Best Day Trips from Hanoi

There are many things to see and do in Hanoi, including a range of excursions that invite you to discover the history and nature of the region. From the breathtaking Halong Bay to Hoa Lu City in Vietnam's ancient capital, you'll find diverse options to choose from based on your interest.

Some of these tours from Hanoi are longer than a day trip, giving you a more complete experience and the chance to explore natural beauties and charming villages that are a little further away from the Vietnamese capital. Here is a list of the main tours you can do from Hanoi, which will certainly enrich your stay in the city.

Vietnam is much more than the busy streets of Hanoi. A great option is to make the excursion to Sa Pa village, a mountain village located at an altitude of 1,600 metres, with beautiful views of the region's rice paddies. It is about 5 hours from Hanoi, so most of these tours last 2 days and 1 night, ideal if you are staying at least 3 days in Hanoi.

Something very special that is usually offered in these tours is the possibility of staying in the house of a local family, to get to know and share their traditions. They are usually done in small groups accompanied by a professional guide, who will be able to give you complete information about the local culture and history of these people. Most tour companies include not only the transfer to and from the village, but also three meals a day, which is very convenient.

Sa Pa, with its rice terraces, is a village where you can hike and visit several smaller villages, such as Giang Ta Chai and Black Hmong, each with its own unique customs. It's definitely a gem to be discovered, with no shortage of scenery and authentic cultural experiences with the locals.

Interesting details

• Price: from approximately €122 per person.
• Duration: 2 days and 1 night.
• Means of transport: bus or limousine bus.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to explore the village of Sa Pa, a charming village in the mountains, and meet and share traditions with the locals. Transport to and from the village and meals are usually included.
• Disadvantages of this option: A trip of about 5 hours might be considered long for some travellers.

In the Ninh Binh region, you can visit enchanting natural sites such as Tam Coc Caves and Mua Hill, and the ancient town of Hoa Lu, where you can explore temples and historic buildings. A good way to get to know them is to join a full-day guided tour, which will give you a day full of discoveries.

A great advantage of these excursions is that you are usually accompanied by a professional guide, whose historical and cultural narratives can give you a deeper understanding of the places you visit. Transfer to and from Hanoi is also usually included, so you'll have the logistics of the trip sorted out. A lunch of typical Vietnamese dishes is also usually included.

As for the villages usually visited during these tours, they include Tam Coc, famous for its caves which you can explore by boat; Hoa Lu, the ancient Vietnamese capital with its historic temples; and Mua Hill which offers the best panoramic views of Tam Coc. There are some 200 steps to climb to get there, but the effort will be more than rewarded.

Details of interest

• Price: from around €41 per person.
• Duration: about 12 hours.
• Means of transport: return bus transport and boat trip.
• Advantages of this option: you will see the main attractions of the Ninh Binh region, such as Tam Coc Caves, Mu Hill and Hoa Lu ancient village, in a comfortable way and accompanied by a local expert guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: Tam Coc Caves tend to receive many visitors, especially in high season.

After taking the best city tours in Hanoi, one of the must-do tours in the surrounding area is a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda or Chua Huong. The adventure usually begins with a journey of approximately 2 hours from Hanoi to the picturesque village of Ben Duc, which is located on the banks of the Suoi Yen River.

In Ben Duc, the trip usually continues with a boat ride to the picturesque Ben Trong jetty, where you can enjoy the majestic scenery of the region, until you reach the Perfume Pagoda, a Buddhist temple complex that will captivate you with its beauty. The Perfume Pagoda is located in the centre of the complex, in the Huong Tich Caves.

There are 2 ways to reach the Perfume Pagoda: by cable car, where the panoramic views will be the main attraction, or by hiking, which is the ideal option for those seeking a more intimate connection with nature.

Some tours offer lunch and transportation to and from your hotel, so you don't have to worry about food and logistics. They also often include the accompaniment of a local guide, who can enrich the tour with interesting information about the sites you visit. The return to Hanoi is usually at sunset, so the end of the trip will be tinged with the colours of the sunset from the waters.

Interesting details

• Price: from approximately €18 per person.
• Duration: about 10 hours.
• Means of transport: bus and boat.
• Advantages of this option: You will see the Perfume Pagoda and Ben Duc village, which are located in a wonderful natural setting.
• Disadvantages of this option: although some tours include meals, other costs, such as tips or additional activities, may not be covered.

A cruise from Hanoi to Halong Bay is one of the must-do options for exploring Vietnam's natural beauty if you're staying in Hanoi. There are many cruise options available, such as the 2-day, 1-night tour, which offers a complete experience in both nature and culture.

The best cruises in Hanoi include transfer to and from the hotel, which is very convenient as the cruise departs in an area quite far from Hanoi. All meals are usually included with local dishes that you can enjoy as you cruise past the stunning rock formations in the bay.

