Top 12 Most Captivating Tourist Spots Near Hanoi

Thung Nai is located 100km northwest of Hanoi and is often referred to as 'Halong Bay of Hoa Binh.' The picturesque landscape, complemented by cool weather, offers a tranquil environment with its beautiful scenery and emerald waters. Known for its stunning beauty, the area is dotted with small islands floating on the clear waters, giving it a resemblance to Halong Bay, thus earning the nickname 'Halong Bay on land.'

When visiting Thung Nai, you'll be amazed by the breathtaking views created when the Hoa Binh hydropower dam was completed, flooding valleys and forming small islands along the mountain peaks. Ancient cultural relics are scattered throughout, making the area rich in history and offering fascinating experiences.

Thung Nai is undoubtedly a fantastic tourist destination where you can enjoy activities like kayaking, fishing, and exploring the Da River reservoir. You can also visit the floating Thac Bo market, Coconut Island, Crow Island, and the Mường village. At night, consider renting a boat to experience the magical, glowing scenery on the water, with mist rising over the lake and mountains that create an ethereal atmosphere, almost like being in a fairyland.

Address: Thung Nai, Hoa Binh City, Hoa Binh Province

Nui Coc Lake is located approximately 100km from Hanoi and 15km southwest of Thai Nguyen City. Surrounded by a mesmerizing natural landscape, it enjoys a cool and fresh climate. The vast lake is dotted with about 89 islands, including Green Forest Island, the home of flocks of storks, an island where goats roam freely, and Cái Mountain Island, which preserves ancient cultural traditions.

Visitors can take a cruise around the islands, enjoy water parks, or visit the Tan Cuong Tea Hill. Campfires and local delicacies are also a highlight of the area. The main attraction, however, is the boat tour that offers a chance to fully experience the breathtaking and poetic scenery that Nui Coc Lake has to offer.

The Nui Coc Lake tourism area also features a remarkable system of artificial caves for exploration. Among the many caves are stunning locations such as the Aquarium Cave, the Three Pine Trees Cave, the Underworld Cave, and the Legend Cave. Each cave holds captivating beauty and is associated with fascinating local legends.

Address: Nui Coc Lake, Thai Nguyen

Quan Son Lake Tourism Area is located about 50km from central Hanoi, within the boundaries of five communes in My Duc District. The area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, where limestone mountains rise alongside the lake, and the surrounding vegetation is lush and diverse. The highlight of the lake is during the lotus season, when the lake’s surface is covered with blooming lotus flowers, creating a picturesque scene that feels like a romantic, nature-painted masterpiece, sure to evoke indescribable emotions.

In addition to the lotus blossoms, the Quan Son Lake area is surrounded by nearly 20 small and large mountains, with steep cliffs standing proudly in the middle of the lake. Visitors can explore the area by boat, try water sports, and enjoy fresh, delicious local seafood that reflects the authentic flavors of the riverside region.

Most visitors to the Quan Son Lake tourism area make it a day trip. However, for those wishing to stay overnight, there are two options: camping or staying at one of the nearby lakeside hotels. The accommodations around Quan Son Lake offer good quality at affordable prices.

Address: Hop Tien, My Duc, Hanoi

Bang Ta Natural Forest Resort is located about 65km west of Hanoi, 14km from Ao Vua. Here, visitors can explore the traditional Muong village cluster and stay in stilt houses to experience the unique lifestyle of the local people. To the north of the forest is Long Lake, a vast lotus pond with fragrant pink blossoms that bloom beautifully under the sun. Around the lake's edge, bamboo groves provide a home for various bird species.

Visitors can rent bullock carts, ride horses, or walk through the forest, but motorized vehicles are not allowed. With its fresh air and tranquil natural environment, this place is perfect for leisurely walks, enjoying interactions with animals, and tasting local mountain delicacies. Cultural activities like campfires, drinking rice wine, and listening to ethnic music will enhance your experience.

