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Looking for the best day trips from Hanoi? From Ninh Binh’s limestone peaks to the Perfume Pagoda, these are my favourite escapes from the city!
I don’t know why, but Hanoi doesn’t have the best reputation. I first came here 17 years ago, and it has changed a lot over that time, but even now people mainly use it as a transport hub to visit places nearby like Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. People think it’s just a big city, a cacophony of sights and sounds, and that it’s easier skipping it altogether. WRONG.
I actually really like Hanoi, and I definitely think it’s well worth basing yourself here for a few days before exploring the surrounding countryside. Scooters pour through the Old Quarter like a river, street food vendors set up tiny plastic stools on every corner, and there’s always the smell of pho drifting out of a doorway somewhere. It’s chaotic, loud and completely addictive. That’s what I think anyway.
I’ve been to Hanoi three times over the years now, and every time I’ve used the city as a base to explore more of northern Vietnam. That’s the thing I always tell people. As much as I love the capital, some of the best experiences in Vietnam are just a short journey outside the city.
Within a couple of hours you can be sailing past limestone islands, rowing through flooded caves, wandering villages that have barely changed in centuries, or escaping the heat in cool mountain forests. It’s a completely different side of the country, and it’s where I’ve had some of my favourite days in Vietnam.
So, here are my top day trips from Hanoi. Hopefully this guide can give you a good overview of what to do in northern Vietnam. Pick a couple of these and I promise you’re in for an amazing time.
If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi, then make sure you check out the coolest hotels in Hanoi, my tips for travelling around Vietnam and the best experiences in Vietnam. These should really help plan your trip!
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
I’ve spent well over a couple of months travelling around Vietnam, and I always think the longer in the country, the better. Vietnam really is the type of place that gets under your skin. The more time you spend here, the more you’ll get out of the country.
For Hanoi itself, I would say three days is the sweet spot. That gives you enough time to wander the Old Quarter, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the Temple of Literature, catch a water puppet show, and eat your way through as much street food as you can handle. I can’t tell you how much street food I’ve had in Hanoi.
If you want to add a few day trips, I’d go for five or six days. Hanoi is such a great place to base yourself because you can settle into one hotel, travel light and still be out in the countryside within a couple of hours. Then you’re back in the city in time for a plate of bun cha and a cold bia hoi.
Short on time? Stick to the closer trips like Bat Trang or Duong Lam. Ninh Binh is the one I’d always try to squeeze in, though. Of all the trips in this guide, it gives you the most for your time on the road.
Ha Long Bay is the exception. If you can, add an extra night or two and do a proper cruise instead.
Quick overview
| Destination | Journey time from Hanoi | Best mode of transport | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ha Long Bay | 2 hrs 30 mins to 3 hrs by car or limousine bus | Limousine bus | Island scenery, caves and kayaking |
| Trang An and Hoa Lu | 1 hr 45 mins by car / 2 hrs 15 mins by train | Car or limousine van | Cave boat trips and ancient temples |
| Tam Coc and Mua Cave | 1 hr 45 mins by car / 2 hrs by limousine van | Limousine van | Rice paddy views and the best viewpoint in Ninh Binh |
| Perfume Pagoda | 1 hr 30 mins by car / 2 hrs by bus | Car | A river boat ride and one of Vietnam’s most sacred sites |
| Bat Trang pottery village | 30 mins by car / 45 mins by bus | Bus 47A | A half day of pottery making and souvenir shopping |
| Duong Lam ancient village | 1 hr 15 mins by car / 1 hr 30 mins by bus | Car | Traditional village life and history |
| Ba Vi National Park | 1 hr 30 mins by car / 2 hrs by bus | Car | Hiking, forest and cooler mountain air |
| Thay Pagoda and Tay Phuong Pagoda | 45 mins to 1 hr by car / 1 hr by bus | Car | Quiet pagodas away from the crowds |
Best Day Trips from Hanoi
I’ve added journey times underneath every day trip below. All of them are under two hours from central Hanoi by car, with the one exception of Ha Long Bay, which I just couldn’t leave off this list.
