Looking for some unforgettable excursions to take from Hanoi during your visit to Vietnam? 

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a history buff, our top 10 best excursions from Hanoi cater to all types of travelers. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and breathtaking scenery, these excursions are the perfect way to experience the best of Vietnam. Don't miss out on these unforgettable adventures – book your excursion today!

1. Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi

1.1. Why visit Ninh Binh from Hanoi

Ninh Binh City, which serves as the capital of Ninh Binh Province, is a relatively small community situated in the Red River Delta of Northern Vietnam. Its strategic location, less than 100km southeast of Hanoi Capital, makes it an ideal destination for a day trip or an excursion from Hanoi.

Blessed with special favor from nature, Ninh Binh boasts incredibly majestic and poetic natural scenery with many fascinating ecological and spiritual tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. As the land of the former capital Hoa Lu, this place encompasses all the elements of exceptional landscapes and harmonious yin and yang.

When traveling to Ninh Binh, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural space of Bai Dinh Pagoda, visit the Trang An scenic complex, conquer nearly 500 stone steps to the top of Mua Cave - the most attractive check-in coordinates.

1.2. How to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi ? 

Ninh Binh is about 100km from the capital city of Hanoi and is an important transportation hub with 9 national highways and a convenient expressway system. If you're traveling from Hanoi, the best transportation options are motorbikes, cars, or tourist buses.

If you choose to travel by motorbike, you'll travel on the Phap Van-Cau Gie expressway to Ninh Binh, which takes about 2 hours.

If you want to rest and enjoy the scenery, you can choose a tourist bus or coach, according to travel experiences in Ninh Binh. With a coach, you can buy tickets at Giap Bat or My Dinh bus station, with many different departure times. Ticket prices range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per person.

For a more luxurious option, you can choose a limousine or a tourist car with 9 to 11 seats, and you can be picked up and dropped off at your convenience. You can easily find and book with many limousine companies such as Duy Khang Limousine and Trang An Limousine, along with many attractive promotions.

1.3. Where to stay in Ninh Binh ?

The accommodation system in Ninh Binh is quite diverse, from homestays, guesthouses, to hotels of various star ratings with different price ranges. Tourists should choose hotels near the city center for convenience in terms of dining, shopping, and transportation. Here are some suggested hotels that you can refer to:

2-star hotels : From 250,000 - 802,000 VND/night/room. Some hotels can be mentioned such as Elizabeth Hotel Tam Coc, Nam Hoa Hotel, Hang Mua Ecolodge,...

3-star hotels : Bai Dinh Hotel Ninh Binh, MOMALi Hotel Ninh Binh, Tam Coc Condeluz Boutique Hotel,... Hotel prices range from 500,000 - 1,473,000 VND/night/room.

4-star hotels : Tam Coc Garden Resort, Bai Dinh Garden Resort & Spa, Lalita Boutique Hotel & Spa Ninh Binh,... Prices range from 920,000 - 3,086,000 VND/night/room.

5-star hotels : Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort... Prices start from 1,380,000 VND/night/room.

1.4. What to eat in Ninh Bình ?

Ninh Binh burnt rice

If you have the chance to visit Ninh Binh, you cannot miss the specialty dish of burnt rice here. Unlike the usual snack of burnt rice, Ninh Binh burnt rice is made with more care by mixing two types of rice: dry and sticky rice. 

Through many cooking stages, the finished burnt rice pieces have a crispy and golden texture. Ninh Binh burnt rice is usually served with sauce and either mountain goat meat or stir-fried liver and heart, leaving a delicious and unforgettable taste in the memories of tourists.

Hoang Giang Restaurant

Address : Hang Ca, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu

Price from 200,000 VND/person.

Ninh Binh mountain goat meat

Ninh Binh mountain goat meat is a famous delicacy here, with meat that is moderately tender, not too tough, and has a distinctive but not overpowering scent. When eating Ninh Binh mountain goat, you can have it with fermented bean curd sauce or ginger fish sauce with lime, ginger, chili, lemongrass, and galangal along with various raw vegetables to enhance the flavor and sweetness of the meat. In addition, Ninh Binh mountain goat is also cooked in stir-fries and rolls that will satisfy any diner.

