28 Underrated Things To Do In And Near Hanoi As Recommended By Locals

Have you ever found yourself weary of the hustle and bustle of urban life? If so, it's time to plan a quick getaway to the top tourist destinations near Hanoi. The capital of Vietnam is bursting at the seams with things to do and places to see, from scenic views that'll give you goosebumps, to fluorescent nightlife that'll make you feel young again. However, it's surrounding areas are just as beautiful. If you want to experience the best of Vietnam, here are some recommendations!

Want to explore the city and its neighbouring areas at your own leisurely pace? Consider renting a private car charter— it's easy, time efficient, and more economical for those travelling in groups.

Hanoi, the bustling and prosperous capital, is not only a tourist city with beaches and mountains, but also a place where you can enjoy life to the fullest. Forget all of your worries at this the tree-lined space, and then rediscover yourself as you reconnect with nature and your loved ones.

Yen So Park, located in the heart of Hanoi, is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy a simple and relaxing day. With shady trees and plenty of space to roam around, this place offers a peaceful and airy atmosphere, away from the blaring sounds of the city.

With a prime location ( just over 40 km from the city centre) and heavenly scenery, we predict that Ban Xoi Valley will grow in popularity among tourists travelling to Hanoi in the near future! Ban Xoi Valley, is a true wonder of natural beauty that still retains its wild charm, a gift from Mother Nature herself. Upon entrance, you'll be captivated by the vast, open space with rolling hills and a rippling lake that sparkles under the sun.

Located in the heart of the Northwest mountains and forests, 110 km from the centre of Hanoi, the scenery in Mai Chau could not be more majestic and poetic with endless green mountains and pine forests stretching as far as the eye can see. Abundant with rice and flowers, this valley offers a beautiful and enchanting natural scene.

Immersing yourself in the pure nature, you will have the opportunity to admire the undulating mountains, dense rice fields and peaceful streams. This is a great environment to relax in, find peace and enjoy the slow life.

Tam Coc is a thing of beauty. Dubbed as "Ha Long Bay on land", its dense greenery and calming waters will surely impress all tourists that pass by. It's located in Ninh Binh, just 2 hours away from Hanoi. Tam Coc is known for its 3 majestic caves, so make sure you join a tour that'll bring you into the caves! We also highly suggest touring the area on bike to enjoy the fresh Ninh Binh air, and to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful scenery of Ba Hang.

Also known as "Hanoi's Da Lat", Green Valley - Keo Ca Lake is a place where you get to temporarily leave behind the chaos of daily life to surround yourself with nature. It's located in Soc Son, so it's only 30 km from the centre of Hanoi.

While camping on the green grass, you can look at the sky, watch the clouds pass by and feel the freedom in your soul; now's the time to appreciate all the simple things in life. If you're looking for more activities in the area, consider fishing or stand up paddle boarding!

Cat Ba Island, a bright star on Vietnam's tourism map, awaits souls craving the sea. With beautiful beaches of fine white sand and cooling sea water, there's no doubt that this breathtaking island will steal your heart. Other than the usual beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving, and kayaking, Cat Ba Island is also known for its caves and national park trails.

On your journey of exploring Vietnam, you cannot miss out on Ha Long Bay, recognised by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage for its endless beauty and unique islets. Coming to Ha Long Bay, you'll have to take a boat ride through the towering limestone formations, so get your cameras ready! Some must-visits here include Con Coc island, Ga Choi island, Ti Top island, Ngoc Vung island, Sung Sot cave, Thien Cung cave, Dau Go cave and Bai Tu Long bay.

The easiest way to discover all of Ha Long Bay's essential spots is through a cruise tour: admire the stunning scenery of this paradise on earth, and participate in boating or mountain climbing. Ha Long Bay is truly a once in a lifetime experience— there's a reason why this place was voted as one of the seven new natural wonders of the world.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a large pagoda located in the Trang An scenic complex. This sacred site never fails to impress visitors with its magnificent architecture and movie-like scenery. This pagoda should be on your must-visit list when travelling to the Northern provinces. The best time to visit is between January and March as many local festivals held during this period.

Tuyet Tinh Coc is the popular name for the scenic spot of An Tien Cave, part of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital complex. In the past, this was where King Dinh Tien Hoang ordered the construction of pagodas, kept wild animals, and where Queen Duong Van Nga sought seclusion in her later years.

With its serene views tinged with a touch of nostalgia, and its clear lake, Tuyet Tinh Coc is loved by all. If you want to fully explore this place, you should climb the 200 stone steps that lead to the pagoda! Every season in Ninh Binh possesses its own unique beauty and opportunities, so you can visit this spot at any time of the year.

Hang Mua in Ninh Binh is located within the tourist area of Hang Mua, in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Here, you can surround yourself with the lush mountains and the sounds of nature. Although it takes nearly 500 steps to get to the mountaintop, the climb is worth it as the view opens up to a vast stretch of rice fields. The mountaintop is also adorned with delicate sculptures dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Legend has it that in ancient times, King Tran visited this place to enjoy court performances of singing and dancing, hence why the cave was named Hang Mua (Dancing Cave).

