Best Day Trips from Hanoi, Vietnam – Things To Do Near Hanoi

Hanoi is a fantastic city that keeps you busy from morning till midnight. One minute you’re sipping Vietnamese coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, the next you’re dodging scooters in the Old Quarter while hunting for the perfect bowl of pho. But here’s the best part: Hanoi isn’t only a destination — it’s also the ideal base for experiencing Vietnam with lovely day trips from Hanoi.

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Plan Day Trips from Hanoi  

Within a couple of hours, you can escape city noise for a peaceful and serene experience at limestone mountains, quiet rice fields, temple caves, craft villages, and cool green hills. These day trips from Hanoi are the easiest way to experience more of northern Vietnam without packing and unpacking your suitcase every night.

This guide covers the most loved Hanoi day trips with complete details: why you should visit, distance from Hanoi, how to reach, what to do (and why it’s worth it), best tours and attractions, plus useful tips.

Why Take Day Trips from Hanoi?

Hanoi itself is fascinating, but after a few days, many travelers crave something different—more open space, quieter streets, and scenery that feels like a reset button.

The biggest reasons people love taking day tours from Hanoi are:

• You get variety without long travel.

Northern Vietnam has vibrant landscapes and cultural sites close together. You don’t need overnight travel to see something completely new.

• It’s budget-friendly.

Even private transport is affordable compared to many countries, and shared tours make it even cheaper.

• It’s easy to plan.

Most destinations have simple routes by bus, train, or tour vans. You can decide the night before and still make it happen.

• You can return to Hanoi for the evening vibe.

Hanoi at night is magical—street food, markets, beer corners, and lakeside walks. While doing these day tours, you will explore the outdoors while still enjoying Hanoi’s nightlife.

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Best Time to Do – Hanoi Day Trips

Northern Vietnam has distinct seasons, which affect your day-trip experience.

Spring (Feb–Apr): Comfortable temperatures, green scenery, good visibility. Great for almost every day trip.

Summer (May–Aug): Hot and humid. Great for mountains and waterfalls, but expect rain showers.

Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool, clear, and pleasant. One of the best times for photography and boat trips.

Winter (Dec–Jan): Cooler, sometimes foggy. Great for cultural trips and hill stations, but the water scenery may look misty.

If you’re planning boat rides (like Ninh Binh or Ha Long), always check weather conditions, especially during stormy months.

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Places to Visit near Hanoi – Things to do near Hanoi

Ninh Binh (Tam Coc / Trang An / Hoa Lu): The Most Beautiful Nature Day Trip

If you ask travelers for the best day trip from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is often the top answer. It’s close, scenic, and packed with activities that feel truly “Vietnam.”

Ninh Binh is famous for limestone mountains rising suddenly out of flat green fields. Rivers twist through caves, temples sit quietly at the base of cliffs, and the countryside feels calm and cinematic. It’s often called “Halong Bay on land,” but honestly, it deserves its own identity.

Distance from Hanoi – Approx. 90–110 km, usually 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic and the exact spot you visit.

How to reach Ninh Binh: You have multiple options, making it one of the easiest Hanoi day trips.

• Guided Tour: Pick-up from Old Quarter hotels, includes stops and schedule.
• By private car: Best for comfort and flexibility.
• By train: Hanoi to Ninh Binh Station, then taxi to Tam Coc/Trang An.
• By bus: Frequent buses from Hanoi to Ninh Binh city.

Best things to do in Ninh Binh

Tam Coc boat ride – This boat ride is one of the most peaceful experiences you can have near Hanoi. You sit in a small boat while a local rower guides you along the river, passing rice fields and towering limestone walls. You glide through caves that feel like natural tunnels carved into the mountain. It’s slow, quiet, and beautiful—perfect if you want scenery without a physically intense hike.

Trang An boat ride – Trang An feels more dramatic and “adventure-like” than Tam Coc. You pass through multiple caves, and the route often includes small temples and hidden corners of the landscape. It’s a more varied experience, with more caves and different scenery along the way.

Mua Cave viewpoint (Hang Mua) – This famous viewpoint features a long stair climb. The climb can be sweaty, but the view is the reward: a sweeping panorama of rivers and rice fields surrounded by limestone peaks. It’s one of the most iconic views in northern Vietnam. If you want that “wow” photo, this is the place.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Hoa Lu is the historic heart of early Vietnam, with temples dedicated to ancient kings. It’s not huge, but it adds a cultural layer to your day trip. It makes the trip feel more meaningful than “just scenery.”

Bich Dong Pagoda – A quiet pagoda complex built into the mountainside, with steps and viewpoints. It’s peaceful and less crowded than the main tourist spots.

