If Hanoi isn’t enough for you, then we have just the day trip. Not too far from the capital’s vicinity are some great sites that should demand your attention. Whether it’d be historical or natural, there’s a little dose of something for you in Northern Vietnam.

Just a couple hour drive out of Hanoi is that picturesque Vietnamese countryside that you’ve heard so much about. Nestled amongst this pristine natural environment is a little bit of history. Welcome to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital. Browse through the town’s former glory as you visit temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty, both well over 1000 years old.

Did you notice the scenic limestone karsts that surround the area? Yearning for a climb? Well, go on ahead! Your half-hour walk up one of these natural beauties will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Certainly a time to whip out that camera.

But wait, don’t put that camera in your bag just yet. Depart for Tam Coc and snap away at the local villages and that stunning Northern Vietnamese landscape that just instinctively forces you to take deep breaths of relaxation and appreciation.

And the same feeling continues as you hop on your private samphan boat for a truly memorable river trip. You’ll be cruising about and seeing what many people call the Halong Bay on Land. There is reason to back that claim up. The limestone formations here gut straight out from the rice fields, forming a picture perfect scenery. And if you’ve been to Halong before, this is your chance to compare and contrast the two. Should you feel adventurous, feel free to climb up to Bich Dong Pagoda on nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain, dating back to 1428.

Your Hoa Lu & Tam Coc daytrip concludes here. It’s now time to take the samphan back to land and head back to Hanoi. You’ve just experienced Vietnamese beauty at its best!

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