Northern Vietnam tourist destinations for a day trip: Top 17 most attractive locations
Blessed by nature with an abundance of stunning and alluring landscapes, Northern Vietnam is home to numerous tourist attractions that you should all see at least once in your lives. Which Northern destination is the most popular for a one-day trip? Join us to explore top 17 day trip in Northern Vietnam destinations that visitors can see in a single day!

The best day trip in Northern Vietnam tourist destinations for a day trip are the best option if you want to have particularly memorable experiences during your upcoming short vacation. The most alluring Northern places with a wide range of activities and well-known specialties will be compiled in this article. Please continue reading the following to make planning easier!
Hanoi – The most ideal tourist destination in a single day in Northern Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital with thousands of years of civilization, is the most ideal tourist destination a day trip in the Northern Vietnam. The capital Hanoi has unique features that set it apart from other cities. And it’s just this distinction that keeps Hanoi at the top of travelers’ must-see lists.
You will experience different beauties when you visit Hanoi’s 36 ancient streets, from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets to the tranquility of the capital. You can also discover the diverse cuisine in the Old Quarter, visit famous attractions such as: Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi Old Quarter, West Lake, Ta Hien Beer Street, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, Long Bien Bridge, One-Pillar Pagoda, Temple of literature and so on.

With a single day, visitors can explore the rich history and cultural values of Hanoi. Traveling to Hanoi, in particular, is reasonably priced, as you can eat, drink, and have fun for just a few hundred thousand dong. Some must-try dishes for you when visiting Hanoi include chicken Pho, sticky rice, Bun Cha, beef Pho, Trang Tien ice cream and so on.
Have a look at:
- TOP 33 Best Things to do in Hanoi – You Should Not Miss
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Tourist attractions close to Hanoi’s city center
In addition to the city’s well-known attractions, the Hanoi suburbs are a great place for visitors to get worthwhile experiences in the Northern Vietnam. The following list of appealing locations offers opportunities to enjoy the historical culture of traditional craft villages through activities like sightseeing, natural exploration, learning about craft village culture, taking check-in photos, and more.
- Bat Trang Pottery Village, Gia Lam district
- Quang Phu Cau Incense Village
- Duong Lam ancient village, Son Tay town
- Van Phuc silk village, Ha Dong district

Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh – The most attractive destination in Northern Vietnam
Located in Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province, Ha Long Bay is about 180 kilometers from Hanoi. This location is the most alluring one-day destination in the Northern Vietnam and takes pride in being a natural wonder of the world. In a Halong bay day tour, you can see a lot of stunning places and enjoy a lot of delectable local cuisine.

You should take a boat to explore the cave system as your first activity. Sung Sot Cave is a must-see when travelling to Halong Bay in order to fully appreciate its magnificence. In addition, Ha Long Bay is home to a number of well-known islands, including Ti Top island, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi, Soi Sim, and Trong Mai. Every place has a legend attached to it that draws a lot of tourists to come and learn.
During the journey to explore Ha Long Bay, visitors can also kayak, explore the life of fishermen in the fishing village and enjoy seafood right on the boat. Besides these engaging activities on the bay, visitors can also visit some places on land such as: Quang Ninh museum – library complex, Hon Gai fish market, Bai Chay old town…
Have a look at:
- Only 1 Day in Halong Bay – What to do 1 Day in Halong Bay?
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- When is the Best time to visit Halong Bay? A-Z Guide for Your Trip
Trang An, Ninh Binh – Discover majestic natural beauty
Trang An is an extremely attractive destination for a day trip in Northern Vietnam. Trang An scenic area is located in Ninh Binh province, about 90 kilometers from Hanoi city center. In 2014, Trang An scenic complex was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural and natural heritage site. Trang An has majestic mountains, surrounded by small winding rivers. In addition, mysterious caves and pristine valleys also create the amazing beauty of nature here. With stunning natural scenery, this deserves to be a Northern tourist destination that you should not miss for your short trip.

A long with Trang An, Ninh Binh is home to numerous well-known sites, including Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda, and Thung Nham Bird Garden. Tourists can combine the above locations into a 1-day travel itinerary that is both economical and convenient.
Cuc Phuong national park – Ninh Binh
Cuc Phuong National Park is located on the border of three provinces: Ninh Binh – Hoa Binh – Thanh Hoa. This is a nature reserve that attracts a large number of tourists to visit, learn and explore. The months of February through April are the best times to visit Cuc Phuong. You will be able to observe untamed nature and come across a variety of precious creatures, like pied falcones, limestone babblers, and pheasants. Especially, at the end of April and early May, flocks of white butterflies appear in Cuc Phuong. All of these combine to create a beautiful and poetic setting, which is why many tourists choose Cuc Phuong as their one-day trip destination in the North of Vietnam

