1. Duong Lam Ancient Village

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and only have one day, Duong Lam Ancient Village is a good option to consider. Visiting the village will help you understand more about the culture, the custom, the history of Vietnam and the local daily life. After breakfast, set off to the Duong Lam, after more than an hour by car and upon arrival in the village, we will participate in a bicycle or walking tour along the ancient alleys to visit the Mong Phu temple, the center of the Duong Lam village. On the way we will see the village gate, a unique traditional symbol of the ancient peoples of Vietnam and should not be missed taking photos of the gate. We will continue cycling around the village to explore the daily life and agricultural work of the Vietnamese peasants. If we come in the harvest, we will be able to experience growing and harvesting rice like the real peasants. Then we will make a stop to visit the old houses with more than 400 years. Lunch in an old house with a local family. In the afternoon, we will take a tour to visit some historical and cultural remains in Duong Lam such as: Mia Pagoda, Temple of two kings: Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen. Free time to visit the Son Tay Ancient Citadel before returning to Hanoi. The original “house up, door down” architecture of the ancient Duong Lam village, built in the reign of King Le Than Tong (1619 – 1662), remains almost intact. The gate made of laterite stone with the doors of the cricket wing-shaped lim wood is next to an ancient and voluminous banyan tree. In ancient times, patrol soldiers and peasants often chose this place to rest. Nhan Dan- Located about 50 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, the old Duong Lam village (Son Tay commune) is widely known as an attractive tourist destination and a popular day trip from Hanoi. Today, Duong Lam has almost completely preserved the architectural and artistic features typical of an old village of the Red River Delta consisting of the main portal, the banyan tree, the well and the courtyard of the communal house. Tourists visiting the destination will experience ancient Vietnamese villages traditions and enjoy the tranquility of the village and nature.

2. Trang An, Tam Moc & Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh city

Hoa Lư once an ancient capital of Vietnam located in Ninh Binh city, is the first capital of feudalism in Vietnam and also the hometown of Dinh Tien Hoang. It was the ancient capital of two dynasties: the Dinh dynasty and the Tien Le dynasty. For 42 years (968 – 1010) of being the capital, Hoa Lu has long been in history: the unification of the country, the campaigns against China and Champa, and the process of moving the capital to Thang Long. In 1010, Ly Cong Uan decided to move the capital of Dai Viet to Thang Long (today, it is from Hanoi) and Hoa La was the ancient capital. Although the following dynasties did not locate in Hoa Lu, they still repaired and built new buildings such as temples, pagodas, tombs. Today, Hoa Lu is one of the most important historical sites in Vietnam and one of the must see as a day trip from Hanoi. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Hoa Lu is located in Ninh Binh province, about 120 km south of Hanoi. There are many historical architectures here. There are many temples, pagodas here. The largest pagoda in Vietnam, the Bai Dinh Pagoda is located in Hoa Lu. There are also some caves and caves in the surroundings.

Trang An and Tom Moc are also among the most visited day trips from Hanoi thanks to the emerald and spectacular beauty of the region. Before the transfer of the country’s capital to Thang Long (Hanoi’s old name) by King Ly Thai To, Ninh Binh was the country’s capital in three dynasties by Dinh, Le and Ly thanks to its natural conditions – the land of many mountains for easier defense of the heart of the country. However, Ninh Binh still attracts many domestic and international tourists for its natural beauties. Ninh Binh is called as “Halong bay on the ground” for its caves, small mountains, lakes and natural formations. or even as “Small Vietnam” for its possession of all types of terrain, for example: forests, rivers, sea, national parks and more. For all its natural forces, Ninh Binh has been chosen as the background for many famous Hollywood movies such as “Peter Pan and Neverland” or “Kong: Skull Island”. And therefore, today, Ninh Binh is a favorited as a day trip and an ideal excursion destination for a lot of tourists from Hanoi.

One of the most prominent destinations in Ninh Binh is the Trang An ecotourism center, which was declared as World Natural Heritage and World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO for having the wonderful natural landscapes. This center is a calm and peaceful destination with mountains and rivers of green water. Also, when visiting the Trang An ecotourism center, you will have the opportunity to discover its magical natural caves, which would be an unforgettable experience for you. To make your visit, you will board the boat to see the natural landscape and the beautiful caves as much as to see the water lily flowers blooming in the river.

