Buzz
Wondering where to spend your weekend with family and friends? Check out these incredibly exciting weekend travel spots in Hanoi!
Weekends are precious moments to step away from daily routines, relax with loved ones, and recharge for the week ahead. It’s also the perfect time to explore fascinating places and rejuvenate your spirit. Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, offers countless attractions and engaging activities for everyone.
Whether you want to wander through ancient streets, savor unique local cuisine, or unwind in serene parks and peaceful villages, Hanoi has it all. Discover the best weekend travel destinations in Hanoi in this article and start planning your unforgettable trip!
1. VinWonders Hanoi Amusement Park
- Address: Vinhomes Ocean Park 3, Tan Quang Commune, Nhu Quynh Town, Van Lam District and Nghia Tru Commune, Van Giang District, Hung Yen Province
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
If you're searching for a weekend getaway, VinWonders Hanoi is an excellent choice. Located in the Vinhomes Ocean Park urban area, this amusement park promises top-tier entertainment and fun experiences for families, friend groups, or couples.
The water park here is divided into two standout zones. Wave Park impresses with Asia's largest saltwater pool, a world-class wave pool, and thrilling water attractions. Photo enthusiasts will adore the Atlantis-inspired scenery. You can easily reach VinWonders by car, motorbike, or the convenient VinBus service. Don’t forget to check the bus schedule in advance for a smooth trip!
2. Mega Grand World Hanoi Suburb - Hung Yen
- Address: Vinhomes Ocean Park 3, Long Hung and Nghia Tru Communes, Van Giang District, Hung Yen Province
- Opening hours: 24/7
Grand World, part of the Ocean City urban area east of Hanoi, is the perfect destination for a weekend retreat. This massive complex spans 18.7 hectares, featuring a blend of Asian and European-inspired landscapes, from vibrant streets to a romantic Venetian-style canal.
Visitors can enjoy activities like Gondola rides, snapping photos at picturesque spots, or immersing themselves in lively festival atmospheres. The highlight is the immersive show "The Grand Voyage," featuring stunning light and sound effects. Grand World also offers shopping, dining, and modern entertainment options, making it ideal for families. The free VinBus system ensures convenient and cost-effective transportation.
3. Vietnam Military History Museum
- Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu Street, Ba Dinh District
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Located on Thang Long Avenue, the Vietnam Military History Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It showcases over 150,000 artifacts, including national treasures like the MIG-21 aircraft, T54B tank, and the map of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.
The museum features a modern design with 3D mapping and 3D films, offering an immersive experience that deepens your understanding of the nation's defense journey. Since there are no dining facilities, it’s advisable to bring water. Comfortable shoes and a hat are also recommended due to the large space and extensive walking. Pro tip: sunset is the perfect time for photography at the museum!
4. Ba Vi National Park - A Green Getaway Near Hanoi
- Address: Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi District, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This weekend, escape the city and unwind in the lush greenery of Ba Vi National Park, just 60km from Hanoi. With its year-round cool climate and pristine nature, this destination offers a perfect retreat into the wild. Don’t miss highlights like the mysterious ancient church, the Instagram-worthy cactus greenhouse, or camping amidst the forest to soak in the fresh air.
If you love photography, the blooming wild sunflowers from November to December will captivate you with their vibrant golden hues. For history buffs, conquer King Peak to visit the Ho Chi Minh Temple. Hiking while enjoying the scenic views ensures a trip that rejuvenates both body and mind.
5. KidZania International Edutainment Center in Hanoi
- Address: 5th Floor, Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi, 272 Vo Chi Cong Street, Tay Ho District
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Why not take your kids to KidZania this weekend for a fun and educational experience? This miniature city is an exciting destination for children aged 4-14, where they can role-play as doctors, pilots, firefighters, or talented chefs.
Kids will dress in uniforms, use real-life tools, and complete tasks just like adults. After finishing their tasks, they earn KidZos – KidZania’s currency – to shop or enjoy services within the city. These activities not only teach life skills but also spark creativity and boost confidence.
