Tower
• The Maitreya Statue, Stone House, Bodhi Tree Garden and Releasing Lake

Located 800 meters from the new pagoda, here’s what to see at the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda: the Ngoc Well (Pearl Well); the Light Cave and the Dark Cave; Cao Son Temple and Saint Nguyen Temple.

Travel time: 1h45mins

• Bai Dinh tours from Hanoi

12 – Enjoy a simpler life (and ceramic shopping) in Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Enjoy life in the slow lane in time-warped Bat Trang Ceramic Village, where time-honored pastimes, i.e., the art of ceramic-making, have been carried down generations and are still the main activity of this local community.

This lazy, dusty village is on the banks of the Red River, and if you drive past the village’s entrance too quickly from the main road, you’ll blink and miss it!

Entering its first roads, local houses spill over with ceramics of all kinds, but there’s a main market in the center of the village for all your ceramic shopping needs — pick up ornate vases, bowls, mugs, toys, trinkets, decorations and more — all made from ceramic!

Around the market are a handful of authentic Vietnamese restaurants (the classic rustic kind you find in the countryside) for a banh mi or a quick bowl of pho .

Get hands-on and learn from the professionals when joining a pottery-making workshop! For the finale, visit the Bat Trang Pottery Museum.

Travel tip: Hunt the outskirts along the river banks for thrown-away treasures (albeit el defecto ), but this adds half the charm — and stories!

Travel time: 43 minutes

• Bat Trang Ceramic Village tours from Hanoi

13 – See one of the world’s Top 10 rice terraces in Yen Bai

Rolling rice paddies that seem to never end, clouds creeping in over the bright green then yellow terraces … Yen Bai, you’re all too beautiful!

The province itself is pretty big, with a main city and seven districts, but it’s really the local villages, communes and scenery of its highlands’ makeup that sets this destination apart!

In high demand among bike trippers, there’s so much natural scenery to fall head over heels in love with, and with many natural attractions and activities.

Don’t miss:

• The famous Mu Cang Chai rice terraces
• Muong Lo Valley
• 20-meter-tall Pu Nhu Waterfall
• Thac Ba Lake
• Tram Tau Hotsprings
• Trekking in Ta Xua Mountain
• Driving along the Khau Pha Pass
• Suoi Giang and its tea plantations and Hmong tribes

Immerse yourself culturally at the Ngoi Tu Village, home of the Dao people, and this is another village in Vietnam where you will see stilt houses.

Feeling adventurous? Try the local delicacy: Yen Bai stir-fried larvae, eaten for its medicinal properties! It’s one of the best day trips from Hanoi.

Travel time: 2h51

14 – Ride a traditional boat through Trang An

Hoa Lu and Tam Coc, along with the Trang Ang tourism area, make up the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex, right near Ninh Binh on the Red River Delta.

Another Ninh Binh local, it’s also a hotspot in the area for boat rides through its otherworldly setting, trailing through deep-green grottoes, between valleys and water caves!

Nature freaks, Trang An boasts two types of ecosystems: its limestone habitat and its aquatic ecosystem – both teeming with fauna and flora.

Wild orchids, honeysuckle, juniper berries, Indian mahogany trees and Chinese yam are just some of the plants flourishing in these parts, but there are over 500 identifiable species.

Underwater life is home to the endangered striped neck turtle, as well as numerous types of freshwater plankton and benthos (critters that live on the river floor).

History buffs: The caves around here date back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

The Ancient City and all its temples and palaces, along with the local Tam Coc village, are all part of UNESCO-listed Trang An, and a nifty day trip is to visit all in a day — departing from Hanoi extra early to get the most out of each.

Travel time: 1h41mins

• Trang An tours from Hanoi

15 – Admire 400-year-old houses made from laterite, bamboo and other raw materials at Duong Lam Ancient Village

One of our favorite parts of traveling is learning about new cultures, especially when you have the chance to chat with locals! Vietnam is perfect for this; its smiling residents are overloaded with hospitality!

End up spending time drinking green tea with the locals and swapping stories (with those that can speak English or French), see terra cotta pots come to life from clay and discover what the country was like before any modernization!

Located in the Son Tay district, this area is still technically part of Hanoi, but it’s roughly 50 kilometers from the Old Quarter and close to Ha Dong’s side.

But you don’t feel like you’re in the hive of the bustling city in the slightest at the Duong Lam Ancient Village, where thousand-year-old houses have been preserved like a still moment in time, and centuries-old traditions are still a part of everyday living.

Still today, the village holds extreme significance among Northern Vietnamese as the birthplace of two famous kings: Phung Hung (born in 761 CE) and Ngo Quyen (born in 896 CE).

Ride a bike through the sleepy commune, investigate the remnants, visit the local market and lap up the genuine atmosphere — from the architecture to the people.

Travel time: 1h19mins

• Duong Lam tours from Hanoi

16 – Hike through Vietnam’s oldest national park: Cuc Phuong National Park

Picture this jungle setting: overgrown ferns, ginormous delicious monsters, lakes, rice paddies and butterflies … Outdoor adventurers, nature appreciators and wildlife lovers, lace up your trekking boots and enter Cuc Phuong National Park, kicking things off at the Visitor Center for the first introductions.

A 1,000-year-old tree is proudly rooted here, endangered clouded leopards creep beneath the jungle, and red-bellied squirrels scuttle around the trees.

Boasting more than 15 different trails, uncover Edens of natural wonders, from its fauna to the flora to the natural resources!

Main day treks include:

• The 3-kilometer Botanical Garden Loop Trail
• Mac Lake Mountain Peak Trail
• Cave of the Prehistoric Man (30 minutes to one hour)
• The three to four-hour Fossil and Ancient Tree Loop Trail
• The seven-kilometer Thousand Year Old Tree Loop Trail and Palace Cave
• Silver Cloudy Peak trail to Cuc Phuong’s tallest peak
• The one-hour uphill Observation Lookout Trail

Other paths lead to more park highlights such as Ngan Hang Cave and the local Muong Village where you can watch a traditional music performance.

Pop into the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) or the Carnivore and Pangolin Education Centre for an insightful experience. More fun activities to do include bamboo rafting, bird-watching, bike rides and kayaking!

Travel time: 2h40mins

• Cuc Phuong National Park tours from Hanoi

17 – Have a beach day at Cat Ba Island

Craving some TLSea? We don’t blame you; Hanoi, with all its weirdness and wonderfulness, can feel a little claustrophobic with a thousand and one bikes on the road, hooters going off and swarms of tourists flooding its streets.

Leave behind the madness and live it up island style — although Cát Bà Island isn’t your typical Thai or Balinese vibe! But that’s half the magic about visiting here; you can get a real sense of what a Vietnamese isle is all about!

Part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, it’s the biggest island in Lan Ha Bay, but many travelers skip the Bay and travel straight here.

(If you are keen to check out both, join one of the boat tours or charter a private catamaran for the day from Cat Ba around Lan Ha Bay, breaking in between karst islets for swimming and snorkeling and with a BBQ lunch onboard. Not sold on a cruise? Opt for a kayaking adventure instead.)

Otherwise, around Cát Bà, rent out a scooter and drive around its verdant coastal cliffs and to mountainous viewpoints.

Go beach-hopping around Woodstock, Cat Dua (also known as Monkey Island Beach), Ba Trai Dao (also called Three Beaches Peach), Cat Co and Tung Thu Beaches, and Moody and Tiger Beaches have rock-climbing activities.

Feast on seafood, visit the local Viet Hai Village or hike through Cát Bà National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its biosphere reserve.

• Cat Ba Island tours from Hanoi

18 – Compare architecture at Phat Diem Cathedral

Enjoy a silent retreat at tranquil Phat Diem Cathedral, where you instantly feel like you’ve arrived at some sort of ancient dynasty … it has this mystical regal feel about it!

But is it a Vietnamese temple? An age-old castle? Now, try not to fall over when you realize it’s actually … a Catholic Church (and seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phát Diệm in Ninh Binh)!

Constructed circa 1891 entirely from stone as well as wood, it’s famed for its fusion of East-meets-West architectural style.

Renaissance-esque-inspired arches and heavily intricate detailed wooden doors open to the cathedral, but then there are the classic Vietnamese temple vibes with the sides of the buildings and their low-hanging wooden roofs.

Inside are the altar and pews, and everything given a gold touch (which is also so typically Vietnamese). Outside, there are archetypal long sanctuary corridor paths and temple-like rockeries — but enshrine statues of Mother Mary.

Other religious buildings to admire within the complex are the chapels, Phuong Dinh (the bell tower) and the Trai Tim Duc Me Stone Church.

Travel time: 2h30mins

• Phat Diem Cathedral tours from Hanoi

19 – Walk up a set of stairs into the clouds in unique Tam Đảo

One of the first things you’ll notice when arriving in up-and-coming Tam Đảo (especially among young, trendy locals) is that the weather is instantly cooler out here, and it sort of has the same vibes as Northern Thailand.

It was actually named the “world’s best town destination in 2022” by the World Travel Awards™!

From a bird’s eye view, it appears like landscapes somewhere in the Swiss Alps, with European-styled castle-like resorts perched atop hills, misty clouds rolling in and curved roads between whimsical mountain towns.

Expect plenty of cool cafes (with views) for a cà phê sữa đá . Other spots with jaw-dropping backdrops (for photos) are Cầu Mây Studio with bamboo nests and staircases on the cliff’s edge, and the iconic Sky Gate walkway between the clouds! Or there’s also Silver Waterfall.

Tam Đảo National Park surrounds the town, offering plenty of hikes and nature-filled outings.

Walk through a bamboo forest and past hanging angel’s trumpets (i.e., the Brugmansia flower) at Princess Thuong Ngan Temple (Đền Bà Chúa Thượng Ngàn).

The Stone Church is another religious landmark, this one with a distinctly European feel, and the French constructed the Gothic-style Tam Dao Church.

20 – Swim at the unusual beach in Nam Dinh

What’s the fun in traveling to new countries if you simply follow the crowds? Pointing you out of the ordinary, you’ll especially love Nam Dinh if you appreciate architecture and could spend days admiring the intricate details of buildings and the facts behind each construction.

More so, there’s also a beach here: Thinh Long. Gaze upon fishermen at work on one end, and the other side has a shoreline chockablock with bathers, restaurants and souvenir stalls.

The Xuan Thuy National Park is unique to other national parks close to Hanoi because of its coastal wetland, and it’s the largest ecosystem of this kind in all of the north!

Wondering what’s the deal with all the churches? The French occupied Vietnam between 1858 and 1885 and definitely left their mark in their 26 years! For example, Nam Dinh’s Bui Chu Cathedral and Phu Nhai Basilica.

Cross cultures and visit the Tran Temple Complex of the Tran Dynasty (who ruled from 1224 to 1400)!

Travel time: 1h21mins

21 – Take a boat tour among lotus flowers on Quan Son Lake

Float among blossoming lotus flowers and dark dinosaur-colored waters along the sleepy Quan Son Lake, also known as the Quan Son Lake Ecotourism Area in My Duc.