The Trang An Landscape Complex is an eco-tourism area classified as a highly significant national monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As a result, Trang An's appeal extends not only domestically but also across Asia and globally.

What sets Trang An apart is its gentle, serene beauty amidst the backdrop of tall mountains, contrasting with the bustling urban scenes found near coastal areas. Trang An harmoniously combines nature with local culture, encompassing three adjacent regions: the ancient capital relic of Hoa Lu, the scenic area of Tam Coc - Bich Dong, and the forest of Hoa Lu - Van Long.

Located less than 100 km away from Hanoi, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh is not only known as the ancient capital of Dai Co Viet (an old name for Vietnam) but also as a destination with many captivating attractions. With a history spanning over a thousand years, this place has witnessed countless ups and downs of the Vietnamese people, preserving the remaining traces of a historical era.

You can visit Hoa Lu at any time of the year; however, spring is when the weather is most pleasant and numerous spring festivals are in motion. If you're planning on travelling during the Lunar New Year, consider visiting to experience the local culture!

Ba Be Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, situated within Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan province. It's over 200 million years old and has undergone significant geological formations, resulting in a beautiful lake nestled among limestone mountains. On a tour, you can leisurely cruise around the lake, admire the landscape of towering mountains and take plenty of photos of the emerald green waters. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn seasons.

If you've made it to Cao Bang, you definitely shouldn't miss out on Ban Gioc Waterfall, located at the Vietnam-China border— it's one of the four largest transnational waterfalls in the world! Due to its geographical location, Ban Gioc experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season from June to September, followed by the dry season. If you're not keen on heavy rain, it's best to visit during the dry season. The scenery at Ban Gioc Waterfall is always peaceful and tranquil, with a landscape dominated by lush greenery and distant rice fields swaying in the breeze.

Located in the southeast of the Red River Delta region, Nam Dinh is a place that preserves the traditional culture of the area. It's also aiming to develop ecotourism, especially coastal tourism. Locals here will always welcome visitors from all across the globe to experience the beauty of the Red River Delta, the tranquil and prosperous countryside, along with the distinct customs of the Red River's rice culture.

While you're in the area, why not tour the Northern countryside? The Red River Delta has long been renowned for its rich and diverse nature. On top of that, its cultural history, architecture, and cuisine are pretty unique, and have become symbols of the wet rice civilization of the Northern region.

Enjoy a visit to the outskirts of Hanoi in a military jeep to immerse yourself in village life and savour the many precious cultural values cherished by the Vietnamese people.

There's no doubt that the art of pottery in Bat Trang Ceramic Village is unmatched. Just on the outskirts of Hanoi, a trip to Bat Trang Ceramic Village will grant you a closer look into one of the traditional handicrafts of Vietnam.

The village has a history dating back to the Le dynasty, where a variety of ceramic artworks of different designs and uses were produced. Not only can you observe the local artisan's meticulous process of making ceramics, you can even create your own custom piece by hand!

Tram Mountain, also known as Nui Tram, is situated in Chuong My district. This is a fantastic place for nature enthusiasts who love activities such as mountain climbing, trekking, and camping. The best months to visit Nui Tram are April and May; however, if you wish to admire the blooming season of the white sưa flowers, it's best to visit at the beginning of the year.

With its undeniable beauty and winding trails along the mountainside, Nui Tram captivates both tourists and locals alike with its cool climate and pristine, picturesque landscapes. Be sure to keep a lookout for famous landmarks like the Tram Pagoda, Long Tien Cave, and Vo Vi Pagoda.

From Hanoi, you can take the Bac Thang Long - Noi Bai Expressway to reach the breathtaking Ham Lon Mountain. This is a trekking, camping, and outdoor excursion spot beloved by many, affectionately dubbed as the "roof of the capital". Ham Lon Mountain earns its reputation with its diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, painting a vibrant natural landscape.

You can conquer Ham Lon Mountain via forest trails or along the stream. The view from its 462 metre summit will surely make the hike worth it. If you're not a big fan of trekking, you can also camp at Bau Stream Lake at the foot of the mountain, enjoy a BBQ meal, admire the scenery, and spend time with your loved ones.

From early November to late December, silver grass flourishes on Bu Hill, transforming it into a dazzling tourist site. Bu Hill straddles the border between Luong Son district, Hoa Binh province, and Chuong My district, approximately 40km from Hanoi's city centre. Top activities here include trekking and watching the sunset cast its orange-red hues over the hillsides.

For adrenaline seekers, this is the perfect opportunity to experience paragliding. From above, you'll get a panoramic view of the city, the fields, and the rolling hills, all while breathing in the fresh air. Plus point: paragliding here is pretty affordable too!

