Ninh Binh: A Haven of Natural Beauty
Discovering the stunning landscapes of Trang An and Tam Coc
Trang An Eco-tourism Area is located in the heart of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, covering an area of approximately 2,168 hectares, about 7 kilometers west of Ninh Binh City.
The overall landscape of this ecological area is characterized by majestic and splendid mountains, shaped by a myriad of diverse mountain formations that cast shimmering reflections onto meandering streams, intertwining and connecting with primitive and mysterious caves.
Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Ninh Binh. Over millions of years of geological formation, it has retained its pristine and natural beauty, with numerous famous historical and cultural relics, including Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda, Thai Vi Temple, Fairy Cave, Linh Coc Pagoda, Thung Nang, and Thung Nham Bird Garden.
Discovering the stunning landscapes of Trang An and Tam Coc
Exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and its historical sites
The temples in Hoa Lu are UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage sites. The ancient capital of Hoa Lu preserves our country's cultural, historical, and religious values from many years ago. Famous temples like the Golden Pagoda, Tam Chuc Pagoda, and Bai Dinh Pagoda must be mentioned.
With vast premises, solemn spaces, and exquisite ancient architecture, these temples provide stunning backdrops for beautiful photos and serve as places to escape from the hustle and bustle of life, replacing them with a sense of serenity and tranquility.
Exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and its historical sites
Taking a boat ride through the scenic waterways and limestone karsts
Travelers will also have the opportunity to admire the mystical caves with varying lengths and heights, such as Dark Cave, Light Cave, Wine Making Cave, and Tran Cave. When gliding through these caves on a small boat, you can distinctly hear the sound of paddles and the gentle drops of water on the cliffs or into the water, creating an incredibly captivating experience.
Not only are there enchanting caves, but also sitting on a boat along the river in Trang An, you can visit ancient temples and famous historical relics from ancient times. Den Trinh, Chua Bao Hieu, and Hanh Cung Vu Lam are historical architectural structures of religious and spiritual significance.
Halong Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cruising through the emerald waters and iconic limestone islands
Halong has been increasingly developing overnight cruise ships on Halong Bay to enhance the visiting experience for both domestic and international tourists. Previously, overnight cruises on Halong Bay - places to visit near Hanoi were mainly favored by foreign tourists, but in recent years, this type of tourism has gained attention from Vietnamese tourists, and they have been booking these tours more frequently.
Cruising through the emerald waters and iconic limestone islands
Visiting floating fishing villages and exploring hidden caves
The next experience awaiting you in Halong is visiting the floating fishing villages. The fishermen here often cultivate seafood in these floating villages, living and working right on the water.
Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the lives of coastal fishermen and indulge in fresh and delicious seafood prepared on the spot by the local cooks. Some famous fishing villages that tourists often visit include Cua Van Village, Vung Vieng Village, and Ba Hang Village.
On the journey to the fishing villages, the boat passes through several magnificent and mystical limestone islets shimmering on the water's surface. The locals have named these islands based on their shapes, such as Hon Am, Hon Mat Quy, Hon Oan.
On the way to the fishing villages, the boat also passes famous caves you can explore, such as Dau Go Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and Thien Cung Cave. These caves are sure to leave you in awe. The unique limestone formations create a scenery like no other. Some caves are even illuminated, making the stalactites glisten with vibrant colors.
Visiting floating fishing villages and exploring hidden caves
Enjoying activities such as kayaking, swimming, and sunset watching
Kayaking is the most beloved activity for exploring Halong Bay. Places to visit near Hanoi - Halong Bay has been recognized by the reputable National Geographic magazine (USA) as one of the world's top 25 premier kayaking destinations (in 2000). It has also been selected by Wanderlust Travel magazine (UK) as a top destination for kayak enthusiasts worldwide.
Using the physical strength of paddling, small kayaks will take visitors through narrow passages between mountains, allowing them to witness firsthand the moss-covered limestone cliffs and pristine coral reefs.
Alternatively, kayaks can be used to approach and explore the mystical lakes and shimmering stalactite formations of Sung Sot Cave, Bo Nau Cave, and Luon Cave. Visitors can also visit Vung Vieng fishing village and Cua Van fishing village.
Sapa: A Gateway to the Northern Highlands
Trekking through terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages
May is the month when the terraced fields enter the water pouring season to serve the locals in planting rice, while September is when the terraced fields are covered in the stunning golden color of ripe rice. These are also the ideal times to visit Sapa.
