Discover 10 must-visit destinations near Hanoi, from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh! Explore costs, eco-friendly transport, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your adventure now!
Capture the majestic beauty of Hanoi’s eco-gem
Bakhan Village Resort- Mai Chau Region - Phu Tho (Source: Internet)Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital hosting over 18 million visitors annually, serves as a gateway to breathtaking destinations within 50–300 km, offering escapes from its bustling streets to serene landscapes and cultural treasures. From Ha Long Bay’s UNESCO-listed limestone karsts to Mai Chau’s emerald valleys, these spots showcase northern Vietnam’s biodiversity and heritage, with activities like boat tours, cycling, and homestays costing $5–$50 (125,000–1,250,000 VND). Centered in Hoan Kiem Ward’s historic Old Quarter, Hanoi’s proximity to these sites makes it ideal for day trips or multi-day adventures.
These destinations emphasize sustainable tourism, with eco-lodges, local guides, and low-impact transport aligning with Vietnam’s “Green Capital” initiative, set in a temperate climate (dry season: November–April, 15–25°C or 59–77°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours connect you to these natural and cultural wonders, ensuring a green, immersive experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward, Ba Vì District now Ba Vì Commune, and Gia Lâm District now Gia Lâm Commune under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation using updated maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly tours from Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric shuttles or bicycles, led by English-speaking guides who share local insights, cultural stories, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting ethnic communities and eco-lodges, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Hanoi’s surroundings responsibly!
Halong Bay Cruise overnight on Boat (Source: Internet)These eco-friendly destinations, within 10–300 km of Hanoi, offer cultural and natural wonders with entry fees from $0–$15 (0–375,000 VND):
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, best for overnight cruises, featuring 1,600 limestone karsts and emerald waters, ideal for kayaking and cave tours.
Cost: Day trip $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND); 2D/1N cruise $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND).
Transport: Private car (3–3.5 hours, $80–$120 round-trip), shuttle bus ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND/person), Legend Travel Group tour ($50–$150).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose eco-certified cruises; avoid plastic waste.
Tip: Book 2D/1N for Lan Ha Bay’s quieter routes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Long Bay Eco-Tour ($100–$200).
Known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” best for boat rides through limestone caves and rice fields, with Trang An’s UNESCO-listed grottoes and Tam Cốc’s scenic waterways.
Cost: Boat tour $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND); entry $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Transport: Private car (2 hours, $50–$80 round-trip), bus from Mỹ Đình ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND), Legend Travel Group day tour ($30–$50).
Eco-Friendly Note: Hand-rowed boats; support local rowers.
Tip: Visit Trang An’s Kong: Skull Island film set; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A serene valley home to Thai ethnic villages, best for cycling and homestays amid rice terraces and mountains.
Cost: Homestay $10–$20/night (250,000–500,000 VND); bike rental $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).
Transport: Private car (3.5 hours, $60–$100 round-trip), bus from Mỹ Đình ($7–$10 or 175,000–250,000 VND), Legend Travel Group tour ($50–$100).
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports Thai communities; use eco-lodges.
Tip: Visit Poom Coong Village; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Eco-Tour ($100–$150).
A lush park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and Muong cultural villages, best for day trips and nature retreats.
Cost: Entry $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); guide $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Transport: Private car (1.5 hours, $30–$50 round-trip), motorbike ($10–$15 fuel or 250,000–375,000 VND), Legend Travel Group tour ($30–$50).
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on trails to protect flora; support local guides.
Tip: Hike to Thiên Sơn Waterfall; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ba Vì Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Famous for terraced rice fields and Hmong/Dao villages, best for trekking and homestays, with misty mountain views.
Cost: Homestay $15–$25/night (375,000–625,000 VND); trekking tour $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Transport: Night train from Hanoi Station (8 hours, $15–$40 or 375,000–1,000,000 VND), private car (5–6 hours, $150–$200 round-trip), Legend Travel Group tour ($100–$200).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support Hmong homestays; avoid plastic on trails.
Tip: Trek to Cát Cát Village; included in Legend Travel Group’s Sapa Eco-Tour ($150–$250).
A 700-year-old pottery village, best for crafting workshops and shopping handcrafted ceramics.
Cost: Workshop $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND); ceramics $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND).
Transport: VinBus Route 10A to Bát Tràng ($0.30–$0.40 or 7,000–10,000 VND), taxi ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND), Legend Travel Group tour ($15–$25).
Eco-Friendly Note: Buy from family-run kilns; cycle to reduce emissions.
Tip: Try pottery wheel sessions; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A 400-year-old village with laterite houses and rural charm, best for cultural walks and local cuisine.
