Photo by Giau Tran on Unsplash
The Viet Nam capital of Hanoi is not just its busiest and most fascinating city – it’s also a jumping-off point to explore Viet Nam’s hidden treasures, just a few hours’ drive away.
We’re not talking about popular day-trip destinations like Ha Long Bay and the Bat Trang Pottery Village; the places on this list are closer to nature, more in touch with the local culture, and more likely to add some unexpected adventure to your next Viet Nam visit.
Karst Wonderland: Ninh Binh
Just two hours away from Hanoi lies the stunning landscape of Ninh Binh, christened “Ha Long Bay on Land” by impressed visitors. The comparison is apt: you’ll take a slow boat from Van Lam Village down the Sao Khe River to visit a cave network filled with rare mineral formations.
Beyond the river, you’ll also gain access to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, built during the 10th and 11th centuries; or watch out for exotic animals at the Van Long Nature Reserve, home to the endangered Delacour’s Langur.
Nature Lovers’ Retreat: Pu Luong
About four hours’ drive from Hanoi, Pu Luong offers a tranquil escape into nature – hosted by the Black and White Thai communities that have long made this lush valley their home.
There’s plenty to see and do once you get here: visit the Black or White Thai stilt houses and learn about their lifestyle through craft workshops; walk through rice paddies to natural sights like the Thac Hieu waterfalls; or trek to the top of Mount Pu Luong, about 1,700masl.
Photo by Thai Tong on Unsplash
The “Green Pearl”: Moc Chau
Another four-hour drive from Hanoi will take you to Moc Chau, a region celebrated for its expansive tea plantations and vibrant floral landscapes. Recognised by the 2022 World Travel Awards as a “World’s Leading Regional Nature Destination”, Moc Chau delivers for tourists looking for nature and a chance to meet the local Hmong and Thai communities.
Photo credit : Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism
Start by exploring the local tea plantations – Moc Chau is the largest tea growing region in Viet Nam, with 3,000 hectares devoted to the industry. You can bicycle or hike amidst the fields, or talk to the Hmong or Thai workers. At the Moc Suong eco-tourism area, you can see how they process tea leaves – and end the trip by drinking the local tea.
The area’s natural wonders are also worth visiting – among them the stunning Dai Yem waterfall, and nature sightseeing trails such as Pha Luong and Ta Xua. Don’t miss out on walking the longest glass bridge in the world – Bach Long Bridge!
Mountain High: Mai Chau
Mai Chau, located about four hours northwest of Hanoi in Hoa Binh province, is a great backdrop for adventure. One moment you’ll be kayaking on the Hoa Bình Reservoir; another moment, you’ll be trekking around the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Don’t leave without visiting the local communities. The two largest villages in Mai Chau – Lac Village and Poom Coong Village – give visitors a taste of the local lifestyle, from traditional song and dance performances to hearty meals of barbecued beans and sticky rice with seven colors.
Each of these destinations provides a unique way to experience the natural and cultural richness of Viet Nam, all within easy reach from Hanoi. See more of Viet Nam with a day trip to these places – and if possible, stay longer!