Huong Pagoda, also known as Perfume Pagoda, is a famous spiritual complex in the northern part of Vietnam. During weekends, holidays, and Tet (Lunar New Year), Perfume Pagoda attracts a large number of Buddhist pilgrims who come to worship, pray for peace and blessings, and enjoy the scenery. Situated along the Perfume River, Huong Pagoda encompasses numerous temples and pagodas with histories spanning hundreds of years. It's also a popular tourist destination where visitors come to admire the environment and traditional architecture.

Fun fact: Tam Chuc Pagoda, located in Ba Sao town of the Ha Nam province is the largest pagoda in Vietnam and also one of the largest in the world. The Tam Chuc Pagoda complex covers an area of 5,100 hectares, and is surrounded by the Thanh Tinh mountain range (along with 6 other mountains) and Tam Chuc lake. The pagoda itself spans 114 hectares, featuring an International Convention Center, Tam Quan gate, Quan Am palace, Phap Chu palace, Tam The palace, and more.

Connecting the provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, Ha Nam, and Hanoi, Tam Chuc Pagoda is a focal point of religious tourism in the region, described as a harmonious blend of architecture, religion, art, and nature. The ideal times to visit are from January to March and from September to November due to the cool weather.

If you're looking for a travel experience to a rustic countryside and a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Duong Lam Ancient Village is for you. Just 44km from the city centre, this village welcomes visitors with its serene beauty of over 900 traditional red-tiled houses. Its winding roads run along a clear lake, is shaded by banyan trees, and has quiet communal yards that soak up summer sun.

Don't forget to capture photos at iconic spots such as the Ancient Well of Duong Lam, Mong Phu village gate, Mong Phu communal house, Tham Hoa Giang Van Minh Church, Phung Hung Temple, and the shrines of Ngo Quyen. After exploring to your heart's content, you can sample on local delicacies like sugarcane chicken, banh te cakes, do candy, lacquered candy, or sesame candy.

Thung Nham Bird Park, or Thung Nham Ecotourism Park, covers an area of over 334 hectares and is located in the Ninh Binh province. This tourist spot near Hanoi is a prominent part of the Trang An scenic complex. When visiting the bird park, tourists have the chance to encounter over 50,000 feathered friends belonging to 40 species such as sparrows, storks, and herons, and many more.

Be sure to snap pictures at the lake where you'll see sparkling reflections of the limestone mountains on the surface of the water! While you're there, pay a visit to nearby But Cave and Vai Gioi Cave for a day filled with exploration and Insta-worthy photos.

We're not exaggerating when we say that you won't fully experience the charm of northern Vietnam until you've visited Ba Khan Bay in Hoa Binh. Located about 100km southwest of Hanoi, the pristine beauty of this place leaves a lasting impact on all those who visit, making the journey worthwhile no matter how far. Here, you'll get to admire the contrasting beauty of the Da River that flows vigorously on one side and majestic mountains that stand tall on the other.

One of the best ways to fully experience Ba Khan Bay and all of its glory is by making your way around Dragon Eye Lake with a stand up paddleboarding! If you have time, make sure to visit the hidden Gò Lào Waterfall nestled in bamboo forests— the scene of flowing water resembling a soft white silk ribbon cascading down from carpets of lush greenery will leave you speechless.

Lan Ha Bay is a name familiar to the beach and island lovers of Vietnam. In fact, it possesses a beauty that rivals the renowned Ha Long Bay. Located south of Ha Long Bay and east of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay spans over 7,000 hectares with diverse terrain, making it an ideal tourist destination. The best time to is from April to June as it's less crowded.

In Lan Ha Bay, you can explore local culture at floating markets and Cua Van fishing village. You can also go snorkeling to see coral reefs, kayak at Nam Cat Island, make friends with small creatures at Monkey Island, or take a bamboo boat ride through Luon Cave. Whether travelling solo or in a large group, Lan Ha Bay promises an adventure of a lifetime, so don't miss out!

Moc Chau, a stunning plateau region, glimmers in the sun with expansive flower fields and lush green tea hills stretching endlessly into the horizon. With its cool climate year-round, Moc Chau maintains its beauty regardless of the season. Sunny golden days or misty white mornings, travellers can always expect a pleasant visit.

Moc Chau is a flower lover's dream. The fields are adorned with vibrant colors of mustard flowers, buckwheat flowers, plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and more. These vivid hues that blanket the plateau combined with the cocktail of fragrances will surely make for an unforgettable experience.

Recently, Dong Do Lake has become a popular destination for young people to spend their weekends. Without having to travel far, you can visit this place to relax and refresh yourself after days of hard work and deadlines.

You can lounge on the grass by the lake to enjoy the feeling of freedom and comfort. Do take a stroll around the lake as well while you're there; the calming scenery and fresh air will help you forget the stress of daily life. Dong Do Lake is also suitable for outdoor activities like picnicking, camping, kite flying, and even morning exercises.