Best Day Trips from Hanoi: Explore Northern Vietnam’s Hidden Gems
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Best Day Trips from Hanoi: Explore Northern Vietnam’s Hidden Gems
If you're staying in Hanoi and wondering how to make the most of your time, day trips from Hanoi are the perfect way to explore the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Northern Vietnam. From the mystical limestone karsts of Ninh Binh to the breathtaking cruise through Halong Bay, each destination is just a few hours from the capital—making them ideal for short adventures.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the top day trips from Hanoi, how to get there, what to do, and insider tips to enhance your experience. Whether you're into nature, history, or local life, there's a trip here for you.
1. Ninh Binh: "Ha Long Bay on Land"
Just 2 hours south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh offers an incredible blend of scenic landscapes and ancient culture. Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” this UNESCO-listed site boasts limestone mountains, lush rice paddies, and peaceful waterways.
Top Attractions in Ninh Binh:
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Trang An Landscape Complex – A boat ride through mystical caves and valleys.
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Bai Dinh Pagoda – One of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia.
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Tam Coc – Known for its serene boat trips through golden rice fields.
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Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Vietnam's first imperial capital.
"Ninh Binh is the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stepped into a Vietnamese fairytale."
How to Get There:
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Travel Time: ~2 hours by car or train
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Recommended Tour: Full-day guided tours from Hanoi are widely available
📍Internal Tip: Make sure to check out our article on the nearby Hanoi Flag Tower to explore Vietnam's capital before or after your Ninh Binh adventure.
2. Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Wonder
Located about 165 km from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is a must-see natural wonder. Its emerald waters are dotted with over 1,600 limestone islands and islets, each steeped in legend and mystery.
What to Do in Ha Long Bay:
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Day Cruise – Sail through the bay, visit caves, and swim or kayak.
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Titop Island – Hike to the top for panoramic views.
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Surprise Cave (Sung Sot) – One of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam.
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Seafood Lunch on Board – Fresh, local, and delicious!
How to Get There:
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Travel Time: ~2.5–3 hours by highway
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Transport: Book a luxury or mid-range cruise including hotel pickup
“A trip to Ha Long Bay is not just a sightseeing tour, it's an experience of awe and serenity.”
🧭 Check out this guide by Lonely Planet for more tips on exploring Halong Bay.
3. Perfume Pagoda (Chùa Hương)
A spiritual escape located about 60 km southwest of Hanoi, the Perfume Pagoda is a series of Buddhist temples nestled into the limestone mountains. The journey includes a scenic boat ride along the Yen River, followed by a cable car or hike up the mountain.
Highlights:
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Huong Tich Cave Pagoda – Known as the “most beautiful cave in Vietnam.”
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Boat ride through rice paddies – Best in spring (February–April)
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Cable car ride – A unique way to see the stunning landscape from above
“The Perfume Pagoda is more than a pilgrimage site; it’s a peaceful haven away from the city.”
4. Bat Trang Ceramic Village
For art lovers and those interested in traditional crafts, Bat Trang Village is a short 30-minute ride from Hanoi. This centuries-old pottery village is a fantastic place to discover Vietnamese ceramics, learn the art of pottery, and shop for beautiful handmade souvenirs.
What to Do:
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Try Pottery-Making – Get your hands dirty and make your own piece
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Visit the Bat Trang Pottery Museum – A modern take on a traditional craft
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Shopping – Great place for local, handmade gifts
How to Get There:
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Take a taxi or ride a bicycle along the Red River’s path
📸 Combine this with a quick tour of the Long Bien Bridge or the Red River Delta for a full-day rural escape.
5. Duong Lam Ancient Village
Step back in time at Duong Lam Village, a peaceful settlement with over 300 traditional laterite brick houses, banyan trees, and village gates. Located just 44 km west of Hanoi, it’s ideal for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path cultural experience.
Why Visit Duong Lam?
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Explore ancient houses – Some over 400 years old
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Taste local dishes – Try che lam, keo doi, or canh cua
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Learn from locals – Participate in a cooking class or farming session
“If Hanoi is Vietnam’s present, Duong Lam is a beautiful echo of its past.”
Other Worthy Mentions
If you have more time or want something more unique, consider these spots:
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Ba Vi National Park – Nature, temples, and French ruins (~1.5 hrs from Hanoi)
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Mai Chau – Ethnic villages and rice fields (ideal for overnight but doable as a long day trip)
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Tam Dao Hill Station – Cool air, mountain scenery, and a European feel
Tips for Planning the Perfect Hanoi Day Trip
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your escape from the capital:
✅ Do:
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Book in advance, especially for Ha Long Bay
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Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes
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Try local food wherever you go—each area has its own flavors
❌ Don’t:
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Underestimate travel times (traffic can get heavy)
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Forget cash—many places outside Hanoi don’t accept cards
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Skip the early morning trips—beat the crowds and the heat!
Final Thoughts
Hanoi is a fascinating city, but stepping outside its boundaries opens up a whole new world of experiences. From serene boat rides in Ninh Binh to cruising among legends in Ha Long Bay, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the soul of Vietnam. Best of all, you can enjoy them all in a single day.
"One day. A few hours. That’s all it takes to see why Vietnam’s north is unlike anywhere else."
Ready to plan your adventure? Don't forget to explore our full travel guide at VietnamTravelers.com.
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Tags:
#HanoiDayTrips | #VietnamTravel | #NinhBinh | #HaLongBay | #HiddenVietnam
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