The best time to visit to see the pink and white florals in full action is between May and June, but boating between giant lily pads is also magic!

There are dedicated boat tours along the lake, navigating between the natural flora and past caves, small islands and lushly decorated mountains. Surrounding the lake are 20 peaks, with a range of outdoor activities.

Trek Quai Cheo Mountain, Su Tu Island or Hoa Qua Son are examples, and how cool is this: all these islands and mountains are named after the shape they resemble.

On the way to Quan Son Lake, stop by the Buddhist Boi Khe Pagoda and visit the Chuong “Conical Hat” Village (both in Thanh Oai).

Travel time: 1h22mins

22 – Stand in two countries at once at Ban Gioc Waterfall

One that needs no introduction if you’ve got a Bucket List for the world’s best waterfalls, the massively majestic and powerful Ban Gioc Waterfall sits between the Vietnam and Chinese border!

Located on the banks of the Bằng Giang River, on one side is the Cao Bằng Province and next door is China’s Guangxi region — and by next door, we mean one step away, literally!

Also known as Detian Falls (in China), it comprises two falls, but a natural phenomenon sometimes makes it appear as one gigantic cascade! In Vietnam, locals refer to the waterfall in two parts: thác chính (main waterfall) and thác phụ (secondary waterfall).

Multiple falls at each pummel down from 30 meters high into one main natural pool, and therefore, swimming is strictly off-bounds!

You can, however, take a local bamboo raft around the pool with a local guide steering you close enough to get water kisses from the fountains!

The nearest Vietnamese city to it is Cao Bằng.

Travel time: 6 hours

• Ban Gioc Waterfall from Hanoi

Final thoughts

Whether you’re in search of an epic daytime excursion nearby to fill a few hours or are hunting down a day full of adventure of the most unique kind, these best day trips from Hanoi are enough to leave you amazed, with memories to last a lifetime!

Have you ever visited this part of Vietnam before? What were some of your favorite things to do in Hanoi ?

Hoan Kiem Lake? The history museums and sites? Quảng Bá Flower Market? Share with us your most memorable travel moments in the comments — we love hearing from our readers!

Moving on from Hanoi, check out the best places to visit in Southeast Asia . It’s super convenient and affordable to travel from one country to the next in SEA.

As always, happy travels!

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7 Adventurous Day Trips from Hanoi — Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Trang An and more

Hanoi is great for Bun Cha and Pho, but the city’s bustling traffic can get overwhelming. If you’re craving for some nature and serenity, here are seven different day trips from Hanoi you can take.

Vietnam’s northern city of Hanoi charms with its duality of ancient and contemporary history, a great destination for the modern, feisty, nature-loving and adventure-seeking individual. The cherry on top for the perfect Hanoi trip is probably visiting any of these seven gorgeous destinations, all under a four-hour drive from Hanoi. 

1) Halong Bay (3 hrs from Hanoi City)

Many say that no trip to Northern Vietnam is complete without a visit to Halong Bay, and that’s no exaggeration. With about 2,000 limestone karsts rising from the emerald blue seas, Halong Bay ‘s magnificence bagged her the honour of being officially recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature .

Halong Bay can be explored on day cruises that set out from the Tuan Chau Marina Pier, which is a three-hour drive from Hanoi city. Most Halong Bay tours feature similar itineraries — a visit to Titop Island , a kayak activity, and a visit to a limestone cave.

Some may find the day trip to Halong Bay rushed factoring the 3hr journey, so if you have more time, do opt for the 2D1N and 3D2N tours to Halong Bay instead.

How to get there: For a self-guided tour, take a bus from Luong Yen bus station within Hanoi city to Bai Chay Tourist Wharf where the boats dock. Alternatively, you can save the hassle of finding your own transport with pre-booked fully guided tours .

Read also: 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary for the Adventurous

2) Ninh Binh (2 hrs from Hanoi City)

The province of Ninh Binh is about two hours away from Hanoi city and is a day trip destination that’s gaining traction among younger travellers these days. There are mainly two areas of attraction in Ninh Binh — Hoa Lu and Tam Coc .

Hoa Lu: History buffs would love this day trip destination. Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam between the 10th – 11th century, and the most visited monuments of this ancient citadel are two temples built in honour of past emperors, Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. Although these temples aren’t as majestic as ancient Chinese or Japanese temples, they’re of importance to the Vietnamese for their historical value.

How to get there: If you’re visiting Ninh Binh on your own, Hoa Lu and Tam Coc each take up one day to explore. Take either a direct bus from Giap bus station in Hanoi that goes to Ninh Binh bus station every hour, or a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. There are day trips organised by tour agents that bring you to both Hoa Lu and Tam Coc in a day.

Tam Coc:  Also in Ninh Binh province is Tam Coc, a flooded cave karst system. It is nicknamed “The Inland Halong Bay” as the view of the limestone karsts on the river is a striking resemblance to those of Halong Bay.

Most visitors do a rowboat tour at Tam Coc where the boatmen use their powerful legs to row the oars (you’ll have to see it to believe it!). It costs 195,000₫ per person to get on a rowboat and lasts about 45 mins down the Tam Coc river. It gets interesting when the rowboat goes through the hollow parts of the limestone karsts (caves!) as some of them are pitch black and can be quite a “terrifying” experience!

At the end of the ride, it’s advisable to tip the boatman for their hard work!

*Pro-tip: Bring along an umbrella or sun hat as the sun in Vietnam is quite unforgiving! Or, get Vietnamese conical hats ( non la ) from the peddlers along the pier before you get on the rowboat — it’s also one of the cheapest places to get one (~30,000₫).

You can also explore Tam Coc on a bicycle! Vietnam is the second largest exporter of rice in the world, and Tam Coc is one place where you can catch locals farming their own rice. During our day trip to Tam Coc, we cycled past a few rice paddy fields and villages.

How to get there: Book a day tour (~S$39)  if you’d like to visit both Hoa Lu and Tam Coc on the same day. Saves yourself some planning effort too!

Other highlights: If time permits, visit the Bich Dong Pagoda  that consists of three separate layered pagodas: Ha, Trung and Thuong. These three pagodas were built in ascending order and can be quite a workout to get to!

3) Trang An (1 hr 40 mins from Hanoi City)

Trang An is another hot favourite when it comes to day trips from Hanoi. While it’s marketed as an “alternative” to Tam Coc, Trang An’s captivating landscapes are not to be undermined. The stream is lined with some 2,000 bamboo boats to ferry visitors on sightseeing boat rides!

At 200,000₫/pax, the two-hour riverboat ride brings you to four different caves: Sang Cave (Bright Cave), Toi Cave (Dark Cave), Ba Giot Cave and Sinh Cave.

You may also know Trang An as one of the filming sites of Hollywood blockbuster Kong: Skull Island, which visitors can get a glimpse of during the boat tour.

The Bai Dinh Pagoda  is also another highlight of Trang An. The Buddhist Pagoda is the largest of its kind in Vietnam, so do allocate around 2–3 hours to explore all of it. Entrance to the pagoda is free but taking the electronic minibus to the pagoda costs 300,000₫ one-way.

How to get ther e: Trang An is about 8km away from Ninh Binh, so directions from Hanoi will be the same to Ninh Binh, though visitors will need to take an additional cab to Trang An. Alternatively, choose the fuss-free method and book a day trip to Trang An (~S$33) .

Read also: The Quirky 6D Central Vietnam Itinerary

4) Cat Ba Island (3 hrs 30 mins from Hanoi City)

Cat Ba Island is the largest island on Halong Bay, and it’s also a one-stop getaway destination for local and foreign tourists. The island offers adventurous activities such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and rock-climbing, and is attracting younger travellers who want to experience something unique to the usual Halong Bay cruises.

The Cat Ba National Park is also great for trekking. There are a couple of hiking trails with varying difficulty, and if you’re an adventurous one, we recommend the 18km hike up to a summit that will take approximately six hours.

Though it’s a popular day trip destination, Cat Ba Island has many hotels and budget accommodation options in its town area, making it a perfect stopover location for two or more days.

How to get there: Take a train from Hanoi to Haiphong, then a taxi to Ben Binh Harbour where you’ll hop onto a boat to Cat Ba Island. An easier way would be to  book a chartered transfer on a bus with a local tour agent.

Other highlights: 10km from Cat Ba Town is the Hospital Cave , a secret hospital used by the Northern Vietnamese troops during the war. The hospital is built high up in one of the limestone karsts hidden away from sight, making it bomb-proof simply due to its strategic location.

5) Mai Chau (4 hrs from Hanoi City)

Mai Chau is not your typical Vietnam day trip location but it sure is worth your consideration for a visit! Home to several minority ethnic groups such as the White and Black Thais , the Hmong , and the Tay , Mai Chau is a rural getaway forgotten by time. One can expect to visit the stilt houses of the minority groups among plains of paddy fields.

Another reason why Mai Chau makes the perfect day trip from Hanoi is its proximity to Hanoi but offers similar views to Sapa, that’s more than six hours away (Mai Chau only requires four).

Do plan your trip to Mai Chau on a Sunday as locals of neighbouring minority tribes will come together to trade at the Pa Co Sunday Market . Farmed produce, livestock, and handmade crafts are usually what’s sold there. It’s hence a great chance to interact with the minority tribes without visiting “touristy tribal villages” maintained by tourism boards.

Do note that the Sunday market opens early in the morning and closes before noon.

How to get there: Take a bus from My Dinh Station in Hanoi to Mai Chau, or simply book your Mai Chau day trip (~S$49) .

6) Huong Son District — Perfume Pagoda (2 hrs from Hanoi City)

Southwest of Hanoi is the district of Huong Son , and there lies one of the largest sacred sites of Vietnam within mountains and caves. The most famous religious site would be the Perfume Pagoda , a Buddhist temple that’s the centre stage of the longest festival in Vietnam — the Huong Pagoda festival.

If you’re into Vietnamese history or Buddhism, visiting Perfume Pagoda and its vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines along the Huong Tich mountains makes the perfect day trip from Hanoi.

While visiting the Perfume Pagoda is the main agenda of most visitors to Huong Son district, there are also relaxing rowboat rides along the Yen Stream that sees lilies in bloom during the autumn between the months of September to November. The rowboat will lead you to the Thien Tru Harbor, where you’ll begin your trek up to the Huong Tich cave to the famed Perfume Pagoda.

During the months of February to March, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit Perfume Pagoda in hopes of finding happiness and romance. If you’re visiting Vietnam during those months, get festive with the crowds at Perfume Pagoda!

How to get there: Getting to Perfume Pagoda is a feat itself. First, you’ll have to get to My Duc from Hanoi, then a boat ride before walking on foot or by cable car to the pagoda. We’d recommend booking a day tour (~S$40/pax) instead to save the troubles of planning.