Most visitors don’t drive themselves in Vietnam, so when I say “by car”, I mean a Grab, a private driver or a tour minibus. Grab is very cheap and really easy to use, and for somewhere like Ninh Binh, hiring a driver for the day is a great option. We used Grab all over Vietnam on our last trip and it was such a good way of getting around.
Ha Long Bay
There’s no way I could write about where to go from Hanoi without including Ha Long Bay. With around 1,600 limestone islands rising out of emerald water, it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been,. I love it so much I’ve done it three times!
I’ll be honest though. As a day trip it’s a long one, which is why it’s the exception on this list. You’ll spend around five hours on the road, so you only get a few hours out on the water. If that’s all the time you have, it’s still worth it. Climb to the viewpoint on Ti Top Island, explore Sung Sot Cave and go kayaking among the karsts.
If you can stretch to a cruise, though, do it. I really think 2 or 3 days in Halong Bay is better than a day trip, but I appreciate people are short on time. If you’re not, then check out which cruise is best in Halong Bay itinerary.
By public transport: Around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours by limousine bus from the Old Quarter to Bai Chay or Tuan Chau, with operators like Ha Long Travel Limousine running hourly.
By car: About 2 hours 30 minutes via the Hanoi to Hai Phong and Ha Long expressways.
Trang An and Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
If I could only pick one day trip from Hanoi, it would be Ninh Binh. The province is often called Ha Long Bay on land, and once you see those jagged limestone mountains rising out of the rice paddies, you’ll understand why.
The highlight is the boat trip through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A local rower takes you along the river and through a series of low caves, some so tight you have to duck your head. It takes two to three hours, stopping at little temples and passing the Kong: Skull Island film set.
Afterwards, head to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s capital back in the 10th century. The temples to King Dinh and King Le are so peaceful, and a lovely contrast to the river.
I’d really recommend this tour from Hanoi as the best way of seeing all Ninh Binh has to offer. It’s actually amazing how much you get to do on a tour like this.
By public transport: Around 2 hours 15 minutes on the Reunification Express from Hanoi Station to Ninh Binh, then a 15-minute taxi to Trang An. Limousine vans from the Old Quarter take about 2 hours.
By car: About 1 hour 45 minutes via the CT01 expressway.
Tam Coc and Mua Cave, Ninh Binh
Just down the road from Trang An is Tam Coc, which translates as “three caves”. The boat trip here follows the Ngo Dong River through, you guessed it, three caves, and many of the rowers paddle with their feet. It’s a little shorter than Trang An but every bit as beautiful, especially when the rice turns golden in late May and early June.
Then it’s time to get your legs working. Mua Cave has around 500 steps leading up to one of the best viewpoints in Vietnam, with a stone dragon snaking along the ridge at the top. Honestly, the view over Tam Coc is worth every single step. Go in the late afternoon for sunset, but bring plenty of water because it’s a sweaty climb!
By public transport: Around 2 hours by limousine van from the Old Quarter straight to Tam Coc, or take the Reunification Express to Ninh Binh followed by a 20-minute taxi.
By car: About 1 hour 45 minutes via the CT01 expressway.
Perfume Pagoda
The Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong) is one of the most sacred places in Vietnam, and getting there is half the adventure. On this tour you’ll start with an hour-long boat ride along the Yen Stream, gliding past limestone mountains and rice paddies in a little rowing boat.
From the wharf, you can either hike or take the cable car up to Huong Tich Cave, the spiritual heart of the complex. Stepping into the cave, with incense smoke curling around the Buddhist statues, is an experience I won’t forget in a hurry.
Just a heads up. The pilgrimage festival runs from just after Tet until around the end of the third lunar month, and during that time it gets incredibly busy. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, visit later in the year.
By public transport: Around 2 hours on bus 103A from My Dinh bus station to Huong Son, then a short walk or xe om ride to Yen Vi wharf for the boat.
