Day Trips From Hanoi

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

Halong Bay is a popular bay which is located in the north of Vietnam. The name of this place i.e. Halong means "the place of descending dragons'. This place was not very much known before the 19th century. However in the recent years the popularity of this place has risen to a much greater value.It is a beautiful bay which one can visit in order to enjoy the scenic beauty present all around.

Best Time: April to September

51 Halong Bay Attractions

The magnificent beauty of Vietnam manifests itself in Tam Coc in the form of sublime greenery, endearing waterways and enchanting limestone cliffs. A photographer's paradise, Tam Coc is a quaint destination in the lap of nature. 
Located near the city of Hanoi, Tam Coc is a landscape that comprises of lush paddy fields, limestone caves and karstic rock formation that dissolve and re-emerge from the calm waters of the Ngo Dong River. Literally translating to "three caves", this destination is a sublime natural beauty that is the perfect blend of mountains, caves and a quaint river that flows right through the heart of it all.

Nestled in the centre of three mountains summits, the Ba Vi National Park is a stunning natural beauty with fresh mountain air, rivers, streams and jungles. The park offers many hiking opportunities, especially one up the Tan Vien peak where tourists and pilgrims go to visit the Mountain God shrine. There is also a bird and an orchid garden for visitors to see.

Duong Lam Ancient Village takes you on a unique journey through ancient culture and traditions of Vietnam. Tourists can admire the mossy houses with brilliant architecture dating back 400 years, and even engage in some conversation with the locals. The village is like a living museum situated in a mountainous area where tourists can get an authentic experience of Vietnamese culture.

A destination rich in natural beauty and historic significance, Hoa Lu is another gem hidden away in the landscape of Ninh Binh's Tam Coc. It is what remains of Vietnam's old capital of Hoa Lu, and has a few buildings and temples within its bounds.

The Perfume Pagoda or Chua Huong is located in the centre of a sacred site in the mountain foothills among many revered Buddhist shrines. Pilgrims and tourists from all over come to seek good luck from the stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave. The view en-route and around the temple is gorgeous with streams, fruit trees and other plants.

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

The perfect location to cut yourself off from the world, Mai Chau is a quaint sleepy town that is not very well known and subsequently does not have as many tourists. If you want to drop off from the earth and land in a richly cultural land, in the midst of nature, then Mai Chau is the place for you.

Best Time: February to April

4 Mai Chau Attractions

Bat Trang Pottery Village, popularly known as the 'Ceramic Village' is home to many local artisan families who excel at traditional as well as modern designs. Located in the Gia Lam District left of the Red River, there are many stores and workshops where you can not only purchase alluring ceramic products like vases, plates and bowls, but also watch them being made and learn.

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.