There are a variety of places to visit near Hanoi, from historical and cultural attractions to natural wonders, which will satisfy all tourists whether they want to relax or learn more about Vietnam. On your Hanoi travel, do not miss the top 13 best places to visit near Hanoi and explore the beauty and diversity of Northern Vietnam.
1. Bat Trang Pottery Village - One of the best places to visit near Hanoi
- Location: Gia Lam District, Hanoi
Located about 10 kilometers away from Hanoi’s city center is Bat Trang Pottery Village - the oldest craft village in Vietnam. This is where you can learn about pottery making and create your own pottery masterpieces. Here, there is a museum presenting the history and culture of pottery making, which has an impressive shape that makes it become a must-see spot for all visitors.
2. Duong Lam ancient village
- Location: Son Tay District, Hanoi
Located 44 kilometers west of Hanoi’s city center, Duong Lam Ancient Village is one of the best places to visit near Hanoi, especially for those who want to explore the traditional architecture and lifestyle of Vietnamese people. Recognized as a National Cultural-Historical Relic, this ancient village preserves many cultural features of the Vietnamese countryside.
3. Ba Be Lake - A natural wonder of Vietnam
- Location: Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan City, 260 kilometers away from Hanoi
If you want to enjoy the beauty of nature, Ba Be Lake, a stunning freshwater lake nestled amidst the mountains, is considered one of the best places to visit near Hanoi Vietnam. Surrounded by lush forests and connected with rivers, Ba Be Lake offers some boat trips to explore the breathtaking scenery and nearby villages filled with the vibrant local culture.
4. Ban Gioc Waterfall - A majestic destination in Cao Bang
- Location: Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province, 390 kilometers away from Hanoi
Among various places to visit near Hanoi, Ban Gioc Waterfall - the most spectacular waterfall in Vietnam - is a must-visit destination. Visitors can come here from June to September to witness the mighty waterfall with its frothy waters cascading down like a veil of rain. Visitors can also marvel at the stunning turquoise Quay Son River nearby, which flows along the border between Vietnam and China.
5. Ha Long Bay - One of the famous places to visit near Hanoi
- Location: Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, 160 kilometers away from Hanoi
Taking an approximately 3-hour transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by bus, Ha Long Bay is home to thousands of magnificent islets and recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage site. It is among the most magnificent places to visit in Vietnam near Hanoi, attracting visitors with its natural setting of numerous limestone islets on the emerald sea water, with wonderful natural caves and beaches around.
6. Mai Chau - The wild and rustic beauty of North Vietnam
- Location: Hoa Binh Province, 140 kilometers away from Hanoi
Mai Chau is a perfect escape from the bustling city with its serene atmosphere and fresh air. The valley of Mai Chau is renowned for its picturesque mountain landscape and the vibrant culture of ethnic villages. Here, you can immerse yourself in farming activities, sample delicious cuisine, witness traditional dances, and engage with friendly locals in their charming rural hamlets.
>>> Explore: Northern Vietnam: 12 top-rated destinations to add to your 2023 bucket list
7. Tam Chuc Tourist Area in Ha Nam
- Location: Ha Nam Province
Only 65 kilometers away from Hanoi, Tam Chuc Tourist Area in Ha Nam is one of the perfect cultural and spiritual places to visit near Hanoi, offering visitors interesting and exciting discovery experiences. Here, visitors will be amazed by many diverse and unique landscapes such as Tam Quan Gate, Cot Kinh Garden, and Tam Chuc Pagoda.
8. Ninh Binh - Among the attractive places to visit near Hanoi
- Location: Ninh Binh City, 100 kilometers away from Hanoi
After a 2-hour ride to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, visitors will find a peaceful and relaxed site to enjoy the limestone mountains, rivers, and national parks. Taking a rowing boat tour to explore Trang An Eco-Tourism Complex, Tam Coc grottoes, and Van Long Nature Reserve is a must here. In addition, the city is famous for its historical and cultural sites, such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and Mua Caves.
>>> Read more: Ninh Binh Day Trip From Hanoi: TOP 4 Unforgettable Excursions for 2023
9. Ba Vi - An ideal weekend getaway near Hanoi
- Location: Ba Vi District, Hanoi, 50 kilometers northwest of the city center
When you want to leave behind all the hustle and bustle, pack your bag and come to Ba Vi District - one of the most wonderful natural places to visit near Hanoi. Here, you can immerse yourself in Ba Vi National Park with its diverse ecology and pristine landscape, making it an ideal place to organize camping trips. You can also visit Ba Vi Church and admire its French architectural style.
10. Do Son Beach Hai Phong
- Location: Do Son District, Hai Phong City, 120 kilometers away from Hanoi
If you are a beach lover, you should take a trip from Hanoi to Hai Phong to discover the stunning Do Son Beach Hai Phong - a famous seaside tourist destination with beautiful beaches and stunning scenery. Traveling to Do Son, visitors can enjoy swimming, playing water sports, participating in interesting festivals, and savoring delicious seafood.
11. Mu Cang Chai - A highland paradise for nature lovers
- Location: Yen Bai Province, 320 kilometers away from Hanoi
Mu Cang Chai has the most breathtaking rice terraced fields in Vietnam. The best time to visit this place is from June to October, when you can see farmers working in the fields, water buffaloes plowing, and ethnic women in colorful traditional dresses replanting rice. The rice paddies also offer picturesque views from July to October, when they transform into a brilliant yellow hue.
12. Sapa - One of the wonderful places to visit close to Hanoi
- Location: Lao Cai Province, 320 kilometers away from Hanoi
In the list of the best places to visit near Hanoi, one must include Sapa Vietnam, which is famous for its enchanting scenery of mountains, rice-terraced valleys, and waterfalls. Its cool weather, thanks to its average altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, is also a draw. Sapa is rich in the cultural heritage of local ethnic communities. There are plenty of places to explore and activities to enjoy in Sapa, such as climbing Fansipan Mountain, visiting O Quy Ho Pass, and exploring Cat Cat Village, etc.
13. Ha Giang - The ideal destination for travel enthusiasts
- Location: Ha Giang Province, 300 kilometers away from Hanoi
As for the most awesome places to visit near Hanoi Vietnam, many locals recommend Ha Giang - the northernmost province of Vietnam with magnificent views of valleys and mountains. Especially, from September to October, visitors flock here to marvel at the sun-kissed rice terraces in Hoang Su Phi.
Moreover, Ha Giang is a haven for photographers and nature lovers who are drawn to the beauty and unique culture of the ethnic communities living in the highlands. Some other prominent attractions in Ha Giang are Dong Van, Meo Vac, Lung Cu, Nho Que River, Ma Pi Leng Pass, etc.
Besides the places to visit near Hanoi mentioned above, tourists should not ignore VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium - an entertainment complex in the heart of the capital, which offers countless entertainment experiences for children and families.
Vinpearl Aquarium Times City is one of the largest aquariums in Hanoi, housing over 30,000 marine individuals and creating an enchanting underwater world for visitors to explore. Meanwhile, VinKE is an interactive edutainment complex designed for children to learn and play, offering various job simulation games to help them explore their interests and career aspirations.
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Besides many places to visit near Hanoi in the Northern region, Vietnam also has various tourist destinations in the Central and Southern regions, such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hoi An, Da Nang, etc.
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Hanoi not only has a rich history and culture, it is also surrounded by stunning natural wonders and fascinating destinations that are definitely worth visiting. Hopefully, the 13 recommended places to visit near Hanoi above can help you have the best journey in Vietnam, whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or a family looking for fun.
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