7) Duong Lam Ancient Village (2 hrs from Hanoi City)

History buffs can consider a day trip from Hanoi to  Duong Lam Village , where the unique architectural features of ancient houses are still kept and preserved to this day.

Most day trips organised by local operators include lunch with a local family in their private home, so talk about an authentic Vietnamese lifestyle experience! Within the village are also two monuments of the two heroes of ancient Vietnam, Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen.

How to get there: A public bus from Hanoi city gets you to Duong Lam Village. Alternatively, book a day trip to Duong Lam (~S$49) .

Bonus: Sapa (6 hrs from Hanoi City)

Sapa takes more than four hours to get to from Hanoi, but we loved our two-day trip there so much we felt it should be included! Sapa is famous for its picturesque mountainous towns and rice terraces, attracting more and more visitors to its rugged landscapes. For those who are looking for an off-the-grid digital detox amongst nature, Sapa is your best bet.

Read also:  15 Pho-nomenal Experiences to Add to Your Northern Vietnam Itinerary

Home to the highest summit of the Indochine,  Fansipan is a popular hiking destination that can be conquered within a day. We’ll first warn you that this trip is not going to be a walk in the park! Uneven terrains, coupled with occasional steep stairs and ladders make the trip up the 3,143m high mountain quite an arduous one.

Due to the elevation, hikers usually pace out the hike over three days, so do be prepared to stay overnight at a campsite in Fansipan . And if you’re there in winter, layer up as temperatures will drop below 10°C. Read our experience conquering Fansipan in our 2-week Vietnam Itinerary ! 

Sapa is also home to many grand waterfalls such as Love and Silver waterfalls . Both waterfalls take less than 20 minutes of trekking from their starting points to reach, so you won’t even break a sweat!

How to get there: Overnight bus (~S$12.60) ; Book the  Love and Silver waterfalls tour (~S$43)

Hanoi city is amazing, that’s pho-sure , but Northern Vietnam is really famous for its natural landscapes and histories. Personally, visiting Ninh Binh as a day trip was the best decision I made during my Hanoi trip. Not only is Ninh Binh less touristy than Halong Bay, there’s also a lot more you can see on land than out at sea in the bay.

Which other parts of Vietnam do you want us to cover? Let us know in the comment section below !

For more travel inspiration, follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram , and  YouTube !

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Feb 19, 2019 at 3:28am PST

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15 BEST DAY TRIPS from Hanoi [Hidden Gems!]

But there’s so much to see and all in easy reach of the capital city, which means you can make your Hanoi holiday even more awesome with day trips into the rural countryside too.

We’ve rounded up the best day trips from Hanoi to give you the perfect choice: you can explore stunning scenery in rural valleys, head to Halong Bay for a day, or hop on a bike and get to know locals over a cup of tea all on a day trip from Hanoi.

It’s time to make your Vietnam trip the best it can be with our guide to the top Hanoi day trips…

Quick Answer: Best Day Trips from Hanoi

• Day Trips from Hanoi by Train – Hai Phong
• Romantic Day Trips from Hanoi for Couples – Halong Day Tour: Islands, Caves, Kayak with Dragonfly Cruise
• Best Day Trips from Hanoi with Kids – Full-Day Perfume Pagoda Small-Group Tour
• Best Cheap Day Trips from Hanoi – From Hanoi: Full-Day Van Phuc silk & Bat Trang Village

Best Places to Stay in Hanoi

When it comes to where to stay in Hanoi, the best thing to do is to keep it central. We’re talking near the French Quarter. This is where most of the city’s public transport, including the main railway station, will be found. Not only that: it’s much more fun! So here are some of the best places to stay in Hanoi to whet your appetite.

• Best Hostel in Hanoi •

Vietnam backpackers hostel original.

• Chilled atmosphere

Clean and comfortable, this is a good place for backpackers who aren’t looking to party their way around Vietnam. There’s a decent social atmosphere here, but nothing that’s ever going to get too wild. You’ll get a complimentary breakfast and be in walking distance of livelier venues – if that’s what you want, of course.

Looking to make friends in Vietnam? One of these cool party hostels might be for you!

• Best Budget Hotel in Hanoi •

Little diamond hotel hanoi.

• Super buzzy local area

With its spacious and well kitted out rooms, complete with TVs and big, comfy beds, Diamond Hotel Hanoi is already a good choice. But then you take into account the friendly staff and the amazing local area with tons of eateries and cafes, and you see why this is the best budget hotel in Hanoi – hands down.

• Best Luxury Hotel in Hanoi •

Pan pacific hanoi.

• Towering and modern

The ultimate in modern chic that Hanoi can offer, the Pan Pacific Hanoi is a huge skyscraper of a hotel that looks out over the rest of the city. The pool here is super cool and features a retractable atrium roof. It drips with amenities: multiple restaurants, multiple bars, a cafe… it’s all here!

#1 Best Day Trip from Hanoi – Hai Phong

Day trips from hanoi by train.

• See Vietnam by train
• Charming Colonial architecture
• Old temples

Make your way out of the motorbike laden streets of the capital and take the train for the city’s charming train station for a fun day trip from Hanoi by train. The perfect chance to experience Vietnamese trains, catching the train all the way to attractive Hai Phong is an exciting way to see the rural countryside as it rushes past the train windows.

The train ride itself is a big part of the day trip: a great experience if you don’t have the chance to enjoy taking a train during your Vietnam visit.

Make sure you catch the early train out of Hanoi and arrive in Hai Phong in time for a spot sightseeing and exploring the city’s wide, leafy avenues.

Take a look around Bao Dai Villa, the colonial summer palace of the last emperor of Vietnam, as well as the central Municipal Theatre; the 17th-century Buddhist temple of Du Hang Pagoda is also interesting to visit.

We are obsessed with backpacks – we’ve tried them all! And our favourite carry on backpack in the WORLD is the Nomatic Travel Backpack.  This backpack has revolutionized the backpack industry and will change the way you travel forever :) Check it out here!

#2 – Ninh Binh

• Scenic cycling
• Ancient temples
• Stunning landscape

With several trains leaving the Vietnamese capital daily for Ninh Binh, this is a convenient day trip from Hanoi by train. Make sure to leave early: it takes two and a half hours and once you’re there you’ll have a lot to pack in to make the most of your visit.

The best option is to travel around on bicycle – the land is completely flat and there’s a lot to see in the surrounding area.

Highest on most travellers’ lists when they visit Ninh Binh on a day trip from Hanoi is the Tam Coc, often dubbed ‘Halong on Land’ it’s easy to see why: karst peaks jut out among rice fields in a picturesque setting.

Elsewhere there’s the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, 15 kilometres north of the city. Not much remains of the old city, but there are temples to see, such as Lê Đại Hành and Đinh Tiên Hoàng, which is actually located on the former site of the main palace.

Staying Safe in Hanoi

While Hanoi is super safe, no matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance . We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and World Nomads is our favorite (and most affordable!).

Fill out the form below to get a quote so you can have a stress-free time traveling around Vietnam!

#3 – Halong Bay

Romantic day trips from hanoi for couples.

• Incredible Scenery
• Amazing adventures
• Fun boat ride

No trip to Vietnam would be complete without a visit to the stunning Halong Bay ; the UNESCO World Heritage Site is an incredible place to spend the day.

Enjoy a romantic day trip from Hanoi with your partner as you get whisked away from your hotel, through the Vietnamese countryside, travelling north towards to the mesmerising waterfront. From the city pier, climb aboard a boat which will take you around the magnificent Halong Bay and its islands.

This is the kind of place not to be missed and you’ll see why as the karts formation appear jutting out of the mirrorlike water of the bay.

After some time cruising around the otherworldly landscape, you’ll be treated to a traditional seafood lunch on-deck in the midst of all that beauty

Hop on and off the boat as you explore small islands, get lost together discovering the strange rock formations and try out a spot of kayaking around the bay itself and watch the local fishermen.

Will you also visit Hoi An? Check out where we like to stay in Hoi An !

#4 – Ba Vi National Park

• Great for nature lovers
• Atmospheric forest
• Uphill hiking

About 30 miles west of Hanoi lies the sprawling slice of nature that is Ba Vi National Park. Set in the Ba Vi mountain range, there’s a lot of tropical scenery to explore on this romantic day trip from Hanoi.

A cool thing to do when you’re in the midst of the park itself is to take the trail up King High Peak. Often soaked in atmospheric cloud, you can climb 1,320 steps to see the Ho Chi Minh Temple at the top. Also, if you are staying in Ho Chi Minh, you should check out our post about the unbelievable hostels in Ho Chi Minh.

For an easier hike, there’s Den Thuong, which only has around 600 steps to reach its summit.

Either way, if you’re a couple that likes exploring nature, this will be one romantic day trip from Hanoi that you’ll definitely want to take. The mood is serene, tranquil and mysterious.

#5 – Sampan Boat Ride

• Cool boat ride
• Great photo opportunities

Get picked up in Hanoi’s old town for a round trip that takes you all the way to Ninh Binh province for a great couples day trip from Hanoi.

You’ll get to take in stunning countryside scenery as you’re whisked to magical locations; climb the 486 steps of Hang Mua and get a chance for some epic photo opportunities before stopping off for an inclusive traditional Vietnamese meal come lunch time.

On this fun day trip from Hanoi, you’ll have a tour guide with you the whole time, telling you all about the fabulous nature and places you’ll stop off at.

But the highlight is a one and a half hour sampan boat ride when you’ll get to kick back and watch some of Vietnam’s most iconic scenery go by.

Why are you visiting Hanoi? Find out where to stay in Hanoi  based on what you want to do there!

#6 – Countryside Bike Tour

• Beautiful countryside
• Lunch along the river

The perfect way to see the sights on Vietnam’s countryside is on a quiet and laid back bike ride through rice paddies and local villages. Leave your accommodation early in the morning and peddle out of the city, down local streets and past people going about their daily lives.

Leave the city behind as the landscape opens up and you follow the Red River on this amazingly romantic day trip from Hanoi.

Hop on a local ferry with your bikes and continue cycling on the other side of the bank where you can find somewhere charming and local for lunch along the banks of the beautiful river.

You’ll get to see what life is like for people who live outside of the city limits, life here is a much more simple and rural laid back and you can spend some time snapping pictures and admiring the simple charm of life here. Make your way back towards the city and cycle past West Lake and back to the city for dinner.

#7 – Perfume Pagoda

Day trips from hanoi with kids.

• Learn about Buddhism
• Explore a cave
• Fun boat trip

Huong Pagoda is a sprawling network of Buddhist temples hugging the side of Huong Tich mountain. It’s an almost mystical setting that your children will be enthralled with, so it makes for a great family day trip from Hanoi.

Starting off early, you get picked up from the steps of your hotel before being whisked away on a scenic road trip.

Next, you’ll be on a boat ride down the Yen River before at Thien Lu harbour where this epic day trip from Hanoi begins in earnest.

