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You're probably familiar with Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, or Temple of Literature,... when thinking of Hanoi. But step outside the inner districts and you'll discover a completely different side to the city. Instead of skyscrapers and bustling streets, it’s a more peaceful, open atmosphere. The outer city is truly beautiful, with stunning natural landscapes.
Hanoi isn't just about urban areas. Photo: SOHA
You don't have to spend a lot of time or travel far to have amazing weekend getaways or short vacations. Natural landscapes, mountains, and unique cultural values are just a one or two-hour drive away. Asia King Travel presents the most beautiful natural destinations for your Hanoi trip.
Hanoi is divided into 12 urban districts and 17 rural districts. These rural districts often from recent city expansions. They surround urban districts to reduce population pressure in urban areas and create opportunities for economic development. Depending on the economic and social situation, rural districts can be upgraded to urban districts, as was the case with Tu Liem in 2013, or as is planned for five others in the near future.
The outer city's most visible feature is its diversity of terrain. These districts often combine plains, hills, and river systems. Fertile alluvial soil covers a large part of the area. Additionally, some districts, like Ba Vi and Soc Son, are blessed with majestic hills and mountains.
The western outskirts has some mountain ranges. Photo: Dan tri
The suburbs wouldn’t be beautiful without the river and lake system. The banks are home to many species of flora and fauna, contributing to the ecological balance. At the same time, they have also become ideal destinations for recreational activities.
Compared to the crowded inner city, suburban districts stand out with spacious and airy spaces. The fresh and airy atmosphere, combined with the natural landscape, helps visitors to relax. Therefore, more and more people are choosing to leave the hustle and bustle of the city to find a peaceful and comfortable life in the suburbs.
Many districts possess rich cultural and historical values. Districts like Gia Lam, Thuong Tin, and Dan Phuong have long-standing historical relics that attract tourists. In addition, scenic spots like Dong Do Lake and Ba Vi Mountain appeal to both domestic and international visitors. This is a valuable opportunity to develop tourism while preserving and promoting the cultural values of each suburban area.
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Ba Vi is the furthest district to the west, with a terrain mostly hills and mountains. The Tan Vien mountain range and numerous forests and lakes make this a natural reserve of the capital. Therefore, it is the perfect place for a relaxing picnic and camping trip for Hanoi tourists.
Ba Vi National Park is home to a wide variety of plant species. Photo: Khuong Viet Ha
Ba Vi National Park should be the must-visit destination. It’s a huge forest embracing the three highest peaks. The endless pine forests are perfect for cycling and walking. One beautiful spot for photography is the cactus greenhouse where cultivate various types of cacti. After just one day of camping, you will feel incredibly relaxed and have more energy for new workdays.
Beyond the national park, there is more to explore. Khoang Xanh - Suoi Tien is equally famous. Mud baths and hot mineral spring activities help rejuvenate your skin and relax completely. The fresh air at Dong Mo Lake invites you to the serene setting surrounded by lush trees, green grass, and a picturesque lake.
Also in the West but a little closer here lies Duong Lam Ancient Village in Son Tay Town. The village still retains its unique northern Vietnamese country features to this day. The banyan tree, village gate, and communal house take you back in time to Vietnam hundreds of years ago. The locals continue to reside in brick and tiled-roof houses, preserving the essence of a bygone era.
Duong Lam Ancient Village still retains its authentic rustic charm of the past. Photo: Cattour
Wherever you walk on the brick-paved paths, you'll find yourself surrounded by small closely-knit houses. Statistics show that there are 956 traditional houses within the village. The road network is cleverly designed, it branches off all the way but somebody can never turn their back against the communal house when coming in.
Duong Lam Flower Village is as fragrant as a fairytale. Abundance marigolds and mustard flowers bloom in colors. The picturesque backdrop of hills and rice fields adds to the magical atmosphere.
Flowers in the garden. Photo: Duong Lam Ancient Village Flower Garden Faceboook Fanpage
If there are staff members at the tourist attractions, they can provide you with information about the site. When visiting the old houses, please greet the family members politely and ask for their permission. They will welcome you warmly. If you wish to purchase souvenirs, you can buy directly from them.
