Bai Dong, Thanh Hoa
A sunrise/sunset photo session setup costs around VND 300,000. Photo: Quoc Duy / Jessica Lila

For those who love quiet beaches, Bai Dong in Thanh Hoa is an ideal getaway. Located on Nghi Son Peninsula, it lies about 60 km south of Thanh Hoa City and just over 200 km from Hanoi - roughly a four-hour drive.

Bai Dong remains relatively untouched, with clear blue water, serene landscapes, fresh seafood at low prices, and long sandy shores framed by tall mountains and rocky outcrops.

From the coastal cliffs, visitors can witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, often likened to those in Ly Son or Phu Quoc.

Highlights include visiting peaceful fishing villages, lighthouses, and churches, or joining activities such as SUP tours, night squid fishing, and overnight island excursions to Hon Me.

A 2-day, 1-night trip here typically costs from VND 1–1.3 million (around USD 39–51) per person, including comfortable lodging and fresh seafood meals. However, accommodations are limited, so it’s best to book in advance.

Thac Trang (Moon Waterfall), Hoa Binh

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Moon Waterfall draws many visitors. Photo: Nguyen Huy Tien

Just 90 km (about 2 hours) from Hanoi, Moon Waterfall in Nhan My Commune, Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province offers a lush, cool escape with crystal-clear water and plenty of outdoor fun.

The waterfall features five distinct tiers. The first tier is about 3 meters high, with fast-flowing water that splashes into frothy white pools. The second and third tiers, at 4–7 meters high, offer gentler cascades over layered rock, forming wider and shallower pools - perfect for wading and swimming.

Visitors can bring their own food or enjoy local dishes prepared on-site, including bamboo rice, forest chicken, grilled stream fish, mountain pork, and local vegetables.

You can also combine your trip with nearby attractions such as Thung Vong Waterfall, Ban Lac (Mai Chau), or Thac Mu (Lac Son).

Thac Ba Lake, Yen Bai

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Thac Ba Lake is a perfect summer retreat. Photo: Yen Vi Vu

Nicknamed “Ha Long Bay in the mountains,” Thac Ba Lake offers peaceful scenery, boat rides, cave exploration, and regional cuisine.

Located about 140 km from Hanoi (just over 3 hours by car), Thac Ba is one of Vietnam’s three largest man-made lakes, created during the construction of the Thac Ba Hydroelectric Plant.

With a surface area of nearly 20,000 hectares, the lake is dotted with more than 1,300 islands and features limestone caves hidden in the surrounding hills.

Ban Ba Waterfall, Tuyen Quang

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Ban Ba Waterfall. Photo: The Ban Ba Jungle Lodge

Located in Ban Ba Village, Trung Ha Commune, Chiem Hoa District, Ban Ba Waterfall is a hidden gem about four hours from Hanoi. It’s a popular summer destination known for its pristine nature and outdoor activities like camping, SUP paddling, and trekking.

At about 3 km long, Ban Ba is one of the longest waterfalls in northern Vietnam. It comprises a series of cascading falls, including three major sections: Tat Cum, Tat Cao, and Tat Gio.

Due to its length, exploring the full waterfall often involves a one-day trek along the stream, through natural pools and scenic trails.

The ideal itinerary is 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights, with costs starting from VND 850,000 (around USD 33) per person.

Linh Trang