Duc De Ninh Binh Restaurant

Address : 446 Nguyen Hue, Ninh Binh

Price ranges from 100,000 - 300,000 VND per portion.

Mountain snails in Ninh Binh

Mountain snails in Ninh Binh is a delicious specialty dish with a characteristic sweet taste, slightly chewy, and can be prepared in many ways such as stir-fried with lemongrass and chili or boiled with dipping sauce, steamed with ginger. With Ninh Binh's cool weather, you can enjoy the sweet taste of snails with a cold beer, which will surely bring an unforgettable refreshing feeling.

Quoc Quan Restaurant

Address : Trang An, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

Price: 80,000 - 100,000 VND/dish

1.5. Things to do in Ninh Binh

Hoa Lu ancient capital

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital was the first capital of the feudal system of Vietnam, associated with the history of the three dynasties of Dinh, Tien Le, and Ly. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital only has two remaining structures: the temples of King Dinh and King Le. In the past, Hoa Lu was a vast area of ​​up to 300 hectares, surrounded by rugged mountain ranges and winding rivers. The temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh are about 300 meters apart.

Ticket prices: 

Adults 20,000 VND/person

Children (aged 6-15): 10,000 VND/person

Seniors (aged 60 and above) and disabled individuals: 10,000 VND/person

Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Tam Coc - Bich Dong is one of the three famous landmarks in Ninh Binh that appeared in the movie Kong Skull Island. It is also a key tourist destination in Vietnam with a system of limestone mountains and many historical relics related to the Tran Dynasty. It is referred to as "Halong Bay on land" and includes three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. 

Bich Dong is an ancient pagoda surrounded by majestic mountains. Climbing to the top of the highest mountain in Bich Dong, you also have the opportunity to admire the entire city of Ninh Binh. The entrance fee is 120,000 VND per adult and 60,000 VND per child under 1.4 meters.

Thung Nham Bird Park

If you are an animal lover, you will definitely feel thrilled and amazed when visiting Thung Nham Bird Park. This ecological tourist area has up to 40 different bird species, with a total number of more than 50,000 birds. Sitting on a boat to visit the But Cave or taking a car to the tourist area, watching each flock of white birds fly up to the sky, you will not be able to take your eyes off this attractive tourist destination.

Ticket price: 

Adults: 100,000 VND/person

Children (6-15 years old) and senior citizens: 50,000 VND/person

Phat Diem Stone cathedral

As a famous artistic architectural work, Phat Diem Stone Cathedral is known as the "Catholic Capital of Vietnam". The cathedral has a large and airy location with a style of architecture that combines Catholicism and other religions in Vietnam, which is very harmonious and artistic. The cathedral was built entirely of large blocks of stone.

Ticket price: Free

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh is a large temple holding many records such as the largest gilded bronze Buddha statue in Asia, the highest pagoda in Southeast Asia, the longest Arhat corridor in Asia, and more. 

Located 15km from the center of Ninh Binh city, Bai Dinh Pagoda covers a total area of 1700 hectares, consisting of two main areas: Bai Dinh ancient temple and the new temple complex. At the beginning of the year, there are many visitors coming to visit, so overcrowding is common. If you don't like crowded places, you can choose another time of the year to visit.

Ticket price: 

Electric car ticket: 60,000 VND/person

Bao Thap entrance ticket: 50,000 VND/person.

Trang An

Trang An was recognized as the first dual World Heritage site in Vietnam by UNESCO for both its cultural and natural values in 2014. Currently, there are 21 lakes and 48 natural caves being exploited for tourism in this area. Visitors will explore this place by boat for about 2-3 hours. There are 3 routes for you to choose from, but the most recommended one is the 3-to-2 route, which passes through many famous landmarks.

Ticket price: 

Adults (over 1.3m): 250,000 VND/person

Children (1m to 1.3m): 120,000 VND/person. Free for children under 1m.

