With a 4-day holiday centered around National Day on 2/9, Hanoi residents and visitors can enjoy these two-day trips. VnExpress has selected destinations based on their suitability for short trips, convenient travel, natural beauty, comfortable accommodations, and relaxation potential.

Huu Lung Grassland (Lang Son)

Distance from Hanoi: 110 km, travel time: about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Sunrise in Huu Lung, Lang Son. Photo: Nguyen Hang

Sunrise in Huu Lung, Lang Son. Photo: Nguyen Hang

Compared to popular northern tourist destinations like Sa Pa, Moc Chau, Mai Chau, Ha Long, and Ninh Binh, Huu Lung commune remains pristine, uncrowded, and less commercialized. It's perfect for those who enjoy immersing themselves in nature, embracing a slower pace, and engaging in gentle activities like boating, cycling, and swimming. Homestays with full services are available, averaging between 700,000 and 1 million VND per night.

The route from Hanoi to Huu Lung is quite convenient, mainly using the expressway. It's custard apple season in Lang Son, so visitors can pick and purchase them as souvenirs.

Accommodation suggestions: May Retreat, Phong Son Retreat, Homestay Yen Long, Mai's House Huu Lung.

>> See more: 48 hours relaxing amidst the greenery of Huu Lung

Dong Chuong Lake (Ninh Binh)

Distance from Hanoi: 120 km, travel time: about 2.5 hours.

The area around Dong Chuong Lake is perfect for relaxing bike rides. Photo: An Tam Tour

The area around Dong Chuong Lake is perfect for relaxing bike rides. Photo: An Tam Tour

Dong Chuong Lake is an ecological destination, often referred to as "Little Da Lat" due to its scenic beauty, lush pine forests, and fresh air. The 10 km road around the lake is ideal for cycling and morning jogs. The area also features Ao Troi, a small lake atop a pine hill, and the 40-meter Ba Tua Waterfall.

The open spaces around the lake are perfect for camping and barbecues. Activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, playing with pets, hiking, exploring nature, and various children's activities. Summer and autumn are the best times to relax at Dong Chuong.

Accommodation suggestions: Green Pine Resort, Green Pine Camp, Homestay Doi Thong.

>> See more: Ninh Binh travel guide/ 48 hours in Ninh Binh

Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh)

Distance from Hanoi: 150 km, travel time: about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Night camping in Cuc Phuong. Photo: Do Tuyen

Night camping in Cuc Phuong. Photo: Do Tuyen

Located near Dong Chuong Lake is Cuc Phuong National Park. Here, visitors can trek through forests, cycle, and learn about the diverse flora and fauna. The park is suitable for multi-generational family trips. Visitors can also enjoy night camping and tours, perfect for insect enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The park has two campsites at Ho Mac and Xom Bong. Both locations offer food, lodging, and accommodation services for families who prefer not to bring their own camping gear. Visitors should apply mosquito and leech repellent. From Hanoi, travel via the Ninh Binh Expressway, then turn onto National Highway 1A towards Trang An.

Accommodation suggestions: Resorts within Cuc Phuong National Park, Cuc Phuong Mineral Retreat, Wyndham Grand Vedana Ninh Binh Resort.

>> See more: Cuc Phuong travel guide/ 48 hours in Cuc Phuong

Ba Vi National Park (Hanoi)

Distance from Hanoi city center: 60 km, travel time: about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Visitors often encounter seas of clouds on the way to Ba Vi's peaks. Photo: Ba Vi National Park

Visitors often encounter seas of clouds on the way to Ba Vi's peaks. Photo: Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi, located on the outskirts of Hanoi, offers fresh air, a cool climate, rich biodiversity with various forest types and rare species, cultural attractions like an old French church and the Ho Chi Minh Temple, and activities such as camping, admiring wild sunflowers (in October), and savoring local specialties like hill chicken, grilled catfish, and dairy products.

Visitors can enjoy camping, team building, or trekking on various trails. Resorts in Ba Vi National Park are situated at different altitudes, offering diverse relaxation experiences.

Accommodation suggestions: Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat, Amour Resort Ba Vi, Ba Vi Resort.

>> See more: Ba Vi travel guide/ 48 hours in Ba Vi

Hoa Binh Lake (Phu Tho)

Distance from Hanoi: 120 km, travel time: about 3 hours.

A resort by Hoa Binh Lake. Photo: Maida

A resort by Hoa Binh Lake. Photo: Maida

Hoa Binh Lake, a man-made reservoir, is renowned for its majestic natural scenery, clear blue water, and numerous islands. The area is not only crucial for water regulation and power generation but also serves as an ecological tourist destination, home to various Muong and Thai ethnic villages and spiritual sites like Thac Bo Temple.

Numerous resorts surround the lake, offering opportunities for swimming, Dao herbal baths, BBQ dinners, sunset viewing, and relaxing with coffee by the lake at sunrise. Those who prefer gentle activities can enjoy kayaking. Must-try local dishes include sticky rice and sour bamboo shoot fish soup.

Accommodation suggestions: Maida Lodge, Vayang Retreat & Camping, Mo Village, Bakhan Village Resort, Nang Village.

Tam Anh