Day trips from Hanoi: TOP destinations and activities for short getaways

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There are many day trips from Hanoi to take (Source: Collected)

Day trips from Hanoi are an essential part of any Hanoi travel itinerary. The city’s surroundings offer a wealth of natural beauty, culture, and history waiting to be explored. With options like Halong Bay, Sapa, and Hoa Lu, there’s something for every type of traveler. Take a break from the busy streets of Hanoi and embark on a day trip adventure to discover the wonders of Vietnam.

1. Day trips from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Day trips from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay are a popular option for those who want to explore the stunning natural beauty of the bay without staying overnight. Visitors can choose from various tour packages offered by local travel agencies or plan their own itinerary. 

A typical day trip includes cruising around the bay, visiting popular attractions such as caves and islands, swimming, and kayaking. It is a great way to experience the highlights of Halong Bay in a short amount of time.

1.1. How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Various transportation options are available for day trips from Hanoi to Halong Bay (Source: Collected)

There are several ways to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The most suitable option depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style.

• By motorbike: It takes 4 – 5 hours and costs around 150,000 VND
• By car: It takes 2.5 – 3 hours and costs around 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND
• By shuttle bus: It take about 2.5 hours and costs around 250,000 – 500,000 VND 
• By taxi: It costs around 2,800,000 – 3,500,000 VND
• By train: It take about 6 hours and costs around 100,000 VND
• By seaplane: It takes about an hour and costs around 4,000,000 – 10,000,000 VND

1.2. What to see and do on day trips to Halong Bay from Hanoi?

If you only have one day in Halong Bay, try kayaking (Source: Collected)

• Kayaking

This is an ideal way to get up close to the impressive limestone karst formations in the bay. You can enjoy kayaking for 30 to 60 minutes on a day trip to Halong Bay, and the cost is usually included in a deluxe cruise.

• Rowing a bamboo boat

These traditional boats are rowed by the local people and can be found in the Luon Cave and Ba Hang area. A bamboo boat ride offers a peaceful experience, allowing you to take in the breathtaking scenery of the area, which is dotted with lush vegetation and towering limestone formations.

• Visiting caves

To fully appreciate the geological wonders of Halong Bay, visiting caves is a must. Thien Canh Son, Thien Cung, Trinh Nu, Trong, and Sung Sot Cave are among the most stunning caves to explore here.

• Swimming

You can take a refreshing dip in the bay’s beautiful beaches! Alternatively, you can hike up a mountain for a panoramic view of Halong Bay and capture stunning selfies.

• Taking a cooking lesson

For culinary enthusiasts who wish to explore Vietnamese cuisine, a cooking lesson on a Halong Bay cruise will be an exciting experience. Learn from a chef how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes or how to carve different kinds of vegetables and fruits. The best part? You get to enjoy the delicious dish that you have just prepared!

2. Day trips from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

2.1. The best ways to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

There are several ways to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh:

• By train: Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, and tickets can be booked online or at the station.
• By bus: Buses depart from Giap Bat Bus Station and arrive at Ninh Binh Bus Station. The ticket price is 80,000 – 200,000 VND.
• By motorbike or car: It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• By taxi: It takes around 2 hours and the cost is from 1,380,000 VND.

Traveling from Hanoi by motorbike allows you to save costs and have more flexibility during the trip (Source: Collected)

2.2. Top activities to do on days trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

Ninh Binh is another great destination for day trips from Hanoi, with plenty of activities to keep you busy. Here are some of the top things to do in Ninh Binh:

• Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit in Ninh Binh. You can take a boat ride through the complex to admire the stunning scenery here.
• Explore Tam Coc: This is another beautiful area in Ninh Binh, with stunning views of limestone karsts and rice paddies. You can take a boat ride through the fields.
• Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: This was the capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries and is home to several ancient temples and pagodas.
• Hike to the top of Mua Cave: This is a popular hiking spot in Ninh Binh, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the top of the cave.
• Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda: This is one of the largest pagodas in Southeast Asia and home to several impressive temples and statues.

Discover the top activities to do on a trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (Source: Collected)

3. Day trips from Hanoi to Sapa

3.1. Means of transportation to travel from Hanoi to Sapa

You have various options for transportation to get to Sapa from Hanoi, such as:

• By motorbike: It costs around 150,000 VND and travel time is 12-14 hours.
• By limousine bus: It costs around 350,000 VND and travel time is 5-6 hours.
• By train: The train ticket costs around 150,000 – 3,200,000 VND depending on seat class.
• By bus: It costs around 230,000 – 280,000 VND. 
• By taxi: This is the most expensive means of transportation. However, if you want to be comfortable and fast, this is the most suitable option.

You have various transportation options to travel from Hanoi to Sapa (Source: Collected)

3.2. What to experience on day trips to Sapa from Hanoi?

Sapa, situated in the northwest of Vietnam, is a charming mountainous town surrounded by picturesque rice terraces and towering peaks. A day trip to Sapa offers a wide range of activities. 

• Take a scenic hike to the Heaven Gate in Ham Rong Mountain. This is where you can savor the panoramic views of Sapa and the surrounding areas.
• Take a cable car to Fansipan Mountain. This is the highest peak in Indochina, where you can relish a panoramic view of the valley below.
• Hike through rice terraces and visit ethnic villages to learn about their way of life and culture.
• Visit Sapa Market to purchase local handicrafts and taste traditional food. 
• Embark on a motorbike tour to discover all the hidden corners and stunning landscapes of Sapa.
• Explore the local culture and daily life during a trek down Muong Hoa Valley, where you can visit ethnic villages and interact with the locals.

Visit Sapa Market to purchase exquisite local handicrafts and indulge in traditional cuisine (Source: Collected)

>>> Check out Hanoi things to do before your day trips from Hanoi!

Besides the above destinations, there are many other well-liked places for day trips from Hanoi, including Ba Vi National Park, Duong Lam Ancient Village, Bat Trang Pottery Village, Van Phuc Silk Village, Perfume Pagoda, and especially VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City.

VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium

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In addition to day trips from Hanoi, there are many other destinations in Vietnam you should not miss out on, such as Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.

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VinWonders offers a wide range of thrilling rides and exciting entertainment options

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Day trips from Hanoi offer you a chance to explore the beauty of Northern Vietnam from stunning limestone formations to picturesque rice terraces. With so much to see and do, day trips from Hanoi are the perfect way to discover the country’s natural and cultural wonders.

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