Mua cave

Mua cave is an attractive "check-in" destination for young travelers when visiting Ninh Binh, offering an impressive view from the mountaintop of the entire beautiful scenery of Tam Coc area, from the endless golden rice fields to the vast and open river scene. Besides its natural beauty, Mua Cave is also a challenging journey to conquer 500 stone steps, with the reward at the mountain top being a breathtaking panoramic view of nature.

Location: Located in Tam Coc area, Hoa Lu, 5km away from Tam Coc and Bich Dong, with a straight road leading to Phat Diem Stone cathedral.

Ticket price: 100,000 VND per person.

2. Hanoi - Mai Chau – Hanoi

2.1. Why visit Mai Chau from Hanoi

Mai Chau is a beautiful valley that mesmerizes tourists. It not only allures visitors with the rustic beauty of the mountains and the warmth of the local women but also fascinates them with the heartfelt hospitality of the people. When you come to Mai Chau Valley, you will have an amazing trip to explore the beauty, culture, and cuisine of Mai Chau.

2.2. How to get to Mai Chau from Hanoi

Mai Chau is a mountainous district located in the far west of Hoa Binh province. To the east of Mai Chau is Tan Lac district, to the west is Van Ho district in Son La province, to the south is Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc districts in Thanh Hoa province, and to the north is Da Bac district. The distance from Hanoi to Mai Chau is about 150km.

By motorbike

Motorbike is always one of the popular ways to travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau, chosen by many people, especially young people who love to explore and enjoy adventure.

Below are two routes to Mai Chau, Hoa Binh by motorbike that you can choose:

Route 1: Starting from the center of Hanoi - following Nguyen Trai street - going to Ba La (Ha Dong) - Xuan Mai - QL6 - crossing Thung Khe Pass - Ngã Bà Tòng Đậu - Mai Chau.

Route 2: Starting from the center of Hanoi - going along Tran Duy Hung street - Thang Long Boulevard - Xuan Mai - QL6 - Thung Khe Pass - Ngã Bà Tòng Đậu - Mai Chau.

By car

If you choose to travel to Mai Chau by self-driving car, you can follow the following route: From the center of Hanoi - Thang Long Boulevard - through Trung Hoa underground tunnel - Xuan Mai - Luong Son - Ky Son, Hoa Binh - Cao Phong, Tan Lac - Mai Chau. This route passes through the expressway, so it will save you a lot of time. However, it is only for cars.

By Coach

Traveling by coach is a safe and convenient way to get from Hanoi to Mai Chau. From the My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Yen Nghia stations, there are many daily coach routes from Hanoi to Mai Chau for you to choose from.

By Limousine

If you want to find a safe, convenient, and comfortable way to travel from Hanoi to Mai Chau, a limousine will certainly be an ideal choice.

2.3. Where to stay in Mai Chau

In Mai Chau, the community tourism model is very popular with homestays built and managed by locals. These are often large stilt houses designed for groups of 10 people or more. They are accommodations close to the daily life of the locals, with affordable prices and suitable for young tourist groups, students, and travelers who don't demand high-quality services.

For tourist groups such as honeymoon couples, office workers, or multi-generational families (including children and elderly), the resort model is more suitable.

2.4. What to eat in Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a rice valley with the highest quality rice in the North. A must-try dish is "Xoi Nep", a famous specialty in the poem "Tay Tien" by poet Quang Dung. "Com lam" is also a dish made from Mai Chau rice. The rice is baked in bamboo tubes and sold in many places in Mai Chau.

With many rivers and streams, Mai Chau people eat a lot of wild fish and fish from the Da River in their meals. 

Don't forget to try the local vegetables dipped in the flavorful "cham cheo" sauce.

2.5. Things to do in Mai Chau

Explore the ethnic identity of the Thai people

Mai Chau is a place where White Thai people have been living for a long time. Unlike the Black Thai people in Dien Bien, the White Thai people have their own unique way of life, from clothing, farming practices, and stilt houses. You can visit the Lac, Van, and Pom Coong villages to explore the cultural tourism villages, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the beautiful stilt houses.