3. Ba Vi National Park, a Great Natural Feature

Ba Vi National Park within two hours drive toward the west of Hanoi will take you to one of the most famous areas of Vietnam with great natural beauty, and is centered around a three-peaked mountain that stands out abruptly in the landscape. The national park offers a great escape from Hanoi with the cool fresh mountain air against a backdrop of mystical, jungle and rainforest atmosphere clouds. There is also a spa located at the foot of the mountain that offers a series of natural therapies in an absolutely stunning setting. The three summits of the mountains are Dinh Vua which is the highest at 1,296m, Tan Vien which is 1,226m and Ngoc Hoa the smallest at 1,131. Pilgrims and tourists often hike to the summit of Tan Vien Peak where an 11th century sacred shrine is found in memory of the Mountain God. There are also magnificent views and tropical forest landscapes all the way to Hanoi to enjoy from this peak. The rapid flow of the Da River is located on one side of the national park; There are also several streams running through the park.

In addition, the Ba Vi created as a hill station during the French colonial era, Ba Vi National Park has always been an excellent source of medicinal plants for the Dao ethnic group. Walking and hiking opportunities are very popular in this lush tropical foliage area with plenty of forest trails and mountain slopes. In addition there is also a bird garden and an orchid garden, although the main attraction is the temple. The national park offers accommodation at Tan Da Spa Resort, where you can enjoy hot springs, mud baths, wet steam baths, and herbal baths for individuals, couples, or families. Consider Ba Vi as one of the amazing options for a day trips from Hanoi.

4. Phat Diem Cathedral

Located in Kim Son District in Ninh Binh province, the building is the stone cathedral and a religious site, the christianity was introduced to Vietnam in late 16h century by Portuguese sailors, nowadays, there are around 7 million Vietnamese choose Christian as their religion. The architecture of the Phat Diem cathedral is a mixed structure featuring Vietnamese and European styles. Although a church, it was built in traditional Vietnamese temple architecture. It was built of stone and wood in 1892. To get there, its best to take a private car from Hanoi and or drive your own vehicle and or motorbike from the center of Hanoi through the red river delta. Visiting the church includes, a pond, Phương Dinh bell tower , four side chapels, a stone church dedicated to the heart of Mary), two caves or artificial stone craving from the Bible, two porches and an ordeal. It is built on a north-south orientation.

5. Perfume Pagoda: Buddhist Temple near Hanoi

Planning a worthy day trip to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi? Here is guide to help you plan that dream trip to Perfume Pagoda, and that’s why we gather all the information for your convenience. Put together your travel plan and don’t forget to visit Perfume Pagoda. Our experts offer the most complete information continually updated so you do not leave Perfume Pagoda in Perfume Pagoda for the last moment. You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and taken in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for approximately 70 km (45 miles). As city traffic decreases, you will pass through quiet rural towns and rice fields with friendly people before reaching the Yen Vi river. Next, you will travel downstream by boat to the Duc Pier and begin your slight ascent to the Huong Tich Cave, a holy place for all the North Vietnamese. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant on the route. You will return to your Hanoi hotel at the end of the tour.

Perfume Pagoda (in Vietnamese Chùa Hương) is a huge Buddhist complex and pilgrimage center built in the Huong Tich Mountains in Vietnam. The site is one of the main centers of Vietnamese Mahāyāna Buddhism celebrations in the northern part of the country and attracts numerous pilgrims and tourists from home and abroad. The center of the Perfume pagoda religious complex is in the Huong Son commune, My Duc district (formerly known as Ha Tay province). The main pagoda is known as Chua Trong (Chua is pagoda and Trong is Interior) and is located in Huong Tich Cave.

6. Thay Temple

Thay Pagoda is name of a Buddhist Temple in Hanoi Region, the historic site is called Thien Phuc in Vietnamese (means Blessed by heaven). Thay Pagoda is a complex of temples at the foot of Sai Son mountain, located within 20 km southwest of Hanoi center makes it a perfect choice for a day trip. The pagoda was built in the Dinh Dynasty and it used to be a place for meditation practice for Zen master Tu Dao Hanh. The Thay temple complex was first built on mid 11th century by Nhân Tông from the Lý Dynasty, and nowadays it is considered as one of the oldest pagodas in northern Vietnam. Also, Thay temple is a place where monks live and practice Buddhism and also perform famous water puppetry when it is an important festivals. The Thay Pagoda represent a best features of Buddhist architecture  and it is only 30 minutes a way from the center of Hanoi, it makes it very easy and comfortable for an easy day trip.

