Hanoi is the perfect base for discovering the best of northern Vietnam — but with so many options, which day trip suits your travel style? Here's our expert breakdown to help you choose.
How to Choose the Right Day Trip from Hanoi
- Only 1 day left? → Go for Halong Bay or Ninh Binh for iconic natural views
- Prefer a less touristy nature? → Mai Chau, Cuc Phuong, or Ba Vi are great picks
- Hands-on family fun with a short drive? → Try Bat Trang or Ky Son & Duong Lam
Use the chart below to compare travel time, activity level, and costs. Then scroll down for expert tips on each destination.
| Destination | Travel Time | Activity Level | Cost on Private Basis | Expert Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halong Bay | 2.5 hrs | ★★☆☆☆ | US$200+ | Perfect for a "must-see" experience in a limited time |
| Ninh Binh | 2 hrs | ★★☆☆☆ | US$90+ | Best inland alternative to Halong, especially in the rainy season |
| Mai Chau | 3.5 hrs | ★★★☆☆ | US$150+ | Great for Sapa-style scenery in 1 day |
| Ky Son & Duong Lam | 1.5 hrs | ★★☆☆☆ | US$110+ | Most authentic village trip near Hanoi |
| Bat Trang | 0.5 hrs | ★☆☆☆☆ | US$50+ | Half-day hands-on pottery fun |
| Perfume Pagoda | 1.5 hrs | ★★★☆☆ | US$110+ | Go off-peak to avoid festival crowds |
| Cuc Phuong NP | 3 hrs | ★★★★☆ | US$100+ | Best April–May; skip if you're short on time |
| Ba Vi NP | 1.5 hrs | ★★☆☆☆ | US$70+ | Hill views, forest trails, French ruins |
1. Halong Bay — The Classic Bay Cruises Near Hanoi
- Distance from Hanoi: ~2½–3 hours (depending on traffic and route)
- Best for: Stunning sea views, cruises, iconic photos
- Trip vibe: ★★☆☆☆ moderate effort | 1-day doable, but 2-day recommended
As a UNESCO seascape, Halong Bay is a top side trip for first-time visitors. Where else can you sail past thousands of limestone towers rising from emerald waters, explore hidden caves, and kayak through floating fishing villages — all in one cruise?
It's a nice introduction, but be prepared for crowds and an early start around 8 am. If your time allows, stay at least 1 night on the bay to avoid the rush. Besides, you'll visit quieter areas, join more activities on board, and enjoy sunset and sunrise on the water.
Need help choosing between Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long, or Lan Ha Bay? See our Hanoi + Halong Bay tour or contact us for cruise advice.
2. Ninh Binh — Halong Bay on Land
- Distance from Hanoi: ~2 hours
- Best for: Peaceful nature, scenic boat rides, countryside biking
- Trip vibe: ★★☆☆☆ light activity | Ideal for 1-day round trip
If Halong Bay feels too far or too busy, Ninh Binh is the perfect inland escape, as well as the rainy escape in typhoon season (July to September).
This UNESCO-listed region offers a calm, postcard-perfect setting of limestone cliffs, winding rivers, and open rice fields. Unlike the open seascapes of Halong, you'll glide through narrow karst passages and into mystical caves, with close-up views that feel more personal and immersive.
A classic route covers the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, followed by a serene boat trip through Trang An or Tam Coc, gliding through caves and towering karsts. Prefer a more active take? Bike through rural paths or hike up to Mua Cave for one of the best panoramic views in northern Vietnam.
See a comprehensive guide about planning a trip to Hanoi and nearby cities.
3. Mai Chau Valley — The Easiest Gateway to Vietnam's Mountain Villages
- Distance from Hanoi: ~3½ hours
- Best for: Village life, biking, light trekking
- Trip vibe: ★★★☆☆ moderate activity | Best as a 1–2 day trip
If you love the idea of Sapa or Ha Giang but don't have time for the full loop, Mai Chau is the perfect alternative. It's a peaceful valley ringed by mountains, dotted with Thai stilt houses and rice paddies.
