5 Ideas for Day Trips From Hanoi
If Hanoi and its lavish array of attractions still cannot satisfy your adventurous spirit or you are simply getting fed up with this noisy crowded city and want some fresh air, just pack up and move out of the inner city to explore numbers of destinations where both stunning scenery and fresh atmosphere are always welcoming you. This guide shall introduce you to five must-see sites near Hanoi for a one day trip.
Huong Pagoda (Perfume Pagoda)
Huong Pagoda is a vast complex of Buddhist pagodas, numerous temples dedicated to various deities, and communal houses, located in Huong Son Town, My Duc District, Hanoi. The heart of this complex is situated inside Huong Son Cave, known as Chua Trong (Inner Pagoda).
To reach this sacred sanctuary, visitors have the opportunity to travel by boat along a long and serene stream. On either side, you'll see sprawling rice fields with egrets soaring above, verdant landscapes, and temples scattered throughout. To fully experience all the temples and explore the entire area, travelers might want to allocate 2-3 days.
The real challenge lies in the uphill trek, which can consume both time and energy due to the thousands of slippery stone steps. After a little sweat to reach the summit, where the main pagoda resides within Huong Son Cave, it's advisable to wear warm clothing or take a moment to dry off, as the inner cave can be quite chilly. This cave is naturally adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites that are sure to mesmerize visitors.
Huong Pagoda is particularly renowned for its festival, which lasts from early January to late April. During this period, Huong Pagoda welcomes thousands of pilgrims from both Vietnam and around the world.
Huong Pagoda - Photo: @travel_journal_phot
Traditional Handicraft Villages
Exploring traditional handicraft villages around Hanoi provides a perfect escape for travelers looking to step away from the bustling life of the city. Tours can be organized into two segments, usually covering one village in the morning and another in the afternoon based on traveler preferences.
Bat Trang Ceramic Village
To reach Bat Trang, travelers can take a motorbike or bus across Chuong Duong Bridge, leading to a large area filled with ceramic pottery workshops. Here, visitors can purchase high-quality ceramic products crafted by skilled artisans in various sizes, colors, and designs. It’s even more exhilarating to be invited to create your own ceramic piece.
Bat Trang - Photo: @nhung.july
Van Phuc Silk Village
This village is a haven for silk and fashion enthusiasts, boasting over 1,000 silk shops that offer an extensive selection of exquisite shirts, crafts, ties, and dresses made from silk. The products are renowned for their lightweight, smooth textures, high quality, and vibrant colors that flatter every skin tone.
Van Phuc Village - Photo: @popolulu.vietnam
Duong Lam Ancient Village
Situated 60 kilometers from central Hanoi, a trip to Duong Lam Village can fill an entire day. This village is recognized as the oldest in Vietnam, showcasing a rich array of historic relics and ancient architecture that dates back over 1,200 years. The landscape of Duong Lam exemplifies a typical Vietnamese village, complete with tranquil rivers bordered by bamboo, extensive rice fields, and various livestock grazing nearby.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay continues to be celebrated as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and remains an essential destination. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay features an extraordinary expanse of approximately 2,000 small limestone islands, covering an area of 1,553 square kilometers. The bay's breathtaking natural beauty promises visitors an unforgettable experience.
Ha Long Bay - Photo: @stevetuantran
Ancient Capital Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh)
The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu was the first capital of the feudal system in Vietnam and is closely associated with the Dinh and Le Dynasties. From 968 to 1010, this historical capital experienced significant glories before King Ly Cong Uan moved the capital to Thang Long.
Hoa Lu is a site rich in ancient relics, preserved by the Vietnamese government since 2003. The collection of national heritage sites here surpasses that of any other province in Vietnam, including temples and communal houses dedicated to national heroes Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, famous pagodas such as Bai Dinh, Ban Long, and Nhat Tru; as well as underground caves and natural wonders like Thien Ton Cave, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Ma Yen Mountain, and Flag Mountain.
Spring is a particularly festive season in Hoa Lu, with many celebrations taking place in this first capital of Vietnam.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong - Photo: @olacleopatra
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