Discover 16 intriguing places to visit near Hanoi !
Are you looking for the best places to visit near Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, is the perfect starting point to explore the natural beauties and diverse culture of the country. Everyone when visiting there can find something to enjoy, from historical sites, stunning landscapes, to engaging cultural experiences.
There are plenty of locations to explore close to Hanoi, including the natural beauty of Halong Bay, the historical and cultural attractions of Ninh Binh, and the stunning and alluring scenery of Sapa, which are sure to delight any traveler. The top 16 best places to visit near Hanoi for day trips and overnight excursions are listed in the following article.
>>> Wondering how many days in Hanoi ? Read my guide on How many days to visit Hanoi for?
Quang Phu Cau incense village – An appealing place to visit near Hanoi
- Address: Quang Phu Cau Commune, Ung Hoa District
Located about 35 kilometers from Hanoi, Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is currently a popular tourist site for both domestic and foreign visitors due to the peaceful setting and vivid colors of incense sticks placed in various attractive shapes. The village has a long history of making incense sticks, so visitors will have the opportunity to take stunning pictures and learn more about the craft that has been there for over a century.
Bat Trang Pottery Village
- Location: Hamlet 3, Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Entrance Fee Ticket: free
- Opening hours: every day from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM;
Another popular tourist spot close to Hanoi is the Bat Trang Pottery Village. With a rich history, the well-known pottery village manages to maintain the distinctive cultural aspects of Hanoi.
A visit to Bat Trang ceramic village is promised to be a fascinating cultural experience, as visitors may visit numerous kilns and workshops and take part in pottery-making classes taught by skilled craftsmen. In addition, there are a variety of delicious traditional Vietnamese dishes, giving visitors a chance to savor authentic flavors in a rustic village setting.
>>> Read more about: Bat Trang Pottery Village: A must-visit destination for your cultural excursion in Hanoi
Duong Lam ancient village
- Location: Tay Son District, Hanoi;
- Admission: USD 0.41 – USD 0.82;
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM;
- Address: Son Tay Town, Hanoi, Vietnam;
About 60 kilometers west of Hanoi capital, Duong Lam is the first ancient village recognized in Vietnam. With its well-preserved architecture and tranquil rural setting, the ancient village of Duong Lam is a spotless historical site that provides a glimpse of over a millennium of Vietnamese culture. The Duong Lam ancient village is also famous for local delicacies, including cassava cake (bánh sắn), peanut candy (kẹo lạc) and ginger sticky rice bar (chè lam),…
Huong Pagoda – Perfume pagoda
- Location: Huong Son Commune, Hanoi;
- Admission: USD 38.90/adult;
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM;
- Address: Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi;
Nestled in the lush landscape of Hanoi, Vietnam, Perfume Pagoda is a serene spiritual complex offering a mix of adventure and tranquility amidst stunning natural beauty and cultural significance.
Visitors can discover the system of temples and pagodas there, stroll down walkways lined with verdant lush trees to reach the sacred Huong Tich Cave, and admire the captivating stalactites and stalagmites.
Van Phuc Silk Village
Located on the banks of the Nhue River, about 10 kilometers southwest of Hanoi Old Quarter, Van Phuc silk village is famous for its traditional weaving and high-quality silk products. Van Phuc, which has been around for more than 1,200 years, takes pride in being the oldest silk village in Vietnam and offering the greatest silk.
Ba Vi National Park – An ideal weekend getaway close Hanoi
- Location: Ba Vi Mountain Range;
- Admission: USD 2.45 per person;
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM;
- Address: Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi District, Hanoi City;
For those who want to leave all the hustle and bustle behind, Ba Vi National Park is one of the ideal destinations close Hanoi for a weekend getaway. There are historical sites, diverse wildlife, and lush landscapes nestled amidst the serene Ba Vi mountain range, making it a popular selection for both cultural and nature lovers. Visitors can explore dense forests, see exotic animals, relax in natural hot springs or visit famous landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Temple or Ba Vi Cathedral with its featuring French architecture.
Tam Chuc pagoda complex, Ha Nam province
Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex, which is located 1.5 hours drive from Hanoi, is a peaceful spot perfect for people seeking to get away from the bustle of the city. This complex, which spans around 5,000 hectares, offers a variety of fascinating experiences along with distinctive landscapes and Buddhist architectural works. When coming to Tam Chuc, visitors will not be disappointed with the beautiful scenery and fresh air here.
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Mai Chau, Hoa Binh province – Among the attractive places to visit close Hanoi
- Location: Mountainous regions of Northwestern Vietnam;
- Distance to Hanoi center: 91 kilometers (56 miles);
- Travel time from Hanoi center: about 2 – 3 hours;
Only around 140 kilometers from Hanoi’s center, Mai Chau with a serene and fresh atmosphere is the ideal getaway from the busy metropolis. Mai Chau Valley is well-known for its vibrant culture of ethnic villages and stunning mountain landscape.