The forest also hides beautiful flower gardens, such as orchid and hoang thao gardens, which emit delightful fragrances. The lush green meadows resemble vast carpets, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and recreation. A trip to Bang Ta Forest in Ba Vi offers an opportunity to experience the traditional culture of the Muong people, with stilt houses and ancient customs such as campfire gatherings and tasting local Ba Vi specialties.

Dong Mo Ecotourism Area is located about 40km to the west of Hanoi, offering a perfect getaway with its beautiful landscape spanning 1,200 hectares of lake and 21 small and large islands. Here, visitors can take a boat trip around the lake to admire the majestic mountains, scenic rivers, and enjoy various activities such as fishing and tasting traditional local cuisine.

With its pristine beauty, Dong Mo has become a popular weekend destination for Hanoi locals and a favorite spot for social media enthusiasts to capture stunning photos. The fresh air and serene environment, surrounded by trees, grasslands, and peaceful waters, make this place both charming and poetic.

Boasting a rich ecosystem, the Dong Mo Ecotourism Area changes its appearance with each season. In spring, the area is calm with light rain showers, while summer brings a gentle breeze to cool the heat. In the fall, Dong Mo becomes enchanting and cool, and in winter, the area is quiet and peaceful, nestled among the hills and pine forests. As long as it's not rainy, you can visit this beautiful destination any time of the year.

Address: Thuyen Island, Dong Mo Lake, Yen Bai, Ba Vi, Hanoi

Dai Lai Lake Resort is located just about 40km from Hanoi in Vinh Phuc Province. Spanning 525 hectares, this scenic area is surrounded by lush forests, valleys, hills, and rugged cliffs that form isolated peninsulas, making it an untouched and mysterious destination.

When you visit Dai Lai, you'll be embraced by cool breezes blowing from three sides of the lake, offering a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere that's hard to find elsewhere. The crystal-clear waters of the lake are visually stunning, and with a little attention, you can spot the beautiful temples of Tam Dao in the distance, along with the Thang Lan Hill, which is historically tied to wartime remnants.

The Dai Lai Resort offers a variety of delicious local dishes. Notable dishes include grilled fish, lam rice, free-range chicken, salt-baked chicken, and the crunchy and tender buffalo meat and fried carp. While you're here, enjoy activities like boating, swimming, visiting the islands, especially the Bird Island, which offers breathtaking, unspoiled views. Don’t forget to try the specialty buffalo meat when you visit!

Address: Ngoc Thanh, Phuc Yen, Vinh Phuc

Thanh Thuy Hot Springs Resort is located about 70km from Hanoi in La Phu Commune, Thanh Thuy District, Phu Tho Province. This beautiful destination offers an incredibly relaxing atmosphere with its natural hot springs, which are among the first discovered in Northern Vietnam. The mineral-rich waters contain radon, a substance known to boost the immune system and help treat various skin conditions.

It's the perfect spot for unwinding and rejuvenating, as soaking in the warm springs is a blissful experience after a long work week. The hot springs are also believed to have beneficial effects on joint health and the skin, helping to promote blood circulation and a radiant complexion. If you have the chance, make sure to visit and enjoy its therapeutic benefits.

Thanh Thuy Hot Springs Resort offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors. The spacious and beautifully designed swimming pool area is ideal for relaxation. To make the most of your visit, be sure to experience the hot spring baths and mud baths. The resort is also close to other accommodations and serves delicious local cuisine.

Address: Khu 1, Thanh Thuy, Phu Tho

Ham Lon Mountain is a popular destination for adventurers looking for a quick getaway from Hanoi. Located just over an hour's drive from the city via the Thang Long – Noi Bai expressway, this peak is part of the Doc Ton mountain range in Soc Son, standing at an elevation of 462 meters. It offers a challenging climb for trekkers, making it a top choice for those seeking adventure.

At Ham Lon, you can camp overnight by the vast Nui Bau Lake at the base of the mountain. The cool mountain air, combined with a refreshing breeze from the lake, makes it a pleasant escape, even during the hotter months. With its affordable cost, Ham Lon is a favorite weekend destination for student groups.

