18 Best Day Trips from Hanoi: Local Guide to Help You Choose

Hanoi offers visitors a deep and enriching introduction to the culture and history of Vietnam. Beyond the famous sites like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi is also a gateway to amazing destinations in northern Vietnam.

On day trips from Vietnam’s capital, nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, families, and hikers can find unforgettable experiences and off-the-beaten-track destinations perfect for a wide range of interests.

Along with must-see spots like Halong Bay and Sapa, there are fascinating rural villages, pagodas, and nature parks. Discover the best day trips from Hanoi in the guide.

1. A Detailed Map of Top Day-trip Destinations from Hanoi

View the detailed map of top day-trip destinations from Hanoi including must-see spots, for culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, etc.

Must-See spots in Vietnam: Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa
Destinations for culture enthusiasts: Perfume Pagoda, Thay Pagoda, Ho Citadel
FoI nature, adventure & hikers: Mai Chau Valley, Moc Chau, Ba Vi National Park, Pu Luong Park, Ha Giang, Ta Xua
Family-friendly destinations: Bat Trang Pottery Village, Cuo Phung National Park
Less touristy destinations: Mu Cang Cai, Tam Chuc

The map of top day-trip destination from hanoi.

2. (Must Do) Halong Bay 2 Days Trip from Hanoi – Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, Surprising Cave

Halong is the most iconic destination in northern Vietnam. 170 km east of Hanoi in Quang Ninh Province, it can be reached by car or bus in around 2.5-3 hours. Known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a stunning landscape of caves, grottoes, and floating villages.

A two-day trip from Hanoi is ideal to explore the bay's hidden gems. Halong Bay Cruises offer 3-5 star onboard accommodations with meals and activities to enjoy while touring the scenery.

Halong Bay Cruises.

You can visit famous islands like Cat Bat Island to go hiking or relax on the pristine beaches. Bo Hon Island is home to the impressive Surprising Cave, which is famous for its massive stalactites and stalagmites.

Cruises offer exciting activities like swimming, kayaking, and the chance to visit floating villages. Visit Lan Ha Bay for a quieter experience.

3. (Must Do) Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi – Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Trang An, Hoa Lu

Ninh Binh is a place of striking landscape of limestone mountains, lush rice paddies, and tranquil rivers around 2 hours from Hanoi by car or bus. It’s known as Halong Bay on land and holds its own as a place for experiencing natural beauty and ancient history.

Tam Coc is one of the top spots where the dramatic limestone peaks and caves are on full display. Cruise along the Ngo Dong River to explore places like Mua Cave for its panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Tam Coc boat tour.

Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can take boat tours through caves and past scenic landscapes. Nearby, Hoa Lu is the ancient capital of Vietnam and home to temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties.

4. (Must Do) Sapa 2 Days Trip from Hanoi – Mt. Fansipan, Cat Cat Village, Muong Hoa Valley

Sapa, in Lao Cai province, is a serene escape known for its stunning terraced rice fields, colorful hill-tribe villages, and towering peaks. It takes around 8 hours to reach by bus or train and is perfect for a 2-3 day Sapa trekking tour from Hanoi.

Mount Fansipan is one of the must-see places in Sapa. Called the ‘Roof of Indochina’, it’s the highest peak in the region. Visitors can hike or take a cable car to the summit for spectacular views of the landscapes.

Trekking through Rice Terraces in Sapa tour.

Hiking can also take you to ethnic villages like Cat Cat Village. In the traditional Hmong village, you can see the making of handicrafts, including handmade embroidery and clothing made from hemp and flax.

Around 8 km from the town center, the Muong Hua Valley is a must-visit destination in Sapa. It has some of the most scenic and mesmerizing rice terraces that change from lush green in spring to golden yellow in autumn. There are trekking tours and ethnic villages of the Hmong, Dao, and Giay people.

5. (Optional for Cultural Enthusiasts) Day Trips from Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda, Thay Pagoda, Ho Citadel

Perfume Pagoda
A two-drive from downtown Hanoi in My Duc district, the Perfume Pagoda is a convenient day trip with many interesting activities. Take the cable car ride to the top of the mountain and gaze over the limestone and forest landscape.

Explore the ancient temples and hike to Huong Tich Cave to see the serene Buddhist shrines. Visit during autumn for the best weather or between the first and third lunar months to take part in pilgrimage season.

Vietnam Perfume Temple Pagoda.

Thay Pagoda
Thay Pagoda in the outskirts of Hanoi in Quoc Oai district is a cultural and spiritual relic of Hanoi. It’s only a 20-30 drive from the center of the city. It features the classic 17th-century architecture of the main buildings and sites like Tam Xa Shrine, Thuy Khue Communal House, Cac Co Cave, and Lu Gia Bamboo Garden.

