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Top Hanoi Tour Ideas & Best 1 Day Trips You Shouldn’t Miss

Need to know the best day trip from Hanoi? Impress Travel provides you with selective 1-day trip options to beautiful spots such as Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Ba Vi National Park, which are ideal for solo travelers and couple to family. These quick getaways from Hanoi combine nature, culture, and local flavor, all with round-trip transportation, guides, and full itineraries included. Find the best day trips from Hanoi that suit you and your schedule, fulfilled by a local expert.

Tour in Details

Top 6 Best Day Trips from Hanoi for Best Day Trip from Hanoi

1. Ninh Binh: Trang An & Bai Dinh Tour

07:30 – Hotel Pickup in Hanoi

Your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel. Experience the hilly countryside, green rice fields, and villagers going about their daily chores is a common sight. 

10:00 – Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

  • Explore the biggest spiritual complex in Southeast Asia
  • Walk the arhat corridors and visit the gorgeous bronze Buddha
  • Learn about Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhism
  • Enjoy panoramic views from the bell tower on top of the mountain. 

12:30 – Vietnamese Lunch at Local Restaurant

Refuel at a big lunch in Ninh Binh of goat, mountain vegetables, and crispy rice. Vegetarian options are available on request.

13:30 – Boat Trip in Trang An

  • Board a hand-rowed sampan boat
  • Float along calm rivers and through underground waterways
  • Visit ancient temples concealed in karst cliffs.
  • Inhale peace as you paddle between limestone cliffs
  • This peaceful boat ride is the main reason why Trang An is one of the best day trips from Hanoi.

16:00 – Short Break

Enjoy a short rest stop. Optional trip to a traditional craft village or temple if time allows.

16:30 – Depart for Hanoi

Relax on the comfortable drive back.

18:30 – Hotel Drop-Off

Return to your hotel filled with memories and photos.

What’s Included

  • Private air-con vehicle transfer from Hanoi to the hotel in Hanoi.
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Admission tickets for Bai Dinh & Trang An
  • Cruising in the Trang An grottoes
  • Vietnamese lunch (set menu)
  • Bottled water

What’s Not Included

  • Personal expenses
  • Tips (optional but appreciated)
La Han corridor & bronze Buddha — best day trip from Hanoi

La Han corridor & bronze Buddha, Bai Dinh (Source: mia)

2. Halong Bay 1-Day Luxury Cruise from Hanoi

07:00 – Pick-up at Your Hotel (Hanoi Old Quarter)

Our English-speaking guide and the driver will pick you up at the hotel. Unwind in a spacious, modern minivan as we drive through the countryside to Halong Bay.

09:30 – Arrive at Halong Bay, Check-in at Cruise Terminal

Get on your luxury day cruises and make your way to cruise mates. Take pleasure in welcome drinks on arrival and a short introduction before the sails go up.

10:00 – Cruise Begins: Start Your Halong Bay Exploration

  • Marvel at the great spires of limestone emerging from the waters of emerald.
  • Cruise past landmarks such as Incense Burner, Stone Dog, and Fighting Cocks
  • Visit a cave (Thien Cung Caves is an example) or Titop Island, based on the cruise itinerary
  • Optional kayaking or bamboo boat trip in the lagoons (included in some cruises)

12:30 – Seafood Lunch Onboard

Enjoy a fantastic smorgasbord or set menu (depends on the cruise line) with fresh seafood, Vietnamese food, and vegetarian options.

14:00 – Relax on the Sundeck / Optional Activities

Lounge in the sun, sip tea, or attend optional onboard experiences such as cooking demonstrations or a tea ceremony.

15:30 – Cruise Back to Harbor

Take final photos as the boat glides back to the dock.

16:00 – Disembark and Return to Hanoi

Travel back via highway, arriving at your hotel by early evening.

20:00 – Drop-off at Your Hotel in Hanoi

What’s Included

  • Transfer: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi in a modern and comfortable air-conditioned minivan down the new expressway.
  • Cruise: A Halong Bay luxury day cruise lasts about 4–6 hours, depending on who you book with and which route you take.
  • Meals: Freshly cooked seafood lunch, Vegetarians catered for.
  • Guide: A Professional English-speaking tour guide will escort you throughout your tour.
  • Tickets: All entry and visiting fees, including entry to caves or islands as per the itinerary.
  • Extras: Bottled water to drink, welcome drink to have when boarding, and selected activities on board (like cookery demo, tea ceremony).

What’s Not Included

  • Personal alcoholic or other beverages or snacks consumed other than at the lunch provided.
  • Tips for the tour guide and cruise crew (optional but appreciated).
  • Fee for kayaking or bamboo rowing boat (applied for the selected cruise routes and would be informed in advance or on the spot).
Thien Cung Caves – Best Day Trip from Hanoi

Thien Cung Caves (Source: vinwonders)

3. Tam Coc & Bich Dong 1-Day Tour from Hanoi

07:30 – Pick-Up from Your Hotel (Hanoi Old Quarter)

Meet our driver and guide at your hotel for the comfortable drive to Ninh Binh province in the Red River Delta.

