Top 5 best places near Hanoi to visit

Duong Lam Ancient Village

• Location: Tay Son District, Hanoi;
• Admission: USD 0.41 - USD 0.82; 
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM;
• Address: Son Tay Town, Hanoi, Vietnam;
• Things not to miss: having lunch in an ancient house with Vietnamese food, Taking a bike ride to Ngo Quyen temple, visit.

Duong Lam Ancient Village in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a pristine historical site that offers a glimpse into over a thousand years of Vietnamese culture with its well-preserved architecture and peaceful rural ambiance.

Visitors can explore ancient houses made of laterite and mud, stroll through narrow alleys, and participate in traditional folk games like blindfolded pot smashing and duck catching. 

The village is renowned for its local delicacies, including banh san (cassava cake), keo lac (peanut candy), and che lam (nutty ginger sticky rice bars). 

Ideal for a tranquil getaway, the best time to visit Duong Lam is during the cooler months from October to April when the weather is most pleasant.

Duong Lam ancient village

Huong Pagoda

• Location: Huong Son Commune, Hanoi;
• Admission: USD 38.90/adult;
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM;
• Address: Huong Son Commune,My Duc District, Hanoi;
• Things not to miss: take a boat trip on the Yen River, visit Thien Chua pagoda, take a cable car, walk up or down the mountain8, visit Huong-Tich Cave.

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Hanoi, Vietnam, the Huong Pagoda is a serene and spiritually enriching complex that offers a blend of adventure and tranquility amid stunning natural beauty and cultural significance.

Visitors can explore a network of temples and shrines, hike to the spiritually significant Huong Tich Cave through paths lined with lush greenery, and view captivating stalactite and stalagmite formations.

While there, try local dishes such as steamed rice rolls or savory stuffed pancakes, which reflect the region's culinary traditions.

The best time to visit is during the spring (February to April) to experience the Huong Pagoda Festival, or in the late autumn and early winter for a more peaceful atmosphere.

The Huong Pagoda

Ba Vi National Park

• Location: Ba Vi Mountain Range;
• Admission: USD 2.45 per person;
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM;
• Address: Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi District, Hanoi City;
• Things not to miss: trekking along a hidden stream and waterfall, climbing up the Hill, visiting the ancient French church, visiting Uncle Ho’s Temple, visiting Upper Temple (Den Thuong), visiting Ao Vua Tourist Area, visiting Thien Son Suoi Nga, visiting Cactus Greenhouse.

Ba Vi National Park, located near Hanoi in Vietnam, is a celebrated haven for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, featuring lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical sites set amidst the serene Ba Vi mountain range.

Visitors can explore dense forests, enjoy sightings of exotic animals, relax in natural hot springs, or visit prominent landmarks like the Temple of President Ho Chi Minh and the Bao Thien Tower.

While the park itself does not specialize in specific local foods, the surrounding area offers regional Vietnamese culinary delights, often featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients typical of northern Vietnam.

The best time to visit Ba Vi National Park is from October to April to avoid the rainy season and enjoy cooler, more pleasant weather for hiking and other outdoor activities; the park is especially vibrant in late autumn with the blooming of wild sunflowers.

Primary forest in Ba Vi National Park

Thien Son Suoi Nga Resort

• Location: Van Hoa, Ba Vi, Hanoi;
• Admission: USD 6.12 per adult, free for children under 6 years old;
• Opening hours: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM;
• Address: Van Hoa, Ba Vi, Hanoi;
• Things not to miss: bathing in a natural cool spring, celebrating BBQ, camping overnight, riding a duck boat, kayaking, cycling a water bike.

Thien Son Suoi Nga Resort, nestled on the peaceful outskirts of Hanoi, Vietnam, is a picturesque destination offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure amidst natural splendor.

Visitors can indulge in a range of activities including hiking through lush landscapes, exploring cascading waterfalls, playing traditional Vietnamese games, and unwinding at the spa.

The resort serves a variety of local Vietnamese cuisine, allowing guests to savor authentic flavors while enjoying the serene environment.

