If you are looking for tourist attractions near Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam but don’t know which one to choose and what to do when you come?
The Top 10 to do near Hanoi below will give you some tips for having a real vacation! These activities are not only attractive but also convenient for visitors to get around during the day!
1. Halong Bay Cruise
Halong Bay Night Cruise is one of the most popular experiences travelers choose to travel from Hanoi! For what? Because it is famous for its tranquil turquoise sea and beautiful natural landscapes around the islands.
You may be a little confused about what you can do on board, but kayaking activities are worth doing once you get to Halong Bay! Additionally, meals on board are a harmonious combination of Vietnamese and international cuisine. If you want to prepare Vietnamese dishes yourself, onboard cooking classes are a good choice. At night, you can enjoy onboard activities such as games or squid fishing.
The easiest way to get to Halong from Hanoi is by bus as it only takes 2 hours for 150 km. This means of transportation will help you have interesting experiences with the local culture, especially with foreign tourists.
2. Cycling in Ninh Binh
The distance between Ninh Binh and Hanoi is almost 100 km.
A trip to experience Ninh Binh by bicycle must be on your travel list as visitors can rent a bicycle to enjoy the calm ambiance of many landscapes like the caves. The landscape is a mix of winding rivers and limestone mountains, creating countless mysterious natural caves. In addition, you can visit ancient temples with traditional Asian-style architecture.
Another place you can reach by bike is Bai Dinh Pagoda. Located 15 km from Ninh Binh town, this destination is one of the largest pagodas in Vietnam and a sanctuary for devotees.
3. Boat trip in Tam Coc
Tam Coc area is also known as Ha Long Bay on earth thanks to the serene beauty – the tranquility of the rice fields and the river winding through the cliffs. The best thing about this site is the distance because Tam Coc is only about 100 km from Hanoi with a developed public transportation system, making it easy to access.
The boat will accompany you to discover the hidden beauty and tranquility of Tam Coc. It will take you through rice fields or flow among giant limestone mountains with three small caves. Once inside the caves, visitors will feel like they are looking at a masterpiece of nature.
You can read our article dedicated to boat trips in Tam Coc – Ninh Binh
4. Trekking in Sapa
A trek through the fields and mountains of Sapa is one of the highlights of Vietnam. What will you get from this trip? The landscape of ethnic villages, spacious fields and crystal clear skies!
During a trek, you will see the paths between the rice fields and the valley will dazzle everyone, even the grumpy ones. You will pass through many different ethnic minority villages, where you will feel like you are stepping back in time. You will come across some water buffalo working hard in the field. And certainly, it’s a great place to take photos.
From Hanoi to Sapa, you have to travel around 376 km on average.
5. Visit Mount Fansipan
Fansipan is one of the tourist destinations not to be missed when coming to Sapa. Apart from reaching the peak of Indochina by cable car to save time and effort, conquering Mount Fansipan by road is also a memorable experience.
Standing on Fansipan Peak is also lucky because the weather changes every hour and you are really ready to see the clear blue sky on the top of the mountain. Sometimes it’s sunny in the middle of the mountain, but the top is covered in clouds.
6. Visit the incredible scenery of Ban Gioc Waterfall
Welcome to one of the largest waterfalls in the world – Ban Gioc! Once at the falls, you will realize the unique beauty of the main part, as the waterfall does not flow directly from the top! There are rough and divided layers like stairs, forming a white spot between the earth and the sky. The natural image is the fusion of fresh green standing near the golden paddle.
Ban Gioc Waterfall is located in Cao Bang and about 335 km from Hanoi. You will need 7 hours to get there So, the incredible scenery of Ban Gioc Waterfall is something you cannot miss!
7. Venture to Ma Pi Leng in Ha Giang
Ma Pi Leng is a rugged pass about 20 km long, crossing 3 communes in Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province.
From the top of Ma Pi Leng, the majestic mountain landscape with a cliff on one side; the other side is the deep basin of Nho Que River with emerald green water, the north and northeast passes stretching as far as the eye can see are thousands of gray bare rock mountains.
You can immerse yourself in the immense space, look at the majestic mountains in the fanciful clouds and let the feeling of drifting on this calm river.
8. Explore the ancient village of Duong Lam
About 44 km from Hanoi, the ancient village of Duong Lam is the perfect choice if you are looking for the quiet countryside to rest after the chaos of the city. Thanks to the artistic characteristics of an ancient Vietnamese village in the Red River Delta, Duong Lam Ancient Village is only behind Hoi An Ancient Town and Hanoi Old Town in terms of scale and value .
This place preserves old architectural houses with brick streets, laterite walls and other features of the northern Vietnam countryside. The old houses in Duong Lam are centuries old and have been kept in good condition for a long time. The inhabitants are also people who have sedentary ancestors for years and who have in-depth knowledge of the history of this old village. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about this ancient village through these people.
It’s one of the best traditional villages in Vietnam.
9. Relax at the beach on Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is not busy like Ha Long Bay; then you will have more time to explore the beaches there.
Because the beaches are very close to most hostels, you can do everything to make your vacation full of emotions: sunbathe as much as you want; immerse yourself in crystal clear water or go kayaking. One thing not to ignore is that you must disembark before sunset because then the tide is strong and the waves are high.
The most flexible way is to find a bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba as it only takes you 3 hours. Additionally, taxis are also an option to find, but the amount to pay is more expensive.
10. Hiking and Trekking in Mai Chau Valley
Mai Chau Valley is located 140 km from Hanoi and reaching this site is as easy as pie in 3 hours.
The destination is famous for the birthplace of ethnic culture. Thus, it will offer you a dream atmosphere, so don’t miss the opportunity to go for a bike ride. Once you see the landscape of the valley, most people fall in love with nature, life and people’s identity.
The wild and lyrical atmosphere is the mixture of alluvium as well as the fanciful turquoise blue of the water. Nothing better than enjoying the relaxing fullness of a green space! There are no rows of buildings close together. Instead, peaceful villages are things you can see with simple rice terraces kissing green mountains under floating clouds.
Want to discover the cultural identity of ethnic peoples? Welcome to the birthplace of the most rustic community tourism – Ville du Lac! You will have the opportunity to experience for yourself the making of wonderful brocade products and learn about the cultivation of mountain rice.
