As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is filled with an exciting variety of historic and cultural attractions, including the Hanoi Opera House, the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum among many others.

While there is very little chance of you getting bored during your time in Hanoi, if you want to venture away from the busy streets of the capital city for a few days, there are plenty of options to choose from! From 5-star cruises along Halong Bay to hiking through the mountainous trails of Sapa, there’s a 3-day trip from Hanoi to suit your interests!

Here’s everything you need to know about these exciting multi-day trips from Hanoi.

3-Day trips from Hanoi: Sapa

Swap the busy city streets of Hanoi for the rice fields and hiking trails of Sapa when you book one of these exciting multi-day excursions. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in rural Vietnam as you make unforgettable memories with your travel companions.

Known for its plethora of hiking opportunities, Sapa is a small town located in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains of northwestern Vietnam. The town is surrounded by scenic mountain peaks and overlooks the Muong Hoa Valley’s terraced rice fields.

Most trips to Sapa begin with waving goodbye to Hanoi as you board a comfortable overnight train. Once you have arrived in Sapa, you’ll meet your friendly local guide and visit the town’s main attractions, including the old cathedral and the local market.

You’ll also get to do some hiking and experience the region’s breathtaking scenery and natural beauty. Relax at the foot of flowing waterfalls and visit the nearby villages of Cat Cat, Lao Chai and Y Linh Ho, where you’ll learn more about local history and culture.

Delicious traditional meals will be served at your 3-star hotel, where you’ll spend the night. Once your adventure in Sapa has come to an end, you’ll be taken back to your hotel in Hanoi via private transport.

How much does it cost?

3-Day Sapa trips from Hanoi are one of the most affordable multi-day trips available and typically cost around US$160 per person for a shared group experience that’s inclusive of transport, some meals and accommodation.

3-Day trips from Hanoi: Ba Be National Park

Located roughly 240 kilometers northwest of Hanoi, Ba Be National Park offers a natural paradise for travelers who may be exhausted by big city life. Take the time to truly relax and experience peaceful surroundings when you book a 3-day Ba Be National Park trip from Hanoi.

The park is home to a wide array of indigenous plant and animal species, including monkeys, bears, civets, otters, pangolins and many more. While some creatures are quite shy, you can expect to enjoy multiple animal sightings during your trip.

One of the major highlights of any trip to Ba Be National Park is the Ban Gioc Waterfalls, which are a series of beautiful waterfalls spanning over 300 meters. This is the perfect place to relax, take photos and reconnect with nature.

Some of the other nearby attractions that you can look forward to seeing include the Chi Lang Pass, the Mother Temple, Dong Khe, Cam Village, Widow Island and the tranquil Ba Be Lake.

How much does it cost?

These excursions usually cost around US$250 per person for a shared group experience, including meals and homestay accommodation, where you’ll get to interact with local families and gain insight into the traditional way of life.

You can expect to pay US$430 per person for a private tour that caters solely to you and your travel companions. However, the cost per person decreases the more travel companions you have.

3-Day trips from Hanoi: Halong Bay

See the northeastern side of Vietnam from a completely different perspective as you explore everything that Halong Bay has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to get away from the city and spend a few days on the water.

The Halong Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam thanks to its emerald waters, rich biodiversity and dramatic limestone islands, which attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.

Most excursions begin with a transfer from Hanoi to the city of Ha Long, where you’ll board a comfortable cruise ship. This is where you’ll spend the next two nights, and you’ll be provided with food, drinks and entertainment.

The bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with incredible natural wonders. Some of the attractions that you may see on your cruise include Cat Ba Island, Sung Sot Cave, Dog Islet, Titov Island and Cua Van Fishing Village.

There is no chance of you getting bored as these action-packed cruises typically offer outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, swimming and hiking. There will also be plenty of time for simply relaxing and taking in the natural beauty offered by the region.

How much does it cost?

The cost of 3-day Halong Bay trips from Hanoi will depend on the type of cabin you opt for as well as the tour’s inclusions. You can expect to pay anywhere between US$340 and US$550 per person for a tour that includes accommodation, meals and transfers.

3-Day trips from Hanoi: Hà Giang

Situated on the banks of the Lô River in northeastern Vietnam, Hà Giang is a beautiful, underrated city that is often overlooked. Hà Giang is not nearly as big as Hanoi and provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital city.

Most 3-Day Hà Giang trips from Hanoi simply use the city of Hà Giang as a base. The rest of the excursion takes place in the scenic countryside of the province, where you’ll visit traditional villages and immerse yourself in local culture.

Start your adventure by meeting your guide in Hanoi and making your way to Ha Giang in a comfortable private vehicle. Once you reach Hà Giang, you’ll head out on a hiking and motorbiking tour of the province.

Some of the highlights on these excursions include Heaven Gate, Tam Son, Nam Dam Village, Karst Geopark, Meo Vac, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River, Yen Minh and more.

How much does it cost?

The cost of 3-day Ha Giang trips is typically around US$220 per person, which includes travel permits, accommodation, meals and roundtrip transfers. You’ll only be responsible for paying for your beverages and any other personal expenses you may incur.

Choose between staying in a comfortable hotel or a cozy homestay, where you’ll get the opportunity to meet a local family and learn more about their way of life in northeastern Vietnam.

3-Day trips from Hanoi: Pu Luong & Mai Chau

Leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind you as you make your way toward the breathtaking mountain ranges of northern Vietnam. 3-Day Pu Luong and Mai Chai trips from Hanoi are perfect for travelers looking for the outdoor adventure of a lifetime.

Not only will you get to experience natural attractions, but you’ll also gain insightful cultural experiences by visiting local villages that are inhabited by ethnic minorities. You’ll also eat at traditional eateries where you’ll discover authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Some of the places that you’ll see as you cycle and trek through Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Mai Chau Valley include Kho Muong Village, Bat Cave, the Thung Khe mountain pass and more. You’ll see waterwheel systems, traditional villages and incredible scenery along the way.

While these excursions are typically offered as shared group tours, in most cases the number of tour participants is limited to around 10 people, which ensures that you enjoy a more personal experience than you would in a large group. The combination of cycling and trekking allows you to really appreciate the scenery as you get in a healthy dose of daily exercise.

How much does it cost?

3-Day trips to Pu Luong and Mai Chau typically cost around US$130 per person for a trip that is inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the excursion. Accommodation will be at an extra cost, as will any personal expenses.

3-Day Trips from Hanoi