Ham Lon mountain
The Ham Lon (Pig Jaw) is a mount in the range of Doc Ton in Soc Son District, Hanoi. This is a quite familiar place to young people, particularly those who are intending to conquer the Fansipan – the highest mountain in Indochina.
Located only 40km from Hanoi towards North Thang Long – Noi Bai expressway, so it is not too hard to go here, just taking approximately one hour. You can start immediately climbing Ham Lon Mount or visit the Nui Bau Lake first. Nui Bau Lake is a lake located at the foot of the mountain, amid the hills of green pine and acacia trees.
There are two paths up to the mountain. The first path is a fairly flat trail, easy to go and does not have many bushes. To reach the peak, it will take you only two or two and a half hour. The second route is along streams, which suits those who like adventure and discovery. Near the top of the mountain is a fairly flat area. After conquering the height of 462m of Ham Lon, visitors can return to this flat area for camping and resting to prepare for leaving the mountain or waiting for sunset or sunrise.
Ba vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park is one of Vietnam’s most famous areas of outstanding natural beauty, and is centered around a three-peaked mountain jutting steeply out of the landscape. The national park offers a great escape from the city with cool fresh mountain air in a mystical atmospheric backdrop of clouds, jungle and tropical rainforest.
The three mountain summits are Dinh Vua which is the highest at 1,296m, Tan Vien which is 1,226m and Ngoc Hoa the smallest at 1,131m. Together they form a three humped crest which is often obscured by clouds at the highest point due to the varied climate at the park. There are also superb tropical forest views and vistas all the way to Hanoi to be enjoyed from this peak. The fast-flowing Da River is located on one side of the national park…
Originally created as a hill station during the French Colonial era, Ba Vi National Park has always been an excellent source of medicinal plants for the Dao ethnic group. Walking and hiking opportunities are popular in this area of lush tropical foliage with plenty of forest trails and mountain slopes. It takes about 30 minutes of hard climb to make it to the temple but you are additionally well rewarded with panoramic views of the Red River Valley and beyond.
Thien Son Mountain – Nga River
Located in the east of Ba Vi Mountain Range in Ha Tay District in Hanoi, Thien Son – Suoi Nga (Son Mountain – Nga River) is famous for splendid sceneries with silver-carpet-like waterfalls and misty, dense forests on the mountain slopes.
One hour’s drive from Hanoi, the site is currently the weekend rendezvous for many Hanoians and tourists. It is said to be an ideal tourist destination for this summer. Thien Son – Suoi Nga, tucked in the protection belt of Ba Vi National Park, is divided into three areas, with each area about two kilometers apart from the others.
Villas on the mountain slopes are said to be good accommodation to live among the wildlife. There are also some restaurants to provide wild specialties to trekkers. The next area, Trung Son, is considered to be the playground for people of all ages. Tramping along winding paths around lakes and on stone paths in the shades of seasoned green trees are nice experiences to escape the scorching heat of the summer in the city.
The highlight of the area that tourists should not miss is the 100-meters-high Cong Troi Waterfall. Around the area scattered some guest houses nestled under dense groves that tourists can take a rest and enjoy the fresh air in the forest. The last area is Ngoan Son with a panoramic view of Ba Vi Mountain. Shaded winding paths and bridges reflect themselves in the lake surface, decorating the surrounding area. The lakes there also attract many fishing lovers.
Tam Dao Town
Located 90km from Hanoi, Tam Dao tourist area in Tam Dao Town, Vinh Phuc Province, is an ideal getaway for tourists to. In summer, people rush to Tam Dao which is considered the Dalat of the North with its fresh cool air, mist and romantic scenery.
At an altitude of over 1,000m, Tam Dao was once home to over 200 French villas, a collection of hotels and restaurants, a swimming pool and even a dance auditorium all coming together to form northern Vietnam’s first hill station and health spa. The area offers some easy hiking in and around its tree-covered summit, and while some of the trails tend to see more goats than backpack-wielding tourists, the hill station is popular with Vietnamese tourists.
Tam Dao – a familiar name to Hanoi people and also the wonderful address for people who love for tourism. This is the suitable place for Hanoi people to find a near destination which can help them run away from the hot weather of the summer.
Young people in groups have a different interest, they can take a long walk through the forest, discover nature with so much strange things as well as the fauna and flora in the forest. Go there with your friends and Tam Dao is really the ideal destination for you at the weekends.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Located about 100 km South of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong is the first and one of the most impressive national parks in Vietnam. The primary rainforest is coated with layers of fauna and flora, caves and hot springs. Trees that have lived for the millennium are not rare, and it is striking how they survived the numerous battles that Vietnam has gone through.
At the rear entrance gate to the park, there is a center for preserving endangered species sponsored by a German development agency. Within the forest itself, bird-watching is a popular activity and as you walk or bike the trail, it is possible to catch sight of many reptiles or animals.
At the entrance gate, there is an information center where you can obtain a map of the trails. There are also restaurants, souvenir shops, and a mini hotel at affordable rates ($10 per room). You might also consider renting a bike from the information center instead of taking the car option. As you approach the park, there is another accommodation facility with more authentic natural feel. Staying the stilt house is a memorable experience but not recommendable for those who do not tolerate mosquitoes and biting insects.