7. Mai Chau Valley

Located within 4 hour scenic drive from Hanoi, Mai Chau is a superb region of rice terraces in Vietnam. It is home to white Thai minorities and Muong people who will welcome you in their houses on stilts with big smiles and with rice spirit. Mai Chau is an area, very suitable for trekking for excursions from one to several days. For those who have more time and spirit of adventure, there is even a trekking of 3,4,5 days which joins the natural reserve of Pu Luong to the neighboring reserve of Cuc Phuong by crossing ethnic villages, primary forest and rice terraces. The best months to travel to Mai Chau region are April-May and September-October, for the climate which will be better during this period and for the beautiful landscapes. For the months of June to August: the rice fields are very green but it is raining and it is hot. For the months December to March: it is cold, the sky is overcast and there is always a drizzle. It takes 4 hours to drive from Hanoi to Mai Chau, so we recommend you take a trip of at least 2 days to fully enjoy the beauty of this region.

2 day excursion to Mai Chau will allow you to spend a night with a white Thai family, discover their way of life as well as walk through rice fields and ethnic villages. For excursions of more than 2 days: you will be able to discover not only Mai Chau, but also its surroundings, for example, by making an authentic trekking in the natural reserve of Pu Luong, by visiting the national park of Cuc Phuong, by discovering the Halong Bay on land (Tam Coc) or exploring the life of the Hmong at Moc Chau (60km from Mai Chau). Being a local travel agency based in Hanoi, Far East Tour can organize all types of trips, of good quality and at the best price. Our team of young dynamic French-speaking Vietnamese people will help you personalize your trip.

8. Bat Trang Village

An authentic visit to a traditional ceramic village of Bat Trang along the banks of the Red River is a good way to escape the busy life of the Hanoi city and explore the ancient village that is now a big center for making ceramic crafts and porcelain arts. The artisanal village of Bat Trang, located about an hour or less drive from downtown Hanoi, is well worth a try – cross Chuong Duong Bridge and head south. After what seems a little too long following directions for Bat Trang, a large sign appears on the right with the name of this beautiful town, which specializes in hand-made, hand-painted pottery in all shapes and sizes. Upon arrival, you will be a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of shops, try one tried one of the largest on the main street, Xuan Huong, where all kinds of tableware are sold in both the traditional Chinese blue and white motif, as well as a variety of styles and colors. contemporaries.

9. Ha Long Bay day trip from Hanoi

Magnificent Halong Bay is undoubtedly the natural wonder of Vietnam, with 3000 or more incredible islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. In 1994 it was designated a World Heritage site. These tiny islands are dotted with beaches and grottoes created by wind and waves, and have sparsely forested slopes ringing with birdsong. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO world heritage site and will definitely be in the bucket list of pretty much anyone visiting Vietnam. Day tours to Halong Bay are almost arranged from Hanoi since the tours are well organized and they seems cheaper and worthy than if you do it on your own. Suggestion is to hop for a 2 day and 1 night cruising from Hanoi, but if you have limited time, then go for a day trip. Halong Bay, with its 3000 islands rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, is one of Vietnam’s natural marvels. The islands are dotted with innumerable beaches and grottoes created by the wind and waves. Hang Dau Go is the most impressive grotto, a huge cave of three chambers. Ha Long means ‘where the dragon descended into the sea’, and refers to a legend about a dragon who created the bay and islands with its flailing tail. There’s a modern legendary creature, the Tarasque, said to haunt the area.

10. Tam Dao Hill Station

Escape the heat and noise of Hanoi on a day trip to Tam Dao Hill Station that allow you to pend the day in the fresh air and lush landscape of the Tam Dao mountain range, swim in a mountain pool, hike to a waterfall, and pay your respects to the Goddess of the Jungle in a mountain temple. Tam Dao Day Trip from Hanoi is a visit to a mountain resort town built by French as a escape place to relax and enjoy, however, later, Tam Dao become an ideal day trip option for both locals and tourists to come and explore a scenic natural area Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you book a tour, all entrance fees, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

SUMMARY: Now, you may be wondering ‘Why take a day trip or excursion from Hanoi?’ Just like any regular tours, a day tour can provide a comprehensive arrangement of fun and excitement. We introduce you with some of the day trips from Hanoi not everyone know about. The most popular Day Trips from Hanoi including Halong Bay and Ninh Binh, but, you cant and its actually impossible to arrange a day trip from Hanoi to Sapa, so, if you go that way, you must spend at least 3 days for Sapa including travel From / to Hanoi. Best price and money back guarantee! Read the reviews of your fellow travelers for Vietnam travel and tour