VnExpress selected destinations located less than 150 km from Hanoi, with travel times under three hours, as recommended on travel forums. These locations, rich in streams, waterfalls, and forests, typically offer outdoor temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius lower than the city, alongside a fresh atmosphere. As established tourist areas, they also provide accommodation and dining services.

Voi Waterfall (Van Du Commune, Thanh Hoa)

Located 130 km from Hanoi, a journey of about three hours, Voi Waterfall boasts a pristine natural landscape within the forest buffer zone of Cuc Phuong National Park. The waterfall stands about 5 m high, with water cascading over layers of sedimentary rock. Photo: Anh Dao

Voi Waterfall, situated within the ecological tourist area of the same name, attracts many visitors seeking relief from summer heat. Beyond the scenery of water cascading from above, visitors can pose by the suspension bridge at the base of the waterfall, relax in the cool water amidst nature, and enjoy nearby swimming pools and photo zones. The tourist area also offers homestays, guesthouses, dining services featuring local dishes, and cultural activities of various ethnic groups. Photo: Voi Waterfall Tourist Area

May Waterfall (Thach Quang Commune, Thanh Hoa)

The waterfall is 115 km from Hanoi, a journey of approximately two hours and 45 minutes via the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The road is good, travel is convenient, and oto can access the site directly. The waterfall features 9 cascading tiers, stacked one upon another. Locals often refer to it as the "Nine-tiered Waterfall of Love". It is one of the most renowned waterfalls in Thanh Hoa, located within the buffer zone of Cuc Phuong National Park.

According to locals, the higher one ascends, the more beautiful the waterfall becomes. Summer is the rainy season, so the waterfall typically has abundant water. There are a few swimming spots in the stream area outside (on the way to the waterfall), about 6-7 km from the main falls. This area also hosts many tourism service providers, offering accommodation and dining.

Entrance tickets cost 20.000 VND per person, and oto parking is 50.000 VND per visit. Note that May Waterfall can be quite crowded on weekends. For larger families, visitors can prepare food from home and rent seating by the stream. Photo: Phuong

Mu Waterfall (Ngoc Son Commune, Phu Tho)

Mu Waterfall (formerly part of Tu Do Commune, Lac Son District, Hoa Binh Province) is one of Phu Tho's renowned natural tourist attractions. Located directly on the Truong Son mountain range at an elevation of 1.000 m, Mu Waterfall features a pristine landscape where water cascades from above, forming a natural swimming pool, ideal for summer swimming and sightseeing. Photo: Khac Viet

Mu Waterfall is approximately 130 km from Hanoi, a journey of about three hours, with convenient access; oto can reach the entrance, after which visitors walk to the waterfall. Besides the large pool at the base of the waterfall, visitors can swim in areas along Mu Stream.

For overnight stays, visitors can choose homestays starting from 150.000 VND per night.

Vuc Xanh Stream (Dai Tu Commune, Thai Nguyen)

The stream is nearly 90 km from Hanoi, a journey of about two hours, with easy travel primarily via expressway.

This is a headwater stream area. In summer, temperatures hover around 20 degrees Celsius. The stream flows gently over rocks, creating natural pools in some sections, while others are full of pebbles, suitable for walking across or relaxing. The deepest sections reach thigh-level, making them quite safe. Photo: Mojen

Located within Mojen Retreat campsite, Vuc Xanh Stream flows alongside tents set up along its banks. It offers all-inclusive accommodation and dining services. Suggested dishes include: assorted chicken platters or various grilled items. Visitors can bring fruits or drinks and place them in the stream to chill. Photo: Mojen

By Tam Anh