Trekking in Mai Chau

The rice fields in Mai Chau are planted on gently sloping terrain, interspersed with black boulders. Although not as majestic as the terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai or Hoang Su Phi, you can still walk into the deep hamlets like Ban Buoc, Ban Kha, Ban Te and Kha Village. However, these trekking routes require the guidance of local guides and full equipment for a dangerous journey.

In addition, the caves like Chieu Cave and Mo Luong Cave also fascinate adventurous travelers. Climbing up 1200 steps to Chieu Cave, you can admire the surreal beauty of stalactites and panoramic views of Mai Chau from above.

Watching the sunrise in Mai Chau

You should definitely wake up early in Mai Chau to admire the sunrise over the high mountain ranges. It is truly a fascinating and worthwhile experience for a relaxing vacation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city where you hardly have a chance to admire such a beautiful moment to welcome the new day.

3. Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi

3.1. Why visit Sapa from Hanoi

Sapa is a hidden gem nestled amidst the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range, which is the highest mountain range in Vietnam. The town is known for its stunning rice terraces, vibrant hill-tribe cultures, and excellent trekking opportunities. Visiting Sapa is an ideal way to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and immerse yourself in nature's beauty. Additionally, Sapa's cooler climate provides a welcome relief from the hot and humid weather in Hanoi.

3.2. How to get to Sapa from Hanoi

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Sapa from Hanoi is by train. There are several trains departing daily from Hanoi's main train station to Lao Cai, the nearest town to Sapa. The journey takes around eight hours, and the trains offer comfortable sleeper cabins with air-conditioning. Once you arrive at Lao Cai, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Sapa, which is around 40 kilometers away.

Alternatively, you can choose between a Limousine or a sleeper bus. The Limousine is smaller and can accommodate fewer people, but you won't be able to lie down flat. Therefore, the sleeper bus is a more suitable choice. Usually, the bus will drop you off at the bus station or Stone Church, and you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to get to your hotel in the city center.

3.3. Where to stay in Sapa 

Sapa offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. The town center is bustling with guesthouses, hostels, and hotels, while the surrounding countryside offers more secluded and luxurious retreats. Some of the popular options include:

Sapa Jade Hill Resort & Spa: A luxurious resort with stunning views of the valley and mountains.

Sapa Legend Hotel & Spa: A boutique hotel located in the town center, offering modern amenities and friendly service.

Cat Cat Garden Hotel: A charming guesthouse located in the Cat Cat village, offering a peaceful retreat from the town's hustle and bustle.

3.4. What to eat in Sapa 

Sapa is a food lover's paradise, offering a blend of Vietnamese and local hill-tribe cuisines. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Thang Co: A traditional stew made with horse meat, spices, and vegetables.

Banh Cuon: A delicate rice paper roll filled with minced pork and mushrooms, served with a dipping sauce.

Grilled Sticky Rice: This is a simple yet delicious dish that's perfect as a snack or a light meal. Sticky rice is grilled on bamboo skewers over an open flame, giving it a smoky flavor. 

Black Chicken: This unique dish features a local breed of chicken that has black skin and meat. The chicken is usually stewed with ginger, garlic, and other herbs, and is believed to have medicinal properties.

Salmon Hotpot: Sapa is known for its fresh and delicious salmon, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is in a hotpot. The salmon hotpot is usually served with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, and is a great way to warm up on a cold night.

3.5. Things to do in Sapa 

Sapa is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here are some of the top things to do in Sapa:

Trekking: Explore the stunning rice terraces and scenic mountains on a trekking tour. Some popular trekking routes include Fansipan mountain, Muong Hoa valley, and Cat Cat village.

Homestay: Experience the local hill-tribe culture by staying with a local family in a traditional house.

Waterfall chasing: Visit the Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall, two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sapa.

Market tour: Visit the Sapa market, where you can find a variety of local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Cable car ride: Take a cable car ride to the Fansipan peak, the highest point in Vietnam, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Spa and relaxation: Unwind and rejuvenate at one of the many spas in Sapa, offering massages, facials, and other treatments using local herbs and ingredients.