10:00 – Arrive in Tam Coc, Start the Boat Ride

Paddle down the Ngo Dong River on a traditional sampan boat rowed by hand. And even on foot. 

  • Sail through three cave tunnels: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba.
  • Marvel at the rice paddy and limestone karst surroundings 
  • An excellent spot to take a photo or find a relaxing corner for contemplation
  • This is why Tam Coc is one of the best 1-day trips from Hanoi for nature lovers.

12:00 – Enjoy Vietnamese Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Dine on local dishes such as goat with lime, rice crackers, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.

13:30 – Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Scale the stone staircase that’s been carved into the cliff to discover this three-story pagoda complex.

  • Lower Pagoda (Ha), Middle Pagoda (Trung), and Upper Pagoda (Thuong)
  • Stunning views of the valley from the top
  • Learn about its centuries-old Buddhist roots

15:00 – Free Time to Explore Tam Coc Village or Take Photos

Optional brief foot or bicycle trek to see nearby rice paddies, subject to schedule and interest.

16:00 – Depart for Hanoi

Enjoy the calm ride back to the city.

18:30 – Drop-Off at Your Hotel in Hanoi

What’s Included

  • Round-trip private air-conditioned vehicle from Hanoi
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Entrance fees to Tam Coc and Bich Dong Pagoda
  • Paddle boat ride (approx. 1 5–2 hours)
  • Vietnamese set-menu lunch
  • Bottled water

What’s Not Included

  • Optional bicycle rental (~$3–5 USD)
  • Personal drinks, snacks, souvenirs
  • Suggestions for guide and boat rower (optional) 
Capture beauty in Tam Coc — best day trip from Hanoi

Capture Beauty while Boating Tam Coc (Source: vnpay)

4. Ba Vi National Park & Local Farm 1-Day Tour from Hanoi

07:30 – Pick-Up from Your Hotel (Hanoi Old Quarter)

Drive out west of Hanoi down scenic country roads that pass through cornfields and villages.

09:30 – Arrive at Ba Vi National Park

  • Go on a leisurely forest canopy hike.
  • Go visit some old French ruins (church, orphanage, guest house) hidden away in the jungle.
  • Climb to Tan Vien Temple at 1.200m and have views over the Red River Delta.
  • Optional visit to the Cactus Garden or Pine Tree Hill (seasonal)

12:00 – Depart for Local Farm Experience

Head to a family-run eco farm nestled beneath Ba Vi’s foothills.

12:30 – Vietnamese Lunch with Farm-to-Table Dishes

Indulge in a healthy country meal prepared from organic veggies, local chicken, tofu, and home-grown herbs.

13:30 – Hands-On Farm Activities

  • Trek through tea estates and spice gardens
  • Learn to make rice cakes or traditional herbal tea with local hosts
  • Learn to make rice cakes or traditional tea with our local hosts
  • Photo session and garden time.

15:30 – Free Time & Snack Break

Have some herbal tea and fresh fruit, and then start joining your group again.

16:00 – Return to Hanoi

Return to your hotel by 18:00 with a clear head and many memories of the countryside. 

What’s Included

  • Round-trip transfer by private car/minivan
  • English-speaking tour guide from Impress Travel
  • Admission to Ba Vi National Park
  • Vietnamese lunch at a local farm
  • Farm activity experience (guided tour, cooking, tea making)
  • Bottled water and herbal tea tasting

What’s Not Included

  • Private drink or buy at the farm
  • Gratuities for guide and driver (optional)
  • Additional activities not listed above
Cactus Garden

Cactus Garden (Source: baotintuc)

5. Duong Lam Ancient Village 1-Day Tour from Hanoi

08:00 – Hotel Pick-Up (Hanoi Old Quarter)

Passengers leave Hanoi for Ha Long City in a comfortable private shuttle. On the way to Duong Lam, your guide will tell you about Duong Lam culture.

09:30 – Arrive at Duong Lam Village

  • Start your village tour with shady stone alleys.
  • Visit the Mong Phu communal house, the soul of the village, spiritually and socially
  • Admire well-preserved laterite dwellings and engage with welcoming local families.
  • Discover ancestor worship, village rituals, and traditional architecture

11:30 – Biking Around the Village & Rice Fields

Embark on a peaceful bike ride through narrow village roads, local farms, and the river, a calm and picturesque adventure, perfect for photographs.

12:30 – Enjoy a Homemade Vietnamese Lunch

Eat a meal with a local host family with home-made food such as braised pork, fresh vegetables, and sticky rice cooked from the heart.

14:00 – Visit Temples of Ngo Quyen & Phung Hung Kings

Visit two significant monuments that pay homage to the heroes who defined Vietnam. Read about their heritage, and see the old temple carvings. 

15:30 – Free Time for Coffee or Local Sweets

Kick back at a sidewalk courtyard café or sample some che lam, lightly salted peanuts tossed in freshly grated ginger.

16:00 – Depart for Hanoi

Head back to your hotel with a head full of culture and images of peaceful countryside landscapes.