You and your children can then hike up to vast Huong Tich Cave, the location of the Perfume Pagoda – or Chua Trong – itself, before hiking back down… or get the cable car, which might be better for younger children! They’ll get to try a local lunch before heading on to visit more temples, learning more about Buddhism and the history of Vietnam.

And then you can head home in time for dinner; the end to an amazing day trip from Hanoi with kids!

#8 – Vung Vieng Village

• Listen to local stories
• Stunning scenery
• Explore creepy caves

What a way to see some of the best sites that Vietnam has to offer. Make the trip north and spend the morning with your family enjoying views of the famous Halong Bay before your guide takes you to the amazing Vung Vieng Village.

Have the perfect day out on this fun day trip from Hanoi with kids. Spend the day together making memories surrounded by some of the most magical scenery Vietnam has to offer.

You’ll be taken on rowing boat into the depths of the floating village and get to experience life on living on the water.

Meet local people and hear about their daily lives and a guided tour around the village on a listen as they tell you stories. This might be one of the most special moments of your whole trip together.

After the village, carry on to Cong Do where you can explore Thien Canh Son Cave, an eerie cave system with amazing stalactites and stalagmites.

#9 – Cuc Phuong National Park

• Learn about endangered primates
• Enjoy a local lunch
• Intrepid jungle trek!

Created in 1962, Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam’s oldest national park – and you can visit it on an easy day trip from Hanoi! It’s as simple as being met by your guide in the lobby of your hotel and getting driven all the way to the national park itself.

A visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center will teach you and your children all about the beautiful primates at risk of becoming extinct; the knowledgeable staff will be able to answer any questions curious minds might have.

After a local lunch, you and your family will get to hike into the dense trees themselves, making for an adventurous day trip from Hanoi with kids; they will love exploring deep into the heart of the jungle as you trek through the flora and fauna of the park.

Hearing the birdsong of exotic species, watching out for rare (and common) jungle critters, and enjoying the mysterious mood Cuc Phuong, your children will be beaming from ear to ear as you make the return trip to your hotel.

PS – have a look at our guide to the top hostels in Hoi An, Vietnam – for all budgets!

#10 – Local Fishermen’s Village

• Learn new skills
• Chat to locals
• Fun day out

This is such an amazing chance to spend a special day with your family, as you leave Hanoi and make your way to the rural outskirts of the capital with your guide.

Once in the rustic heartlands of Vietnam, you’ll get to meet local fishermen whose families have been making money from fishing for generations. Spend many hours with the welcoming fishing communities as you and your family learn about their lives and they teach you about their fishing knowledge.

An interesting, educational day trip from Hanoi, kids will soak up the experiences as they find out firsthand what it’s like to grow up in a Vietnamese fishing village.

There’ll be plenty of chances to try and catch a fish for yourself as you cast your net and join in the local chat with a cup on tea at the fishermen’s houses. You might even get the chance to try paddling the traditional fishing boat or even, if you’re really lucky, catch a fish by hand!

#11 – Bat Trang Village

Best cheap day trips from hanoi.

• Quick to get to
• A slice of local life
• Learn about traditional ceramics

With its rich artisanal history stretching back through the centuries, it’s amazing that Bat Trang is still the centre for Vietnam’s ceramics and pottery.

Just 13 kilometres from the centre of the city, a visit to Bat Trang is not just an easy day out, but it’s a cheap day trip from Hanoi, too. Go directly from your hotel with your guide on a comfy air-conditioned bus and arrive at the well-established village.

You’ll get to watch the craftsmen spinning, painting and firing the pottery that has made this village so renowned throughout the country. It’s so famous, in fact, that products from this town are known as Bat Trang Porcelain.

The secret is that this village is actually located in an area that’s rich in a type of clay that’s particularly suited to making fine pottery!

With a tradition going back seven centuries, it’s no wonder that watching the people at work crafting beautiful ornamental ceramics is a mesmerising experience…

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#12 – Mai Chau

• Amazing road trip
• Incredible scenery
• Crazy cool karst formations

Mai Chau lies 135 kilometres from Hanoi and is the ideal cheap day trip from Hanoi as you get to soak up so much culture in one day.

Leave the city early as you make your way northwards. The remote mountain town is best reached by car, so get yourself a driver with a few friends and split the price to keep the costs low.

The three-hour drive to Mai Chau is so picturesque that it will have your nose pressed up against the car window for most of the time – you won’t be able to stop snapping pictures.

Once in Mai Chau, you’ll be under the spell of this majestic village. The rural valley is edge by soaring karst rock formations and tumbling rice terraces laced with bamboo villages.

You can enjoy the day here, walking around the amazingly beautiful luminosity of the rice paddies and being intoxicated by the relaxed way of life inside this time warp of a valley.

#13 – Duong Lam Ancient Village

• Great for photographers
• Lose yourself in the atmosphere
• Explore an old village

Not just any old ‘Ancient Village’, but in fact, the oldest in Hanoi – even one of the oldest in the country – Duong Lam is definitely a must see place. And being very close to the city itself, this makes for a cheap day trip from Hanoi.

You could even make it into a half-day trip from Hanoi – but then you might not be able to tear yourself away from the beautiful, tumbledown streets with their old, higgledy-piggledy houses. Some are over 300 years old, and a few have even been restored to their former glory.

Take a bus from My Dinh Bus Station, get off and get a bus to Son Tay; from here you can either catch a bus to Duong Lam or get a taxi. Though it’s not a direct journey, making the day trip from Hanoi to Duong Lam is rewarding – especially if you’re somebody who loves architecture, quaint towns and getting lost in another world.

#14 – Phat Diem Cathedral

• Incredible architecture
• Great for design fans

Definitely one for those who can appreciate a little bit of architecture, or who are huge fans of the way buildings are designed in general, then this is going to be a very fun day trip from Hanoi – that’s for sure.

Set in the village of Kim Son this cathedral, originally built in 1892, doesn’t particularly look like a classic cathedral. In fact, it looks more Vietnamese. But look closer and you’ll see that it’s not wholly that, either.

That’s because this was done in an eclectic cocktail of European neo-gothic and Eastern traditions that’s resulted in a unique building – even more unique for a cathedral.

When you’re done snapping photos and marvelling at this material mix, grab some local food or explore the village.

Easily reached from a northbound bus from Hanoi to Kim Son, it’s definitely a cheap day trip from Hanoi.

#15 – Van Phuc

• Ride the local bus
• Buy some silk
• Watch local crafts

Get out of the city on a local bus from the French Quarter and make the inexpensive journey along with locals to the silk-producing village of Van Phuc. It’s a fairly quick 8-kilometre journey out of town and a cheap day trip from Hanoi for those of you on a budget.

Van Phuc doesn’t skimp on experience: a day spent there will mean lapping up the charm of the countryside and getting to see traditional crafts in action too.

A day here consists of exploring the traditional village and seeing the silk looms in action as weavers effortlessly create silk scarves, shirts and ties. Many of the workshops around the town also double up as shops and you’ll get the chance to treat yourself to a new silk scarf or pick up a few gifts for family back home.

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Hanoi

It’s really easy to spend a day out discovering what everyday life is like for locals who live outside of the city. You can learn some new skills too!

There are some magical day trips from Hanoi for kids: you can take them on an adventure that they’ll never forget.

And why not romance your other half in a wondrous world of natural beauty at Halong Bay or hit the famous Vietnamese railway for a day out of the city?

Don’t worry if your travel budget is a little tight: our selection of cheap day trips from Vietnam will give you incredible experiences – and won’t leave your wallet empty either.

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Discover the World

6 Best Day Trips From Hanoi

By Vanessa Holmes · Last updated on May 4, 2024

If you visit Vietnam, there is a good chance your trip will revolve around the capital city of Hanoi. Combining French cultural influences with Vietnamese cuisine and heritage, Hanoi is a melting pot full of incredible attractions. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh Museum are big landmarks you won’t want to miss, but Hanoi also offers local flavor courtesy of stunning temples, puppet theaters and countless outdoor markets.

To truly experience the best of northern Vietnam, head outside of the city with one or more of these wonderful day trip from Hanoi.

6. Mai Chau

The district of Mai Chau is located 150 km (95 miles) southwest of Hanoi, and it is a mountainous region with plenty of verdant landscapes and towering mountains. While the scenery of green rice paddies and emerald mountains is certainly a big draw, Mai Chau is also worth a visit because it is home to seven ethnic minority groups.

Mai Chau also boasts lots of stilt houses made from bamboo, and underneath them it is not unusual to see cows or chickens avoiding the rain. Prepare for a day of agricultural beauty, water buffaloes strolling among the homes and a diverse, welcoming population you’ll never forget.

Approximately 100 km (60 miles) directly south of Hanoi is Hoa Lu. Hoa Lu is the ancient capital of Vietnam. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Hoa Lu was the hub of politics and trade in the country, and it is still a major destination for enthusiasts of history or Vietnamese culture.

The original citadel and its walls no longer stand, but the stunning archways to the city are still visible. Also standing in Hoa Lu are several impressive and culturally significant temples, including Le Dai Hanh, Dinh Tien Hoang and Naht Tru. You can also join a tour of Thiên Tôn Cave, one chamber of which is entirely devoted to the worship of Buddha.

4. Bat Trang

Just 25 km (15 miles) outside of Hanoi, on the other side of the Red River, is Bat Trang. This is a small village, but it boasts a long and impressive history. The village itself is ancient, dating back more than 1,000 years, and it is known for its ceramics.

The ceramic industry at Bat Trang has always been strong, and in the past the village supplied pottery to the Ming Dynasty and even exported goods during the French colonial period. Today, visitors to the Bat Trang Ceramic Village can watch ceramic masters at work, and it is the ultimate place to shop for truly local, handcrafted souvenirs.

3. Perfume Pagoda

The name Perfume Pagoda starts to make sense when you learn that it is located in the cliffs of the Huong Tich Mountain, or the Mountain of Fragrant Traces. About 45 miles southwest of Hanoi, the Perfume Pagoda is not easily accessible.

The journey will involve a car or bus ride, a boat ride and then either a short hike or a ride in a cable car. Once you arrive, however, you will be treated to incredible pagodas and shrines built right into the sides of the mountain. The Pagoda Leading to Heaven, or Thien Chu, is one of the most famous sites worth exploring on your visit.

The scenery of Tam Coc is the first thing you’ll notice. Limestone cliffs poke up from rice paddies, and the river winds through bright green landscapes. The region is is effectively a miniature landlocked version of Ha Long Bay. Although Tam Coc is just 90 minutes south of Hanoi, it can feel as though it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In Tam Coc, a boat ride is the best way to get around, so join a sampan tour for epic views. Tam Coc is named for its three major caves, which you can sail through in a sampan if you’re feeling brave.

1. Halong Bay

Arguably one of the most incredible destinations in all of Vietnam is Halong Bay . Although it is over 160 km (100 miles) east of Hanoi, it is definitely worth the journey. Halong Bay is best explored by boat, and there is no shortage of day trips from Hanoi and even overnight adventures that you can have on the water.