During the New Year season, you can see reenactments of cultural traditions like Do and Ham Rong singing, and water puppetry.

Thay Pagoda During the New Year.

Ho Citadel
The 600-year-old Ho Citadel is an architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s located in Thanh Hoa, approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi.

The unique structures are built from stone slabs, including the La Thanh Outer Wall spanning 4 km around the site, the Inner Citadel that once housed the royal family, and the Nam Giao Altar, which symbolizes the cultural values of the Ho Dynasty. Inside is a treasure trove of mint-condition artifacts and historic relics that will enlighten visitors on the history of the era.

Vietnam Ho Citadel.

6. (Optional for Natural Lovers) Day Trips from Hanoi to Mai Chau Valley, Moc Chau

Mai Chau Valley
Beautiful natural surroundings are only 3-4 hours away from Hanoi in the Mai Chau Valley. Located in Hoa Binh Province to the southwest, it’s known for its stunning natural scenery, including lush rice paddies, rolling hills, and traditional stilt houses of the White Thai ethnic group.

It’s a great place for hiking and cycling, and you can find enriching cultural experiences. Trekking in Mai Chau Valley is one of the best trekking routes in Vietnam. Visit the traditional White Thai ethnic villages to watch traditional dancer performances, visit local markets for handmade embroidery crafts, and don’t forget to sample the local delicacies.

Moc Chau
Moc Chau, 188 km to the west of Hanoi, is a little further away. The largest tea-growing area in the country takes 4-5 hours to reach by car or bus. Once there, you can see the green tea fields and learn about the production process before trying a cup of freshly brewed tea.

Hike through the nearby pine forests and flower gardens to enjoy the idyllic landscapes. The Dia Yem Waterfall is a unique formation shaped like a scarf hanging over a mountain. Adventure seekers can find opportunities for rock climbing and zip lining.

Vietnam Moc Chau green tea fields.

7. (Optional for Hikers) Days Trips from Hanoi to Ba Vi Park, Pu Luong Park

Ba Vi National Park
You can find great hiking around an hour away from downtown Hanoi at Ba Vi National Park. Still in Hanoi city in Ba Vi district, the park covers an area of over 9700 hectares, encompassing a diverse ecosystem of mountains and tropical rainforests.

There are three peaks that can be reached by hiking through the deep forest. Hidden in the trees are sites like the ancient French Church, Uncle Ho’s Temple, and Den Thuong, the Upper Temple.

In Thien Son Suoi Nga, you can visit waterfalls, hike the Nga Stream, and paddle swan boats on the pristine lake in Ha Son. After hiking, visit the Ao Vua Tourist Area to find restaurants and an entertainment area surrounded by picturesque scenery.

Vietnam Ba Vi National Park hiking tour.

Pu Luong Park
The Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa Province is around a four-hour drive from Hanoi. It’s an enchanting natural setting of endless mountains, fertile valleys, and pristine jungles.

Hikers can take on full-day and multi-day treks through the reserve to reach the peak of Mt. Pu Luong. It’s an immersive experience of the natural beauty of the area.

Vietnam Pu Luong Park hiking tour.

Pu Luong Park has opportunities for homestays in secluded ethnic villages where you can stay in mountainside huts and stilted homes in the rice terraces.

There are craft workshops where you can take part in weaving, embroidery, and basket making. For a refreshing break, take a swim in the Thác Hiêu Waterfall.

8. (Optional for Family Trip) Days Trips from Hanoi to Bat Trang Pottery Village, Cuo Phung Park

Bat Trang Pottery Village
Hands-on activities are one the best Vietnam travel experiences for families traveling together. Bat Trang Pottery Village in Gia Lam District, around 40 minutes from downtown Hanoi, is known for its centuries of tradition in pottery making.

Skilled artisans lead workshops for children and adults, showing you how to mold clay with your own hands into ceramic masterpieces. It’s a fun and educational experience that helps to build appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication required to create beautiful pottery.

Bat Trang also has an extensive pottery market selling everything from household items to ceramic pictures and ornaments. Explore the ancient village to appreciate the antique architecture, and visit the Pottery Museum to learn about the long history of Bat Trang.

Pottery making in Vietnam Bat Trang Pottery Village.

Cuo Phung Park
Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh is a natural paradise full of fun outdoor activities for families around 3 hours southwest of Hanoi. May Bac Peak, known as Silver Cloudy Peak, is the highest point in the park and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the forest and lowlands.

There are caves to explore, like Prehistoric Man Cave, Con Moong Cave, and Trang Khuyet Cave, where there are petrified fossils dating back over 200 million years.

Visit the Prehistoric Man Cave at Cuc Phuong National Park.