Things to do in Mai Chau:
- Learn about the traditional lifestyle of indigenous peoples
- Cycle through lush rice fields and view unique local stilt houses
- Experience traditional dance performances or learn about the craft of weaving from local artisans
- Enjoy local specialties such as bamboo-tube rice, grilled chicken, local pork,…, which are indispensable dishes in the culinary of the Thai people
Ninh Binh – One of the most attractive places to visit near Hanoi
- Location: Red River Delta region of Northern Vietnam, Distance to Hanoi center: 100Km
- Travel time from Hanoi center: 1.5 hour;
Located south of Hanoi capital, Ninh Binh is one of the best natural places to visit near Hanoi. Blessed by nature, this location boasts striking limestone mountains, enigmatic and magnificent caves, and cultural and historical sites like the Bai Dinh pagoda, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, and the Bich Dong pagoda. Your trip to Ninh Binh would be incomplete without participating in exciting boat excursions to explore Trang An eco-tourism complex, Tam Coc or Van Long nature reserve… In addition, visitors also can try trekking, cycling to explore lush primeval forests, untamed wildlife, and enjoy the fresh air at Cuc Phuong National Park.
>>> EXPLORE The unique beauty of Ninh Binh with Top Best Ninh Binh Tours
Here are some intriguing things to do in Ninh Binh:
- Visit Bich Dong Pagoda
- Take a bamboo boat along Ngo Dong river to feel the beauty of Tam Coc
- Explore the history and architecture of Hoa Lu ancient capital
- Take a boat ride through Trang An cave and stop at pagodas hidden in limestone cliffs
- Cycle through rice fields in the countryside, or around towering mountains
- Hike up to Mua Cave for breathtaking panoramic views of the area
- Enjoy local delicacies – goat meat, scorched rice…
Halong bay – A must-visit destination near Hanoi
- Location: Quang Ninh province
- Distance to Hanoi center: 170 kilometers
- Travel time from Hanoi: about 2 – 3 hours;
If you’re looking for the top attractions close to Hanoi, you should not miss a visit to Halong Bay. Only a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi, Halong Bay is a natural wonder made up of hundreds of limestone islands that vary greatly in size and shape, creating an impressive and one-of-a-kind scene that captivates tourists.
Visitors can discover the beauty of the bay by engaging in a variety of activities, like going on a cruise around the bay and seeing attractions like Titop Island, Thien Cung Cave, and Sung Sot Cave. In addition, you can try other thrilling activities including squid fishing, kayaking, and just relaxing on Halong Bay’s beautiful beaches and taking in the breathtaking view. While admiring the scenery, visitors can also savor a variety of delectable local seafood that the area has to offer.
>>> For more fascinating in Halong bay, check:
- Halong Bay Day Tour Cruise from Hanoi
- Top-Rated Things to Do in Ha Long Bay – Activities, Map, Route, Tips
Hai Phong City
Hai Phong is a beautiful port city that should not be missed. It is known for its beautiful surroundings and lively cultural scene, and it features iconic rows of red phoenix flowers against a clear blue sky. Explore the beautiful Do Son – a famous beach tourist destination with beautiful beaches and stunning scenery in Hai Phong. Visitors can also explore historical landmarks like Hai Phong Opera House or visit the bustling Tam Bac Market to understand more about the local life. There is also the well-known Cat Ba Island, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve located in the stunning Halong Bay, renowned for its abundance of outdoor activities and its rich biodiversity. In addition, you may savor delectable seafood as well as famous local specialties.
Sapa – One of the best destinations to visit near Hanoi
Sapa, Vietnam, has to be on the list of the top tourist destinations close to Hanoi. For many years, this location has drawn tourists from all around Vietnam because of its poetic and charming natural landscape, beautiful terraced rice field valleys, and captivating waterfalls. With an average elevation of between 1500 and 1800 meters, Sapa experiences a colder climate than most places in Vietnam.
Things to do when coming to Sapa:
- Conquer Fansipan peak, the highest mountain peak in Vietnam
- Explore Muong Hoa valley
- Visit nearby ethnic villages such as Cat Cat village and Ta Van village
- Encounter the locals, learn about their traditions and even savor some local specialities
- Stay in a lovely hotel with a view of the rice terraces
>>> For more fascinating in Sapa, check Top 21+ Best Things to do in Sapa for First-Timers
Mu Cang Chai – the best place to view terraced fields
Located in the Yen Bai province, Mu Cang Chai is a scenic mountain town around 300 kilometers from the capital of Hanoi. This is a well-known location for seeing stunning terraced fields in northern Vietnam.