Leave Hanoi early in the morning and arrive at Cuc Phuong around 8 a.m. Visit the entrance area before having lunch. Enjoy the specialties here to recharge for the journey in the afternoon. After that, head to the forest center to see the thousand-year-old Cho Chi tree, visit the turtle conservation center, and rescue primates. Visit the Van Long Nature Reserve Area to round out the journey before heading back to Hanoi.
Where in the North should you go in May? The season of ripe rice and blooming lotus flowers in Ninh Binh
May is the time when Ninh Binh enters the lotus season and ripe rice season. Many tourists choose to visit Ninh Binh during this time since it is thought to be the most beautiful time of year. You will have a great opportunity to appreciate the splendor of large lotus ponds and beautiful Ninh Binh golden ripe rice fields.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is one of the most well-known one-day Northern tourist spots in Ninh Binh that you shouldn’t miss. This location is referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land” or “Nam Thien de nhi dong,” which is the second-most beautiful cave in Vietnam. Taking a boat down the river in May will allow you to weave around the limestone mountains and enter a beautiful poetic space.
>>> Read more: Ninh Binh Weather: What is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?

From Mua Cave, you may enjoy a panoramic view of Tam Coc, which is characterized by the Ngo Dong River meandering through it, ripe rice fields on either side, and green lotus ponds scattered throughout. For our Ninh Binh travel experience, one day is the perfect length of time to fully appreciate the splendor of the Tam Coc-Bich Dong undulating mountains. If you have more time, don’t forget to combine with other neighboring sites like King Dinh Temple, King Le Temple, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
A day tour to Bai Dinh pagoda in Ninh Binh: Explore the sacred and unique space of northern Vietnam
Located in Bai Dinh mountain, Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, Bai Dinh Pagoda is about 97 kilometers from Hanoi and 12 kilometers from Ninh Binh city.

This pagoda covers an area of up to 539 hectares. Included in this are 80 hectares of the new Bai Dinh pagoda area and 27 hectares of the ancient Bai Dinh pagoda area. Bai Dinh pagoda complex stands out with its own beauty and proudly sets many records in the region and continent. Whether you are a Buddhist or simply want to find a peaceful space, Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh will definitely be the ideal destination to visit and feel peace in your soul.
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Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong province – The most attractive Northern beach tourism
If you love the pristine and serene beauty of the sea and islands, you should choose Lan Ha Bay for your day triop in Northern Vietnam. Lan Ha Bay consists of many islands and islets with magnificent beauty amidst the blue sea and sky.

Not only immersing yourself in the natural scenery, Lan Ha Bay also brings you many memorable experiences when it offers many engaging activities such as discovering the simple life of fishermen in the fishing village, shopping at the floating market, exploring Nam Cat Island, Monkey Island, Luon Cave,… You can also enjoy many fresh seafood dishes such as: grilled geoduck with onion, salt-roasted shrimp, stir-fried blood cockle with tamarind, steamed blue crab,…
Where to go for a 1-day trip? Mai Chau, Hoa Binh province
Mai Chau Valley is located in Hoa Binh,, about 130 kilometers west of Hanoi (approximately 3 – 4 hours by driving). Mai Chau attracts tourists because of its beautiful natural scenery, cool year-round climate with secluded fields and the poetic beauty of the valleys covered with peach and white plum blossoms.

To fully appreciate the beauty of Mai Chau, visitors should take the time to visit the following locations: Lac village, Nhot village, Pom Coong, Van village, Mo Luong cave, Kia cave, Chieu or Ba cave, etc. Here, tourists can rent bicycles to explore the villages. And don’t forget to enjoy many delicious dishes with bold flavors of the mountains and forests such as: rice in bamboo tube, pork belly, grilled stream fish, pickled bamboo shoots,…
Cat Ba Island of Hai Phong – Pearl island in the middle of the Gulf of Tonkin
Located only about 60 kilometers from Hai Phong city, Cat Ba, with charming natural scenery and many famous specialties, is definitely worth a stop if you are looking for an ideal one-day Northern tourist destination.
Over 300 large and small limestone islands make up the Cat Ba archipelago; each island is unique in shape and characteristics. Cat Ba island is no less stunning than Ha Long Bay, but its beauty is somewhat more untamed. With the great combination of wild natural forests, majestic mountains and beautiful beaches, Cat Ba has attracted many tourists who love both the sea and mountains.

