Top Hanoi Day Trips

There are plenty of high-quality Hanoi day trips to choose from. Looking at ratings and reviews given by previous customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

• Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike

• Ninh Binh HIGHTLIGHT & HIDDEN GEM Tour From Hanoi: Skip-The-Line

• Cozy Bay Halong 5-Star Day Cruise, Buffet, Cave, Kayak, Swimming

• Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour—Best Selling: Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking, & Lunch

The price of Hanoi day trips varies depending on the destination and inclusions. You can find Ninh Binh tours and artisan day trips for around US$15. The most popular trips from Hanoi include Ha Long Bay day cruises and Ninh Binh visits, and these start around US$20 and go up to about US$85, depending on group size and inclusions. Private day tours cost much more, reaching almost US$1,200 at the higher end.

Yes, guided Hanoi day trips are well worth it. Having a knowledgeable guide by your side means you'll get context you'd miss exploring alone—whether rowing through Ninh Binh's limestone karst scenery, visiting Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, or cruising around Ha Long Bay. Plus, with round-trip transportation and meals typically included, you can focus entirely on the experience rather than the logistics.

Per one customer who booked the Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi, "This was my favorite tour in Vietnam. The tour guide, Nguyen, was friendly and informative. The places we visited were beautiful, and the activities fun. We hiked, biked, and went on a boat to explore Ninh Binh. The food was great and authentic. I can't recommend it enough. Book this!!"

Hanoi day trips vary widely in style and pace, so take time to find the right fit before you book. Some tours pack in multiple stops, such as Ninh Binh's ancient temples, scenic boat rides, and cave hikes; others focus on one experience, like a Ha Long Bay cruise. Check what's included: round-trip transportation, entrance fees, or meals. If you're visiting in winter, pack a layer since northern Vietnam can get cool and misty.

Dress for the destination—if you're heading to Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay, pack a layer and a light rain jacket as the karst landscapes can be rainy or misty, depending on the time of year. For temple visits, bring a scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees. Most guides are passionate locals with insider knowledge, so feel free to ask plenty of questions. Finally, don't forget some cash in Vietnamese dong for tips, which are customary and always appreciated.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Hanoi aside from day trips. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Hanoi Caving

• Hanoi Cooking Classes

• Hanoi Craft Classes

• Hanoi Thermal Spas & Hot Springs

• Hanoi Motorcycle Tours

The drive from Hanoi to Sapa covers roughly 191 miles (307 kilometers) and takes around four hours, depending on traffic. You can also take the bus, but the journey is around 6.5 hours, eating into your time in the region. Most people visit Sapa from Hanoi on an overnight tour, with pickup and round-trip transportation included.

Yes, the Perfume Pagoda is situated around 37 miles (60 kilometers) southwest of Hanoi, and getting there is part of the experience: a 1.5-hour drive through the countryside, a scenic rowboat ride along the Yen Stream, then a hike or cable car ride up to Huong Tich Cave and its centuries-old temples. Tours typically run around 10 hours, with hotel pickup, an experienced guide, and lunch included.

Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, & Mua Cave via Boat & Bike is one of the most popular cultural day trips from Hanoi—it includes the classic Ninh Binh highlights plus a local lunch and bike ride. Per one reviewer, "I had an amazing day trip to Ninh Binh! The scenery was absolutely stunning, from the peaceful boat ride in Trang An to the breathtaking views at Mua Cave. Everything was well-organized, comfortable, and perfectly timed. A special thanks to our tour guide, who was friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful throughout the whole trip. He explained the history, culture, and local stories in a fun and engaging way, which made the experience even better.

Comfortable, breathable clothing is the way to go: Lightweight layers work well since temperatures can shift between Hanoi and rural areas, such as Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay. Sturdy walking shoes are a must for uneven terrain, cave steps, and cycling routes. For temple visits, carry a scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees, and in the rainy season (May through October), pack a light rain jacket.

Yes, there are plenty of day trips from Hanoi that take you to ethnic minority villages, including around Mai Chau, where you’ll visit Thai and Muong minority villages, explore traditional homes and markets, and have lunch with locals. Other excursions head into the Hoa Binh province to experience Muong village life and culture in a rural setting.