Best tours and attractions in Ninh Binh

Most day tours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh include:

• Hoa Lu or a countryside stop
• Tam Coc or Trang An boat ride
• Lunch
• Mua Cave viewpoint

Valuable tips for Ninh Binh

• Go early to avoid crowds and heat.
• Wear shoes with grip for the Mua Cave stairs.
• Carry small cash for drinks, snacks, and tips.
• If you want the calmest boat ride, go on a weekday.

Ha Long Bay: The Classic Vietnam Day Tour

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous landscapes, and it’s still worth seeing even if you’ve seen a thousand photos. Because it feels unreal. Towers of Limestone islands are scattered throughout the sea, and they uniquely rise sharply from the water like giant stone sculptures. Cruising through them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers.

Distance from Hanoi – Approx. 160–170 km, typically 2.5-4 hours one-way, depending on traffic and route.

How to reach Ha Long Bay

• Guided Group tour bus/van: Most popular for first-timers.
• Private car: Best for comfort and time-saving.

Best things to do in Ha Long Bay

Scenic cruise through the bay – A day cruise is the main attraction. You’ll sail between islands and stop at key points. This is the core Ha Long experience—no cruise, no Ha Long.

Kayaking or a bamboo boat ride: This takes you closer to the cliffs and into quieter waters. It feels more personal than just watching from the deck.

Visit a cave – Some cruises include large caves with dramatic rock formations. It adds variety and a sense of exploration.

Swimming (seasonal) – In warmer months, you may get time to swim. Floating under those cliffs is unforgettable.

Best tours and attractions

For Ha Long, choose your tour carefully. Look for:

• clear itinerary
• good safety practices
• modern boats
• strong reviews on the online booking site.
• Pick-up facility

Useful tips for Ha Long Bay

• Start very early—this trip is long.
• Bring motion sickness tablets if needed.
• Avoid cheap “too good to be true” tours.
• If the weather is rough, it’s better to reschedule than force it.

Perfume Pagoda: A Spiritual and Scenic Escape

Perfume Pagoda is not just one temple. It’s a complex of shrines and sacred sites spread across mountains and caves.

It’s one of the most culturally unique places to visit near Hanoi, combining nature with spiritual tradition. The journey itself—boat ride, walking paths, mountain views—feels like part of the experience.

Distance from Hanoi – Around 60–80 km, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the area.

How to reach Perfume Pagoda

• Tour from Hanoi: easiest, especially for first-time visitors.
• Private taxi/car: flexible and comfortable.
• Local bus: possible but slower and more confusing for tourists.

Best things to do at Perfume Pagoda

Boat ride along the river – You travel by small boat through quiet countryside waterways. It feels calm and traditional—like stepping away from modern Vietnam.

Cable car or hike – You can hike up or use the cable car to reach the cave temple. The view and the atmosphere build slowly as you climb.

Explore the main cave temple – Inside the cave, you’ll see altars, incense, and pilgrims. It’s one of the most memorable spiritual experiences near Hanoi.

Valuable tips for Perfume Pagoda

• Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees).
• Expect crowds during festival season.
• Bring cash for boat services, snacks, and donations.

Bat Trang Pottery Village: A Quick Cultural Half-Day Trip

If you want something close, easy, and hands-on, Bat Trang is perfect. Because it’s a living craft village where pottery is not a performance—it’s daily life. You can watch artisans at work and even create your own piece.

Distance from Hanoi – Approx. 14–20 km, usually 30–45 minutes.

How to reach Bat Trang

• Taxi/Grab (easy)
• Motorbike (fun and flexible)
• Local bus (cheap)
• Some river tours include Bat Trang

Things to do in Bat Trang

Try a pottery-making workshop: You shape clay, paint it, and learn the basics. It’s an interactive way to explore Vietnam and interact with locals, and it gives you a personal souvenir.

Shop at the pottery market: You’ll find mugs, bowls, vases, incense holders, and more.

Walk the village lanes: Even the streets feel artistic—shops, kilns, and pottery displays everywhere.

Valuable tips for Bat Trang

• Ask the shop to pack fragile items securely.
• Compare prices across a few stalls before buying.
• Visit in the morning for fewer crowds.

Duong Lam Ancient Village: Old Houses, Quiet Streets, Local Life

Duong Lam is one of the best things to do near Hanoi if you want history without the heavy crowds. It’s one of the rare places where you can still see traditional village homes made with laterite stone and old-style architecture. It feels slower and more authentic than many touristy “heritage villages.”

