Top 10 Picnic and Sightseeing Destinations in the Outskirts of Hanoi

Soc Son's Giong Temple was originally a small shrine built during the reign of King Dinh Tien Hoang. Later, it was rebuilt and renovated by King Le Dai Hanh and was officially recognized as Phu Dong Thien Vuong Temple. The temple is not only linked to Vietnam's national history but also to the legendary story of Saint Giong, a tale passed down through generations. Located in Soc Mountain, Ve Linh Commune, Soc Son, the temple complex includes: the Trinh Temple, Non Nuoc Pagoda, the Upper Temple, the Mother Temple (dedicated to the mother of Saint Giong), Dai Bi Pagoda, the Chồng Stone, a stone tablet house, and notably, the statue of Saint Giong cast in pure copper. This complex has been officially recognized as a National Historic Site.

Upon entering, visitors first encounter the Trinh Temple (or Lower Temple), where the statue of the mountain god is enshrined. The statue, made entirely of copper, weighs 7 tons and exudes a majestic presence. Outside the temple, there is an ancient banyan tree and a crystal-clear pond. Passing through the Trinh Temple, visitors reach Dai Bi Pagoda, an ancient structure with golden-painted calligraphy and couplets, along with a classic architectural style weathered by time. Across from Dai Bi Pagoda stands the Mother Temple, which houses the statue of Saint Giong’s mother. The well outside the temple is also known as the Mother’s Well.

Ascending further from the Mother Temple, visitors reach the Upper Temple, the final temple in the four-temple complex at the foot of Ve Linh Mountain. It is dedicated to the worship of Saint Giong. Inside, there is the Main Hall and the Ancestor Hall. The Main Hall is adorned with couplets, a royal umbrella, and pairs of cranes, all typical features of ancient Vietnamese temple architecture. The Ancestor Hall contains a statue of Saint Giong made from fragrant wood. The most striking feature of this site is the statue of Saint Giong atop the Chồng Mountain, made entirely of pure copper, standing 11.07 meters tall and weighing 85 tons. This statue was completed in 2010 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long. Visitors can choose to ascend the mountain via a series of steps or take a vehicle that travels up the mountain's slope.

Location: Soc Son, Hanoi

Viet Phu Thanh Chuong is located in the Hien Linh commune of Soc Son district, about 40 kilometers from Hanoi’s city center. This architectural complex is quite well-known, showcasing the historical and cultural values of Vietnam’s feudal dynasties. Designed by artist Thanh Chuong, the site was built in 2011. Inside the Viet Phu complex, visitors will find a restaurant and various souvenir stalls selling unique handcrafted items for those interested in shopping and exploring.

The complex encompasses 30 architectural structures, all reflecting Vietnam’s historical past. As you wander around the expansive grounds, you’ll feel as though history comes to life. The first thing you'll encounter are 13 ancient houses, each with distinct names such as Tường Vân Tower, Thanh Tĩnh House, Hương Gate, Mạc Hương House, and Xuân Phong Pavilion. The site also includes smaller structures like towers, chess tables, lotus ponds, a theater, and art rooms. It’s a delightful and peaceful space that reimagines Vietnam’s historical landscape with elegance and charm.

As you venture deeper into the complex, you’ll come across a 200-year-old Mường ethnic house made of reed, a 300-year-old Hue-style royal palace, and a traditional wooden house reflecting the rural architecture of Northern Vietnam. Particularly striking is the thatched-roof house, which evokes the heroic history of Vietnam, from the South to the North. Viet Phu Thanh Chuong blends modern architecture with the ancient history of Vietnam, from the Đinh, Lý, Trần, and Lê dynasties. It not only recalls the nation’s glorious past but also embodies the simple, tranquil lifestyle of the Vietnamese people in ancient times.

Location: Soc Son, Hanoi

Bao Son Paradise is located on Le Trong Tan Street, Hoai Duc district, Hanoi, just 6 km from the National Convention Center along the Thang Long Avenue. This destination is known for its harmonious blend of traditional and modern elements, as well as a perfect mix of nature and man-made creations. Recently, Bao Son Paradise has undergone significant improvements in landscaping, outdoor photo spots, and entertainment areas, making it a popular place for young people to visit, take photos, and for couples to shoot beautiful wedding albums.

The park consists of eight main sections: Cultural, Ecological, Amusement, Art, Culinary, Technology, Conference, and Water Activities. Among them, the Ecological Paradise is the most popular. It is divided into three areas: the Rare Animal Zoo, Ocean World, and the Ecozone. The Ecological Paradise has become a favorite for many visitors, as it features a variety of exotic animals like giraffes, white tigers, and cheetahs, brought from South Africa and North America. Additionally, the Ocean World offers visitors the chance to see an array of unique and stunning fish species in the aquarium.