From your boat, you will be able to see not just the gorgeous waters of the bay, but also the limestone formations and forested isles that pop up out of the sea. Many tours even stop at secluded beaches and islands for an amazing picnic in truly breathtaking scenery.

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• Classic Tours

10 Day Trip: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Halong

10 Days 9 Nights

Trip Highlights:

• Explore historical relics and natural landscapes and immerse in the dynamic life of Hanoi capital.
• Visit the ancient capital in Ninh Binh and signature landmarks such as Van Long Natural Reserve, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An Scenic Complex.
• Trek to majestic mountainous areas and ethnic villages in Sapa, conquer the Roof of Indochina - Fansipan Peak.
• Stay overnight on Halong Bay cruise with all meals included and exciting activities.

Trip Itineraries:

Hanoi Arrival

Ha Noi city tour (B)

Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Van Long (B)

Ninh Binh – Trang An Scenic Landscape - Hanoi (B)

Hanoi - Sapa - Cat Cat - Sin Chai (B)

Sapa - Local market (B, L)

Fansipan Peak - Hanoi (B)

Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise (B, L, D)

Halong Bay cruise - Hanoi (B, L)

Hanoi Departure (B)

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Inclusions:

• Transportation by private 16 seats car with A/C
• Entrance fees and Sightseeing fees
• Local English speaking guides
• Boat rentals as mentioned in the program.
• Breakfast and other meals mentioned in the program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
• Accommodation in the category chosen or similar

Exclusions:

• Flight tickets
• Meals are not mentioned in the program, drinks and beverage during the meals
• Tips & personal expenses
• International flight tickets
• Travel insurance
• Visa to Vietnam
• Peak season or Public holidays surcharge if any
• Compulsory Gala dinner on X-Mas or New Year if any
• Any service not mentioned in the program

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How to Spend 2 Days in Hanoi Itinerary

H anoi – the capital city of Vietnam – is a great place to visit if you want to experience the best of what this country has to offer. There are many things to see and do in Hanoi, from exploring the bustling old quarter to visiting its beautiful temples and historic landmarks.  If you are looking for a 2 days Hanoi Itinerary, look no further! This itinerary below will give you a great overview of Hanoi and its must-see attractions. Let’s check it out!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

Day 1 of 2 days in Hanoi, Vietnam

This great itinerary will help you get the most out of your 2 days in Hanoi – so we’ll cover the best places to see in Hanoi, the top Hanoi attractions not to miss, and, of course, some amazing Vietnamese food and drinks too.  Ready?  Let’s get started.

BEST THING TO DO

Take a Food Tour & See Train Street

This fabulous Hanoi Food Tour takes you to some of the best place to eat street food and you’ll also get to visit train street too!

Enjoy Pho for breakfast

Wake up fresh and full with a bowl of Pho – one of Hanoi’s signature dishes. Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that traditionally contains beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat. The broth is usually made by simmering beef or chicken bones for several hours. Pho is typically served with a side of bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers so that each person can customize their soup to their liking.

The most popular place to try Pho is Pho Thin on Lo Duc Street. It’s usually very crowded so be sure to arrive early to secure a slot. Another worthy Pho place is Pho Thin Bo Ho on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, which is easier to get to if your hotel is in the Old Quarter.

Wander around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter

On your first day, it is best to check out the attractions near Hoan Kiem Lake – an iconic body of water centrally located in the city. Don’t forget to visit Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island in Hoan Kiem Lake as well! 

Next, take a walk to the Old Quarter and explore the bustling heart of Hanoi. The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, lined with shops and stalls selling everything from souvenirs to traditional medicines. Many of these shops are family-owned businesses that have been passed down for generations.

While visiting Hanoi Old Quarter, you can drop by Ma May Ancient House and explore what a traditional Hanoi house looks like hundreds of years ago. Once a rich merchant’s home, this beautiful ancient house has now been transformed into a museum where guests can admire valuable antiques and learn more about the local culture.  

Another popular attraction near Hanoi Old Quarter is Phung Hung Mural Street. If you are keen on taking photos with colorful murals depicting life in Hanoi from the past to the present, do not miss this place! It’s very similar to the murals and artwork that you’ll see in Georgetown , Penang.

Savor Bun Cha for lunch

This popular dish consists of grilled pork and rice noodles, served in a light broth. You’ll find bun cha stalls all over the city, but one of the best places is Bun Cha Huong Lien. This is where US President Barack Obama came for dinner during his trip to Vietnam in 2016, accompanied by the equally famous Anthony Bourdain.

A good portion of bun cha typically requires tender and juicy pork and perfectly-cooked rice noodles. Most orders also come with a side of fresh greens, which you can use to add some extra flavor to your meal.

Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral and shop for souvenirs

After lunch, head to St. Joseph’s Cathedral and get to see one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hanoi. This beautiful cathedral was built in 1886 by French colonists in a Gothic style. You will find intricate mosaics decorated on the exterior of the cathedral, while the interior is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and elaborate carvings.

Around St. Joseph’s Cathedral are some shops selling lovely souvenirs such as Bat Trang potteries, Vietnamese silk, and so on. Check them out while you’re here! If you’re looking for more things to do in Hanoi, then our guide to all the best temples, pagodas and churches -as well as other attractions – is here.

Watch a Water Puppet Show

Watching a water puppet show in Hanoi has been hailed by many foreign visitors as one of the best travel experiences in Vietnam . Originating in the rice fields of northern Vietnam, water puppet shows are often performed in a pool of water nowadays. During the show, puppeteers stand behind a screen to control the puppets and let them tell stories from Vietnamese folklore, accompanied by traditional music.

The best place to enjoy a water puppet show in Hanoi is Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. There are 5 shows daily in the afternoon and evening, each lasting one hour.

Enjoy nightlife in Hanoi on Ta Hien Street

For a great night out, head to Ta Hien Street in Hanoi Old Quarter. This lively street is full of bars and restaurants, and it’s the perfect place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll find locals and tourists alike enjoying the nightlife here, as its great vibe makes it perfect for socializing.

Day 2 of a 2 days in Hanoi Itinerary

Have banh mi for breakfast.

Banh mi is a delicious and popular Vietnamese dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The word “banh mi” actually refers to a type of French baguette that the dish is served on. The bread is usually filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs, and then topped with pickled vegetables and chili sauce.

For the best banh mi in Hanoi, head to Banh Mi Nguyen Sinh at number 19 on Ly Quoc Su Street. Another two popular vendors are Banh mi Pho Hue, located at number 118A on Pho Hue Street, and Banh Mi Ba Dan at number 34 on Lo Su Street.

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – the final resting place of the nation’s founder, Uncle Ho – his stilt house, Presidential Palace, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Then head to One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples.

Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine for lunch

When it’s lunchtime, head to Quan An Ngon restaurant and choose from a variety of Vietnamese cuisine from north to south. Located on Phan Boi Chau Street with a spacious dining area and a diverse menu, this restaurant is a favorite gathering place for both locals and tourists alike. Our guide to the best Vietnamese food is here.

Tour around the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a must-see for anyone visiting Hanoi. Built in the 11th century, it served as the capital of Vietnam for almost 300 years. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved citadels in Southeast Asia.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a sprawling complex of buildings, archeological sites, and defensive walls, all set within a moat. It is also home to a museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the dynastic era.

Visit the Temple of Literature

Built in 1070 as Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi is now a popular spot for tourists who come to admire the architecture and learn about Vietnam’s rich history.

The highlight of the temple is its stunning courtyard where visitors can admire graceful bonsai trees and stone steles, each of which bears the name of one of Vietnam’s top Confucian scholars. Every year before the national university entrance exam, students in Hanoi still have the habit of coming here to pray for good results.

Round up your day with La Vong Grilled Fish

A traditional dish of Hanoi, La Vong Grilled Fish comprises of naked catfish which is marinated and then cut into pieces for grilling, rice noodles, vegetables, and a dipping sauce of either shrimp paste or fish sauce. On your last night in Hanoi, be sure to drop by the original founding place of La Vong Grilled Fish at number 14 on Cha Ca Street in Hanoi Old Quarter to enjoy an authentic set of this dish. 

As your stay in Hanoi comes to an end, don’t forget to also check out some of the best day trips from Hanoi to experience the peaceful nature, rich culture, and beautiful beaches surrounding this bustling capital city.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

There are a host of places to stay in Hanoi – here’s our pick of the luxury places to stay in Hanoi, mid-range places to stay in Hanoi, and budget accommodations in Hanoi. 

The Peridot Grand Luxury Hotel in Hanoi is a fabulous five-star luxury hotel in Hanoi.  From its magnificent roof terrace with pool to its 3 bars and two restaurants, it’s got everything you need in a stunning location in Hanoi.  Premier double rooms are fabulous, but the Junior and Luxury suites are truly glorious, with separate living rooms and some seriously gorgeous decorations, and just the best double-ended luxury bath.  Bathrobes, slippers, and amenities come as standard and the service is second to none here.  Check rates and availability at this top Hanoi hotel here.

For a mid-range hotel, you can’t go far wrong with the Meritel Hanoi – there’s a rooftop pool, shared lounge, and some seriously good facilities for the money.  Rooms are large with fabulously comfortable beds and the showers are superb.  Virtually all the rooms come with minibars and the hotel staff is super friendly and helpful.  The breakfasts here are fabulous  – get a great deal on this Hanoi hotel here.

The Trang Trang Premium hotel is a whole lot of hotel for the budget range that it’s in.  This budget Hanoi hotel is in a great location near the Water Puppet Theater and rooms are well equipped, spacious, and with some excellent air conditioning.  They also come with kettles, fridges, and a flat-screen TV.  There’s a shared lounge here and a terrace too.  You can pick up a great breakfast for around US$2 too! Pick up a great value room in Hanoi here.

Travel Tips for Exploring Vietnam

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Final Words on this 2 days Hanoi Itinerary

There you have it – a well-packed and exciting 2 days Hanoi itinerary. Whether you’re interested in exploring Hanoi’s history, and culture, or just looking for a chance to relax, this 2 days Hanoi Itinerary has something for everyone!   Have you been to Hanoi before? Is there any other thing to do in Hanoi that you would recommend? Feel free to let us know by commenting below!

Thanks to Fiona Mai for this article. Fiona is a 20-ish Vietnamese travel blogger who has been to 21 countries so far. She was lucky enough to call herself a past resident of Helsinki, Berlin, Brisbane, Hanoi, and Kingston upon Hull. Even more fortunate right now to be back to where she comes from: Saigon, Vietnam. Read more about her journeys here: https://fionatravelsfromasia.com/

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The post How to Spend 2 Days in Hanoi Itinerary appeared first on ASocialNomad .

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3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi

Synonymous with street food, culture, and motorbikes, Hanoi is a city brimming with life and adventure! Here’s our guide on how to spend 72 hours in Vietnam’s captivating capital, with all the best things to do in Hanoi.