Vietnam Ethnic Villages Cultural and Tourism Area is located in Son Tay Town. It is the place to exhibit the typical cultural and historical values of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. The village complex is spread across hills, mountains, valleys, and lakes, recreating the natural landscapes of the entire country. This is a rare chance to see both the natural setting and the cultural heritage of Vietnam on one visit.
A minature Vietnam in a scenic area. Photo: Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism
Visitors will be directly introduced to traditional cultural highlights by ethnic "tour guides" and guided to experience their cultural lifestyle. Especially if you visit at the beginning of the year, you’ll have the chance to participate in traditional festivals.
That’s not all - the World Heritage Area showcases the cultures of various countries worldwide, along with models of famous architectural landmarks such as the Pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, and the Great Wall of China. The Green Zone remains untouched, preserving the pristine beauty of the forest and the vast Dong Mo Lake.
Huong Pagoda, a.k.a Huong Tich or Huong Son, is a religious and scenic complex in My Duc District, about 50 kilometers south of Hanoi's center. The entire complex lies within a valley alongside Yen Stream. Your journey to visit the pagoda begins with a boat ride along Yen Stream, leading you to explore the temples and pagodas within.
Yen Stream during the water lily season (October to December). Photo: Dan Viet
The Inner Pagoda inside Huong Tich Cave is a marvelous creation of nature combined with ancient temple architecture. The cave was once praised as the "most beautiful cave in Vietnam." From a distance, its entrance looks like the mouth of a dragon. Huong Tich Cave also has many natural stalactites and stalagmites. Some believe that touching and rubbing them can bring good fortune and miracles into their lives.
The best time to visit is early in the year during the Perfume Pagoda Festival. Outside of this period, the area is relatively quiet. The quiet weather and beautiful scenery fill your soul with coolness and bring you closer to the spiritual world. The journey can be physically demanding, but it’s part of the experience and the reward of getting to the heavenly realm is much sweeter.
Mount Tram in Chuong My District is just 20 km from the city center. The surrounding area is a landscape of a plateaued-like nature with small mountains at moderate heights. Mount Tram also has a lovely and romantic setting for winding paths around the rocky peaks.
You don't have to go far to Ha Giang, there is already a stone plateau in Hanoi. Photo: Sai Gon Tiep Thi
The areas between the rocky mountain ranges are perfect for camping because of the relatively flat patches of land. This "Ha Giang Stone Plateau" in Hanoi offers some of the most stunning views of rugged, uneven rocky peaks.
This ancient pottery village is in Gia Lam District, east of the capital. The village is like a "living museum," where you can freely explore cultural relics and participate in pottery-making activities. If you're looking to buy charming ceramic items as gifts, you can visit the Bat Trang Pottery Market. Most products are reasonably priced and come in a wide variety of designs.
The biggest and most famous pottery village in Vietnam. Photo: Tico Travel
Every visitor enjoys the experience of crafting their pottery. Skilled artisans will guide you step-by-step on how to work with clay and use the spinning wheel. Once finished, your creation will be fired in a kiln, allowing you to take it home. A souvenir or gift made by your own hands is always the most meaningful.
Co Loa was the capital of Vietnam over 2,000 years ago and is now located in Dong Anh District. The citadel features a unique spiral architecture. Visitors can listen to the legendary tale of My Chau and Trong Thuy, as well as the story of the magic crossbow capable of firing thousands of arrows at once, which may feel real when you see the excavated arrowheads. Other spiritual and archaeological sites here also provide deeper insights into an important time in Vietnamese history.
The statue of General Cao Lo with the magic crossbow could fire thousands of arrows. Photo: Redsvn
A short trip to Hanoi outer city is perfect for enjoying the fresh air and immersing yourself in nature, surrounded by greenery, mountains, and countryside. Joy, positive energy, and new inspiration naturally come after such exciting journeys. Contact Asia King Travel to discover a different side of this city!
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