Top 4 destinations that are near Hanoi for National Day holiday

(VNF) - Where to go at in 2/9 holiday is a question that so many people ask these day. Let’s find out top 4 destinations that are near Hanoi.

1. Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa)

Pu Luong provides a refreshing escape from the crowds only 160km - 4 hour drive from Hanoi.

A microcosm of northern Vietnam, contains Sapa’s magnificent mountain ranges, Mu Cang Chai’s stunning rice terrace fields, Cao Bang’s scenic rivers and waterfalls, Ha Giang’s breathtaking mountain passes and Mai Chau’s remote traditional villages of ethnic minorities.

Source: nezbeat on Instagram

View from Pu Luong Retreat (Source: Instagram's thu.tran88)

River kyaking at Puluong (Source: dailytourgiare.com)

2. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh has the oldest national park of Vietnam, Cuc Phuong National Park, located 100km from Hanoi, with a very wide range of species, both flowers and animals. Moreover, it is one of the best places for hiking in Vietnam, granting guest’s fresh air and natural scenes that city life can never offer.

Bai Dinh pagoda area is another treasure of the province, with a complex of pagoda, park, car parking area and lake system; it is so much easier for visitors to go here.

But the most famous place here is Phat Diem stone church, which is the only stone church in the North of Vietnam, built by French in the past, merely by stones placed on each other, without any stick material.

Getting lost in the jungle at Cuc Phuong National Park (Photo: natalie_hehir on Instagram)

Bai Dinh Pagoda (Photo: fujun1612 on Instagram)

Phat Diem stone church (kimmynnz on Instagram)

3. Quang Binh

Besides its famous beaches with palm leaves and white sand sides, Quang Binh is in tourists’ mind with Dong Hoi temple, an invincible fortress in shape of a star, built by Minh Mang Emperor in order to protect Hue capital. Now, there is no more war in Vietnam, but Dong Hoi stand nicely as a witness of the bravery of Vietnamese in old times.

But, above all, Phong Nha cave is the most treasury place of Quang Binh, with the longest grotto in Asia, and plenty of interesting caves to visit. Moreover, Van La tunnel, which people established in 1966 to avoid American’s bomb, is a worthy area to pay a visit as well.

Sunrise on Dong Hoi beach (alybick on Instagram)

Dong Hoi fortress (Photo: hicallmemtriiii on Instagram)

Phong Nha cave (Photo: tranchau.anhquoc on Instagram)

4. Sapa

Cat Cat village is a must-visit place in Sapa, especially for couples. In the fresh and decent atmosphere of this village, no one knows what level their love can reach to. Moreover, vegetable and mushroom here are the best of Vietnam.

Tourists can also visit Dragon Mouth Mountain (Ham Rong), a mountain full of magnificent scene, fountains and green field. Nevertheless, Bac Ha market is a perfect place for trading unique clothes and jewelry of highlands. And if you want to challenge yourself, Fansipan peak with 3143m height surely can fulfill your desire.

Hiking in Sapa (Photo: kieran.baron.globetrotting on Instagram)

Fansipan peak (loveless.mp on Instagram)

Bao An Thien Tu temple (Photo: tuankiet95 on Instagram)

Minh Phuong