The best times to visit are during the spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October) to enjoy favorable weather, vibrant blossoms, and local cultural events, though booking in advance is advised to secure a spot.

Ecological Tourist Area Thien Son-Suoi Nga

Top 5 must-visit cities near Hanoi

Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province

• Location: Northern Gulf region of Vietnam;
• Distance to Hanoi center: 170 kilometers (105 miles);
• Travel time from Hanoi center: about 2 - 3 hours;
• Recommended means of transportation: train, car, coach, taxi;
• Popular tourist attractions: Dau Go Cave, Castaway Island, Emeraude Classic Cruises, Ha Long Cable Car at Sunworld, Dragon Park, Typhoon Water Park, or beach.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam's Quang Ninh Province, is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty characterized by over 1,600 limestone islands and islets.

Tourists can explore the bay's beauty through various activities including cruise tours, which provide unique vistas at different times of the day, adventurous kayaking, and discovering secluded caves and lagoons.

The region offers an array of local seafood delicacies that visitors can enjoy while taking in the scenic views.

The best time to visit HaLong Bay is from April to June when the weather is mild and the skies are clear, making it perfect for cruising and photography; however, its diverse beauty can be appreciated year-round.

Halong Bay from above  

Ninh Binh City, Ninh Binh Province

• Location: Red River Delta region of Northern Vietnam;
• Distance to Hanoi center: 94 kilometers (about 58 miles);
• Travel time from Hanoi center: 1 hour;
• Recommended means of transportation: taxi, bus, motorbike, car;
• Popular tourist attractions: Trang An Landscape Complex, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and Cuc Phuong National Park.

Ninh Binh City, nestled in the heart of Vietnam's Ninh Binh Province, is a treasure trove of cultural and natural beauty, offering a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant street food scene.

Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, take serene boat tours in Tam Coc, cycle through lush Vietnamese countryside, or visit the ancient temples and palaces at Hoa Lu.

Culinary adventurers should not miss trying the local delicacies such as succulent goat meat and com chay (scorched rice topped with pork floss).

The ideal times to visit are during the mild weather of spring (February to April) and autumn (September to November), perfect for enjoying all the outdoor activities Ninh Binh has to offer.

Hai Phong City

• Location: Mouth of the Cam River in Northern Vietnam;
• Distance to Hanoi center: 100 kilometers (62 miles);
• Travel time from Hanoi center: about 1 - 2 hours;
• Recommended means of transportation: train, taxi, bus;
• Popular tourist attractions: Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, Viet Hai Island, Do Son Beach, Dau Island, Trang Kenh, Elephant Mountain, Hai Phong Opera House, Statue of Lady Le Chan, Tam Bac Lake, Tien Lang Hot Spring.

Hai Phong, renowned for its scenic beauty and vibrant cultural scene, is a must-visit port city famous for its picturesque red flamboyant trees against the blue sky.

Explore historical landmarks like the Hai Phong Opera House and Hang Kenh Communal House, or delve into the bustling Tam Bac Market for a taste of local life. As part of the stunning Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve known for its rich biodiversity and array of outdoor activities.

Sample the local favorite ‘danh da cua,’ a delightful rice noodle soup with crab known for its unique flavor.

The best time to visit is in May when the city's iconic red flamboyant trees are in full bloom, offering breathtaking natural beauty.

Hai Phong City 

Binh Lieu, Quang Ninh Province

• Location: East Northern region of Vietnam;
• Distance to Hanoi center: 270 kilometers (167 miles);
• Travel time from Hanoi center: About 6 hours;
• Recommended means of transportation: car, coach;
• Popular tourist attractions: Song Mooc village, Luc Na communal house, Check in border markers and border gates, Beautiful waterfalls.

Binh Lieu, a peaceful yet vivid locale in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offering an escape into the heart of Vietnamese tradition away from the usual tourist paths.

Travelers can explore lush forests and terraced rice fields, trek to the tranquil Khe Van Waterfall, or visit the ethnic villages of the Dao and Tay communities to experience local traditions and festivals.