Distance from Hanoi – Approx. 45–55 km, around 1–1.5 hours.

How to reach Duong Lam

• Private car/taxi
• Motorbike
• Guided cultural tours

Things to do

Walk through old village lanes: You’ll see ancient gates, courtyards, and homes. It’s like walking through Vietnam’s rural past.

Visit communal houses and temples – These buildings are the village’s social and spiritual centers. On this tour, you will learn how Vietnamese village communities function beyond tourism.

Try local snacks and village meals – Some families offer meals, or small cafés serve local dishes. Food tastes different when it’s home-style and slow-cooked.

Valuable tips for Duong Lam

• Be respectful: people live here, it’s not a museum.
• Ask before photographing inside homes.
• Combine with Ba Vi for a full day.

Ba Vi National Park: Green Mountains and Fresh Air

Ba Vi is one of the most refreshing Hanoi day trips when the city feels hot or crowded. It’s nature therapy. Tall trees, cooler air, quiet roads, and viewpoints that remind you how vast the countryside is.

Distance from Hanoi – Approx. 60 km, around 1–1.5 hours.

How to reach Ba Vi

• Private car
• Motorbike
• Day tours (often combined with Duong Lam)

Best things to do

Hike short forest trails – There are trails for different fitness levels.

Visit temples and viewpoints – Some temples sit on higher ground with panoramic views.

Useful tips for Ba Vi

• Bring insect repellent.
• Wear proper shoes if you plan to hike.
• Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

Van Long Nature Reserve: Quiet Wetlands and Wildlife

Van Long is for travelers who want a calm, natural setting without tourist crowds. It’s peaceful, slow, and full of reflective water scenery. It’s one of the most underrated places to visit near Hanoi.

Distance from Hanoi – Approx. 80–90 km, about 1.5–2 hours.

How to reach Van Long

• Private car/tour
• Train to Ninh Binh + taxi

Things to do

Boat ride through wetlands – You will take a boat ride through shallow water, reeds, and open areas. It’s calm, natural, and ideal for bird lovers.

It feels like discovering a secret, natural, serene place.

Useful tips for Van Long

• Go early in the morning for the best light and quieter waters.
• Carry binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.

Tam Dao: A Cool Hill Station Escape

Tam Dao feels like a different world compared to Hanoi’s warm streets. Because the temperature drops, the air feels fresher, and the mountain scenery is relaxing. It’s popular with locals for weekend escapes and works well as a day trip too.

Distance from Hanoi – Approx. 70–90 km, around 1.5–2 hours.

How to reach Tam Dao

• Private car
• Motorbike (winding mountain roads)
• Tours (less common than Ninh Binh/Ha Long but available)

Things to do

Explore the town center for Small cafés, viewpoints, and local markets. It’s a cozy break from busy city energy.

Visit waterfalls and short trails: There are small nature spots nearby—a light adventure without intense trekking.

Useful tips for Tam Dao

• Carry a jacket or a light sweater.
• Roads can be foggy—avoid late-night driving.

How to Pick the Best Day Trip from Hanoi (Based on Your Travel Style)

If you’re still confused, match your mood to the right trip:

For iconic Vietnam scenery: Ha Long Bay

For rice fields + limestone mountains: Ninh Binh

For temples + culture + boat ride: Perfume Pagoda

For craft + shopping + quick trip: Bat Trang

For traditional village life: Duong Lam

For hiking + greenery: Ba Vi

For peaceful wetlands: Van Long

For cooler weather: Tam Dao

These are the most rewarding things to do near Hanoi if you want variety without long travel.

Valuable Tips for Hanoi Day Trips (Make Your Day Smoother)

• Start early – Even short distances feel long if you leave after peak traffic.
• Carry small cash – Rural areas often don’t accept cards.
• Dress smart – Breathable clothes for outdoor trips, modest outfits for temples.
• Don’t overpack your day – One destination done well is better than two rushed stops.
• Choose tours wisely—For boat-based trips, avoid suspiciously cheap operators—comfort and safety matter.
• Pack essentials: water, sunscreen, a power bank, and a rain layer.

Mini Packing List for Day Tours from Hanoi

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen + sunglasses
• Hat
• Light rain jacket
• Comfortable shoes
• Cash (small notes)
• Power bank
• Snacks (optional)
• Camera/phone

Planning Vietnam Trip – then Watch This

Hanoi has endless charm, but the real magic is how quickly you can step outside the city and feel like you’ve entered a different Vietnam. Whether you want limestone mountains, quiet villages, spiritual caves, or hands-on craft experiences, these day trips from Hanoi give you a richer, more complete travel story.

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