Each season brings its own charm to Ham Lon Mountain, so you can visit year-round. However, be cautious during rainy weather, as the roads can become slippery and difficult to navigate. The climb is rugged, with some sections being steep and uneven, so it's best suited for those with a steady hand on the wheel.

Address: Minh Tri, Soc Son, Hanoi

Ban Rom is located in Quang Tien, Soc Son, Hanoi, just over an hour's drive from the city center. This peaceful destination, nestled at the foot of pine forests, offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in nature with a variety of fun activities. The fresh, cool air and tranquil environment make Ban Rom a perfect getaway.

At Ban Rom, tourists can explore vibrant flower gardens, fruit orchards, a traditional village market, and the unique Thượng Uyển garden with its thatched-roof houses. This area is a blend of nature and unique experiences, providing both a fun space for recreation and a rich educational environment. As a result, it becomes more lively and bustling during weekends and holidays.

With picturesque spots like the Thượng Uyển garden, a farmer’s house, an experimental vegetable garden, a traditional market, and a livestock farm, the Ban Rom Ecotourism Area offers visitors fresh and exciting experiences, waiting for you to come and discover.

Address: Road 35, Quang Tien, Soc Son, Hanoi

Ba Vi National Park is located in Tan Linh, Ba Vi, Hanoi, about 50km west of Hanoi. Known for its majestic mountainous landscapes, fresh climate, and rich biodiversity, it invites visitors to reconnect with the sacred legends of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh.

At Ba Vi, you’ll witness towering mountain peaks that give the park its name: Vua Peak (1,296m), Tan Vien Peak (1,227m), and Tan Hoa Peak (1,131m). Along the mountainside, various waterfalls cascade down, creating must-see spots such as Khoang Xanh, Ao Vua, Ngà Falls, and Ngoc Stream, painting a stunning picture of nature.

Visitors can easily travel by motorbike, making it convenient to explore the beautiful scenery. With over 1,209 plant species and 63 rare animal species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam, Ba Vi is truly a wonder. After visiting the natural attractions, be sure to head up to the Ba Vi summit, where you can explore the historical values, the Uncle Ho Temple, and the ancestral church, while reflecting on the poignant tale of Son Tinh and Princess Ngoc Hoa.

Address: Tan Linh, Ba Vi, Hanoi

Tam Dao is located in Vinh Phuc province, about 80km from Hanoi, consisting of 50km along National Highway 2, 24km on National Highway 2B, and an additional 13km of winding mountain roads. This place is blessed with the grandeur of mountains, verdant vegetable gardens, and lush, picturesque landscapes.

The climate here is perfect, with cool temperatures year-round, ranging from 18°C to 25°C. It's an ideal destination where you can experience all four seasons in a single day. Here, you can breathe in the fresh, clean air and feel a sense of tranquility in every breath.

Once you reach the summit of Tam Dao, you'll feel like a conqueror, with everything below you and a chill even in the summer. The majestic views of nature below create an unparalleled sight. In addition to conquering the peak, you can visit famous landmarks like the Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple, Silver Falls, Duc Thanh Tran Temple, and the Tam Dao Old Church. Don't forget to enjoy the local specialties before you leave!

Address: Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc

Trang An is a well-known tourist destination that many people are familiar with. Located about 100km from Hanoi and 7km from Ninh Binh city center, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex covers over 2,000 hectares with limestone mountains, breathtaking caves, and ancient temples, creating a picturesque scene like no other.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which spans several districts in Ninh Binh province, is the only “dual heritage” site in Vietnam. It includes the scenic areas of Trang An, Tam Coc, Bich Dong, the ancient capital Hoa Lu, and the Hoa Lu Special-use Forest.

At Trang An, you can also visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Le Dynasty, surrounded by mountains and connected by valleys that stretch for thousands of kilometers. Immerse yourself in the cool, fresh atmosphere of the mountain forests. Don’t miss visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest in Southeast Asia – a place full of fascinating discoveries that reveal its majestic beauty, often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land.”

Address: Trang An, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh