While Hanoi itself is a fantastic destination, don't miss the chance to explore the amazing spots just a short drive away. From lush valleys and tranquil bays to charming villages and scenic countryside, there are plenty of day trips that offer a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Whether you're into hiking, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing in nature, there's something for everyone. In this post, we’ll be sharing some of the top 7 best day trips from Hanoi, as well as giving you some overnight options.

How Many Days In Hanoi Is Enough ?

Before you venture out, how many days should you spend in Hanoi so you don’t miss out on all the good stuff? The ideal amount of time to spend in Hanoi depends on your interests and travel pace, but typically, 3 to 4 days is enough to experience the city’s highlights. This timeframe allows you to explore the Old Quarter, visit historical sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, enjoy the local cuisine, and soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

If you have more time to spare, day trips from Hanoi are the way to go. These excursions offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring picturesque landscapes to learning about traditional crafts and meeting local communities.

Hanoi Day Trip Recommendations 

Day Trips From Hanoi To Halong Bay

Choosing Halong Bay for a day trip from Hanoi is a no-brainer if you want to soak in some of Vietnam's most stunning natural scenery without spending too much time away from the city. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests. Plus, it's only about a 2-3 hour drive from Hanoi, making it perfect for a quick getaway.

Most Halong Bay day tours from Hanoi leave the city around 7:30 AM. Once you arrive, hop on a traditional junk boat or a modern cruise ship and visit some of the bay’s most famous caves, like Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace) or Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. Some tours offer kayaking or a ride on a bamboo boat, which is a super chill way to explore the bay’s nooks and crannies.

If you have more time, we highly suggest spending the night on a cruise in Halong Bay. Watching the sunset from your balcony, having a delicious dinner under the stars, squid fishing at night, waking up to the most stunning sunrise ever and an early session of Tai Chi on the sundeck, etc, we guarantee it’s an experience of a lifetime!

Day Trip From Hanoi To Lan Ha Bay

If you want to experience the stunning scenery of Halong Bay with less crowd, opt for a day trip from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha Bay is just as beautiful, with its emerald waters and towering limestone islands, but it’s less popular, giving you a more serene and intimate experience. Plus, it’s only about 2.5-3 hours from Hanoi.

Once you arrive, board a traditional junk boat or a modern cruise ship. The journey through Lan Ha Bay is peaceful and stunning, offering breathtaking views right from the start. Lan Ha Bay’s calm waters and hidden lagoons are perfect for a leisurely paddle or a refreshing dip.

You can also visit local caves, like the Dark and Bright Cave, and then enjoy a delicious seafood lunch (or other options if you prefer) while surrounded by the bay’s stunning scenery.

Day Trips From Hanoi To Ninh Binh

Often referred to as "Ha Long Bay on land," Ninh Binh is known for its stunning karst landscapes, lush greenery, and historical sites. A Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi is a great idea if you want to experience Vietnam's natural beauty and cultural heritage without traveling too far. It's about a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, and is packed with things to see and do !

Tam Coc Boat Ride

Hop on a traditional sampan boat and enjoy a peaceful ride through rice paddies and limestone karsts. The boat ride typically lasts about 2 hours and is a fantastic way to take in the scenery.

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

After the boat ride, visit Bich Dong Pagoda. This ancient pagoda is nestled into a mountainside and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views are worth it.

Local Specialty

Enjoy a local Vietnamese lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area. Try some Ninh Binh specialties like goat meat dishes and crispy rice.

Trang An Grottoes

Head to Trang An, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can take another boat ride through a network of caves and rivers. The boat ride here is about 2-3 hours and includes stops at various caves and temples.

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Explore the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties and learn about the rich history of the area.

Hang Mua Viewpoint

This is a great option for a hiking day trip from Hanoi. Conquer 500 steps of Mua Cave for an epic panoramic view of karst mountains, golden rice fields, and a vast lotus pond below. 500 steps sounds a little intimidating, but the views and sense of accomplishment will be worth it !

Day Trips From Hanoi To Sapa

Nestled in the mountains, Sapa is known for its terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and stunning views. Because the bus ride to Sapa alone takes 5–6 hours, so we recommend staying the night. Sapa is the perfect destination for a 2 day trip from Hanoi, offering tons of destinations and activities that make for an unforgettable visit.

Fansipan Mountain

Also known as the "Roof of Indochina." This challenging hike takes around 6–8 hours depending on your pace and fitness level. It's a rewarding journey with stunning views along the way. If you prefer a less strenuous option, take the cable car to the summit. The cable car ride offers spectacular views of the Hoang Lien Son range and the valleys below, and it’s an experience in itself.