6. I-Museum in Hanoi
- Address: 5th Floor, Trang Tien Plaza, 24 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
As Vietnam's first multi-sensory art museum, I-Museum stands out for blending modern technology with traditional art. Here, you can marvel at the "Dance of Water" with its mesmerizing light effects or stroll through a vibrant space inspired by Hoi An lanterns.
Beyond observation, I-Museum offers engaging interactive activities. Explore famous works by artists like Van Gogh and Monet, or snap photos at My Trip Studio with backdrops inspired by global destinations. Gather your friends or family and immerse yourself in this artistic haven in the heart of Hanoi this weekend!
7. Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi
- Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Address: Lotte Mall West Lake, Kim Ma, Ba Dinh District
Spanning 9,000 square meters and home to over 31,000 marine creatures, Lotte World will captivate you from the moment you step inside. Take time to admire schools of fish swimming through Southeast Asia's largest acrylic dome or listen to the fascinating sounds of marine life. The "Walk on the Ocean" area, with its massive glass tank and stunning light effects, offers perfect photo opportunities.
The aquarium is also ideal for families with young children, as its immersive natural experiences spark curiosity and creativity. Don’t forget to find the perfect spot for memorable photos!
8. Lotte Hanoi Sky Observation Deck
- Address: 65th Floor, Lotte Center Hanoi, 54 Lieu Giai, Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh District
- Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 10:30 PM
If you're looking for a place to admire Hanoi from above, the Lotte Sky Observation Deck on the 65th floor of Lotte Center is the perfect spot. Here, you can experience the thrill of floating in mid-air on a transparent glass floor, with the sparkling cityscape beneath your feet.
Beyond the 360-degree city views, you can also check out the popular Sky Walk area. At night, the dazzling lights from the skyscraper and the endless stream of vehicles create a magical scene of Hanoi. The 65th floor also features a play area, souvenir shops, and stylish photo spots, making it a romantic destination for couples. Don’t miss it!
9. Hoa Lo Prison Relic in Hanoi
- Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When it comes to historical landmarks in Hanoi, Hoa Lo Prison is a must-visit. Built in 1896, it was once the largest detention center in Indochina during the French colonial era, closely tied to the nation’s resilient struggle for independence. This weekend, take a journey through time to better understand the heroic history of Vietnam.
Hoa Lo Prison impresses with its robust architecture, 4-meter-high stone walls, and artifacts that vividly depict the harsh lives of prisoners. Don’t miss the exhibition area, where you can hear moving stories and view historical relics. The visit becomes even more meaningful if you join the evening tour, offering a deeper and more reflective experience.
10. VinKE & Times City Aquarium in Hanoi
- Address: 458 Minh Khai Street, Thanh Luong, Hai Ba Trung District
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Located in the bustling Times City urban area, VinKE and Times City Aquarium form an excellent entertainment complex perfect for families, especially young children. VinKE is not just a typical play area but also an educational space with fascinating career-oriented zones, allowing kids to role-play as doctors, firefighters, or police officers. Parents can also join in, making it a meaningful bonding experience.
At Times City Aquarium, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a magical underwater world with its stunning glass tunnel and thousands of vibrant marine creatures, from stingrays and sharks to adorable penguins. Artistic performances like "The Mermaid Show" or "Shark Feeding" will make your visit even more memorable.
11. Enjoy Water Puppetry at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi
- Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
An emotionally enriching weekend awaits you at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, a cultural gem of Hanoi. Situated on Dinh Tien Hoang Street near Hoan Kiem Lake, the water puppet show is a proud symbol of Vietnamese culture, offering a fresh and intimate perspective on rural life amidst the vibrant city.
With six daily performances, Thang Long Theater immerses you in a lively fairy-tale world, showcasing stories of Vietnamese village life through colorful puppets on water. The harmonious blend of folk music and skilled puppetry creates an unforgettable and impressive experience.
