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A short journey from Hanoi, these ideal travel spots offer a perfect escape for families or groups of friends looking to relax affordably. Consider booking a hotel in Sapa or Hanoi to ensure a smooth weekend getaway.
1. Sapa
Located 38km from Lao Cai City and 376km from Hanoi, Sapa serves as an excellent retreat with its cool climate and picturesque natural scenery.
Hotels: Popular choices include Bamboo Sapa Hotel or Chau Long Sapa 1. For those with young children, hotels can prepare porridge upon request. It's advisable to avoid buying porridge from the market due to quality concerns. In Sapa, renting a motorcycle for about VND 100,000 per day is a great way to explore the ethnic minority villages of the Hmong and Dao people.
Sapa boasts 10 must-visit attractions such as Ham Rong Mountain, Silver Waterfall, Heaven Gate, Lao Chai - Ta Van villages, ancient stone fields, Ban Ho, hot springs, and more. Visiting the Dao people's village of Ta Phin, you can explore their homes and learn about their lifestyle and customs.
Sapa's culinary delights are diverse and affordable. Enjoy the aromatic grilled corn and potatoes along the streets near the church.
For souvenirs, consider local produce like chayote, chayote shoots, wild greens, peaches, plums, and persimmons. Traditional medicines such as Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps, and red Dao bathing herbs should be purchased from reputable sources with health department certification.
When buying souvenirs, whether from ethnic minorities or Kinh people, be mindful of the prices. Some sellers might quote high prices initially. Also, as a tourist area, watch out for pickpockets.
Returning to Lao Cai City, you can visit Hekou. Required documents include: a photocopy of your ID card, a list of travelers + a copy of children's birth certificates, and two 3x4 cm color portrait photos (with full name, birth year, and place of birth on the back).
Transportation to Sapa: Purchase a train ticket from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then continue by bus to Sapa, or opt for a direct sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sapa.
Adventurous youths can motorbike to Lao Cai, ensuring thorough preparation and proficient riding skills due to the winding and steep roads. Motorbike rentals are available in Hanoi. For a group of 3-5 people organizing their trip, budget at least 3-4 million VND.
2. Thung Nai
Thung Nai, known as the Halong Bay of Hoa Binh, sits over 100km from Hanoi in Cao Phong District. This picturesque destination offers a serene escape with its dreamy river and mountain landscapes, especially refreshing during hot days with its cool, forest-scented breeze.
Route to Thung Nai from Hanoi: Follow the Thang Long Avenue to Hoa Lac, take the turn towards Xuan Mai for 17km, turn right onto National Highway 6 towards Hoa Binh City (about 40km). From Hoa Binh, continue on NH6 northwest to the foot of Cun slope (stay through the city, avoid the bypass, around 5km) to find directions to Thung Nai, which is more than 10km away.
For boat rentals in Thung Nai, it's advisable to form a large group, perhaps two families together. This makes renting easier compared to small groups of 1-2 people. Costs for a small group to visit Thac Bo floating market are similar to a group of 10-15. Pre-book your meals and accommodations if planning to stay overnight.
Backpacking to Thung Nai is a great option for families from Hanoi and nearby provinces. Don't miss the Thac Bo floating market on Sundays, a 20-minute journey from the Windmill guesthouse. Visit the foot of Thac Bo temple to see the fish farms and the rustic Muong village of Ngòi Hoa, and the small island named Quạ, a popular resting spot for crows.
Rent a boat at night to enjoy the uniquely quiet atmosphere in the middle of the river, with just the cool breeze and the ambient sounds of fishing boats. You can fish directly from the Da River, grill your catch, and enjoy it with some potent wine. For a lively evening, join other groups for some entertainment and music.
Besides the popular grilled fish, consider exploring Thac Bo market for exquisite orchids as gifts for loved ones.
Means of Transportation:
Take a high-quality bus from Hanoi to Hoa Binh at My Dinh station, departing every 10-15 minutes. Upon arriving in Hoa Binh city, continue by taxi.
If driving to Thung Nai, stay focused. The roads are narrow and not very steep, but the breathtaking scenery can be distracting. It's advised against for those not accustomed to long drives.
Motorbikes are a good option, especially manual ones for easier hill climbs. Motorbike travel offers the flexibility to visit the hydroelectric plant in Hoa Binh city.
For self-organized trips not part of a tour, the cost for a group of 3-5 people is around 1 to 1.2 million VND.
3. Coc Mountain Lake
Coc Mountain Lake, a popular weekend getaway, is located 16km from Thai Nguyen city and over 100km from Hanoi. This man-made freshwater lake carries the enchanting legend of Coc and his beloved Cong.
