Top 10 Places to Visit Near Hanoi [Should Not Miss]

1. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay - recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage, has been probably a well-known destination for many foreign tourists. The harmonious combination between the ocean and mountains here has created a majestic natural landscape.

Ha Long Bay, 165 km northeast of Hanoi, is a small bay in the Gulf of Tonkin. Situated in Quang Ninh province, it covers an area of ​​more than 1500 km2 with 1,969 islands, of which 90% are limestone islands.

Depending on the transportation or route, the time from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is also different. You can travel to Ha Long Bay by motorbike, passenger car, or bus. Generally, there will be 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights Halong Bay Cruise tour available for tourists keen on visiting. If you start to move from Hanoi at 8 am, you will arrive at midday. During the time here, visitors will be guided to visit Ha Long Bay, the Fishing Village, or participate in other special activities such as experiencing massage services on yachts, kayaking to explore Ha Long Bay, or even having dinner in the cave on Ha Long Bay,...

Halong Bay 165km from Hanoi

2. Sapa

Sapa - famous for its poetic and charming natural scenery, has become an attractive tourist destination in Vietnam for years. Located at an average altitude of 1500 - 1800m, Sapa has a cooler climate than other areas. Therefore, sometime in the winter, there was even snowfall - a thing it's hard to see in a tropical country like Vietnam. The best time to visit Sapa is from March to May and from September to November.

From April to May, the ethnic minorities start to grow rice on terraced fields and it is also the season of many beautiful flowers. At this time of the year, the weather is quite comfortable for tourism. And from September to October is the period at which rice fields are ripe. Having come to Sapa at this time, visitors will have the opportunity to contemplate the golden terraced fields sparkling under the sunshine. This is also a favorite tourist time for many photography enthusiasts. Besides, if you want to see snowfall in this area, you should travel to Sapa in late December.

There are many places to explore or many interesting activities in Sapa such as conquering Mount Fansipan, visiting spectacular Heaven's Gate, or famous villages such as Ta Phin, Ta Van,... Therefore, Sapa tours from Hanoi usually last 3 days 2 nights and have prices from US $99 - US $200 per person.

Sapa

3. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, an emerging travel destination, has attracted millions of visitors annually. This city is famous for limestone mountains, hidden caves, historical & cultural sites such as Bai Dinh pagoda, the scenic complex of Trang An, Hoa Lu ancient capital, Mua Cave, Tam Coc Bich Dong, ...

The tours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh are popular for all visitors. Normally, travelers will visit Bai Dinh Pagoda first in the morning. At this time, everyone is still excited and full of energy so it is more reasonable to explore a large place like Bai Dinh pagoda. After visiting Bai Dinh pagoda, tourists will have lunch and be on the way to the scenic complex of Trang An in the afternoon. Trang An attracts visitors by harmony between mountains and rivers. Visitors can participate in bamboo boat ride activities to admire the amazing natural landscapes here.

Ninh Binh from Hanoi

4. Mai Chau

Only about 140km from the center of Hanoi, Mai Chau is truly an ideal place for those who want a peaceful place with fresh air, away from the noise of busy cities. Although there are not many entertaining activities like other places, Mai Chau makes a deep impression by its wild rustic beauty. The pleasant climate, fresh air, and the friendliness of the people here really make those who have come here do not want to leave.

Whenever you come to Mai Chau, this is still an enchanting destination with specific beauty in each season. The brilliant yellow color of the ripe fields in the fall, the vast white cauliflower fields in November to January, or the romantic plum season when spring comes,... all are so beautiful. Also, visitors can explore Ban Lac, Ban Pom Coong, or stop by Thung Khe to see the majestic beauty of this place.

Mai Chau

5. Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai is a highland district of Yen Bai province, located nearly 300 km northwest of Hanoi. This is the favorite destination of nature lovers and enjoying the highland atmosphere. Like Mai Chau or SaPa, the ripe rice season from September and October in Mu Cang Chai is the most attractive season of the year

Visitors can discover completely Mu Cang Chai with a budget of about 3.000.000 VND. Some special places you may be kind of when coming to Mu Cang Chai are Thanh Son tea hill, Tram Xoi terraced fields, Khau Pha valley, ...