The Multi-purpose Stage is another major attraction, especially for children. During the day, visitors can enjoy exciting performances by sea lions and dolphins, while in the evening, the venue hosts spectacular musical and dance performances, as well as impressive water shows. A visit here guarantees moments of relaxation and fun with friends and family.

Location: Hoai Duc, Hanoi

Ba Vi National Park is located in Ba Vi district, Hanoi, about 50 km from the city center. The park is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and tranquil, picturesque scenery, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. A special highlight is the Tiên Sa Lake at the foot of the mountain, shrouded in fascinating myths and legends. Visitors to Ba Vi National Park can explore the area, enjoy camping, picnicking, and immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings.

As you enter Ba Vi National Park, you’ll first encounter the enchanting forest enveloped in mist. A vast pine forest stretches as far as the eye can see, offering the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot, making it feel like you've stepped into a fairytale world. In autumn, when the leaves fall, the forest is bathed in golden hues, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for a quiet moment with a loved one.

Continue for about 5km to the left, and you'll arrive at Thiên Sơn - Suối Ngà, a stunning spot known for its natural beauty, perfect for photos and swimming. The pristine water cascading down from the mountainside will refresh and invigorate visitors, offering a refreshing escape from the urban hustle and bustle.

Location: Ba Vi, Hanoi

Located more than 40 km from Hanoi, as part of the Đồng Mô - Ngải Sơn tourist area in Sơn Tây, Hanoi, the Vietnam Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village features a diverse landscape of hills, valleys, and peaceful lakes, making it a perfect place for sightseeing and exploring the cultural heritage of Vietnam's various ethnic groups.

The Vietnam Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village is a living exhibition of the unique cultural values of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. It is an ideal destination for both domestic visitors and international tourists, serving as a vibrant symbol of Vietnam’s ethnic policies. The village offers a wide range of recreational activities, sports, wellness programs, and cultural performances, making it an excellent place for relaxation and education. Covering 198.61 hectares in the northern part of the village, the area features diverse terrains, including hills, valleys, and water bodies, and illustrates the distribution of various ethnic communities across Vietnam.

The village consists of several ethnic group clusters, each representing the architecture and traditional lifestyles of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic communities. These villages are designed to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Through dynamic and engaging cultural performances, visitors can deepen their appreciation for Vietnam's nature, people, and traditions, and develop a love for the country's rich cultural heritage.

Location: Sơn Tây, Hanoi

Huong Pagoda is located in My Duc District, Hanoi, approximately 65 km from the city center. This pagoda complex is a renowned religious site, home to over a dozen temples, shrines, and statues dedicated to gods, Buddha, and arhats. Visiting Huong Pagoda offers not only a beautiful scenic experience but also a chance to find inner peace. If you visit between the first and third lunar months, you can take part in the famous Huong Pagoda Festival.

The Huong Pagoda complex spans across the picturesque Yen Stream valley, with its main structure being the Outer Pagoda, also known as Pagoda Tro or Thiên Trù Pagoda. It is located not far from the Trò Pier, where pilgrims take a boat up the Yen Stream before walking the final stretch. The pagoda's entrance is framed by three expansive courtyards with tiled floors, the third of which holds a bell tower with three distinctive tiers. This ancient tower, originally part of Cao Mật Village Temple in Hà Đông province, was relocated to Huong Pagoda in 1980.

The Inner Pagoda, or Chùa Trong, is not man-made but rather a natural cave. At the entrance, you’ll find a large archway with the inscription 'Hương Tích động môn' ('Gate of the Huong Cave'). The cave path is a long slope, consisting of 120 stone steps. Inside, visitors can admire the stone carvings, including the phrase 'Nam thiên đệ nhất động' ('The First Cave of the South'), carved in 1770 by the ruler Trịnh Sâm. The cave also contains several stone steles and literary inscriptions.

Location: My Duc, Hanoi

Tay Phuong Pagoda is located in Thach Xa Commune, Thach That District, Hanoi. This ancient pagoda is home to several unique Buddhist statues, renowned for their lifelike and intricate carvings. To reach the pagoda, visitors must climb 237 stone steps up the mountain to the temple gate. The pagoda consists of three parallel structures: the main hall, the central sanctum, and the rear sanctuary. Each structure features two-tiered roofs in the traditional 'chong diem' style, with walls built entirely of red-fired Bat Trang bricks.