Local festivals: If you're lucky enough to visit Sapa during a local festival, such as the Bac Ha Market or the Love Market, you'll have the chance to witness traditional dance, music, and costume displays.

4. Hanoi – Halong Bay - Hanoi

4.1. Why visit Halong Bay from Hanoi

Halong Bay is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. The bay features thousands of towering limestone islands and islets, each with unique shapes and sizes. The turquoise waters of the bay, surrounded by lush greenery, make for a stunning sight. 

Halong Bay is also home to many beautiful beaches, hidden lagoons, and caves that are worth exploring. Visitors to Halong Bay can indulge in a range of activities, including kayaking, hiking, swimming, and visiting local fishing villages. All of these make Halong Bay a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam.

4.2. How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi

By Coach

The most popular and economical way to get to Halong Bay is by taking a coach. There are several coach companies that operate daily between Hanoi and Halong Bay, with tickets ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.

By Private Car

If you prefer more comfort and flexibility, you can also hire a private car to take you to Halong Bay. This option is more expensive than the coach, with prices ranging from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 VND depending on the type of car and the number of passengers. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.

By Seaplane

For a more luxurious and scenic option, you can also take a seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay. This is the most expensive option, with prices ranging from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND (approximately $120 to $200 USD) per person (prices can be higher during peak tourist season and holidays). The journey takes around 45 minutes and offers breathtaking aerial views of the bay.

By Train

Although there is no direct train service from Hanoi to Halong Bay, visitors can take a train to the nearby city of Hai Phong and then take a taxi or bus to Halong Bay. The train journey from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes more than 2 hours, and tickets can be booked online or at Hanoi Railway Station.

4.3. Where to stay in Halong Bay

There are various accommodation options available in Halong Bay, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels. Some popular places to stay in Halong Bay are:

Halong Bay Cruise

One of the best ways to experience Halong Bay is by booking a Halong Bay cruise. There are several cruises available, ranging from budget to luxury, and they offer visitors a chance to explore the bay's islands and caves, as well as enjoy delicious seafood meals.

Hotels

There are several hotels located in Halong Bay, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. Some popular hotels include Halong Plaza Hotel, Wyndham Legend Halong, and Royal Lotus Hotel Halong.

4.4. What to eat in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood. Some must-try dishes include:

Grilled squid: Grilled squid is a popular dish in Halong Bay, and it is served at many seafood restaurants. The squid is grilled to perfection and served with a dipping sauce.

Halong Bay prawns: Halong Bay prawns are known for their sweet and succulent taste and are often served grilled, steamed, or boiled with a variety of dipping sauces.

Vietnamese seafood hotpot: Vietnamese seafood hotpot is a communal dish that is perfect for sharing with friends or family. The hotpot is filled with a variety of seafood, vegetables, and noodles, and it is cooked at the table in a flavorful broth.

Banh Cuon: Banh Cuon is a popular Vietnamese dish that is served in Halong Bay. It consists of steamed rice paper rolls filled with pork, mushrooms, and other ingredients, and it is served with dipping sauce and herbs.

4.5. Things to do in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is home to several stunning islands, caves, and beaches, and there are many things to do and see while visiting the area. Here are some popular activities and attractions in Halong Bay:

Island Hopping: Visitors can take a boat tour of the bay and explore some of the many islands and islets in the area. Some of the most popular islands to visit include Cat Ba Island, Ti Top Island, and Soi Sim Island.

Caving: Halong Bay is home to several magnificent caves that are worth exploring. Some popular caves include Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and Dau Go Cave.

Kayaking: Visitors can rent a kayak and explore the bay at their own pace. Kayaking is a great way to get up close and personal with the limestone cliffs and caves.

Visiting Fishing Villages: There are several fishing villages in Halong Bay, and visitors can learn about the local way of life by visiting these villages. Some popular villages to visit include Cua Van Village, Vung Vieng Village, and Ba Hang Village.