When it comes to visiting Vietnam, it often boils down to the usual suspects with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi And topping the list—and for good reason, of course. But if you’re thinking of a quick weekend getaway or looking for a versatile starting point for your Vietnam road trip, then Hanoi is the perfect place to be! And we’ve got just the itinerary for you when it comes to all the best things to do in Hanoi.

Hanoi exudes a unique charm with its blend of ancient traditions and French colonial architecture, its serene lakes and tree-lined boulevards interspersed with frenetic energy—making it the ideal destination for culture vultures, thrill seekers, and foodies alike.

So whether you’re a seasoned Vietnam traveller or embarking on your first-ever trip, we hope this 3-day Hanoi itinerary will come in handy as you plan an adventure of a lifetime. Read on for our top picks of the best things to see, do, and eat in Hanoi in 72 hours! 👇

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Our Favourite Hotels In Hanoi:

Beautiful and affordable hotels and resorts are dime a dozen here in Hanoi, but here are our top picks that won’t break the bank!

1. Somerset Grand Hanoi

Image credits: Booking.com

Located right in the heart of the Old Quarters, Somerset Grand is the perfect place for those looking for convenience — especially when travelling as a family. Bonus points go to the stunning views of the city from the balcony!

Address: 49 P. Hai Bà Trưng, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Price: From S$107/night, with an additional 7% off when you use Agoda via YouTrip Perks

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Find out more about Somerset Grand Hanoi here .

2. Pan Pacific Hanoi

Image credits: Klook

If you’re looking for a tranquil stay away from the hustle and bustle, Pan Pacific should be your pick. Here, you get to enjoy stunning views of the West Lake and the Truc Bach Lake — allowing you to recharge and unwind to gorgeous sunsets and skylines.

Address: 1 Đ. Thanh Niên, Road, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Price: From S$107/night, with an additional 15% cashback when you use Booking.com via YouTrip Perks

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Find out more about Pan Pacific Hanoi here .

3. Lotte Hotel Hanoi

Photo credit: LOTTE Hotel

For those familiar with this Korean hospitality giant, you’d know that a stay with the Lotte brand would be nothing short of luxurious. This hotel is located in the upper part of the 65-storey Lotte Centre, which means that you’re guaranteed scenic views of the city. We also love that it’s conveniently located in the city, yet quiet enough for those looking to escape the crowd.

Address: 54 P. Liễu Giai, Cống Vị, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Price: From S$107/night, with up to 6% cashback when you use Trip.com via YouTrip Perks

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Find out more about Lotte Hotel Hanoi here .

4. concon house

Photo credit: Booking.com

For those looking for a more intimate stay, then concon house should be on your radar. This boutique hotel only has 20 rooms, meticulously designed to enhance the experience of staying in the small alleyways of the Old Quarter. Rooms here are inspired by the elements, each with their own charm.

Address: 11+13 Ng. Nội Miếu, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Price: From S$60/night, 7% off when you use Agoda via YouTrip Perks

Your 3-day Hanoi Itinerary: Best things to do in Hanoi

Day 1 — getting acquainted with hanoi.

The best way to get to know a city? By exploring its Old Town! In Hanoi, the Old Quarter is all-encompassing, giving tourists a glimpse of what the city has to offer — and what it once was. Expect to find greenery all around the stunning, colonial-style buildings, with old-world charm pouring out of every nook and cranny.

Start your trip strong with a Pho-nomenal breakfast at Pho Suong

Photo credit: Vietnam.vn

Kick off your Hanoi adventure with a bowl of pho at Pho Suong , a family-run eatery that serves up some of the best pho in the city. Nestled in the heart of Old Quarter, this no-frills spot is our personal favourite. Expect a rich, aromatic broth topped with tender beef and generous servings of fresh herbs that will warm the heart and the belly. Your best bet is to visit this during off-peak hours or expect a queue.

Address: 24B Ng. Trung Yên, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:15 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM, daily.

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Check out this Vietnam food guide for what to eat in Vietnam

Then, stroll into the heart of Vietnam’s history

Photo credit: Discover Your Vietnam

After fuelling up with a hearty breakfast, it’s time to explore the city’s historical gems! Begin at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the ancient ruins and take time to look at the many artefacts and treasures that date back to the 11th century.

When you’re done, pay a visit to the famed St. Joseph’s Cathedral . This neo-gothic cathedral with its intricate architecture is an anachronism amidst the bustling streets.

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Here are 8 lantern festivals around the world you need to see

Image Credits: Global Volunteers

Next, head over to the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake , a serene oasis in the heart of the Old Quarters. If you’re up for it, take a lap around the lake before crossing the iconic red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple , a charming Confucian temple that sits right in the centre of the lake. If you plan to enter, don’t forget to dress modestly.

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Check out this 5D4N Bali itinerary

Image Credits: DIYdly Travel

Finally, end off an afternoon of cultural appreciation and adventure with a visit to Heritage House , just a short 10-minute stroll from the lake. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of the traditional Vietnamese architecture and lifestyle. Expect to find intricately designed furniture and a gorgeous courtyard that’ll transport you back in time.

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Here are the best budget destinations to travel to in 2024

Fuel up with a view at giao mùa

Image credits: Confirm Good

Take a well-deserved break at giao mùa , a charming cafe that offers panoramic views of the city! We love its quirky Gaudi-esque exterior and its variety of drinks and sweet treats for you to enjoy.

Address: 77 P. Lò Sũ, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Opening Hours: Wed – Mon, 6:30 AM – 6 PM, Tues, 10 AM – 6 PM

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Here are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Hop onto (and off) the rails at Train Street

Image Credits: mmonthego.com

No trip to Hanoi is complete without a visit to the Train Street ! Here, train tracks run just inches from the local homes and shops. From a distance it can look pretty surreal, almost like a scene from a Ghibli movie. Grab a seat at one of the quaint cafes lining the tracks and standby for when the train passes through!

💡 There is a second train street located between Tran Phu and Dien Bien Phu that is less crowded, and takes you even closer (yes, you read that right) to the action!

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Check out this list of secret beaches in Southeast Asia

Swap out the street food at Pizza 4Ps

Photo credit: Architonic

We know that pizza may feel like an odd choice, especially when you’re in Vietnam. But hear us out! Pizza 4Ps is a cult favourite here in Hanoi, with several branches country-wide. We recommend the seafood okonomiyaki and the burrata parma ham pizza, which are both *chefs kiss*. Wash it all down with a pint of one of their house-brand brews, and don’t forget dessert!

Address: 11B P. Báo Khánh, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Opening Hours:  10:30 AM – 11 PM, daily

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Check out this Hong Kong food guide

A themed nightcap at Bee’znees Speakeasy

Image Credits: Ken Design

After spending an afternoon out and about, an evening of relaxation and delicious cocktails is in order! Make your way down to Bee’znees Speakeasy , an art deco-inspired cocktail bar that’s been creating a considerable buzz in Hanoi’s nightlife.

Image Credits: Lê Thị Thu Hà

The menu is equal parts diverse and unique, with classic cocktails that pay homage to the prohibition era, and tipples that make use of seasonal Vietnamese herbs and fruits — giving you a taste of the city unlike before. If you’re lucky, you may get the chance to try out their limited-time specials or even be part of their themed nights!

Address:   163 P. Phùng Hưng, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs, 7 PM – 12 AM, Fri & Sat, 7 PM – 2 AM

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Check out this 3-day Batam itinerary

Day 2 — All About People and Culture

With day 1 done and dusted, it’s time to explore Hanoi beyond the Old Quarters.

Enjoy a classic brekkie at Hanoi Social Club

Photo credit: 65citygirl

Another day, another delicious start to the morning! For those who prefer the typical Western breakfast, Hanoi Social Club answers the call. This cosy cafe is housed in a 1920s French colonial villa, and is inspired by the Melbourne cafe scene — so you already know that it passes the vibe check. Its extensive menu serves up the usual suspects like avocado toast and fluffy French toast. Plus, if you’re looking for vegan and vegetarian food in Hanoi, this is the place to be!

💡 If you’re looking to immerse in the local music scene, check out their Instagram for their weekly Tiny Music Club feature — where up-and-coming musicians get to play their tunes live every Tuesday.

Address:  6 Ng. Hội Vũ, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 8 AM – 11 PM, daily.

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Here are the best JB massage spots for your weekend getaway

A quiet respite from the hustle at One Pillar Pagoda

Photo credit: Hanoi Times

While the bustle is what makes Hanoi so charming, a quiet morning can do wonders for the soul. After a hearty breakfast, make your way down to the One Pillar Pagoda , a unique and gorgeous sight not to be missed. This Buddhist temple is meant to represent a lotus blossom, with plenty of thought going into its unique architecture. Spend some time wandering around the grounds before making your way to West Lake , the city’s largest lake, for a leisurely slow or even scenic bike ride!

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Here are some of the best hidden cocktail bars in Saigon

Caffeinate the Vietnamese way at Cafe Dinh

Image Credits: Wikimedia

Your trip to Hanoi wouldn’t be complete without some egg coffee! Fuel up for the rest of the afternoon with this rich and creamy staple. For those who haven’t had a taste, it’s reminiscent of a creme brulee, making it a deliciously decadent perk-me-up. While there are plenty of great cafes that serve this drink, we think the one at Cafe Dinh serves the best. If you’re looking for a slow afternoon, try to snag a seat by the window and watch the world go by.

Address: 13 P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM, daily.

3-Day Hanoi Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Hanoi — Here’s a weekend guide to Hoi An

Tap into your artsy side at Hanoi Opera House

Image credits: Local Vietnam

Then, it’s time for more culture! This time, make your way down to the Hanoi Opera House , an architectural marvel that is also home to some of Hanoi’s finest cultural performances. Take a guided tour around the area, or catch a show to appreciate and experience the vibrant arts scene. We’d recommend making a reservation in advance to avoid any disappointment!

Address: 1 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

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Experience the bustle of Hanoi

Photo credit: Tour in Hanoi

After a slow afternoon, it’s time to pick up the pace and dive right back into the world of vibrant markets and delicious street food! Begin at Dong Xuan Market , the city’s largest indoor market which offers a wide variety of local produce and traditional crafts. The layout is reminiscent of Tekka Centre here in Singapore, and has been divided into different sections for ease of exploration!

After spending some time here (and maybe even bringing home some souvenirs for your loved ones), make your way to the Hanoi Night Market where you’ll get to try out the different types of street food in one place. We recommend the Old Quarter Weekend Night Market as it’s the O.G., but if your trip doesn’t happen over the weekend, then the Nha Xanh Night Market is a great alternative that’s open daily.

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Chow down at Bun Cha Dac Kim

Image Credits: TripAdvisor

If you’re still feeling hungry, head over to the unassuming Bun Cha Dac Kim for a bowl (or two) of bun cha, a vermicelli noodle with grilled pork dish. The star of the show is the light broth, juicy pork, and the fried-to-perfection crab spring rolls. This Michelin-approved establishment serves up some of the city’s best, so be prepared to wait in line!

