Vietnam is a gorgeous Southeast Asian country! By all accounts, the country boasts mountains, lakes, waterfalls, cities, towns and more! During my stint as an English teacher living in Hanoi, Vietnam, I found ways to continue traveling even amidst work. Here are three of the best day trips from the capital of the North.
#1 NINH BINH, HANOI
The first day trip from Hanoi is a breezy 1.5-hour motorbike trip from the city with minimal hazards along the way. Ninh Binh is located in the providence of Ninh Binh. The area is known for its proximity to the Red River Delta in addition to its marvelous limestone cliffs and unique topography.
Ninh Binh, as a city, is relatively small, but the surrounding area is a must-go for any traveler. The area around Ninh Binh is best explored via motorbike. From here, you can visit Tam Coc, a neighboring city, and explore the scenery of the region.
#2 TAM DAO, VIETNAM
The second day-trip recommendation was suggested to me by a Vietnamese landlord. Tam Dao has to be one of the most impressive cities that I’ve seen during my time in Vietnam. This well-kept secret (read: ooops) provides keen insight into a semi-rural Vietnamese town. Approximately 2-hours by motorbike, this gem is reachable in a day.
The colorful town of Tam Dao can be seen by a viewpoint located just outside of the city center. Interestingly, the town is also home to a beautiful castle!
#3 BA VI NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM
Ba Vi is a place that I will forever remember fondly~! After a long week, I boarded a bus early in the morning, determined to see this national park. Following an hour-and-a-half long bus ride adventure (plus a short taxi ride after getting lost), I made it. Once there, I began my climb (no joke) to the top. The park is full of winding roads as well as numerous peaks and valleys.
After a short hiking journey, I was stopped by a Vietnamese man. He asked if I wanted a ride. He promised to show me the park for 500k (~$20 USD). I agreed. Upon retrospect, it was likely risky to board a motorbike with a complete stranger, but this guy seemed local enough to not be looking for trouble. With his guidance, I was able to see ruins in the park, a temple, and complete a short hike within the park itself.
The above article speaks to three phenomenal day trips to take from Hanoi, Vietnam. An honorable mention that I will likely touch on in a follow-up article is Mai Chau, Vietnam, but due to the length of the journey (4 hours outside of Hanoi), it is better done as a weekend trip.
Stampchaser Photography 