While the region does not specifically highlight unique foods in the provided text, guests are likely to encounter traditional Vietnamese rural cuisine, which may include local herbs, mountainous vegetables, and rice-based dishes typical of ethnic minority communities.

The ideal times to visit Binh Lieu are during the spring and autumn months; from March to May when the area bursts into vibrant bloom, and from September to November when the fields turn a golden hue during the harvest.

Binh Lieu mountains with full of reeds  

Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Province

• Location: Mountainous regions of Northwestern Vietnam;
• Distance to Hanoi center: 91 kilometers (56 miles);
• Travel time from Hanoi center: about 1 - 2 hours;
• Recommended means of transportation: motorbike, car, limousine bus;
• Popular tourist attractions: Mo Luong Cave, Chieu Cave, Lac village, Lac village, Pom Cong village, Mai Chau flagpole, Nhat village, Ba Khan valley, Hai Son mural village, Thung Khe pass, Mo Luong cave, Afternoon cave, Go Lao waterfall, Mu waterfall.

Nestled in Vietnam's Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau offers a tranquil escape amidst lush mountains and traditional stilt houses, ideal for experiencing the vibrant culture and natural beauty of rural Vietnam.

Explore Mai Chau by cycling through its picturesque rice fields and villages, trekking to remote ethnic communities, enjoying traditional Thai dances and music performances, or taking a leisurely boat trip on the Ma River.

Delight in Mai Chau’s local cuisine, featuring specialties like com lam (bamboo-cooked rice) and Can wine, which are integral to the Thai ethnic group's culinary traditions.

The best time to visit Mai Chau is during the spring (February to April) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant, rainfall is scarce, and the valley is enhanced by blooming flowers.

Tips to have wonderful trips near Hanoi

Here are some valuable tips to ensure you have wonderful trips near Hanoi:

• Transportation: adventurers can rent motorbikes for the ultimate freedom to explore nearby attractions such as Ba Vi National Park, ensuring they're licensed and comfortable with the local traffic;
• Money exchange: when planning a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, it's crucial to understand money exchange for a smooth experience. Opt to exchange your currency at official counters, banks, or hotels in Hanoi, and request smaller denominations for convenience in daily transactions such as meals, taxi rides, and shopping, since local vendors may not have change for large notes;
• Wifi & Internet: upon arrival, you should purchase a local SIM card from providers available at the airport, convenience stores, or telecom shops and make sure your phone is unlocked. Alternatively, renting a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, available at the airport or online, is convenient for groups or connecting multiple devices. You'll also find free Wi-Fi in many cafes, restaurants, and public spaces in Hanoi, but exercise caution with sensitive information on these networks;
• Weather in the North of Vietnam: depending on the season, pack light and airy clothes for summer and warm layers for winter, always including rain gear if necessary. Remember to stay hydrated and use sun protection in summer, and protect yourself from the cold in winter to maintain health;
• Recommendation of clothing: when traveling to Hanoi, prioritize comfort and adaptability in your clothing choices. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, ideal for the humid climate and perfect for exploring during the day. Comfortable, well-cushioned walking shoes are essential for navigating the bustling streets or rural treks.

If you're planning a trip to Hanoi and are looking for a reliable and economical flight option, consider flying with Vietnam Airlines. Renowned for offering competitive pricing, Vietnam Airlines provides a high-quality travel experience, consistently rated at 4-stars by global airline reviewers. Moreover, Vietnam Airlines frequently offers promotional campaigns specifically for its frequent flyers and members. 

FAQs

How Many Days In Hanoi Is Enough?

Most travelers find that 3 to 5 days are sufficient to explore the main attractions and get a good feel for the city.

When Should We Avoid Hanoi?

There are certain times of the year you might want to avoid due to various factors like extreme weather conditions like rainy season (May to September), extreme heat (June to August). But no matter what time it is, there are always unique features in Hanoi for visitors to admire.

What Food Is Hanoi Known For?

Pho (noodle soup), Bun Cha, Cha Ca (Vietnamese Grill Fish) are three typical foods Hanoi is known for.