Best Things to Do from Hanoi: Day Trips You’ll Love

Chariza Leen Crudo

Last updated 30 Oct 2025

Collage of Perfume Pagoda, Ba Vi forest, and Ha Long Bay from Hanoi day trips

Here are the best day trips from Hanoi! Explore nature, temples, and underrated spots

I never thought I’d fall so hard for Vietnam’s diversity until I set out on a few epic day trips from Hanoi. If you’re staying in this vibrant city and wondering “what are the best things to do from Hanoi?” you’re in exactly the right place. I’ll walk you through five day trips that you can easily take from Hanoi so you can pick your own adventure (or pack ’em all in!).

You’ll see excursions like a hop from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (yes, the famous limestone landscapes), a journey south toward Ho Chi Minh City (if you fancy a bold swing further afield), and more local spots closer to town. I’ll share the must-visit attractions for each trip and give you the personal low-down so you feel ready to move. Let’s find out the best things to do from Hanoi!

1. Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Estimated travel time: 2 hours by car or tour bus

If there’s one day trip that never disappoints, it’s the journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” this UNESCO-listed province is a peaceful escape of limestone cliffs, rice paddies, and winding rivers.

Hop on a Tam Coc - Hoa Lu Sightseeing Day Tour, and you’ll glide along the calm Tam Coc River, explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and climb to the stunning viewpoint at Hang Mua Cave.

I love how this tour balances nature and history—you get a glimpse of Vietnam’s royal past while surrounded by postcard-perfect landscapes. Plus, the entire trip is just a couple of hours from Hanoi, making it one of the most popular things to do from Hanoi for a reason.

Must-visit highlights:

Tam Coc River Cruise: A tranquil boat ride through limestone caves.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Discover ancient temples and dynastic history.
Hang Mua Viewpoint: 500 steps to one of the most iconic views in Vietnam.

2. Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Estimated travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours by car or shuttle bus

You can’t talk about things to do from Hanoi without mentioning Ha Long Bay. The emerald waters and towering limestone islands are the stuff of travel dreams. It’s a bit farther from Hanoi, but every minute is worth it.

Book a Ha Long Bay Day Tour from Hanoi and let the crew handle everything from transport to lunch and sightseeing. You’ll spend your day cruising past thousands of islets, kayaking into hidden lagoons, and exploring magical caves like Thien Cung.

This tour is perfect if you want a balance of relaxation and exploration, and Klook’s organized itineraries make it super convenient to squeeze into your Hanoi stay.

Must-visit highlights:

Thien Cung Cave: A breathtaking underground world of stalactites.
Luon Cave Kayaking: Peaceful paddling through turquoise waters.

3. Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda

Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours by car + short boat ride

Need a day to slow down and reconnect? The Perfume Pagoda is a peaceful retreat just two hours from Hanoi. You’ll sail down the poetic Yen Stream and explore an entire complex of Buddhist temples hidden among limestone hills.

With a Perfume Pagoda Day Tour from Hanoi, you’ll get a seamless round-trip transfer, boat ride, and even the option to ride a cable car up to the sacred Huong Tich Cave.

The mix of nature and spiritual ambiance makes this one of my favorite things to do from Hanoi when I want a more reflective experience.

Must-visit highlights:

Yen Stream Boat Ride: A gentle cruise through beautiful scenery.
Huong Tich Cave Temple: Vietnam’s most famous pilgrimage site.

4. Hanoi to Ba Vi National Park

Estimated travel time: 1.5 hours by car or motorbike

If you’re craving fresh mountain air and greenery, Ba Vi National Park is your go-to day trip. Just an hour and a half from the city, it’s a paradise of forest trails, great viewpoints, and even old French colonial ruins.

This is the perfect break if you’ve spent a few days exploring the Old Quarter and need a reset. The trails are well-marked, and the cool climate feels like a world away from Hanoi’s bustle.

Must-visit highlights:

King Peak Trail: The highest viewpoint for panoramic mountain vistas.
French Ruins: Hauntingly beautiful remnants from colonial times.

5. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

Estimated travel time: 2 hours by flight (plus airport transfers)

If you’re ready for a bigger adventure, take your trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a short flight, but you’ll instantly feel the contrast—from Hanoi’s old-world charm to Ho Chi Minh’s energetic, modern vibe.

You can book Ho Chi Minh City tours that cover everything from street food crawls to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. It’s a great way to experience both ends of Vietnam in one trip.

While it’s not a traditional “day trip,” adding a quick southern escape makes your list of things to do from Hanoi even more unforgettable.

Must-visit highlights:

Ben Thanh Market: Shop, snack, and soak in the local energy.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Explore Vietnam’s wartime history up close.

So there you have it! Five wonderful options for things to do from Hanoi that cover nature, culture, history, and adventure. I loved how mixing these made my trip feel rich and varied. Now it’s your turn: pick the one (or two!) that calls out to you and lock in your spot. Pack comfortable shoes, a sense of wonder, and maybe your camera for breathtaking views. Your next Vietnam day trip from Hanoi is calling; go answer it!

FAQs about day trips from Hanoi

What to visit close to Hanoi?

There are lots of great spots within easy reach of Hanoi. For example, taking a day trip for nature (such as Ba Vi National Park) or heading to a spiritual site (like the Perfume Pagoda) are perfect. These are all comfortable one-day options with minimal travel time.

How many days in Hanoi is enough?

If your focus is the city itself, 2-3 full days give you a solid taste: wander the Old Quarter, go to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and enjoy local food. But if you want to include day trips like we’ve discussed, I’d say 4-5 days is ideal—this way you have time for relaxation + adventure without feeling rushed.

Where can I go by train from Hanoi?

While many of the trips listed involve buses or private transfers, there are train options too. For example, you can go north toward the mountains or explore parts of Northern Vietnam via rail. For the list above, though, most are better covered by guided day tours from Hanoi due to duration and convenience.

What is the best day trip from Hanoi?

That depends on your vibe! If you want nature + culture and less hustle, the Hanoi to Ninh Binh day trip is a good choice. For sheer scenery, Ha Long Bay wins. For peace + spirituality, try the Perfume Pagoda. Consider what you’re looking for, like time, travel ease, and interests, and pick accordingly. In my opinion, Ninh Binh still ticks most boxes for a one-day escape.