In the evenings, there are often lively parties, and in the mornings, tai chi classes on deck. This morning practice has many benefits, so you can start the day in complete harmony. Other activities on these tours include kayaking and visits to fishing villages and islands in the bay. Without a doubt, this is a sensory journey that envelops you in the wonder of Vietnam from every angle of the sea.

Details of interest

• Price: from approximately €116 per person.
• Duration: 2 days and 1 night.
• Means of transport: bus and boat.
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to fully explore Halong Bay and its main attractions.
• Disadvantages of this option: some optional activities may not be included in the cost of the tour.

If you're looking for a first-class experience, private tours of Halong Bay are not to be missed. This type of tour usually offers you a round-trip transfer from Hanoi's Old Quarter in a private vehicle that will transport you to the cruise port in comfort.

Most of these tours include the accompaniment of a professional guide, who will certainly enrich the experience with his knowledge of history and culture, and the various activities he will propose during the trip. You will also be able to enjoy the gastronomic delights that you will taste during the tour, which are usually included.

One of the most typical activities offered during these cruises are the kayak or boat trips to the caves of Thien Cung, where you can marvel at the shapes of the stalactites and stalagmites that you will see there. There's no doubt that exploring Halong Bay, which is surrounded by photo-worthy rock formations, is one of the must-do activities in Hanoi and Vietnam.

Interesting details

• Price: around €234 per person approx.
• Duration: about 10 hours.
• Means of transport: private vehicle and boat.
• Advantages of this option: Ideal for those who wish to explore Halong Bay privately.
• Disadvantages of this option: Some tour companies only have pick-up service available for hotels located in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

One of the best ways to get to Sa Pa from Hanoi is to join a tour that includes a visit to Fansipan Peak, the highest peak in Indochina. These are usually 2-day excursions that give you different perspectives of northern Vietnam and its natural wonders.

Most of these tours are usually guided by local experts and are conducted in small groups, so the experience is more personalised. The booking typically covers transfer to and from Hanoi, along with full meals from lunch to dinner, ensuring you are comfortable at every stage of the trip. They start early in the morning to make the most of the day.

The climb to Fansipan Peak is by cable car, but you should be prepared for hiking in Sa Pa, especially the rice terraces. As for accommodation, many of these tours give you several options to choose from, but you can also look for accommodation on your own. Whatever your choice, seeing Vietnam' s towering mountains is one of the best experiences for your 2+ day stay in Hanoi.

Details of interest

• Price: from €185 per person.
• Duration: 2 days and 1 night.
• Means of transport: minibus.
• Pros of this option: You will experience Sa Pa and the breathtaking views from Fansipan Peak, the highest peak in Indochina, in a small group tour.
• Disadvantages of this option: some tours may not include certain services, such as accommodation or meals.

Exploring the wonders of Vietnam becomes even more extraordinary with day tours to Bai Dinh, Trang An and Mua Cave from Hanoi. These 10-12 hour tours offer a hassle-free experience as they usually include a pick-up service, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the region without worrying about the logistics.

One of the activities usually offered on these tours is the chance to tour the Bai Dinh complex, a sacred destination whose structure will leave you in awe. You can also embark on a panoramic boat ride to visit the Trang An caves, one of the most typical and unmissable visits offered by these tours.

The day, which starts early in the morning, usually ends with a climb to the top of Mua Cave, from where you will be able to appreciate the unforgettable views of Tam Coc. Some of these tours include transfers to and from Hanoi and entrance fees to the sites you visit, as well as the company of an expert guide, who will enrich your trip with valuable information.

Details of interest

• Price: from €46 per person.
• Duration: approximately 10 to 12 hours.
• Means of transport: minivan/bus.
• Advantages of this option: you will get to know the natural wonders of Bai Dinh, Trang An and Mua Cave in a comfortable way and with the guidance of an expert.
• Disadvantages of this option: Depending on the season, the tourist sites can be crowded.

If you're wondering how to get to Halong Bay and prefer a more personalised experience, you can book one of these unique day cruises. These tours usually include a pick-up service to and from your hotel in a limousine bus, ensuring a comfortable experience right from the start.

These tours are generally a full day's duration, with the itinerary planned in detail to ensure you make the most of every moment of your adventure in the bay. The attentive staff and first-class facilities on board will certainly ensure you have a memorable experience.

The tour usually includes a buffet lunch with a wide variety of typical Vietnamese food that you can enjoy on board. These excursions are an opportunity to discover the natural charms of the bay, including a visit to Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island, two must-see natural destinations near Hanoi.

Details of interest

• Price: from approximately €46 per person.
• Duration: about 12 hours.
• Means of transport: Limousine bus and luxury cruise.
• Advantages of this option: You will get to know Halong Bay on board a cruise ship with premium services.
• Disadvantages of this option: many tours do not include meals and/or drinks on board the cruise, so they cost extra.