By car: About 1 hour 30 minutes, heading south west through Ha Dong.
Bat Trang pottery village
If you’re short on time, Bat Trang is the perfect half-day trip. This pottery village sits on the banks of the Red River, just 13km from the Old Quarter, and locals have been making ceramics here for around 700 years.
Wander down the lanes and you’ll see kilns, workshops and stacks of blue and white pottery spilling out of every doorway. The market is great for picking up souvenirs, but the best thing to do is make something yourself. Loads of workshops let you have a go on the pottery wheel or paint your own piece, and it’s brilliant fun.
The Bat Trang Pottery Museum is worth a look too. All in all, it’s a really easy trip and a nice break from the chaos of the city.
By public transport: Around 45 minutes on bus 47A from Long Bien bus station, which is just a five-minute walk from the Old Quarter.
By car: About 30 minutes across the Red River via Vinh Tuy or Chuong Duong Bridge.
Duong Lam ancient village
Duong Lam feels like stepping back in time. This was the first village in Vietnam to be recognised as a national heritage relic, and it’s home to hundreds of centuries-old houses built from laterite, a reddish local stone.
Walk through the old Mong Phu village gate and you’ll find a maze of narrow brick lanes, ancient wells and banyan trees. Pop into the communal house, visit Mia Pagoda and see the temples to Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen. Both were born here, which is why Duong Lam is known as the land of two kings.
Make sure you try che lam, a sticky ginger and peanut sweet that’s the local speciality. It’s so peaceful compared to Hanoi, and perfect if you want a taste of traditional village life. If you’re looking for a guided tour of Duong Lam, this is the one I’d go for.
By public transport: Around 1 hour 30 minutes on bus 71 from My Dinh bus station (or bus 89 from Yen Nghia bus station) to Son Tay, then a 10-minute taxi to the village gate.
By car: About 1 hour 15 minutes via Thang Long Avenue and Route 21.
Ba Vi National Park
When the heat and humidity in Hanoi gets too much, Ba Vi National Park is where locals head for fresh air. The mountain rises to almost 1,300 metres, so it’s noticeably cooler up here, and the forest feels a world away from the city.
The highlight is the climb up to Den Thuong, a temple to the mountain god Tan Vien right at the summit. When the clouds play ball, the views over the countryside are incredible. There’s also a temple dedicated to Ho Chi Minh on a neighbouring peak.
The spot I’d make a beeline for, though, is the ruins of an old French church slowly being swallowed by the jungle. It’s so atmospheric. Visit in November and the hillsides are covered in bright yellow wild sunflowers too.
By public transport: Around 2 hours on bus 74 from My Dinh bus station to Xuan Khanh, then a 15-minute taxi to the park entrance.
By car: About 1 hour 30 minutes heading west along Thang Long Avenue.
Thay Pagoda and Tay Phuong Pagoda
For something a little more off the beaten track, pair these two pagodas together. They’re only a short drive apart, so it’s a really easy day out.
Thay Pagoda sits at the foot of a limestone mountain, with a little water puppet pavilion standing in the middle of its pond. This area is said to be one of the birthplaces of water puppetry, so if you’ve seen a show in Hanoi, this is where it all began.
Then head to Tay Phuong Pagoda, perched on a hilltop up a couple of hundred laterite steps. Inside you’ll find dozens of incredibly detailed statues carved from jackfruit wood back in the 18th century. It’s so quiet compared to the big sights, and you might even have it to yourself.
By public transport: Around 1 hour on bus 73 from My Dinh bus station to Thay Pagoda, then a short taxi ride to Tay Phuong Pagoda.
By car: About 45 minutes to 1 hour via Thang Long Avenue.
So there we have it, my favourite day trips from Hanoi! Which one are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments below.
If you’re travelling around more of Vietnam, then make sure you check out my Vietnam travel checklist, the Hoi An cooking class I absolutely loved, and what to know before booking the basket boat tour in Hoi An.