Watching Sunrise or Sunset: Halong Bay is famous for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, and visitors can experience these natural wonders by taking a boat tour or hiking to a high point in the area.

5. Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi

5.1. Why visit Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi

Lan Ha Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam. With its secluded beaches, turquoise waters, and towering cliffs, it offers a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and fishing. Plus, with fewer crowds than Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay provides a more authentic and intimate experience with nature.

5.2. How to get to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi

Private car

This is the most convenient and comfortable option for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of public transportation. You can hire a private car or van with a driver to take you directly from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Shuttle bus of the junk

Many cruise operators offer shuttle bus services from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay. This is a convenient option if you're planning to stay on a cruise overnight, as the shuttle bus will take you directly to the pier where the boat is located. You can book this service through the cruise operator or a travel agency.

Train

There is no direct train service from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay, but you can take a train to Hai Phong city and then take a taxi or bus to Binh pier where you can catch a ferry to Cat Ba Island. The train journey takes more than 2 hours and there are several daily services from Hanoi to Hai Phong.

Bus

Another affordable option is to take a bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong city, then transfer to a ferry or speedboat in Binh pier to reach Cat Ba Island. Several bus companies operate daily services from Hanoi to Hai Phong.

5.3. Where to stay in Lan Ha Bay

There are several options for accommodation in Lan Ha Bay, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. Some popular options include:

Cat Ba Island: Visitors can choose to stay on Cat Ba Island, which is the largest island in the bay and offers a range of accommodation options. Some popular hotels and resorts include Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa, Cat Ba Sandy Beach Resort, and Cat Ba Eco-Lodge.

Other Islands: For a more exclusive and secluded experience, visitors can stay on one of the private islands in Lan Ha Bay. Some popular options include Monkey Island Resort, Nam Cat Island Resort.

Cruises are also a popular way to experience Lan Ha Bay. There are many companies that offer a range of cruise options, from budget to luxury. When choosing a cruise, it's important to consider factors such as the itinerary, the size and type of boat, the level of luxury, and the activities offered. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before booking to ensure you find the best option for your needs and budget.

5.4. What to eat in Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, which is a must-try during your visit. Here are some of the most popular seafood dishes to try:

Grilled squid: Lan Ha Bay is famous for its grilled squid, which is often marinated in a mixture of spices and grilled over an open flame for a smoky and savory flavor.

Steamed clams: Lan Ha Bay is home to a variety of fresh clams, which are often steamed with lemongrass and ginger for a fragrant and delicate flavor.

Fried fish with tamarind sauce: This dish features a whole fish that is deep-fried until crispy and served with a tangy tamarind sauce that balances the richness of the fish.

Lobster: Lan Ha Bay is known for its succulent lobsters, which can be served grilled, steamed, or stir-fried with garlic and butter.

Grilled shrimp: Another popular seafood option in Lan Ha Bay is grilled shrimp, which is often served with a spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Seafood hotpot: This comforting and hearty dish features a variety of fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid, and fish, as well as vegetables and noodles, cooked in a flavorful broth.

Crab meat soup: This creamy and flavorful soup features fresh crab meat, mushrooms, and a variety of herbs and spices.

5.5. Things to do in Lan Ha Bay

There are many things to do and see in Lan Ha Bay, including:

Kayaking: Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the bay and its hidden caves and lagoons. Many tours offer kayaking as part of their package, or you can rent a kayak from one of the local shops.

Snorkeling: Snorkeling is a great way to discover the diverse marine life in the bay, including colorful fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles.

Island hopping: Visitors can explore the many islands in Lan Ha Bay, each with its own unique scenery and attractions. Some popular islands include Monkey Island, Cat Dua Island, and Van Boi Island.

Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity in the bay, and visitors can join a local fisherman on a traditional fishing boat and try their luck catching squid, crab, or fish.

Beach hopping: Lan Ha Bay is home to many secluded and pristine beaches, and visitors can spend the day lounging on the sand, swimming in the turquoise waters, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Discover more about excursions from Hanoi :

=> Best excursions from Hanoi

=> What to do and visit during the 2-day cruise in Lan Ha Bay ?