When you arrive here, you will see the local people, along with their water buffaloes, taking care of the terraced fields, just as they have done for thousands of years. Tourists can learn about the culture, customs, and traditions of ethnic minority groups such as Hmong, Dao, and Lolo in famous villages like Cat Cat Village, Ta Van Village, and Ta Phin Village.
While exploring Sapa, tourists are guided in groups along mountainous trails through villages and fields of farmers. Women here often wear their traditional costumes and perform ethnic dances to welcome tourists. They also make various traditional handicrafts (such as bracelets, earrings, and clothing) to sell.
Trekking through terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages
Admiring the panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range
Hoang Lien Son is home to many mountains that are over 3,000 meters high, such as Ta Giang Phinh, Pu Ta Leng, Pu Luong, and Ham Rong. However, the highest peak is Fansipan.
With such an ideal height, Hoang Lien Son not only attracts tourists for sightseeing but also serves as an inspiring place for photographers who come here to capture the ethereal and enchanting mountainous landscapes.
Below the towering mountains, there lies a picturesque valley resembling a painting, adorned with terraced rice fields stretching through villages. It is also the home to ethnic minority groups such as Dao, Tay, H'Mong, and others.
Thanks to the introduction of the world's longest three-wire cable car system in 2016, tourists now have easy access to the summit of Fansipan, attracting a large number of visitors to travel to Sapa.
Experiencing the vibrant cultures and traditions of local hill tribes
When approaching the ethnic minority communities in Sapa - places to visit near Hanoi, you will have to experience their unique festivals and traditional games during special occasions such as festivals and holidays.
These include the spring mountain festival, going down to the fields festival, singing competitions, traditional dances like the sapa dance, xoe dance, bell dance, fan dance, con throwing, gau tao, roong pooc, and ceremonies of rank granting, among others.
During these festivals, the local people often dress in meticulously crafted traditional costumes and colorful scarves, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.
Mai Chau: Immersed in Rural Tranquility
Enjoying the peaceful countryside and scenic valleys
Mai Chau, Ba Khan Valley stands out with its tranquil scenery of lush green bamboo forests stretching for kilometers. On days with good weather, the interplay of sky, clouds, and water creates a picturesque setting in this place.
Along the path by the bank of Da River, you will encounter various sizes of rock formations resembling cat ears that add interesting focal points for young travelers to capture memorable moments through photographs.
As the afternoon approaches and the mist dissipates, the entire landscape of Ba Khan in Hoa Binh province unfolds before your eyes. The majestic hills and valleys, interspersed with clusters of rocks rising from the heart of the lake, are likened to a land-based version of Halong Bay.
Enjoying the peaceful countryside and scenic valleys
Interacting with ethnic minority communities and experiencing their daily life
Despite taking place once a week, the Mai Chau market is bustling and lively, reminiscent of festival days or Lunar New Year market days.
In addition, to facilitate visits to the market and the surrounding villages, you can book a tour to explore the Pà Cò market. When booking a Mai Châu tour, apart from visiting the market, local guides will take you to tea hills and ethnic minority villages in the Hang Kia area and help you discover hidden gems known only to the locals.
Interacting with ethnic minority communities and experiencing their daily life
Participating in homestay programs and cultural activities
"Eating together, staying together, working together" - that is the experience that every traveler can discover from the homestay tourism model in Mai Chau district. Tourists immerse themselves in the community, learning about the distinctive cultural aspects and assisting ethnic minority people in agricultural activities.
With deep empathy and understanding for the local residents, many tour groups have provided material support to impoverished households, alleviating some of the challenges in their daily lives.
Participating in homestay programs and cultural activities
Bat Trang Ceramic Village: A Craftsmanship Haven
Exploring the traditional ceramic making process in the village
You will learn the process of making Bat Trang ceramics consists of two main stages: the basic production stage and the finishing stage to create glossy and beautiful products. All steps are carried out by the artisans here with meticulous and exquisite craftsmanship.
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Clay Mixing: The clay is classified and thoroughly mixed with water to create a uniform clay mixture.
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Molding: The clay mixture is pressed into molds to shape the products.
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Shaping: After molding, the artisans proceed to shape the products by hand or using machines.
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Drying: The products are placed in drying chambers to remove all the water and achieve hardness.
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Decoration: After drying, the products are decorated with designs and patterns according to the design.
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Firing: The products are fired in kilns at temperatures ranging from 800 to 1200 degrees Celsius to create a beautiful glossy finish and hardness for the products.