A typical day trip includes a scenic bike ride past rice fields, buffalo paths, and village homes, or a relaxed trek between Thai minority hamlets. Want to go deeper into the culture? Stay overnight in a local stilt house and experience the slow pace of life here.
Bonus: Visit in June or late September for golden rice fields. (Read further about the best time to visit Hanoi.)
Check out our sample itinerary, including Mai Chau, for inspiration.
4. Ky Son & Duong Lam Villages — for a Taste of Traditional Rural Life
Duong Lam Villages- Distance from Hanoi: ~1½ hours
- Best for: Slow travel, local life, cultural immersion
- Trip vibe: ★★☆☆☆ light activity | Half to full day
If you're drawn to authentic encounters over sightseeing checklists, this trip is made for you.
Begin in Ky Son, a charming countryside retreat where life moves slowly. Sip green tea with your local host in a wooden stilt house, bike past herb gardens and lotus ponds, and feel time pause. It's not about "doing more", but about feeling connected.
Just a short drive away, Duong Lam Ancient Village adds a touch of living history. Wander stone-paved lanes lined with 300-year-old brick houses, visit ancestral temples, and try local peanut candy in small family-run kitchens.
5. Bat Trang Village — The Easiest Cultural Escape from Hanoi
- Distance from Hanoi: ~30 minutes
- Best for: Craft lovers, families, cultural snapshots
- Trip vibe: ★☆☆☆☆ super light | Half day
Short on time? Bat Trang is the easiest way to experience Vietnam's traditional crafts without leaving the city far behind. Unlike crowded tourist spots, Bat Trang would also show you the quieter side of Hanoi.
Stroll through narrow lanes lined with ceramic workshops, watch artisans hand-shape delicate vases, or try your hand at a pottery class. You'll walk away with not just photos, but something you made yourself.
6. Perfume Pagoda — for a Spiritual (and Scenic) Day Out
- Distance from Hanoi: ~1½ hours
- Best for: Cultural heritage, Buddhist temples, nature
- Trip vibe: ★★★☆☆ moderate | Full day
For a unique glimpse into Vietnam's spiritual life, you could take a day trip to Perfume Pagoda, which is one of the most sacred places in Northern Vietnam.
Beyond its complex of around 30 Buddhist shrines, it offers spectacular scenery of limestone cliffs and captivating caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
To get there, you take a peaceful boat ride along a river, then either hike or cable-car your way up to Huong Tich Cave, the heart of the complex.
Just avoid March–April, when thousands of festivalgoers flood the area, making it difficult to get around.
7. Cuc Phuong National Park — for Wildlife Lovers and Rugged Treks
- Distance from Hanoi: ~3 hours
- Best for: Wildlife lovers, rainforest trekking
- Trip vibe: ★★★★☆ active | Full day or combine with Ninh Binh
If you're a nature lover, Cuc Phuong is the real deal. It's Vietnam's oldest national park and home to endangered primates, ancient trees, and wild butterflies (especially from April to May).
Forest trek trails are steep, root-covered, and humid. Active travelers may feel excited; however, it would be challenging for people with limited mobility. And if you go, plan a full-day tour, as taxis won't come to pick you up out there.
8. Ba Vì National Park — for Shaded Forest Hikes
- Distance from Hanoi: ~1½ hours
- Best for: Nature walks, fresh air, quiet vibes
- Trip vibe: ★★☆☆☆ light to moderate | Ideal for a half or full day
Want to escape the city without popular crowds and spend half the day on the road? Ba Vi is your spot. It's a cool, forested area with short, shaded hikes, hidden French colonial ruins, and sweeping views from Tan Vien Peak.
It's especially beautiful from October to February, and in November, the Mexican sunflowers light up the hills.
Facilities are limited, so bring your own snacks and water. Round-trip transfers have to be arranged in advance, as the national park isn't served by public transport.
Let Us Help You Make the Most of Your Time
The easiest way to have a high-quality day trip from Hanoi is to travel with a customized guided tour that makes the most of your time. Our private transfers help you save time on the way, and our experienced guides help you to avoid crowds and see the highlights in the best ways for you.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
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