Day Trips From Hanoi

Known For : Day Cruise in Halong Bay Dong Thien Cung (Cave) Cat Ba Island

Halong Bay is renowned for its breathtaking seascape, featuring thousands of limestone karsts and islands scattered across emerald waters. A cruise through the bay allows visitors to explore hidden caves, visit floating fishing villages, and enjoy activities like kayaking and swimming. The stunning sunsets over the bay provide a magical backdrop, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. With numerous tour options available, Halong Bay is easily accessible and ideal for a day trip.

Distance: 165 km (approx. 4 hours by car)
How to Reach: Take a guided tour that includes transportation, or book a bus or private car from Hanoi to Halong City, followed by a boat tour.

Best Time: April to September

51 Halong Bay Attractions

Known For : Tam Coc Trang An Grottoes Cuc Phuong National Park

Ninh Binh, often dubbed "Halong Bay on land," offers a unique landscape of rice paddies and limestone mountains, making it a picturesque destination. Visitors can take a scenic boat ride through the tranquil waterways of Tam Coc or Trang An, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and caves. Exploring ancient temples such as the Hoa Lu ruins adds a cultural touch to the trip, while biking through the countryside allows for a more immersive experience. Ninh Binh's proximity to Hanoi and its diverse attractions make it a top choice for a day trip.

Distance: 100 km (approx. 2 hours by car)
How to Reach: Take a bus, train, or private car from Hanoi to Ninh Binh; many tours are also available.

Best Time: Throughout the year

14 Ninh Binh Attractions

Tam Coc is known for its mesmerizing landscapes, characterized by karst mountains and winding rivers. A peaceful boat ride along the Ngo Dong River reveals stunning views of rice paddies and hidden caves, perfect for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the ancient temples in the area or rent bicycles to ride through the scenic countryside. With its natural beauty and tranquility, Tam Coc is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and adventure.

Distance: 110 km (approx. 2-2.5 hours by car)
How to Reach: Similar to Ninh Binh, take a bus, train, or private car, often included in tours.

Ba Vi National Park is a stunning retreat for nature lovers, featuring diverse flora and fauna, as well as picturesque mountain views. Visitors can hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramas or explore various walking trails that meander through the park's lush landscapes. The park is also home to historical sites, including French colonial buildings and temples, adding cultural depth to the visit. Its proximity to Hanoi makes Ba Vi an accessible getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.

Distance: 60 km (approx. 1.5 hours by car)
How to Reach: Hire a private car or take a bus to Ba Vi; tours are also available.

Known For : Fansipan Cable Car Fansipan Mountain Sunworld Fansipan Legend

Sapa is famous for its stunning terraced rice fields and rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination. A day trip offers opportunities for trekking through lush landscapes and visiting local villages, where travelers can interact with the indigenous tribes. The fresh mountain air and stunning views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range create a refreshing escape from the city. Though a bit further away, Sapa's breathtaking scenery and unique experiences make the journey worthwhile.

Distance: 320 km (approx. 5-6 hours by car)
How to Reach: Travel by overnight train or bus to Sapa, or book a day tour that includes transportation.

Best Time: March to May

28 Sapa Attractions

Duong Lam Ancient Village, located about 50 km from Hanoi, is a well-preserved traditional Vietnamese village that offers a glimpse into the country’s rural life and architectural heritage. Known for its laterite brick houses and ancient temples, the village allows visitors to explore narrow alleys, local markets, and traditional homes. The experience is enriched by the opportunity to taste local specialties such as “banh gao” and “che lam.” Duong Lam is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture and history.

Distance: 50 km (approx. 1.5 hours by car)
How to Reach: Travel by bus, taxi, or motorbike from Hanoi. Private tours also provide transportation to the village.

As Vietnam’s ancient capital, Hoa Lu offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s history with its well-preserved temples and pagodas. Visitors can explore the ruins of the Dinh and Le Dynasties, gaining insight into the rich heritage of the region. The stunning backdrop of limestone mountains and lush greenery adds to the allure of the area. Combining a visit to Hoa Lu with a trip to Tam Coc makes for a culturally enriching and visually stunning day.

Distance: 100 km (approx. 2 hours by car)
How to Reach: Bus or train to Ninh Binh, then take a taxi or bike to Hoa Lu; often combined with Tam Coc tours.

The Perfume Pagoda is a significant cultural and spiritual site in Vietnam, set against the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery. A boat ride along the scenic river leads to the base of the mountain, where visitors can hike to the pagoda, experiencing the beauty of nature along the way. The area is filled with temples and shrines, offering a glimpse into Vietnamese Buddhist practices. This combination of natural beauty and spiritual significance makes it a unique day trip from Hanoi.

Distance: 70 km (approx. 2 hours by car)
How to Reach: Take a bus or private car to Huong Son, then a boat ride to the pagoda followed by a hike.

Located about 30 kilometres southwest of Hanoi, Thay temple is a Buddhist temple with several mythological stories behind it. It was built in the 11th century during the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong. Also known by the name Thien Phuc, this pagoda was built in the honour of a monk named Tu Dao Hanh. Thay temple’s famous festival is a major tourist attraction as the visitors enjoy watching water-puppet shows, hiking and exploring caves in the area.

Distance: 30 km (approx. 1 hour by car)
How to Reach: Take a bus, hire a taxi, or join a guided tour from Hanoi. The most convenient option is to book a private car.

Bat Trang Pottery Village, located approximately 13 km from Hanoi, is famous for its traditional pottery-making techniques that date back centuries. Visitors can witness skilled artisans at work, creating beautiful ceramics and pottery pieces. The village offers hands-on experiences where visitors can try their hand at pottery-making, as well as a chance to shop for unique handcrafted souvenirs. The vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage make Bat Trang a delightful day trip destination for both art lovers and culture enthusiasts.

Distance: 13 km (approx. 30 minutes by car)
How to Reach: Take a bus, taxi, or motorbike from Hanoi. Many tours also offer transportation to the village.

Known For : Thung Khe Pass Mo Luong Cave Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Mai Chau is a picturesque valley known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural diversity, making it an ideal spot for a day trip. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture by staying in traditional stilt houses, exploring local markets, and enjoying traditional Muong cuisine. The area is perfect for outdoor activities such as cycling, trekking, and visiting nearby ethnic villages. With its breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality, Mai Chau provides a serene escape from the city.

Distance: 135 km (approx. 3 hours by car)
How to Reach: Travel by bus or private car; tours that include transportation are also available.

Best Time: February to April

4 Mai Chau Attractions

Known For : Cat Ba Island Do Son Beach Tam Bac Lake

Hai Phong is Vietnam’s major port city, known for its colonial architecture and beautiful coastal scenery. A visit to the city allows for exploration of historical landmarks such as the Du Hang Pagoda and the stunning Bao Dai Villa. The nearby Do Son Beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, offering swimming and fresh seafood. Hai Phong's blend of culture and coastal charm makes it an appealing day trip destination from Hanoi.

Distance: 120 km (approx. 2-3 hours by car)
How to Reach: Travel by bus or train to Hai Phong; tours are also available.

Best Time: February to April

19 Haiphong Attractions