Trek To Lao Chai And Ta Van Villages

Embark on a guided trek through the stunning terraced rice fields to the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. These villages are home to the Black Hmong and Giay ethnic minorities. Along the way, enjoy the breathtaking scenery and learn about the traditional way of life.

Visit Cat Cat Village

Visit Cat Cat Village, a traditional Hmong village. Here, you can meet the locals, learn about their traditions, and see traditional crafts and performances.

Dinner And Overnight Stay

Enjoy a relaxing evening, perhaps with a spa treatment, and sleep well with the serene view of the rice terraces outside your window.

If you have time, visit Ham Rong Mountain for a panoramic view of Sapa and its surroundings.

Day Trip From Hanoi To Mai Chau

If you don’t have much time, Mai Chau is a good alternative to Sapa. A day trip from Hanoi to Mai Chau is a fantastic idea if you're looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in Vietnam's serene countryside. Mai Chau is about 140 kilometers southwest of Hanoi, making it an easily accessible destination for a day trip. The drive takes around 3.5 hours with scenic views along the way. 

The region is home to various ethnic minorities, particularly the White Thai people. Visiting Mai Chau offers a unique opportunity to learn about their traditional lifestyle, customs, and crafts. You’ll get to savor traditional Thai dishes, such as grilled meat dishes, sticky rice, and fresh vegetables from the mountainous regions.

Mai Chau is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy trekking, cycling, or simply walking through the villages and fields, there's plenty to keep you active and engaged. Unlike more touristy destinations, Mai Chau offers a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds, allowing you to truly relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Day Trip From Hanoi To Craft Villages 

Visiting craft villages around Hanoi is a fantastic way to delve into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and see traditional artisans at work. These villages have been around for centuries, each with a unique craft (usually done by hand). There are about 1350 craft villages in Hanoi, and some of the most well-known are Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, Bat Trang Ceramic Village, and Ha Thai Lacquer Village.

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

Quang Phu Cau is about an hour's drive from Hanoi. This century-old village is famous for its colorful incense sticks, which you can see laid out to dry. Watch artisans craft incense by hand and learn about the traditional methods used. It’s a great spot for photography and offers a glimpse into a unique aspect of Vietnamese culture.

Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Bat Trang is about 30 minutes from Quang Phu Cau. Bat Trang is a 500-year-old village renowned for its beautiful pottery. Explore the village, visit ceramic workshops, and even try your hand at making pottery. There are numerous shops where you can buy unique ceramic pieces as souvenirs.

Ha Thai Lacquer Village

After lunch, head to Ha Thai Lacquer Village, approximately an hour from Bat Trang. Ha Thai is a 200-year-old village, famous for its exquisite lacquerware and lacquer paintings. Visit workshops to see how these beautiful items are made, from the initial woodwork to the final lacquer finish. You can observe the intricate process and purchase stunning lacquer products directly from the artisans.

You can visit any one of these craft villages and it would make for a perfect half-day trip from Hanoi. If you want to find out more about these handicraft villages, check out this day tour from Hanoi:

Day Trip From Hanoi To Hai Phong

Choosing Hai Phong for a day trip from Hanoi offers a great mix of urban and natural attractions, including easy access to the beautiful Lan Ha Bay. Hai Phong is about 120 km from Hanoi, and if you take the train, you should arrive in about 2 hours. 

Start your exploration with a visit to Du Hang Pagoda, one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in Hai Phong. Then, take a stroll around the city center and visit the Hai Phong Opera House, an impressive French colonial building that showcases the city's rich history.

You might want to visit Hai Phong on an empty stomach, as the city offers amazing dishes, especially seafood. After all the sightseeing, go for a Hai Phong food tour. Make sure to try dishes like Bánh Đa Cua (crab noodle soup), spicy breadsticks with paté, and coconut sweet dessert.

If you have more time, you can also combine visiting Lan Ha Bay and spend the night on a cruise; or visit Cat Ba Island by ferry or speedboat.

There you have it, folks – some of the top 7 best day trips you can take from Hanoi. These excursions offer a refreshing change of pace and a deeper look into Vietnam's incredible landscapes and rich traditions. If you’re interested in any of these tours, or you just have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Happy travels!

You may be interested : 

=> How to pack for a trip in Vietnam ?

=> The Best Excursion In Vietnam For Couples