TOP 11 places to visit near Hanoi for the perfect weekend getaway

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If you are looking for a perfect weekend getaway, check out the top 11 places to visit near Hanoi below. With attractions such as Ha Long Bay, Mu Cang Chai, Ba Be Lake, and Tam Chuc Pagoda, these nearby destinations offer stunning scenery and an escape from the bustle of the city.

1. Do Son, Hai Phong

Do Son is a resort area with many beaches, located 20 kilometers away from the city center of Hai Phong. With smooth golden sand and attractive services, this place is always a top choice for short holidays.

Do Son has many prominent attractions, such as Suoi Rong Stream, Hon Dau Island, etc. In addition, here, you can try many seafood dishes, such as clams, catfish, dried squid, jellyfish salad, crab noodle soup, etc. If you are looking for places to visit near Hanoi, Do Son is definitely worth a visit.

Do Son boasts pristine sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and captivating coastal landscape (Source: Collected)

2. Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh – Among the world’s most famous natural wonders

If you are looking for the best places to visit near Hanoi, a trip from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is a must. This is a famous tourist destination not only in Vietnam but also around the world.

Ha Long Bay is a natural wonder with thousands of limestone islands in various shapes and sizes, creating a magnificent and unique scenery that mesmerizes visitors. 

Tourists can take a cruise to explore the bay and visit attractions such as Sung Sot Cave. Ha Long Bay also offers many exciting activities like kayaking, squid fishing, etc. You can also indulge in the delicious seafood here.

Ha Long Bay mesmerizes tourists with its stunning limestone karsts rising from emerald waters (Source: Collected)

3. Dong Van, Ha Giang

Dong Van is located approximately 320 kilometers from Hanoi. With an altitude ranging from 1000-1600 meters above sea level, Dong Van is a favorite destination among young adventure-seekers. In addition, with mesmerizing scenery, it is also one of the beautiful places to visit near Hanoi for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.

Dong Van is a favorite destination for adventurous young people (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Hanoi things to do: TOP activities to put on your bucket list right away

4. Ba Be Lake, Bac Kan – The largest freshwater lake in Vietnam

Ba Be Lake is one of the places to visit near Hanoi that offers fascinating landscapes. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the beautiful natural scenery, enjoy the traditional cuisine, and explore the unique cultural identity of the local ethnic communities.

The lake is surrounded by rugged terrains and high mountains. It has crystal-clear and cool water all year round, dotted with small picturesque islands. Some ethnic stilt houses are scattered around the lake.

After a day of exploring Ba Be Lake, visitors can stay overnight in these stilt houses to experience the warm hospitality of the locals, savor mountainous dishes, and enjoy traditional music.

Ba Be Lake is a serene oasis embraced by lush greenery (Source: Collected)

5. Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Ninh Binh

There are many places to visit near Hanoi. One such popular destination for a day trip from Hanoi is Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, located about 90 kilometers southeast of the city. 

This complex spans over 6,172 hectares. Here, visitors can participate in various activities such as kayaking, helicopter tours, and tasting local delicacies like goat meat and crispy rice. 

The friendly and helpful tour guides and locals also contribute to the charm of this destination, making it one of the best day trips from Hanoi.

Trang An is a truly enchanting landscape in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

6. Best places to visit near Hanoi airport? Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc

Tam Dao, located about 80 kilometers from Hanoi, is one of the most popular places to visit near Hanoi. It is nestled at an altitude of over 900 meters above sea level, offering cool and pleasant weather all year round.

Tam Dao is an ideal destination for backpackers looking to escape the city on weekends, as it features beautiful mountain landscapes and many new European-style structures. In addition, here, visitors can sample many local delicacies, such as grilled chicken wrapped in soil, pork belly, etc.

Tam Dao exudes a tranquil and pristine beauty of nature (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Hanoi street food: Plenty of tasty dishes with pocket-friendly prices

7. Moc Chau, Son La

Located about 200 kilometers away from Hanoi, Moc Chau has long been considered one of the most attractive destinations in the Northern region, especially during early spring when apricot blossoms are in full bloom. 

