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This article will guide you to the most ideal and exciting day trip spots around Hanoi, allowing you to escape the city's hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the fresh air of nature.
Top 10 Perfect Day Trip Spots Around Hanoi
1. Tram Mountain
Tram Mountain boasts a majestic appearance, known as a 'stone plateau amidst Hanoi.' Tram Mountain is located in Phung Chau commune, Chuong My district, about 30 kilometers from the center of Hanoi. This is an interesting destination, suitable for outdoor excursions. The road to Tram Mountain is relatively simple and easy to find. Just follow National Highway 6 to Ha Dong section, reach Truc Son town, cross a bridge, then turn right about 2 kilometers further.
The most exciting thing about Tram Mountain is camping together on the mountain, taking virtual photos on the peaks, preparing food at home and bringing it there to barbecue, organize BBQ parties together. Because it is far from the city, you can fully feel the fresh and peaceful natural air, without the worries of urban life.
2. Bat Trang Pottery Village
Pottery molding at Bat Trang
Bat Trang Pottery Village is about 10 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, located along the Red River in Gia Lam, Hanoi. This place is perfect for a family outing on weekends. When you visit Bat Trang, you can directly create ceramic products under the guidance of skilled artisans, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 VND. You can also explore and shop at the Bat Trang pottery market or enjoy local cuisine here. A rare and special experience that you should try in Bat Trang is riding on a buffalo cart to explore the village streets. This will surely be an unforgettable experience.
3. Dong Mo
Scenic view of Dong Mo Lake (photo collection)
Dong Mo is an ecological complex consisting of various locations, located in Son Tay, Ba Vi, about 40 kilometers from Hanoi. To get to Dong Mo, you just need to take Thang Long Avenue, then go through the Lang - Hoa Lac expressway, turn right at Hoa Lac intersection, and go another 10 kilometers.
At Dong Mo, two favorite recreational spots are Phuong Island and Son Tinh Camp. Son Tinh Camp is an ideal place for camping and organizing team-building activities for large groups, with games like Capture the Flag, boat racing, and obstacle courses. Meanwhile, Phuong Island, with its lush green foliage, is perfect for those who want to experience rural life, fishing, catching chickens, and picking wild vegetables. Additionally, if you have more time, you can visit the area of the Vietnamese ethnic villages, where models of villages representing the 54 different ethnic groups of the country are recreated.
4. Duong Lam Ancient Village
Duong Lam Ancient Village, over 300 years old, is located in Son Tay district, on the outskirts of Hanoi, about 44 kilometers from the city center. This place attracts tourists with its ancient houses, mossy stone walls, vibrant red-tiled roofs, water wells, and communal yards. Visiting Duong Lam, you immerse yourself in a romantic, ancient space. It's a great opportunity to take Instagram-worthy photos and explore interesting places nearby, such as Mong Phu village gate, and Giang Van Minh's Tham Hoa Church.
5. Quan Son Lake
Quan Son Lake (source: collected image)
Located 50 kilometers from Hanoi in the area of 5 communes, My Duc district, Quan Son Lake is at its best during May and June when lotus flowers bloom. The cost to visit Quan Son Lake is quite affordable, including 15,000 VND per entrance ticket, 150,000 VND for a boat ride for 4 people. Visitors usually come here for relaxation and sightseeing rather than entertainment activities. However, hiking, swimming in the lake, and enjoying fresh local specialties like bamboo shoot soup or fish salad are also popular options.
6. Ham Lon Mountain
Camping at Ham Lon Mountain
For camping enthusiasts, Ham Lon has become a familiar destination. Ham Lon Mountain, part of the Doc Ton range in Soc Son, is 40 kilometers from Hanoi. Just head north on Thang Long Highway, Nội Bài, then follow the direction towards Viet Phu Thanh Chương and you'll arrive. It's perfect for those who enjoy hiking and trekking on challenging terrain. In the evening, you can camp near Bau Lake, cook food together, light a campfire, and sing songs. Many young people also love Ham Lon Mountain for its eerie, romantic scenery, perfect for those deep, introspective photos.
7. Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park - Photo: ST
For a serene and pleasant experience, Ba Vi National Park is a suitable choice as it's less impacted by human activities. It boasts picturesque landscapes with lush forests embracing the three highest peaks: King Peak, Tan Vien Peak, and Ngoc Hoa Peak of the Tan Vien range. The vast pine forests in Ba Vi are great for cycling and hiking.
Ba Vi is also famous for its dragon fruit greenhouse area, built in a relatively new and unique style. Stepping in, you'll be surprised by the different types of dragon fruit, arranged in a lovely space. Just after a day in Ba Vi, you'll feel incredibly relaxed, with more energy for the days ahead.
8. Thien Son Suoi Nga
Thien Son Suoi Nga Tourist Area (Photo: ST)
Thien Son Suoi Nga is fortunate to be bestowed with a magnificent landscape by Mother Nature. This is the habitat of many rare and precious animals, along with cool, fresh climate. It is located 70 kilometers from Hanoi in Xoan village, Van Hoa commune, Ba Vi, Hanoi. Thien Son Suoi Nga is divided into three areas: Lower Mount, Middle Mount, and Upper Mount, each offering its own beauty for you to explore.
9. Perfume Pagoda
Perfume Pagoda (Photo: Collated)
Perfume Pagoda is usually crowded during festive seasons, so if you truly want to feel a peaceful and serene atmosphere, it's best to avoid those days. Located in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, about 50 km from the city center. The best time to visit is around October when lotus and gun flowers bloom around the lake, making Perfume Pagoda the most beautiful but also the least crowded. There are many different places to explore in Perfume Pagoda, but Thien Tru Pagoda and Huong Tich Cave are the sacred spots you shouldn't miss.
10. Tam Dao
Beautiful Tam Dao landscape (Photo: Collected)
Tam Dao is likened to the “Da Lat of the North” with its cool climate all year round, so it's often a preferred destination to escape the summer heat. If you're an adventure traveler, you can choose a motorbike as your main means of transportation; otherwise, you can opt for a coach to ensure safety.
Here, you'll encounter a magnificent scenery. It's a mystical place with clouds and mist swirling around the mountain peaks and descending onto the lush grasslands and hillside houses. Unmissable attractions in Tam Dao include the Stone Church built in Gothic style by the French, the towering television tower offering panoramic views of the misty Tam Dao, and the Silver Waterfall with its powerful cascades and shimmering rainbows.
