Hanoi is a vibrant and exciting city, but whether you live here or are just visiting, you should take the time to explore the surrounding area with these great day and overnight trips from Hanoi.
The Best Overnight Trips From Hanoi
1. Ba Vi National Park
Once a hill station during the French Colonial era, this lush National Park is based around its majestic views of the three mountain peaks. It’s a two hour drive from Hanoi and here’s beautiful trails to trek along to the temple at the top of Tan Vien peak, an orchid garden and tropical rainforest. You can camp out, or stay in Tan Da Spa Resort, which has mud baths.
2. Tam Dao
This rural mountain town is about a two hour drive from Hanoi, with the last stretch riding high into the winding mountain roads. Expect beautiful views of the valley below, with a French cathedral in pride of place in the town. En route to the town there’s also a Sun Bear sanctuary where you can see the beautiful creatures who have been rescued from captivity.
There’s plenty of homestays and small hotels in the town for accommodation.
3. Ninh Binh
Often called the ‘Ha Long Bay of the Land’, Ninh Binh and nearby Tam Coc is a great day trip or overnight trip from Hanoi. It’s a three hour journey from Hanoi, which you can opt to do either as part of a tour or by yourself on bike. The scenery here is what makes it so special: there are hundreds of limestone cliffs, which you can traverse through on a boat ride.
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4. Haiphong
This vibrant port city north of Hanoi is popular with expats, and it makes for an interesting trip from Hanoi. It’s just two and a half hours away by public bus. Why Haiphong? Well, it has a uniquely traditional feel, with plenty of lovely cafes and places to eat. If you want to see a different Vietnamese city, consider here for a day or two.
5. Halong Bay
As a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, it is best known for its 1000s of sharp peaked islands, which are covered in lush rainforest, Halong Bay is easily one of the most recognisable and beautiful parts of the world.
It’s had a cameo in Kong: Skull Island, Pan and James Bond’s Tomorrow Never Dies. All that natural beauty looks seriously good on camera. We suggest you take a two-day tour with an overnight stay on a boat cruise.
6. Mai Chau Valley
Mai Chau is a peaceful place 130km north of Hanoi that’s home to several tiny villages of Thai ethnic minorities. You can enjoy scenic trekking through rice fields, stay with local people in quaint homestays and soak up the countryside vibes.
7. Duong Lam Ancient Village
Just two hours from Hanoi, Â Duong Lam is famous for its 300-year-old houses, pagodas, fishbone brick roads and ancient banyan trees. If you’re looking to step back in time, this is the place to come. Â In 2005, the Vietnamese Government declared Duong Lam a National Monument, so it still retains its rustic charm. If you want to stay overnight, there’s several homestays in and around the village.