Take a hike on the beautiful rice terraces. The lush foliage and unique hiking trails are just amazing. Staying at a homestay here also gives you the opportunity to interact with local people, enjoy home-cooked meals made from fresh local products and experience the local life in the countryside of Northern Vietnam, which is entirely different from Hanoi’s.
Ba Be Lake – a unique natural freshwater lake in the mountains
Situated about 230 kilometers north of Hanoi, Ba Be Lake is part of Ba Be National Park in Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province. This is among the top 20 beautiful freshwater lakes in the world and draws thousands of tourists every year. For those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature, Ba Be Lake, a beautiful freshwater lake hidden among the mountains, is considered one of the best places to visit near Hanoi. Surrounded by dense forests and connected to rivers, Ba Be Lake provides several boat excursions for visitors to enjoy the stunning scenery and explore neighboring villages with a vibrant local culture.
Ban Gioc waterfall – Majestic waterfall in Cao Bang
The Ban Gioc waterfall is one of the many attractions close to Hanoi that you shouldn’t miss if you travel to Cao Bang region or Ba Be Lake. Located in the border area between Vietnam and China, the Waterfall is considered the largest and most impressive waterfall in Vietnam. It’s great to unwind and take beautiful pictures when you visit this waterfall.
Situated in the north of Vietnam, Ban Gioc experiences two contrasting rainy and dry seasons. However, you still can appreciate the beauty of Ban Gioc in every season that you visit. June through September is considered the rainy season. The magnificent Ban Gioc waterfall, with its foamy water splashing like rain clouds, is visible to visitors at that time. The waterfall does, however, become gentler during the dry season, which runs from October through May of the following year. And the most amazing thing is that you may witness Mother Nature’s masterpiece-the Quay Son River-turning turquoise.
Bac Son Valley – Lang Son province
The Bac Son is a district located in the west of Lang Son province, about 160 kilometers from Hanoi. Bac Son has many historical relics, scenic spots along with attractive traditional customs and traditions. Some famous landmarks in Bac Son include Na Lay Mountain, Quynh Son cultural tourist village, Bac Son Flower Valley,… Coming to Bac Son, visitors can not only admire the majestic natural landscape and poetic rivers but also learn about the lives of ethnic minorities there.
Moc Chau is a beautiful destination located in the Son La province
This place located 185 kilometers from Hanoi, is a sizable plateau in the province of Son La. This area is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, which include boundless meadows, large apricot and plum gardens, an abundance of flower varieties, expansive tea plantations, and herds of dairy cows. A two-day visit to Moc Chau is the ideal escape from the bustling city of Hanoi, and the area is deserving of becoming a popular tourist destination near the capital.
Ha Giang – The perfect destination for adventure travelers not far from Hanoi
- Location: Ha Giang Province, 300 kilometers away from Hanoi
Ha Giang is a northern province of Vietnam, near the Chinese border. For its breathtaking vistas of mountains and valleys, Ha Giang is included on the list of top destinations close to Hanoi. Travelers flock to this location, especially in September and October, to take in the sun-drenched terraced fields of Hoang Su Phi.
Furthermore, Ha Giang is also an ideal place for photographers and nature lovers, who are attracted by the beauty and unique culture of ethnic communities living in the highlands. Some prominent attractions in Ha Giang are Dong Van, Meo Vac, Lung Cu, Nho Que River, Ma Pi Leng Pass… Don’t miss Quan Ba Heaven Gate, a beautiful scenic spot on the way.
Ha Giang offers one of the most beautiful motorbike routes in the world, which will take you through winding mountain passes, towering limestone peaks, lush valleys and amazing roads.
Pu Luong in Thanh Hoa province
Among the top destinations for nature close to Hanoi, Pu Luong is a hidden gem that’s still off the beaten path, only a few hours driving from Hanoi. This nature reserve features breathtaking views of mountains, verdant foliage, and traditional stilt houses. There’s so much to see and do here. For example, trekking offers the opportunity to discover the rich biodiversity of the reserve and enjoy views of stunning terraced rice fields. To further see the distinctive surroundings, you can go on a boat ride on the Cham River.
In addition, you can visit nearby villages to discover more about the customs and traditional culture, including their weaving of colorful fabrics and methods of agriculture.
There are many intriguing locations to discover in and around Hanoi. With their stunning natural landscapes and array of outdoor activities, these spots are ideal for providing you with an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a family looking for fun or a nature lover, the 16 places to visit near Hanoi listed above should help you enjoy the greatest vacation in Vietnam.
