There are many other places in Hanoi that you can visit in 3 days rather than just exploring the ancient city of Vietnam. Hanoi is often the starting point for most of the traveler’s before heading to south, but it’s good if you stick to Hanoi a day or two longer. There is so much to see in the rural countryside from stunning landscape, picturesque spots, beautiful and calm nature, to different cultures, interact with the locals, lush greenery valleys, colorful markets and much more, Hanoi has it all to offer the travelers.

Here you can find out the best day trips from Hanoi–

Halong Bay, a day trip from Hanoi

When you are in Vietnam, ‘Halong Bay cruise trip is a must do on many traveler’s lists. The cruise can be booked in advance just like we did our booking with Swan cruise via A21 tour agency. They picked us from our hotel at 7am and provided round trip transport. We drove towards the Vietnam coastline for 4 hrs. The journey was very scenic, and the road were filled with paddy fields on both sides.

A spectacular Dark Room view from the Cruise

Once we onboard on cruise, they served a welcome drink and were given a time to explore the ship before being served lunch. The room in the dining area was full of covered with glass windows to enjoy the incredible views of the Halong Bay.

The Magical Halong Bay

After we ate a Vietnamese lunch of delicious sea food, fishes, rice, vegetables, and desserts, we went to upstairs to gaze the beauty of the islands. Tall, limestone karsts were arrayed across the water for miles, and there were almost 2000 individual islands, hidden caves in the area, which was just impossible to be explored.

The Dragon's own city in a glimpse of an eye

Our cruise was taking us towards Ha long Bay. There we spent time while cruising around on a boat through this UNESCO world heritage site. We found a nice mix of scenery, watched an islands and limestone karsts passing us by. We visited floating villages and markets, climbed up to Sung Sot cave, and a hidden island over there. There was a shopping Centre as well, from where you can buy real pearls at good prices. 

kayaking is an option to be free & float as you like

In the evening, our cruise took us to the jetty. While going towards there, they served a hot coffee, tea, and snacks that was rice paper roll which we could learn from them was how to make it. Then they arranged some magical and entertainment shows for us. The crew members and our guide friend were friendly and dedicated towards us and we really loved their hospitality.

The beauty at the Golden Hour

We would suggest going for a day trip to Halong bay to make your trip totally worth it and undoubtedly it was the best day we have ever spent together.

An unforgettable memory down the lane while sailing through the Dragon's own Land

From Hanoi, it takes two and half an hr. to reach Halong Bay. We recommend visiting here during October-December.

Tam Coc, Ninh Binh – It was a one-day trip from Hanoi

We woke up late in the morning and so we were running late that day. We reached the place in the afternoon. From Hanoi, it takes approx. 1 and a half hr. Once we arrived, we had our lunch and just then the heavy shower started. We had planned to go boating in the lake, but we got stuck there. When it stopped raining, we were asked to go for a boating. There were about twenty people but only 5 of us went for boating because we didn’t want to miss the scenic beauty. And it was so beautiful, if we didn’t go, we would really miss it.

A happy soul

In the Ninh Binh region, there are many places that attracts many travelers, but Tam Coc is the natural paradise here. The place is the perfect rural retreat to unwind yourself after your lively city travels. The name Tam Coc literally means three caves referring to Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. Local people call it green sea. This is only thing you realize when your eyes watch the green landscape on both sides. Float down the Ngo Dong River to reach Tam Coc cave, a stunning stretch of flat landscape with vibrant yellow and lush green rice fields surround the river, hundreds of karsts rocks towering above the serene paddy fields. Ready with your camera while boating, because with every new turn, you may get to see a fresh breathtaking view. We ended our journey floating through the three large caves. All the three caves were looking spectacular with stalagmites and stalactites.

A perfect rainy day while floating down through Ngo Dong River

The cave tour and boat ride charge a ticket fee but probably if you hire any tour agency then all costs will be incurred together.

After the boat ride, you may go for a bicycle tour to visit the countryside. This is the best way to enjoy the basic beauty of natural living.

Best time to visit Tam Coc during late April – June when the paddy fields turn more vibrant and colorful yellow.

Hoa Lu is the royal capital of Vietnam in Ninh Binh region

After touring Tam Coc, we headed towards the ancient citadel, Hoa Lu. The place is used to be the capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th century. Inside the citadel, you may find to see the remain redecorated parts of two ornate temples, mausoleums of past emperors and pagoda as well. King Dinh temple is one of the beautiful architectures, made of carved wood and stone. The temple will bring you the vibes of hundred years ago with its calm atmosphere, and pleasant rustic beauty.

We visited the place during the Dinh- Le temples festival. This annual festival honors the national hero Dinh Bo Linh, a marvelous emperor who united the country, and established Vietnam’s first feudal dynasty – the Dinh dynasty and people celebrate the enormous contribution of King Le Hoan, who governed the successive early Le dynasty. If you visit the place during the festival, you will get to see how the temples are decked up with beautiful flowers, lights, local people dressed in traditional outfit and celebrating the day with full of enthusiasm.

From Tam Coc, it takes only 20 mins to reach the citadel and same 1 hr 50 mins from Hanoi. Hoa Lu is a pleasant day trip, usually clubbed with Tam Coc.

You can visit in Hoa Lu all the year round but if you want to get into festive mood, then spring is the right time here.

Sapa

Located about 315 KM northwest of Hanoi, this small mountain town of Vietnam is home to different ethnic tribal groups. The beautiful Vietnamese small town, Sapa is blessed with awe-inspiring natural beauty, wonderful forest hike, fascinated by different cultural tribes, iconic paddy fields.

This is an overnight journey from Hanoi, so best way to reach the destination by train. It is much more comfortable and cheaper mode of transport. Plan to visit Sapa during the spring which lasts from February to May.

Travel Essentials to Pack in your Travel Bags

OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 with Fast Charge, 30 Hrs Battery Life, Earphones with mic Bluetooth Headset

Mivi Play 5 W Portable Bluetooth Speaker