Cost: Entry $1 (25,000 VND); guide $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Transport: Private car (1 hour, $30–$50 round-trip), bus from Mỹ Đình ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), Legend Travel Group tour ($30–$50).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support local artisans; walk to minimize impact.
Tip: Visit ancient wells; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Village Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
A pristine freshwater lake in Ba Be National Park, best for boat tours, kayaking, and Tay ethnic homestays.
Cost: Boat tour $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND); homestay $10–$20/night (250,000–500,000 VND).
Transport: Private car (5 hours, $120–$180 round-trip), bus from Mỹ Đình ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND), Legend Travel Group tour ($100–$150).
Eco-Friendly Note: Use hand-rowed boats; support Tay communities.
Tip: Kayak to Puông Cave; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ba Be Eco-Tour ($150–$200).
Renowned for UNESCO-recognized rice terraces, best for trekking and photography during harvest (September–October).
Cost: Guide $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); homestay $10–$15/night (250,000–375,000 VND).
Transport: Private car (6–7 hours, $150–$200 round-trip), bus from Mỹ Đình ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND), Legend Travel Group tour ($100–$200).
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on trails; support Hmong homestays.
Tip: Visit La Pán Tẩn terraces; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mù Cang Chải Eco-Tour ($150–$250).
A cultural gem in Hanoi’s heart, best for experiencing traditional water puppet shows depicting Vietnamese folklore.
Cost: Tickets $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Transport: Walking (5 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake), cyclo ($2–$4/hour or 50,000–100,000 VND), VinBus ($0.30–$0.40 or 7,000–10,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital tickets reduce paper; walk or cycle.
Tip: Book tickets at 57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng for 5:00 PM shows; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Water Puppet Show in Hanoi (Source: Internet)Travel from November to April for cool, dry weather (15–25°C or 59–77°F), ideal for outdoor activities like trekking in Sapa or boating in Ninh Binh. The rainy season (May–October) enhances rice terraces in Mù Cang Chải but may disrupt travel to Ba Be or Ha Long Bay. Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (100–500 visitors/day at sites) than weekends (1,000–5,000), especially during Tet (January/February). Early mornings (7:00–9:00 AM) offer serene experiences and avoid peak tourist hours. For rice terrace photography, visit Mù Cang Chải in September–October; for lotus blooms, hit Ninh Binh in June–August.
A day trip to Tam Coc cave or Trang An Grottoes in Ninh Binh (Source: Internet)Most destinations are accessible from Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi’s central hub, via sustainable transport options:
Private Car: Ideal for flexibility; Hoan Kiem to Ninh Binh (2 hours, $50–$80 round-trip), Ha Long Bay (3–3.5 hours, $80–$120), Sapa (5–6 hours, $150–$200). Book via Legend Travel Group.
Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly for short trips; Hoan Kiem to Bát Tràng (30 min, $5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND), Ba Vì (1.5 hours, $20–$30 or 500,000–750,000 VND). Use Xanh SM app.
VinBus (Electric Bus): Routes 10A to Bát Tràng, 70/74 to Sơn Tây (Ba Vì, Dương Lâm) from Mỹ Đình ($0.30–$0.40 or 7,000–10,000 VND, 30–60 min). Use Tìm Buýt app.
Sleeper Bus: Mỹ Đình to Mai Chau ($7–$10 or 175,000–250,000 VND, 3.5 hours), Ha Long Bay ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND, 3–3.5 hours), Ba Be ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND, 5 hours). Book via Baolau.
Night Train: Hanoi Station (Văn Miếu Ward) to Sapa (8 hours, $15–$40 or 375,000–1,000,000 VND). Book via 12Go.
Motorbike: For adventurous travelers; Ba Vì ($10–$15 fuel or 250,000–375,000 VND, 1.5 hours), Ninh Binh ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND, 2 hours). Requires Vietnamese license/IDP; helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
From Noi Bai Airport: Direct transfers to Ha Long Bay ($40–$50 or 1,000,000–1,250,000 VND, 2.5 hours), Ninh Binh ($50–$80 or 1,250,000–2,000,000 VND, 2 hours); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + local transport. Navigation Tip: Save “Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem Ward” or destination names (e.g., “Tam Cốc, Ninh Binh”) in offline maps (Maps.me); use local landmarks like Mỹ Đình Station.
Eco-Friendly Note: VinBus, cyclos, or shared buses reduce emissions; carpool for private cars.
Safety: Watch for traffic in Hanoi; secure valuables at bus stations. Confirm fares via apps to avoid scams.
Duong Lam ancient village 30km from Hoan Kiem Lake (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable adventure:
Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for trekking; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; modest attire for villages (cover shoulders/knees).