Address:  1 P. Hàng Mành, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM, daily.

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Cheers to 50-cent beers at Ta Hien Street !

Image credits: Vietnam Tour Package

We love that Hanoi offers up a variety of experiences for all sorts of travellers. On your second day, it’s time to strip away the pomp and pageantry. Head over to Ta Hien Street a.k.a. Beer Street, grab a stool and pair your pints with some skewers and barbecued seafood. Who knows — you may end up making friends with your table mates as you dine elbow to elbow!

Address: Tạ Hiện, P. Lương Ngọc Quyến, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM, Fri – Sun.

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Day 3 — Shopping!

Take things slow on your last day, and maybe use this time to get your last-minute shopping done!

Start the day with a delicious sandwich at Banh Mi Long Hoi

Photo credit: TripAdvisor

Kickstart your morning with a delicious banh mi from Banh Mi Long Hoi , a must-try before concluding your trip. This popular shop offers a wide variety of sandwiches, but our favourite has to be the ‘Successful’ Bread, which is stuffed with pate, char siu, meatballs, grilled meat, and a variety of herbs. If you want something a little lighter, then opt for the ‘Lucky’ Bread which comes with considerably fewer ingredients, but tastes just as good.

Address:  1 P. Hàng Dầu, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM, daily.

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Photo credit: Hanoi for 91 Days

For an even more epic start to your final day in Hanoi, bring your sandwich over to Long Bien bridge and watch as the world goes by.

Explore a centuries-old village at Bat Trang Pottery Village

Photo credit: VinWonders

Make your way to one of the oldest ceramic-making villages in Vietnam. Bat Trang Pottery Village was established sometime during the 14th or 15th century, and is known for some of the finest craftsmanship there is. Spend some time wandering through the ancient village, and if time permits, try your hand at building a ceramic piece to call your own. If you’re a purveyor of the finer things, there are plenty of shops selling these gorgeous ceramic wares for you to take home.

Coffee with a side of… salt?

Photo credit: TimDuongDi.com

After spending an afternoon with these artisans, head back to the main city centre for a cuppa. There are plenty of options when it comes to Vietnamese Coffee, and another emerging favourite is the salt coffee. While it may sound odd, it’s really all about finding the perfect balance in a brew! The salt supposedly helps to heighten the sweetness of the coffee, making it more mellow and well-rounded. The one at Salt Mate is known to be one of the more popular stalls selling this drink.

Address: 5 P. Lý Thái Tổ, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM, daily.

Get your last-minute shopping done!

It’s not too late to shop till you drop! While you can find a wide variety of interesting shops in almost every part of Hanoi, we’d recommend P. Ba Trieu Street for its wide variety of boutiques (perfect for corporate girlies and the like), and Dong Cac Street for its popular thrift shops.

If you’re looking for fun and unique gifts that are quite uniquely Vietnamese, check out Liu Lo for its wide variety of fun and cutesy items created by local designers! They even run workshops, so if you’re lucky, you might be able to snag a spot.

End the night on a presidential note at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Photo credit: MICHELIN Guide

There’s nothing more poetic than wrapping up your Hanoi adventure with one of the most sought-after tourist experiences here in Hanoi. Grab dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien , the spot made famous by President Obama and Anthony Bourdain. Savour the iconic bun cha Obama, and maybe even take a photo with the glass box that features (and preserves) the table and chairs used by the duo.

Address: 24 P. Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm, daily.

Your Vietnam Adventure Awaits!

From delicious local-approved eats to stunning museums steeped in rich history, we hope that you appreciate our curated selection of experiences that’ll make you fall in love with Hanoi over and over! And whether Hanoi is your main destination or a quick stopover, just remember that we’re always here to help you score the best deals. From local tours to accommodations, enjoy greater peace of mind and attractive discounts with our partners like Klook, Booking.com , Agoda, and more, via YouTrip Perks .

Don’t forget to make use of your YouTrip Card to lock in those wholesale exchange rates — every cent counts! Even if you’re in need of cash, don’t fret — our YouTroopers are entitled to free S$400 in monthly ATM withdrawals with a 2% fee thereafter.

As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.   And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad ? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜

Happy travels!

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It’s gonna be Pho-nomenal 🇻🇳

10 Must-Buy Items At Don Quijote In Japan 2024

“Don Don Don, Donki, Don Don Donkiii 🎶”

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at Don Quijote Japan!

Up to 10% tax free + 5% additional discount

• Valid till 01 Oct 2024
• Flash the discount coupon at the payment counter & pay with YouTrip during checkout in store (Click discount coupon)
• Enjoy additional 5% discount with min 10,000 yen (JPY) spent excluding tax
• We want to help you get your discount! 1. Ensure that you t ap the " Discount C oupon"  banner below to go to the barcode screen. 2. Present the coupon screen to the cashier staff at the time of payment. 3. Lastly, tap the "Use Coupon" button.
• Valid until 01 October 2024.
• [Japanese temporary returnees] who purchased tax-free goods are eligible for the coupon.
• Foreign diplomat(s) are not eligible for tax exemption.
• Eligible Stores: Don Quijote, APITA, and PIAGO Stores in Japan (Excluding some stores)
• Tap the coupon banner below to go to the barcode screen.
• Present the coupon screen to the cashier staff at the time of payment.
• Last, tap the “Use Coupon” button.
• This coupon is valid only once for tax-free transactions of 10,000 yen (excluding tax) or more.
• Please note that the following items are not included & eligible for the discount: Alcohol, cigarettes, POSA cards, game consoles, products costing more than 100,000 yen (excluding tax), and products with price restrictions, etc.
• Please be sure to present the coupon at the time of payment.
• Please note that the discount cannot be applied if the coupon is presented after payment has been completed.
• Please note that the coupon is unaccessible from mobile screenshots.
• This coupon cannot be used with other discounts, services, or majica cards.
• Any outstanding balance after deducting the face value of the coupon must be paid in full using YouTrip Card.
• The offer is subject to terms and conditions of Don Quijote. In case of dispute, the decision of Don Quijote and YouTrip shall be final.

Up to 9% cashback at Charles & Keith!

9% cashback (New Charles & Keith users)

• Valid till 31 December 2023
• Pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Receive cashback within 45 days after checkout

3% cashback (Existing Charles & Keith users)

• Valid from 31 December 2023
• We want to help you get your cashback! 1. Ensure that you follow through with your purchase once you click on “Redeem Deal” on YouTrip Perks. 2. If you jump out of the check-out process (even if to check on a message or just happen to close your browser), click through YouTrip Perks again to re-purchase to get your cashback.
• Only purchases made through the Charles & Keith affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Charles & Keith whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Purchase must be made within the same window.
• Cookies must be enabled on your browser for cashback to be tracked.
• Cashback will not be awarded for cancelled or refunded orders.
• Cashback will be awarded after 45 days from the date of purchase.
• Cashback rate will be subjected to the merchant’s discretion and the eligibility of selected products.
• Cashback rate for Charles & Keith varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Purchases made via the Charles & Keith mobile app will not be eligible for cashback.

8% off at SGPomades!

$8 off min S$50 spend

• Valid till 31 December 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP8' during checkout
• Enjoy 8% off min S$50 spend upon checkout
• Promo code only applicable when using your YouTrip Mastercard upon checkout.
• 1 redemption per customer only
• Promo codes are not exchangeable for cash.
• Valid only for original price items.
• Not stackable with existing promotions.
• Exclusions Apply.

3% cashback at Dyson!

3% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Dyson affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Dyson whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Dyson accessories will not be eligible for cashback.

4% cashback at UNIQLO!

4% cashback

• Only purchases made through the UNIQLO affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to UNIQLO whenever you are making a new transaction.

Up to 11% cashback at Trip.com!

Up to 11% cashback

• Receive cashback 45 days after checkout
• Only purchases made through the Trip.com affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Cashback up to 11% for Hotels and 3% for Flights from 2 June 2024 to 7 June 2024, after which cashback will revert back to 6% (Hotels) & 2% (Flights)
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Trip.com whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate will be subjected to the merchant’s discretion and the eligibility of selected activities.
• Cashback rate for Trip.com varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Please refer to the table below for full cashback rates.

25% off at HOUZE!

25% off min $60 spend

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP25' during checkout
• Enjoy 25% off min $60 spend upon checkout
• Only 1 promo code may be used at a time.

25% off at Table Matters!

Up to $260 cashback and KrisShop e-Vouchers at Singapore Airlines!

$20 cashback with min $500 spend

• Valid till 26 November 2021
• Pay using YouTrip at checkout
• Register through YouTrip's campaign registration form
• Enjoy up to 4x cashback rewards per booking
• Receive cashback by 31 December 2021
• Limited to the first 1,000 redemptions
• Only bookings made via the SIA website, Mobile App or selected list of SIA appointed travel agents within the campaign period and redemption limit will be eligible for cashback.
• For full T&Cs, please visit https://www.you.co/sg/youtrip-singapore-airlines-cashback-tnc/

$30 KrisShop e-Voucher with min $500 spend

• Enjoy up to 6x KrisShop e-Vouchers per booking
• Limited to the first 4,000 redemptions
• Only bookings made via the SIA website, Mobile App or selected list of SIA appointed travel agents within the campaign period and redemption limit will be eligible for KrisShop e-Voucher rewards
• Offer is strictly applicable to flights to and from the following destinations only: Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, PAris, Rome, San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver
• For full T&Cs, please visit https://www.you.co/sg/youtrip-singapore-airlines-krisshop-tnc/

Up to 10% off at Expedia!

Up to 10% off

• Valid till 30 Jun 2023
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'MASTER10' during checkout
• Enjoy 10% off (Capped at S$70) upon checkout
• Booking period Now till 30 Jun 2023
• Stay period: Now till 31 September 2023
• Participating “Expedia Rate” hotels refer to hotels labelled “Expedia Rate” and are not on the exclusion list available at the booking page.
• Up to 10% discount coupon on hotel bookings at thousands of participating properties globally. 10% savings with promo code MASTER10 – Singapore: Discount value capped at SGD70 per transaction
• No minimum stay requirement.
• Coupon only applies to first room in the booking.

Up to 6% cashback at JD Sports!

6% cashback (Regular-priced items)

2% cashback (Sale Items)

• Only purchases made through the JD Sports affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to JD Sports whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for JD Sports varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.

Up to 5% cashback at ASOS

Up to 5% cashback (New ASOS users)

3% cashback (Existing ASOS users purchases via Web)

2% cashback (Existing ASOS users purchases via App)

• Only purchases made through the ASOS affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to ASOS whenever you are making a new transaction.

10% off at SweatSpot!

10% off all packages

• Valid till 12 April 2022
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP' upon checkout
• Enjoy 10% off upon checkout

10% cashback at Taobao!