Tram Gian Pagoda (or Quang Nghiem Pagoda): Situated on a hill about 50 meters high in Tien Lu Village, Tien Phuong Commune, Chuong My District, Hanoi, this pagoda dates back to the reign of King Ly Cao Tong in 1185. During the Tran Dynasty, a monk named Binh An, known for his miraculous powers, resided here. After his death, the locals built a stupa to preserve his relics, and he was later revered as 'Dei Thanh Boi.' The current grand structure was expanded and renovated over several dynasties.

Thay Pagoda: Located in Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi, Thay Pagoda is set amidst a picturesque landscape. Not only is it an important historical site, but its unique architecture and stunning natural surroundings have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations on the outskirts of Hanoi. The pagoda is closely associated with Zen master Tu Dao Hanh, who is honored as the patron saint of water puppetry, with the iconic character of Tieu and the water puppet play, 'Giao Tro,' being attributed to him. Visitors to Thay Pagoda can enjoy traditional water puppet performances and a variety of lively folk games. It’s a place that promises peace and joy to all who visit.

Address: Thach That, Chuong My, Quoc Oai, Hanoi

Bat Trang Pottery Village is located by the Red River, in Gia Lam District on the outskirts of Hanoi. The name 'Bat Trang' means 'large courtyard,' and the village has a history dating back to the Le Dynasty. It is the oldest and most famous pottery village in Vietnam, attracting both local and international visitors. Bat Trang specializes in producing a wide variety of pottery and ceramics in different shapes and styles. One of the most exciting experiences here is watching skilled artisans create intricate pottery pieces, or even trying your hand at making your own creations.

While visiting Bat Trang Gia Lam, be sure to explore the village’s unique and historic architecture. You can take a traditional buffalo cart ride to soak in the rustic, authentic atmosphere. Notable historical sites in the village include the Van Van ancient house and the Bat Trang communal house. The Van Van house, a wooden structure more than 200 years old, features exquisite ceramic decorations, including blue-glazed teapots, dragon-shaped jars, and molds dating back to the 15th century. The Bat Trang communal house is dedicated to the village's tutelary god and hosts vibrant local festivals throughout the year. If you visit during one of these festivals, you’ll get a chance to experience the village’s lively and unique cultural traditions.

For tourists visiting the Bat Trang pottery village, a highlight is the chance to mold and shape clay and glaze ceramics by hand. For just 40-60k, you can become a pottery artisan, working with clay and a pottery wheel. While it might be challenging at first, skilled potters will guide you through the process. Once you complete your creation, it will be fired in a kiln and ready for you to take home. And of course, you’ll want to snap some photos to show off your handmade masterpiece to friends and family!

Address: Gia Lam, Hanoi

Co Loa Citadel is located in Dong Anh District, Hanoi. It is the oldest fortress in Vietnam, dating back to the 3rd century BC, and was once the capital of the ancient Au Lac Kingdom. Co Loa is not only the oldest but also the largest and most unique of Vietnam’s ancient citadels, with a remarkable and complex structure. Recognized as one of the 21 national tourist sites, it includes historical landmarks such as the Upper Temple, the Jade Well, the Co Loa Communal House, and the shrine of King An Duong. These sites are open to visitors year-round.

The citadel is known for its spiral layout, with legends saying it once had nine concentric rings. Today, only three rings remain: the Inner Citadel, the Outer Citadel, and numerous other architectural features like the Jade Well, the statue of Cao Lo, and the Mị Châu Shrine. The Outer Citadel stretches about 8 km in circumference, with its construction involving digging earth to create moats, and building walls and fortifications. Some of the walls stand up to 12 meters high, with an estimated total volume of earth used in its construction at 2.3 million cubic meters. The Inner Citadel covers about 2 km², where King An Duong Vương once resided with his court and officials. Today, it is home to the shrine dedicated to the king, along with several other significant historical structures within the citadel complex.

Address: Dong Anh, Hanoi

Ham Lon Mountain is located in Nam Son Commune, Soc Son District, about 40 km from downtown Hanoi, accessible via the Noi Bai Highway. Known for its breathtaking views and diverse terrain, Ham Lon is often referred to as the 'roof of Hanoi,' making it a popular weekend getaway for many. At the summit, there is a relatively flat area, ideal for camping, relaxing, watching the sunset, or enjoying the most beautiful sunrise of the day.

The most convenient route to Ham Lon Mountain is to head from Pham Van Dong Road (Hanoi), cross Thang Long Bridge, follow the Thang Long - Noi Bai Highway, and turn left at the intersection with National Route 2 towards Vinh Phuc. Continue straight until you reach Viet Phu Thanh Chuong and the Nui village turnoff. Then, follow the signs for another 7 km to reach Ham Lon Mountain.

Address: Soc Son, Hanoi