Mu Cang Chai

6. Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake about 230km north of Hanoi, is in Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province. This is one of the 20 most beautiful freshwater lakes in the world and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Tours to Ba Be Lake usually last 2 days 1 night. After spending the morning departing from Hanoi to Bac Kan, you will begin your trip to Ba Be Lake in the afternoon. First, visitors will sit on a boat down the Nang River to go to Ba Be Lake. During that journey, visitors also have the opportunity to visit many other places around such as Puong cave, An Ma temple, Ba Gao island, ...

Ba Be Lake

7. Ban Gioc Waterfall

Located in the northeastern province of Cao Bang, Ban Gioc waterfall is one of the most impressive travel destinations in Vietnam. Having the majestic and marvelous landscape, it's no surprise that this natural sight is ranked in the top beautiful waterfalls in the world.

Ban Gioc is located at the head of Vietnam, so the climate in Ban Gioc waterfall is divided into two distinct rainy and dry seasons. Whatever season you come here, you can also see the beauty of Ban Gioc. The rain season lasts from June to September. At that time, visitors can witness the majestic Ban Gioc waterfall with foam splashing like a cloud of rain. However, in the dry season (from October to May next year), the waterfall becomes more gentle. And the most special thing is that you can admire the Quay Son river turn with turquoise - a masterpiece of Mother Nature.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

8. Ha Giang

Ha Giang is a province in the northernmost part of Vietnam, about 300km from Hanoi. This is the ideal destination for young Vietnamese people, especially those who are passionate about traveling. To fully enjoy the beauty of Ha Giang, people often travel by motorbike. Every year, from September to October, tourists in crowds visit Ha Giang with the desire to admire the sun-kissed rice fields at Hoang Su Phi. The stunning rice fields in the sunshine are such breathtaking landscapes to any nature lovers around the world. This place also attracts many photographers, who love beauty and want to explore the life and culture of the ethnic people in the highlands.

Besides, there are still many suitable Ha Noi - Ha Giang tours that you can consider. In particular, on the way to Ha Giang visitors will be guided to visit some outstanding places such ah Lung Cu - Dong Van - Ma Pen Leo - River Que grapes - King Meo palace,...

9. Bac Son

Bac Son is a district situated in the west of Lang Son province, about 160km from Hanoi. Bac Son has many historical relics, landscapes, along with fascinating traditional customs.

Some famous places in Bac Son can be mentioned such as Na Lay Mountain, Quynh Son cultural tourism village, Bac Son Flower Valley,... Having come to Bac Son, visitors will have a chance to not only admire the natural landscapes the majestic and poetic course of this place but also discover the life of ethnic minorities

Bac Son Valley

10. Ky Son Village

Ky Son is a mountainous district in Hoa Binh province, more than 55km west of Hanoi. It seems that Ky Son is not too famous for international tourists. But owing to this you will be able to comfortably enjoy the beautiful scenery here without squeezing. This district has a tropical monsoon climate. The high mountains have a cool climate so and it's suitable for travelers taking trips and relaxing here in the summer. But if want to have more chance to contemplate the natural beauty of Ky Son’s non-touristy region, you should visit here in the winter. 

In fact, when coming to Ky Son, visitors will be impressed not only by the natural beauty but also the fascinating culture of this destination. This place with many hills and mountains is home to many ethnic minorities. That is the reason why this area has a diverse and unique culture.

There are so many places to see and interesting activities to experience in this region. You can explore Ky Son's tropical forest, marvelous mountains or visit Thai, Muong hill tribes,...

Ky Son Village

So in this article, we have introduced 10 special tourist attractions near Hanoi that visitors should not miss. Hopefully, through this article, you can find a suitable tourist destination for your own. Want a tour to visit any place above, do not hesitate to visit our Hanoi tours page to find a suitable one.

You might also want to know Hanoi Tourist Attractions: Top 10 Things to See

Thuy An

(Image source: Internet)