A city rich in culture and history, Hanoi is usually known for its stunning architectural sites. Explore the city in a different way by throwing yourself into all that Mother Nature has to offer! From beautiful gardens to majestic national parks, take the path less travelled and embark on a picturesque tour in Hanoi!
Halong Bay
You can’t say you’ve been to Northern Vietnam without visiting Halong Bay. Containing at least 1,600 islands and islets, Halong Bay offers one of the most idyllic views of Northern Vietnam’s waters. Since 1994, the Bay has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you know for sure that the Bay is one of Vietnam’s greatest treasures. The Bay has also been featured in huge blockbuster films such as Kong: Skull Island (2017), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and Pan (2015)! From Hanoi, it’s best to book a tour that can bring you from your hotel in Hanoi all the way to the boat tour on Halong Bay for a convenient and fuss-free travel experience! Here on Native, we have many tour options to choose from!
Quan Son Lake
Also known as the “Halong Bay of the land”, this gem of a lake is perfect for a trip all year round, especially during summer when the pink lotus flowers are in full bloom! With all the greenery surrounding the lake, you’ll definitely beat the summer heat. Quan Son Lake is equally worth the trip during the other seasons, as you’ll be greeted with sights like Lion Hill, Giang Xe Peak and Voi Phuc Hill. We recommend renting a small boat to really drink in everything that this scenic area has to offer. Boat rides take about 2-3 hours on average, and after your ride you can even make a short visit to the nearby Chuong village, which specialises in making those iconic conical hats that have become icons of Vietnam.
Rose Park
Get your cameras out and snap that perfect shot of endless fresh roses, all in a myriad of different colours and arrangements! If you’re looking for that #instagram moment, look no further. Rose Park, located in Long Bien District and only a 30-minute drive away from Hanoi’s city centre, is the first of its kind to open in Vietnam. Look out for the huge rose maze in the park, where you’re bound to have fun trying to navigate your way out of it with the park’s other travellers. Who knows, you might end up making new friends alongside all the wonderful Insta-worthy shots you’ll take! If you’re feeling a little hungry after that, grab your new friends for a picnic or meal at one of the cafes in the vicinity.
Ba Vi National Park
Though Ba Vi is a national park, much of its beauty remains unexplored by travellers. Make the most of your trip in Hanoi to make your way here and enjoy the park in its full splendour. Hike your way up to the peaks of the mountains to get a birds eye view of Ba Vi. There are three peaks for you to choose from, with King’s Peak being the highest one. When you get there, check out the “Uncle Ho” Temple to get some panorama shots of the scenery! If hiking is not your thing, you can also check out the Park’s new cactus garden, with over 1200 species of cacti. The popular Thien Son Waterfall & Waterpark is also located within the National Park compound, though you may have to pay separate entrance fees. This is truly where you can indulge in the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings!
Tam Dao
About 70km from Hanoi lies the town of Tam Dao, an up-and-coming destination for local tourists. Many Vietnamese youths and families make their quick weekend getaways here, as the town is located on Tam Dao Mountain Range and boasts cool temperatures all year round - it’s average annual temperature is only 18°C! Formerly built by the French to serve as a hillside holiday resort, there are more than 100 old villas and buildings dating back to the 19th century. Besides that, there are multiple nature trails and the must-visit Silver Falls! The town is also known for the mist and clouds that shroud it and lend it an element of intrigue. It’s perfect for you to get your #wanderlust shots on Instagram while beating the tropical heat of Vietnam!
Ban Rom Ecological Site
Located behind Soc Mountain and only an hour’s drive away from Hanoi, Ban Rom Ecological Site offers travellers unspoiled nature and boundless fun. Nestled in a vast forest of pine trees, you’ll surely enjoy the fresh and clean air all around you. If you’re travelling with a couple of friends, or with a big group, you can even check into the campsite and get to try your hand at a whole bunch of folk games. Otherwise, you can check out the small farms around the site for an authentic, hands-on experience at farming you can’t get elsewhere! Engage your inner child and have some fun at the playground. Once you’re done, you can even head to nearby flower gardens or village markets to make the most out of your visit here.
Be it alone, with your friends, or with your family, there’s something for everyone in all these sites! Less than 2 hours away from Hanoi’s city centre, you’ll definitely be able to get there easily from your hotel. Consider hiring a driver and local guide to take you around during your visit so you can cast your worries aside and wholeheartedly bask in the natural wonders of Hanoi!