To fully explore Moc Chau, you can take a quick trip in 2 days. If you have more time, 3-4 days would be ideal, giving you more time to find beautiful photo spots or visit nearby famous tourist attractions such as Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, Ban Ang Pine Forest, and Moc Chau Tea Hill, all of which are great places to visit near Hanoi Vietnam.

Moc Chau with its rolling green hills, vast tea plantations, and colorful flower fields (Source: Collected)

8. Sapa, Lao Cai – Among the best places to visit near Hanoi

Sapa is one of the few ideal places to visit near Hanoi year-round. In addition to the beautiful terraced rice fields, Sapa attracts visitors with its many attractions such as Ham Rong Mountain, Cat Cat Village, Sapa Stone Church, Fansipan Mountain, O Quy Ho Pass, and Thac Bac Waterfall. 

Sapa is also known for its grilled dishes, which can be found everywhere in the town, including a variety of options such as pork, chicken, vegetables, eggs, corn, and sticky rice. Additionally, salmon and trout, either cooked in a hot pot or eaten raw, are also very popular in Sapa.

The final months of the year are the ideal time to travel to Sapa (Source: Collected)

9. Mau Son, Lang Son

Mau Son is a vast mountain range that covers an area of over 10,000 hectares, consisting of 80 big and small mountains with varying heights (800-1,000 meters). 

Mau Son is not only attractive for its majestic natural scenery but also for its diverse and abundant ecosystem, including about 5,000 hectares of dense forests with many rare species of plants and animals. 

Visitors can enjoy the magnificent natural beauty of this mountainous area while learning about the unique cultural features of the Tay people and savoring their delicious cuisine.

Mau Son offers a delectable culinary experience with its savory local specialties (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Cocktail bars in Hanoi: TOP 10 places with good drinks and glamorous decor

10. Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex, Ha Nam

Located a 1.5-hour-drive away from Hanoi, Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex is an ideal peaceful destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Covering an area of nearly 5,000 hectares, it offers a variety of interesting experiences and unique landscapes. This is one of the ideal places to visit near Hanoi for weekend getaways.

Tam Chuc Pagoda is a spiritual sanctuary that offers a peaceful retreat for meditation and reflection (Source: Collected)

11. Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai – One of the best places to visit near Hanoi for all seasons

Located over 300 kilometers north of Hanoi, Mu Cang Chai is a must-visit destination during the rice harvest season in Yen Bai. This highland district not only boasts alluring rice terraces but also hot mineral springs, local markets, festivals, and many delicious specialties.

Mu Cang Chai is beautiful all year round, with sparkling young rice paddies in spring and vivid green terraced fields in summer. The most impressive time to visit is the rice harvest season (in late September and early October). This is definitely one of the best places to visit near Hanoi.

Mu Cang Chai – One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in all seasons near Hanoi (Source: Collected)

Before exploring the above-mentioned destinations, make sure to check out the many attractions in Hanoi, such as Duong Lam Ancient Village, Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Van Phuc Silk Village, Dong Xuan Market, Ngoc Son Temple, Phung Hung Mural Street, Bach Ma Temple, Hang Bac Street, etc.

If you are looking for a family-friendly destination in Hanoi, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium at Vincom Mega Mall Times City should be on your bucket list. These two entertainment centers are highly recommended for families and friends, providing a fun and exciting experience for visitors of all ages.

VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium

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Apart from Hanoi, Vietnam boasts several other popular tourist destinations such as Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. While exploring these cities, staying at a Vinpearl hotel or resort is highly recommended. Vinpearl provides guests with luxurious accommodations, impeccable services, and world-class facilities.

Vinpearl offers a wide range of luxury accommodations and exceptional amenities

Additionally, visitors can also relax and have fun at VinWonders, a state-of-the-art entertainment system which offers a variety of thrilling rides, fun activities, and impressive shows.

VinWonders promises endless fun and excitement for visitors of all ages

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To escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and enjoy the fresh air while admiring the beautiful scenery, you should check out these 11 top places to visit near Hanoi Vietnam for a relaxing weekend getaway. With stunning natural landscapes and a wide range of outdoor activities, these destinations are perfect for a fun and memorable time.