Exploring the traditional ceramic making process in the village
Trying your hand at pottery and creating your own ceramic pieces
Perhaps the most exciting experience when visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village - places to visit near Hanoi is the opportunity to personally mold unique products. At the pottery workshop, you will receive detailed instructions from skilled ceramic artisans on the basic techniques. Once you have molded your own product, the artisans will help you with the firing process and pack it for you.
You can freely unleash your creativity with clay and a potter's wheel. Rest assured that masterful ceramic artists will guide you. After completing your clay masterpiece, they will fire it, and you can take it home. Visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village allows you to bring back souvenirs and also presents for your friends and loved ones, making it truly wonderful, isn't it?
Trying your hand at pottery and creating your own ceramic pieces
Shopping for unique ceramic souvenirs and handicrafts
Bat Trang Ceramic Market is a place where you can find charming and unique ceramic souvenirs to bring back as gifts. You can visit the market stalls to choose from a variety of souvenir items such as bowls, plates, cups, religious artifacts, and handicrafts to enhance your family and friends' homes.
What makes these souvenirs special is that skilled artisans entirely handcraft them. You may witness the artisans in action, observing the process of molding and firing right before your eyes.
Shopping for unique ceramic souvenirs and handicrafts
Duong Lam Ancient Village: A Glimpse into the Past
Walking through the well-preserved ancient houses and streets
In addition to the village gate and communal house, when visiting Duong Lam - places to visit near Hanoi, you cannot miss the system of ancient houses. These distinctive houses feature fish-scale roof tiles and are constructed using various materials, from bamboo to rare items. The walls of the houses are mainly built with durable and readily available Ong stone bricks.
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Mr. Nguyen Van Hung's ancient house (Sui Duoi hamlet, Mong Phu village): This house leaves a lasting impression with its ancient gate and a shaded pathway leading to the house adorned with pink silk-cotton trees. Stepping into the interior of the house evokes a sense of tranquility, serenity, and coolness, as it is primarily made of ironwood and jackfruit wood, beautifully decorated with intricate carvings.
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Mr. Ha Nguyen Huyen's ancient house (Xui hamlet, Mong Phu village) attracts visitors with its green and refreshing surroundings, with lush trees and a courtyard filled with rows of brown-toned vats used for making soy sauce, a traditional craft passed down through generations.
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Mr. The's ancient house (Xui hamlet, Mong Phu village) showcases a unique feature of using mortise and tenon joints instead of nails, unlike other ordinary houses. You step into the courtyard, you can catch a faint, pleasant aroma of soy sauce. The jars are neatly arranged and well-organized.
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Ms. Duong Thi Lan's house stands out with its special decorations, including horn-shaped ornaments and a high doorstep that requires visitors to lower their heads when entering the house, creating a unique atmosphere.
Walking through the well-preserved ancient houses and streets
Learning about the local traditions and rural lifestyle
After hundreds of years, the ancient village still preserves its timeless charm, passed down from one generation to another. As visitors stop at the entrance of the village, they are captivated by the iconic image of the northern countryside with the old and weathered gate of Mong Phu village, accompanied by a large, lush banyan tree and a lotus pond nearby.
The communal house is located within the ancient Duong Lam village - places to visit near Hanoi, which was recognized as a national heritage site in 1984. The communal house has maintained its ancient charm over the years and serves as a venue for important village affairs and traditional festivals.
Learning about the local traditions and rural lifestyle
Tasting local specialties and experiencing the warm hospitality of the villagers
It would be a great omission to visit the ancient village of Duong Lam - places to visit outside Hanoi without indulging in a countryside meal or sitting down to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
When you visit Duong Lam, it is essential to take the time to savor a cup of tea accompanied by flavorful treats such as rice cake, sesame candy, peanut candy, or a refreshing bowl of sweetened purple yam soup.
You can also taste the freshly made hot sticky rice cakes or indulge in an authentic countryside meal featuring succulent and fragrant roasted meat or crispy and aromatic sugarcane chicken. A plate of water spinach with soy sauce dip, mashed eggplant with soy sauce, or boiled meat with soy sauce is an irresistible addition to the rustic feast.
Tasting local specialties and experiencing the warm hospitality of the villagers
The article shares the top 6 places to visit near Hanoi you must visit once. We hope that if you have the opportunity, you should try to visit these places at least once, as they are sure not to disappoint you. And if you are looking for an amazing Vietnam experience, please contact us for best Vietnam package tour!