10% cashback with min S$50 spend

• Valid till 31 January 2022
• Register and spend a minimum of $50 and pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Register for promotion here
• For first 750 users only
• 10% cashback with minimum spend of $50.
• Limited to the first 750 users on a first come, first served basis. 
• Payment must be charged to a YouTrip Mastercard. 
• The required minimum spend must be in a single transaction before any other promo codes, vouchers or coupons. Minimum spend excludes all taxes and fees, including but not limited to shipping and handling, unless otherwise stated.
• All purchases made in conjunction with the Offer are subject to prevailing taxes and service charges where applicable. 
• YouTrip makes no warranty or representation as to the quality, merchantability or fitness for purpose of any goods or services purchased from the merchant. Any dispute about the same must be resolved directly with the merchant. 
• YouTrip shall not be responsible for any loss, injury, claim, damage or expense arising from the redemption of the Offer or the use of the goods and services purchased from a merchant.
• YouTrip is not an agent of Taobao or any merchant, or vice versa.
• All information is correct at time of print. YouTrip will not be responsible for any changes which occur after print.
• YouTrip reserves the right to vary the terms and conditions of the Offer or withdraw or discontinue the Offer by providing written notice to the other party at least 7 days in advance and indemnify the direct economic loss of the other party caused by YouTrip’s behavior under the clause.

Up to 10% cashback at Shopee!

Up to 10% cashback (New Shopee users)

3% cashback (Existing Shopee users)

• All cashback will be capped at S$5.00
• Only purchases made through the Shopee affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Shopee whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Shopee varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Please refer to the table below for product cashback rates

Up to 7% cashback at Sephora!

7% cashback (New Sephora users)

2.5% cashback (Existing Sephora users)

• Only purchases made through the Sephora affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Sephora whenever you are making a new transaction.

$20 cashback at Circles.Life!

$20 cashback (For new Circles.Life customers)

• Only purchases made through the Circles.Life affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Circles.Life whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Not applicable for purchases made via the Circles.Life mobile application

Up to 12% cashback at AirAsia Food

12% cashback (New AirAsia Food Customers)

• Valid till 31 December 2022

6% cashback (Existing AirAsia Food Customers)

• Only purchases made through the AirAsia Food affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to AirAsia Food whenever you are making a new transaction.

at Trip.com!

• Valid till 30 September 2025
• Receive cashback within 60 days after completion of activity/stay/flight
• Cashback will be awarded after 60 days from the completion of activity/stay/flight.
• Cashback will be calculated based on the final online booking checkout price, excluding taxes, fees, service charges, children/infant tickets, insurance and any payments to be made at the hotel.
• Promo or voucher codes that are not recognised by YouTrip will be ineligible for Trip.com cashback.
• Cashback does not include Trip coins, store credits or voucher/coupon codes.

3% cashback at 24S!

• Only purchases made through the 24S affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to 24S whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Celine, Louis Vuitton and Dior products are not eligible for cashback.

10% cashback (New Lazada users)

• Valid till 31 December 2024
• Receive cashback within 45 working days after checkout

3% cashback (Existing Lazada users)

• Pay with YouTrip on Lazada (LazMall excluded) during checkout
• Only purchases made through the Lazada affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Lazada whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback will be awarded after 45 working days from the date of purchase.
• Cashback rate for Lazada varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Products not eligible for cashback: Sports shoes and clothing, Electronics Accessories, Groceries.
• Cashback capped at $10

15% off at iShopChangi

15% off with no min. spend (For traveller purchases only)

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP15' during checkout
• Enjoy 15% off with no min. spend
• Valid for traveller purchases only.
• Payment must be made with YOUTRIP Mastercard.
• Only one Promo Code may be used at a time.
• Promotion is valid until 31 December 2023.
• Promotion is not exchangeable for cash, prizes, products or other vouchers.
• Promotion is not valid in conjunction with privilege holder discounts.
• Chanel and Dior are excluded from this promotion.
• The Shilla Duty Free reserves the right to amend or withdraw any terms & conditions without any prior notice.

S$15 off at The Shilla!

S$15 off min S$150 spend in store

• Flash this at the counter and pay with YouTrip during checkout in store
• Enjoy S$15 off min S$150 nett spend
• Valid until 31 December 2022.
• Limited to one redemption per customer.
• Any outstanding balance after deducting the face value of the voucher must be paid in full using YouTrip Card
• The promotion must be fully utilised and any unutilised amount will be forfeited.
• Not exchangeable for cash, prizes, products or other vouchers.
• Not valid in conjunction with privilege holder discounts.

5% cashback at Chemist Warehouse!

5% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Chemist Warehouse affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Chemist Warehouse whenever you are making a new transaction.

Up to 10% off at Qatar Airways!

Up to 10% off 

• Click through to Qatar via YouTrip Perks, apply code 'YTQR23' & Pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Enjoy up to 10% off upon checkout
• Sales period: 8 May 2023 – 31 December 2023
• Travel period: 8 May 2023 – 31 March 2024
• Booking must be made using promo code YTQR23 to avail of the discount
• Full payment must be made with a YouTrip Card
• Save 10% on Business Class Comfort fares
• Save 10% on Economy Class Convenience fares
• Save 7% on Economy Class and Business Class Classic fares
• Valid only on Qatar Airways flights from Singapore
• Valid to the following destinations: Abu Dhabi, Almaty, Amsterdam, Ankara, Athens, Atlanta, Baku, Barcelona, Belgrade, Berlin, Boston, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Cape Town, Casablanca, Chennai, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dallas, Dar Es Salaam, Doha, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Geneva, Harare, Helsinki, Houston, Islamabad, Johannesburg, Kilimanjaro, Larnaca, London, Los Angeles, Lusaka, Luxor, Madrid, Malabo, Manchester, Medina, Miami, Milan, Mombasa, Montreal, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Nairobi, New York City, Oslo, Paris, Philadelphia, Pisa, Prague, Rome, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Seattle, Seychelles, Sharjah, Sofia, St Petersburg, Stockholm, Tbilisi, Venice, Vienna, Warsaw, Washington, Windhoek, Yerevan, Zagreb, Zanzibar, Zurich
• All-in fares include all taxes, fees, and surcharges which are subject to currency fluctuation
• Blackout dates and surcharges may apply. Please refer to the fare rules for details at the time of booking.
• Blackout Periods: 18 Nov – 20 Dec 2022 (Doha and Middle Eastern Countries), 1 Jan – 10 Jan 2023 (All destinations)
• Peak period surcharges may apply
• Fares are subject to change without prior notice
• Discount applies to return base fare only of selected fare classes
• Discount does not apply to taxes and all other surcharges
• Seats are limited and are subject to availability of the relevant booking class
• Minimum and maximum stay as well as advance purchase rules apply dependent on the booking class
• Please refer to the fare rules at the time of booking for changes, cancellations and no-show conditions
• Any change or cancellation less than 3 hours prior to the stated time of departure will be considered as no-show
• For travel involving multiple booking classes, the most restrictive fare rules apply to the entire itinerary
• Standard child/infant discount apply
• Please note that market-specific promotional fares may be available for selected dates and destinations, and may not be eligible for the discounts under this offer. All available options, together with the applicable terms & conditions for each fare will be displayed at time of booking for you to make your selection
• Qatar Airway’s terms and conditions will also apply to your booking, please review these at the time of booking
• Other terms and conditions apply. Please review at the time of booking

2.1% cashback at Watsons!

2.1% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Watsons affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Watsons whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Watsons varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Cashback will be calculated based on the final checkout price, excluding taxes, delivery fees, any additional fees, service charges.

10% cashback at Puma!

10% cashback

• Valid till 30 Dec 2023
• Only purchases made through the Puma affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Puma whenever you are making a new transaction.

5% cashback at AirAsia Grocer!

• Only purchases made through the AirAsia affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to AirAsia whenever you are making a new transaction.

8% cashback at On The List!

8% cashback

• Only purchases made through the On The List affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to On The List whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Purchases made via the On The List mobile site or app are not eligible for cashback.

Up to $12 off at FairPrice Online!

$10 off min $135 spend

• Valid till 22 December 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'MCXMAS21' during checkout
• Enjoy $10 off min $135 spend
• First 2,500 redemptions only

$12 off min $150 spend

• Enjoy $12 off min $150 spend
• Redemption of promo code is applicable only for purchases made on FairPrice online at www.fairprice.com.sg and FairPrice Mobile App upon login, and for home delivery only.  
• Only one promo code can be used for each transaction. FairPrice reserves the right to reject any order that has violated this.
• Promo code is to be used for one-time redemption only.
• Promo code cannot be used for the purchase of certain restricted products, for example, certain infant milk formulas. Please visit FairPrice online for more details.
• Qualifying spend refers to a nett spend of at least S$135.00 (excluding delivery fee, service fee, and any other surcharge) in a single transaction at NTUC FairPrice online during the promotional period.
• Using a promo code in conjunction with other free gift promotions, may alter the minimum amount for delivery.
• Additional charges, service fees and minimum nett purchase amount for free home delivery may be required and may differ for promotional periods and will be in accordance to that stated on FairPrice online.
• It is advisable to have at least S$5 nett purchase amount in cart after application of promo code in order to be able to checkout.
• Promo codes are not exchangeable or refundable for cash or other goods and services.
• FairPrice reserves the rights to vary/amend the privileges or terms and conditions of this promotion without prior notice. 
• Other terms and conditions on FairPrice online (https://help.fairprice.com.sg/hc/en us/categories/360001184571-FairPrice-Online) apply.
• Mastercard does not assume any responsibility for the products and services offered under this promotion. The products are sold and services are provided solely by the relevant vendors, under such terms and conditions as determined by such vendors, and Mastercard accepts no liability whatsoever in connection with such products and services. The products and services have not been certified by Mastercard and under no circumstances shall the inclusion of any product or service in this promotion be construed as an endorsement or recommendation of such product or service by Mastercard

2% cashback at Razer!

2% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Razer affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Razer whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Razer varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.

20% off at Zoey!

20% off supplements

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'ZOEYYT' during checkout
• Enjoy 20% off supplements upon checkout

20% off at noah!

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'NOAHYT' during checkout

$19 cashback at Starhub!

$19 cashback (For new broadband signups)

• Only purchases made through the Starhub affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Starhub whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Only new broadband sign-ups are eligible for cashback

$10 off at Beauty Emporium!

$10 off (No min spend)

• Valid till 30 November 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUBF10' during checkout
• Enjoy $10 off upon checkout
• Limited to one time use per transaction.
• Discount will be given to total bill spend. Discounted products and services are eligible for this redemption.
• Discount cannot be used in Strip Merchandise and Clean Beauty Brands.
• Shipping fees apply if the minimum spend for free shipping is not met.
• Cannot be used in-conjunction with any other voucher, codes or redemption of Beauty Rewards points.
• Promotion ends on 30 Nov 2021 2359 hrs.

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