17:00 – Drop-Off at Hotel

What’s Included

  • Hotel Transfers – A/C car private return transportation as per your requirement
  • English-speaking cultural guide
  • Landing fee for all the spots in Duong Lam.
  • Bicycle rental
  • Vietnamese home-cooked lunch
  • Bottled water and local snack tasting

What’s Not Included

  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks)
  • Tips for guide and driver (optional)
Mong Phu Communal House

Mong Phu Communal House (Source: hanoimoi)

6. Bat Trang Ceramic Village Half-Day Tour from Hanoi

08:00 / 13:30 – Hotel Pick-Up in Hanoi

Meet your welcoming guide, then drive east of the city, weaving through local neighborhoods to Bat Trang.

08:45 / 14:15 – Arrive at Bat Trang Village

Begin with a short walking tour of the village:

  • Check out the Ceramic Market – see colorful pottery, cups, plates, and decorative objects.
  • Discover a 700-year-old ceramic tradition from the Red River Delta
  • See kiln houses and visit families who’ve been making pottery for generations 

09:30 / 15:00 – Hands-On Pottery Workshop

  • Visit a traditional studio with a local artisan.
  • Discover how to form, shape, and work with clay in easy steps using simple tools and techniques.
  • Create your cup, bowl, or sculpture.
  • How to cook it. You can take this to dry and have it baked for delivery or to take home raw (whichever you prefer)

11:00 / 16:30 – Village Free Time or Local Snack Tasting

  • Visit more shops or try some local green tea
  • Optional: Traditional rice cakes, sweetened soy pudding

12:00 / 17:00 – Return to Hanoi

Arrive at your hotel around 12:30 or 17:30, depending on your tour time.

What’s Included

  • Private A/C Car or Minivan for the round-trip transfer
  • English-speaking cultural guide
  • Visit to Bat Trang ceramic workshop
  • Clay session (1 piece per customer)
  • All tools and materials for clay work
  • Bottled drinking water

What’s Not Included

  • Food and drinks not mentioned
  • Delivery and Shipping: Shipping charge if pottery is to be fired/shipped
  • Personal expenses and optional purchases
  • Tips for guide/artisan (optional) 
Learn to Shape Clay in Pottery Workshop

Learn to Shape Clay in Pottery Workshop (Source: vietgiaitri)

Recommended Itineraries for Best Day Trip from Hanoi

Traveler Type

Ideal Day Trip Destination

Why It’s One of the Best Day Trips from Hanoi

First-Time Visitors

Trang An, Halong Bay Day Cruise

Iconic scenery, easy access, classic Vietnam landscapes, top picks for new visitors

Nature Lovers

Ba Vi National Park, Van Long

Peaceful forest trails, wetlands, and tea hills, ideal for greenery and gentle exploration

Families with Kids

Bat Trang Village, Ba Vi

Interactive pottery workshops, farm visits, safe soft trekking, perfect for all ages

Culture Seekers

Duong Lam Village

Ancient architecture, temples, royal capital history, heritage-rich, and immersive

Why Book Day Trips from Hanoi with Impress Travel for Best Day Trip from Hanoi

It should be exciting, not stressful, to plan your best day trip from Hanoi. Which is why travelers have come to love advancing with Impress Travel, a reputable local team supporting 15+ years of designing quality day trips all over Northern Vietnam. Whether you are sailing around Halong Bay or pedaling along the ancient laneways of Duong Lam, paddling your way through Trang An, we want your moments with us to be smooth, rewarding, and fun times. Our English-speaking guides, convenient private transfers, and selected local partners mean you can travel with complete confidence and tranquility.

We provide clear pricing, flexible cancellation, and the option to personalize your itinerary to your needs, perfect for families, couples, solo wanderers, and small groups. Whether you are booking a half-day ceramic workshop or one of the best 2-day trips from Hanoi has to offer, your comfort and cultural experience will be prioritized. And thanks to our hundreds of positive ratings and reviews, Impress Travel is one of the most reputable best day trips from Hanoi.

Browse Our Hanoi Day Tours Now and start planning your perfect getaway.

Conclusion

There are so many things to do best day trip from Hanoi, what better way to take in Northern Vietnam’s beauty! Choose one of our Hanoi Day Tours Packages and enjoy a diverse palette of must-see attractions, from natural river beauty spots to cultural villages. Still exploring your options? Be sure to read our insider list of the top things to do in Hanoi Vietnam, before or after your trip. 

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress

CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY - BEST QUALITY GUARANTEE

    Impress Travel offers daily tours to attractive destinations in the capital of Hanoi as well as package tours to explore the most popular destinations in North Vietnam, such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa, or adventure tours to explore the Northeast & Northwest regions such as Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Mu Cang Chai. Our products focus on providing travel services for private tours, small groups, family groups, and couples who need to make special requests for the trip. For the trip to Hanoi & North Vietnam, your submission to Impress Travel & Destination Management Company (DMC), which will bring the greatest value to your trip.

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