Beyond typical relaxation activities, many travelers prefer an active start to the new year. Tours featuring trekking, cycling, kayaking, swimming, and hot spring bathing offer suitable experiences for families.

These suggested three-day, two-night itineraries are based on advice from Do Viet Hung of Sao Mai Tour, Ha Dong Minh of Binh Lieu Tourist, Son Nguyen of Cat Ba National Park, and the experiences of VnExpress reporters.

Binh Lieu (Quang Ninh)

Binh Lieu commune, located approximately 270 km from Hanoi, boasts diverse terrain and scenic beauty.

Trekking milestone 1305 in Binh Lieu. Photo: Hung Truong.

Visitors can hike two km through the terraced fields of Song Mooc village (approximately one and a half hours), trek three km through anise and cinnamon forests, stroll along forest paths, and admire the mountainous landscapes and villages nestled among the rice terraces. The itinerary also includes conquering milestone 1305, known as "Dinosaur's Backbone", a journey of about two and a half hours round trip.

Other attractions include the strategic peak of Cao Ba Lanh, Dong Van fair market (busiest on weekends, Saturday and Sunday), and Luc Na temple. Travelers departing at 7h can combine a visit to the fair market with Khe Tien waterfall.

Visitors can stay at homestays in Khe Tien village, savor local dishes, converse by the fire, and enjoy traditional Then singing by local residents in the evening.

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Tram Tau (Lao Cai)

Tram Tau commune, located approximately 250 km from Hanoi, is renowned for its natural hot springs, mountains, forests, and Hmong villages, making it suitable for both relaxation and active pursuits.

Hot springs in Tram Tau. Photo: Lekima Hung.

On a three-day itinerary, travelers can visit Muong Lo field in Nghia Lo commune, enjoy specialties of the Thai ethnic group, and explore Hmong villages like Ta Xua and Hat Liu.

Tram Tau features natural hot springs, offering numerous health benefits. The water temperature is approximately 45 degrees C. Visitors can soak and swim at any time of day, with both communal bathing areas and private pools available at homestays.

With additional time, visitors can combine their trip with a two-day trek to Ta Xua or Ta Chi Nhu peaks, renowned for their sea of clouds and beautiful natural scenery.

Cat Ba (Hai Phong)

Cat Ba island, located approximately 150 km from Hanoi, offers forests, beaches, mountains, and rivers, making it suitable for both relaxing and active experiences.

An easy path in Cat Ba National Park. Photo: Tam Anh.

During a three-day journey on Cat Ba, visitors can trek through the National Park, a UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve. Trekking routes offer options of two km, six km, or 10 km, depending on preference and fitness levels, allowing visitors to explore primary, tropical moist, and mangrove forest ecosystems.

The 10 km route is considered the most scenic, leading to Viet Hai village. Besides forest paths, visitors can reach this village, home to 400 residents, by sea. Here, they can enjoy services such as local cuisine, fish massage, or cycling to admire the scenery and visit Lan Ha Bay. Many describe the Viet Hai forest trek as "interesting" and stress-relieving, though it requires good physical condition.

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Tam Anh