While Coc Mountain Lake might not seem extraordinary to some, it's perfectly suited for weekend escapes to de-stress and rebalance before tackling a new week full of productivity and success.
For accommodation, it's wise to book in advance rather than leaving it to chance upon arrival, especially during the summer when it becomes a hotspot for visitors from Thai Nguyen, neighboring provinces, and even Hanoi.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful natural scenery with clean air, away from the noisy, dusty urban life. Boat trips around the lake, visiting islands, and exploring the legend of Coc and Cong, fairy-tale parks, zoos, and even a water park during summer are on offer.
En route to Coc Mountain Lake, take in the cool air and views of the endless Tan Cuong tea hills. Evenings can be spent watching musical fountains or by a campfire. Many prefer walking around the lake at night to enjoy the cool, fresh air. Waking up early for a lakeside sunrise is a breathtaking and romantic experience.
For unique gifts, Tan Cuong tea is a top choice. It's wise to seek advice from locals before purchasing to avoid the common but mislabeled varieties.
A day trip to Coc Mountain Lake is perfect for the weekend. For families of 3-5, motorcycles are ideal; larger groups should consider renting a van with 10-16 seats. Summer offers the best one-day visit experience, while colder weather might not be as enjoyable.
Directions: To reach Coc Mountain Lake, ride from Hanoi to Nam Thang Long, turn right, and follow National Highway 3 to Thai Nguyen city, then continue for another 10 km to the lake. A self-organized trip costs about 2-3 million VND for 3-4 people.
4. Duong Lam Ancient Village
Duong Lam Ancient Village, located in Son Tay town near Highway 32, captivates visitors with its timeless ancient houses and the enduring culture of a traditional Vietnamese village.
Visitors often explore Duong Lam Ancient Village in a day. To fully experience the village, you can walk or rent bicycles from locals for 20,000 to 30,000 VND.
Visitors often flock to the ancient homes of Mr. Huyen, Mr. Le, and Mr. Hung in Mong Phu village, known for their beauty and the owners' rich knowledge. With 956 traditional houses, including 17th-century homes in Dong Sang, Mong Phu, and Cam villages, Duong Lam also offers sights like Mia Pagoda, Mong Phu communal house, and local soybean sauce production. Don't miss the Phung Hung temple and Ngo Quyen mausoleum about 1km away.
Duong Lam's culinary scene boasts famous soy sauce rivalling Ban soy sauce, and unique rice candy. Dining options are limited, so it's recommended to pre-order lunch before exploring the ancient Mong Phu village.
Directions: Take the Lang Hoa Lac road to the junction with 21 Xuân Mai - Son Tay road (turn right), continue for 12km to the traffic light at Son Tay town's junction, cross over and proceed another 5km to a fork at the flagpole, then follow the straight path. Signs for Duong Lam ancient village appear about 2-3km from the turn.
Transportation options: Catch a bus from Hanoi city center to Son Tay, then a taxi to Mong Phu village gate. Alternatively, organize a trip by motorcycle or rent a car directly to Duong Lam. The self-organized trip costs about 1-1.5 million VND.
5. Dai Lai Lake
Dai Lai Lake, an artificial reservoir in Phuc Yen town, Vinh Phuc province, 50km north of Hanoi, spans 525 hectares. Surrounded by lush forests, valleys, hills, and several peninsulas, it promises an adventurous exploration for visitors.
Around the lake, hotels and guesthouses like Dailai Resort and Flamengo Resort offer comfortable lodging options. It's wise to book early in summer to avoid the rush and ensure accommodation.
A visit to Bird Island, a 6ha oasis in the middle of the lake, is a must. Rowing out to the center, you'll bask in the vast skies and the expansive beauty of Dai Lai Lake. Additionally, take time to explore the San Diu ethnic villages to discover traditional customs and culture. The lake is surrounded by over 9,000ha of protective forests. From the beach, you can climb to the top of Lizard Mountain southward for a panoramic view of Hanoi.
Local delicacies include wild boar, grilled chicken, buffalo meat, and rice crackers. Families can rent rooms for overnight stays.
Getting there is straightforward: from Hanoi, take Nam Thang Long road, cross Thang Long bridge, at the Noi Bai-Vinh Phuc-Thai Nguyen intersection, turn left and continue straight until you reach a flyover in Phuc Yen town, then turn right at the railway crossing and go straight. Dai Lai is about 10km from the turn, watch for signs.
The best way to travel to Dai Lai is by motorcycle. A trip costs about 3-3.5 million VND for a group of 3-5 people.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide - Via VTC
MytourMay 27, 2019