12. Essence of the North Show at Baara Land in Hanoi
- Address: Baara Land Cultural and Entertainment Area, Da Phuc Village, Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District
- Showtime: 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
Held exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays, the Essence of the North Show is a spectacular cultural performance you shouldn’t miss this weekend. Set at the foot of Thay Pagoda Mountain, this grand outdoor stage brings to life the rich history and culture of Northern Vietnam in an emotionally captivating way.
The 75-minute performance showcases fairy tales, village festivals, and traditional beauty through mesmerizing music, lighting, and choreography. Highlights include graceful Quan Ho folk songs, water puppetry, and vibrant cultural rituals.
13. Quang Phu Cau Incense Village - Hanoi
- Address: Quang Phu Cau Commune, Ung Hoa District
This weekend, are you looking for a peaceful and relaxing spot to escape the hustle and bustle? Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is the perfect choice! Just 35km from Hanoi, this village is famous for its vibrant red incense sticks drying in the sun, creating a stunning backdrop for photos.
Visiting Quang Phu Cau, you’ll not only witness the intricate process of making incense but also have endless opportunities for picturesque shots. You can travel by motorbike for flexibility or take a bus for convenience. Spend a day exploring the countryside, snapping photos, and enjoying local delicacies – sounds ideal, doesn’t it?
14. Huong Pagoda - Hanoi's Outskirts
- Address: Right bank of the Day River, Huong Son Commune, My Duc District
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
If you’re seeking a place to recharge your soul this weekend, head to Huong Pagoda! Located about 60km from Hanoi, Huong Pagoda is not only a spiritual destination but also boasts breathtaking natural scenery. Here, you’ll admire the poetic beauty of Yen Stream, gently winding through the mountains. A boat ride along the stream offers a chance to relax, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the lush green rice fields on both sides.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Huong Pagoda holds deep spiritual significance, especially with Huong Tich Cave, known as the "First Cave of the Southern Sky." Visitors can hike or take a cable car to reach this sacred cave. Don’t forget to visit in November during the water lily season to experience the pagoda’s unique charm!
15. Bat Trang Pottery Village - Hanoi
- Address: Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District
If you’re looking for a mix of cultural exploration and shopping, add Bat Trang Pottery Village to your weekend itinerary. Getting to Bat Trang is convenient – you can travel by motorbike, car, or try a unique river tour starting from 350,000 VND per person.
At the village, don’t miss the chance to try pottery-making, a fun and creative activity that tests your skills. Also, visit the Bat Trang Ceramic Museum to admire its unique architecture and learn about the village’s history. Then, explore the pottery market to pick up meaningful souvenirs. Pro tip: venture deeper into the market for better deals, and don’t hesitate to bargain!
16. Hoa Lu - Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) - A Weekend Getaway Near Hanoi
Hoa Lu - Tam Coc in Ninh Binh is an excellent choice for a weekend adventure. Just about 2 hours from Hanoi, you can reach Ninh Binh by bus, train, or motorbike for a scenic ride.
Stepping into the ancient capital of Hoa Lu feels like traveling back in time, with historic sites like the temples of King Dinh and King Le. For photo enthusiasts, Tam Coc won’t disappoint. Drift along the Ngo Dong River on a boat, marvel at the three enchanting caves, and admire the endless rice fields on both sides. Remember to wear comfortable clothes for exploring and bring some stylish outfits for photos!
Weekends are perfect for relaxation, recharging, and preparing for the week ahead. Hanoi offers countless destinations for all ages, from historical sites like Hoa Lo Prison to serene natural escapes like Ba Vi National Park. If you prefer something lively, amusement parks like VinWonders or Mega Grand World are ideal choices. In just a few hours, you can enjoy a fulfilling weekend of relaxation and exploration, returning to work with renewed energy!
Discover more travel tips for exploring Hanoi on Mytour Blog: 13 Domestic Travel Destinations for Tet Holiday, Where to Travel in March? 19 Hot March Travel Destinations, Tips for Visiting Co Loa Citadel, a Historic Site in Hanoi, Experience Ba Dinh Square, 16 Delicious Hot Pot Restaurants in Hanoi for Food Lovers, and more.
Weekend trips in Hanoi are just as fun without traveling far, right #teamMytour?