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/Tìm Buýt apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, binoculars for Ha Long Bay wildlife, camera for Sapa terraces.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for long trips; cash for small vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for entry ($1–$5), transport ($0.30–$15), or snacks ($0.50–$2); secure valuables in crowded areas.
Bat Trang Ceramic village (Source: Internet)Entry and Activity Fees
Ha Long Bay: Cruise $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND); day trip $30–$50.
Ninh Binh: Boat tour $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND); entry $2–$4.
Mai Chau: Homestay $10–$20/night; bike rental $2–$5/day.
Ba Vì: Entry $1–$2; guide $5–$10.
Sapa: Homestay $15–$25/night; trekking $10–$20.
Bát Tràng: Workshop $2–$5; ceramics $1–$10.
Dương Lâm: Entry $1; guide $5–$10.
Ba Be: Boat tour $10–$15; homestay $10–$20/night.
Mù Cang Chải: Guide $10–$20; homestay $10–$15/night.
Thăng Long Puppet Theatre: Tickets $2–$5.
Street Food (e.g., Phở): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Bia Hơi, Coffee): $0.30–$1.50 (7,000–37,500 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Ceramics, Silk): $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$50 (375,000–1,250,000 VND/day).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Private Car: Bát Tràng ($10–$15), Ba Vì/Dương Lâm ($30–$50), Ninh Binh ($50–$80), Mai Chau/Ha Long Bay ($60–$120), Ba Be/Mù Cang Chải/Sapa ($120–$200).
Xanh SM Taxi: Bát Tràng ($10–$16), Ba Vì ($40–$60), Ninh Binh ($100–$160).
VinBus: Bát Tràng ($0.60–$0.80), Ba Vì ($0.60–$1.20).
Sleeper Bus: Mai Chau ($14–$20), Ha Long Bay ($20–$30), Ba Be ($20–$30), Mù Cang Chải ($30–$40).
Night Train: Sapa ($30–$80 round-trip).
Motorbike: Ba Vì ($10–$15 fuel), Ninh Binh ($15–$20).
Airport to Destinations: Ha Long Bay ($40–$50), Ninh Binh ($50–$80).
Parking: $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$30 (bus, entry, street food).
Mid-range: $50–$100 (private car, activities, homestay).
Luxury: $150–$250 (Xanh SM taxi, cruise, premium tour).
Tip: Budget for activities ($1–$15), transport ($0.60–$120), and food ($1–$2); carry VND for tickets and vendors (some accept mobile payments).
Sapa –the most impressive view of mountains & valleys. (Source: Internet)Timing: Depart early (7:00–8:00 AM) for day trips; November–April for dry weather. Weekdays reduce crowds; avoid Tet for smoother travel.
Booking: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group 24–48 hours ahead; book trains/buses via Baolau or 12Go. Buy puppet show tickets on-site or online for evening slots.
Sustainability: Use VinBus or shared shuttles; support eco-lodges in Mai Chau or Ba Be. Buy from local artisans in Bát Tràng ($1–$10) or Sapa ($5–$10).
Navigation: Save destination addresses in offline maps; ask locals at Mỹ Đình or Ninh Binh stations. Carry a translation app for rural areas.
Safety: Watch for traffic in Hanoi; secure valuables at bus stations. Wear helmets on motorbikes (fines up to $40); avoid scams by confirming fares.
Weather: Dry season for safe trekking; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly in villages (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect homestay customs; avoid littering in national parks.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer for rural areas.
Mai Chau valley – the less touristic & rural landscapes of mountains & ethnic villages. (Source: Internet)Our eco-friendly tours showcase Hanoi’s surrounding wonders:
Hanoi Day Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric shuttle to Ninh Binh, Bát Tràng, or Ba Vì, with local lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Northern Vietnam Eco-Tour ($100–$200/person, 2 days): Ha Long Bay cruise, Mai Chau homestay, or Ba Be lake tour, with eco-lodge stay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Highlands Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Sapa trekking, Mù Cang Chải terraces, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Mu Cang Chai – the most beautiful view of rice terraced fields. (Source: Internet)Hanoi’s surrounding destinations, accessible from Hoan Kiem Ward, enchant 18 million visitors yearly with eco-friendly escapes costing $1–$50 (25,000–1,250,000 VND). From Ha Long Bay’s karst seascapes (150 km, cruises $20–$50) to Sapa’s terraced landscapes (320 km, tours $15–$40) and Mai Chau’s cultural villages (135 km, $5–$20), these 10 spots blend nature, culture, and sustainability. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours ensure a green, immersive Hanoi Travel experience, supported by biodegradable practices and local communities, with visits to Ba Vi National Park and Ninh Binh’s Tam Coc. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore these top destinations near Hanoi? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Hanoi Surrounding Destinations Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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