Families can enjoy cycling through the forests and kayaking on Mac Lake and Yen Quang Lake. Butterfly watching is a popular activity in late spring and early summer when swarms of more than 400 butterfly species flutter through the park.

Take a wildlife night tour to see the animals that emerge after dark, like black squirrels, flying squirrels, roe deer, and tiny carnivores, and stay overnight at one of the camping sites.

9. (Optional for Adventure) Days Trips from Hanoi to Ha Giang, Ta Xua, Tam Dao

Ha Giang
Ha Giang Province is one of Vietnam’s top adventure destinations. The five-hour drive south of Hanoi will take you to a stunning area of karst mountains, steep mountain passes, winding roads, and foggy villages. One of the popular activities is the Ha Giang motorbike loop.

Vietnam Ha Giang Province motorbike tour.

It’s a 3-5 day ride over high mountain passes and through ethnic villages. Passes like Quan Ba Heaven Gate and Tham Ma Pass have impressive views of the steep cliffs and green valleys.

You can stop at traditional markets like Dong Van Market and experience the culture of the ethnic minorities, and stay overnight at local homestays.

Ta Xua
Ta Xua is a mountainous region 5 hours northwest of Hanoi. It’s famous for adventurous trekking routes like the hike to Ta Xua Peak, where cloud hunters can see the sea of clouds below.

There are places for rock-climbing and camping and to visit waterfalls like Mu Waterfall and Ban Ang Waterfall. Nearby hot springs and mineral baths have rejuvenating waters that are perfect for relaxing after a long day outdoors.

Rock-climbing in Vietnam Ta Xua.

Tam Dao
Closer to Hanoi, Tam Dao National Park is another mountainous area only a 1.5-hour drive away. It’s the largest ecological park in northern Vietnam, with a rich biodiversity of rare flora and fauna.

Unique trekking routes lead to natural wonders like Silverfalls and Xa Huong Lake, and there are fascinating cultural attractions like Forest Mother Temple.

Tam Dao National Park of Vietnam.

10. (Optional for Flower-viewing) Days Trips from Hanoi to Long Bien Flower Park

Vietnamese people love flowers, and only 30 minutes from the center of Hanoi, you can surround yourself with the colorful blossoms in Long Bien Flower Park.

Long Bien District is famous for the iconic Long Bien Bridge. The area around the foot of the bridge has been transformed into a stunning ecological zone of flowers like chrysanthemums.

Visit Long Bien Flower Park at Vietnam.

Relax in the beautiful setting, enjoying the fresh air. It’s a popular spot for photography and a weekend gathering place for young people and families.

The green garden spaces have areas for camping and barbecues, and you can even rent costumes and photography equipment for perfect, unique photos.

11. (Optional for Less Touristy) Days Trips from Hanoi to Mu Cang Cai, Tam Chuc

Mu Cang Cai
Mu Cang Cai is a rural district of Yen Bai Province in northwest Vietnam, around 6 hours from Hanoi. It is a perfect getaway if you want to experience stunning natural beauty away from crowds of tourists.

The Tu Le Valley has picture-perfect rice terraces tracing the contours of the rolling hills and picturesque villages with traditional stilt houses.

Mu Cang Cai scenery of Vietnam.

You can conquer the impressive Khau Pha Pass, renowned for its twisting roads, sheer cliffs, and spectacular views over the surrounding rice terraces and valleys.

At the Mu Cang Chai fair market, local villagers gather to sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, traditional Vietnamese clothing, and local delicacies. There are also hot springs like Tu Le Hot Spring and Ban Hoc Hot Spring to relax in the healing waters in the picturesque surroundings.

Tam Chuc
Tam Chuc is a large Buddhist temple complex that boasts the largest bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Around an hour south of Hanoi, it overlooks the serene Luc Nhac Lake and is home to a rich array of architectural marvels.

Tam Chuc is a large Buddhist temple.

The Three Palaces in Tam Chuc Pagoda are masterpieces of Buddhist architecture where you can see the giant bronze Buddha statue at Phap Chu Palace.

Ngoc Pagoda is a unique building made of red granite slabs created by Indian artisans and brought to Vietnam. Guided tours will introduce the history and significance of the complex, and afterward, you can enjoy local dishes like Phu Ly grilled pork rice rolls and Vu Dai clay-pot braised fish.

Conclusion

Take advantage of Hanoi’s convenient location to venture out on day trips to explore the nature and culture of northern Vietnam. Hikers, families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers can find a wide range of destinations with stunning settings and exciting activities.

Whether it’s single-day tours or overnight trips, you can discover the diverse array of options for unforgettable experiences around Hanoi. From the tranquil beauty of Ninh Binh to the dramatic landscapes of Ha Giang, each destination offers something unique, and all are great additions to a Vietnam tour.