Additionally, this is also a popular two-day, one-night Northern tourist destination. When visiting Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong, you should not miss the following activities: kayaking, visiting Cai Beo fishing village, visiting Monkey Island, cruising to Lan Ha Bay, and visiting Cat Ba National Park. After that, don’t forget to enjoy the famous specialties such as: steamed geoduck, roasted salted shrimp, stir-fried crab with lemongrass and chili, steamed blue crab, grilled squid…
Ba Vi National Park – An ideal weekend destination in the North of Vietnam
Ba Vi National Park is comparable to a national natural museum. This is one of the largest national parks in northern Vietnam that is not completely exploited and renovated. The majesty and beauty of nature, as well as the diversity of plants, animals have all been preserved to a high degree. Particularly, this is also a natural forest seemingly immersed in the magic of mist. There are many other tourist attractions, such as Thien Son Suoi Nga, the Ba Vi ancient church, the cactus greenhouse, Son Tinh Camp, Khoang Xanh Suoi Tien, all helping to define the features of the national park and draw many visitors every year.
Northern spiritual a-day tour – Perfume Pagoda
Located in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, about 50 kilometers from Hanoi city center, Perfume Pagoda is known as one of the most unique spiritual destinations. This is also a place that gathers many other ancient and sacred temples and pagodas. Up to 3 months every year from January 6th until the end of March comes the Perfume pagoda festival. This festival is very famous and attracts many people from all parts of Vietnam to come and worship. The main routes that you can choose when coming here are Thien Tru – Huong Tich, Long Van, Tuyet Son, Thanh Son. Perfume pagoda is one of the most suitable options for northern tourism from Hanoi for travelers who are short in time.

Moc Chau, Son La – A destination with charming scenery
Moc Chau, Son La is blessed by nature with magnificent landscapes, year-round thick fog, and a very chilly climate. Additionally, the area draws travelers with its verdant tea hills, blossoming flower fields, and famous attractions including Pha Luong Peak, Thung Cuong hamlet, Ma Suoi Bang Cave, Dai Yem waterfall, Ngu Ban On Cave, and more. Other things that attract travelers are the mouthwatering and distinctive flavors of Moc Chau specialties, like pan-seared veal, taro, “nậm pịa”, stream fish, five-color sticky rice, and cassava cakes. Despite being somewhat remote from Hanoi and requiring more time to get there, Moc Chau is a great day trip in Northern Vietnam tourist destination!

Where to go when traveling to the North of Vietnam? Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc province
Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc is an ideal choice for a day trip on hot summer days. Surrounded by Tam Dao National Primeval Forest, Tam Dao features fresh and cool weather, with an average temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. This is a perfect destination for resort tourism and ecotourism thanks to fresh nature and cool air that you can travel any time of the year. Coming to Tam Dao, there are many tourist attractions that you should not miss, such as: Central Square, Tam Dao church, Tam Dao market, television tower, silver waterfall,…
Famous spiritual tourism area in Northern Vietnam – Tam Chuc, Ha Nam
Known as the largest temple in Vietnam with an extremely majestic scale, Tam Chuc in Ha Nam has emerged recently as one of the most famous 1-day Northern tourist destinations. You may take stunning check-in pictures anywhere on the Tam Chuc Pagoda campus. In order to fully appreciate the Tam Chuc Pagoda complex’s stunning architecture, let’s visit the Thuy Dinh guest house, Tam Quan gate, Cot Kinh garden, Tam Dien palace, and Ngoc Pagoda heaven altar.

Nui Coc Lake, Thai Nguyen – miniature Ha Long Bay of Thai Nguyen
Despite being artificial, Nui Coc Lake is undeniably beautiful. You may bring family and friends here to vacation on the weekends because there are a lot of attractions to see and amuse yourselves. Caves, water parks, and the Thieng Thac Vang pagoda are among the attractions at the Nui Coc Lake tourist complex. In addition, there are many restaurants and popular eateries with delicious dishes, attracting many tourists. Come here to rest and have fun with your family when you have the chance!
Do Son Beach – An 1-day tourist destination in the North
Do Son, which is 20 kilometers southeast of Hai Phong’s city, is a popular tourist destination with lots of beautiful beaches. The beaches here offer a variety of convenient services, entertainment options to suit every visitor’s demands, and clean, beautiful white sand.

Besides swimming and admiring the natural scenery, when traveling to Do Son, you can also go to Hon Dau island to visit the Nam Hai Than Vuong temple and the lighthouse; go to Dragon Stream to enjoy the coolness of water leaking from the rocks; visit Bao Dai Palace – a unique French architectural work located on a high hill. And especially, visitors should not miss to enjoy unique dishes such as: jellyfish salad, shrimp rolls, crab cakes… These are all typical dishes of this coastal region, with unique flavors that are loved by tourists from near and far.
Yen Tu Mountain – An one-day spiritual tourist destination in the north of Vietnam
Yen Tu Mountain is a good option if you’re searching for a peaceful one-day holiday spot in the North. This location is ideal for people who enjoy peaceful spaces and fresh air. Favored by nature, the mountain offers many beautiful landscapes for stunning check-in pictures. Particularly, there are many temples built, bringing a sense of holiness and tranquility. Additionally, a wide variety of flora can be found here, which helps to create a vibrant picture of nature.
Given stunning natural scenery, unique cultural features and rich cuisine, the top most attractive a day trip in Northern Vietnam tourist destinations listed above will help you get suitable choices for your short upcoming trip to Vietnam.