Where can you escape the scorching heat of Hanoi?

Ba Vi, Tam Dao, Dai Lai, or Pu Luong are destinations where tourists can escape Hanoi for a weekend getaway to "cool off," depending on their available time and relaxation needs.

The peak heatwave in late May turned Hanoi into a "furnace." According to the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, the highest temperatures in the inner city continuously fluctuated around 36-38 degrees Celsius, with the perceived outdoor temperature being even higher at times due to the concrete effect and high building density.

When the sweltering heat persists, many people choose to leave the city and travel dozens or even hundreds of kilometers to find the shade of forests, bodies of water, and cooler air. Tri Thuc - Znews suggests some destinations that many tourists consider to "cool down".

Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park is the easiest option for those wanting to leave Hanoi for a day trip. From the city center, it takes about 1.5-2 hours to travel by car or motorbike, depending on the starting point and traffic conditions.

The most valuable aspect of Ba Vi is its forest landscape. The deeper you go into the core of the national park, the milder the air becomes compared to the city center. The tree-lined mountain roads, ancient churches, cactus gardens, the Upper Temple, and the Ho Chi Minh Temple create a perfect itinerary for a short trip. It's not as "cold" as Tam Dao, but the feeling of escaping the concrete streets and cramped city spaces is quite noticeable.

For families, Ba Vi is suitable for light picnics, photography, hiking in the forest, or for young children to connect with nature. Groups with children can combine camping at the service areas near the national park.

According to many tourism agencies, the entrance fee to Ba Vi National Park is approximately 60,000 VND per adult, with lower prices for students, and parking fees are charged separately.

Please note that it gets quite crowded on weekends, and some open-air rest stops still experience intense sunlight at midday.

Tam Dao

If you need a place that's noticeably cooler than Hanoi, Tam Dao is a standout choice. Located in the Tam Dao mountain range, the town's high altitude and characteristic fog make early mornings and evenings much more pleasant than the city center.

Tam Dao is ideal for short weekend getaways. Visitors can stroll around the central square, visit the stone church, Silver Waterfall, Cloud Bridge, enjoy cafes with mountain views, or choose a resort with a swimming pool. Tam Dao's strength lies in its well-developed services: accommodation, food, transportation, cafes, and photo opportunities are all readily available.

There are some glamping and camping options near Tam Dao, but they are not as popular as homestays/hotels. For those who want to hike in the streams and camp, they can visit Silver Waterfall, but it shouldn't be considered the main spot for swimming.

This area is also prone to overcrowding on weekends, especially when Hanoi experiences a heatwave. Room rates may increase on Saturdays and holidays; the road to the town is winding, so be careful if driving yourself.

Dai Lai Lake

Dai Lai isn't a cool, mountainous destination, but it has a huge advantage: it's close to Hanoi and easily accessible. With a full day, visitors can depart in the morning, have lunch by the lake, relax, paddleboard, or return in the late afternoon.

The expansive lake area makes this place less crowded than the city center. Resorts, vacation spots, and restaurants around the lake are suitable for families or those who don't want to travel too far. If traveling with young children, Dai Lai is more convenient than mountain destinations because the roads are easy to navigate and services are readily available.

The downside is that in the midday sun, the lakeside area remains quite hot without shade or indoor space. Therefore, Dai Lai is best suited for a relaxing itinerary involving swimming, dining, boating, or sitting within the resort grounds, rather than spending too much time outdoors.

Thien Son - Suoi Nga

Thien Son - Suoi Nga is a truly better "escape from the heat" than many places around Hanoi because it has water. Located amidst the mountains and forests of Ba Vi, the resort is divided into Ha Son, Trung Son, and Ngoan Son areas, featuring streams, waterfalls, lakes, and swimming pools.

In the summer, the biggest advantage of this place is that visitors can soak their feet, play in the water, take a nap in a stilt house, or sit in the shade of a tree. Compared to Ba Vi National Park, Thien Son - Suoi Nga has a clearer focus on family recreation, especially suitable for groups with young children.

The estimated ticket price is around 150,000 VND per adult on weekdays and 200,000 VND per adult on weekends/holidays; some combo packages including tickets, swimming pool, lunch, and rest time may cost more. Rental of stilt houses, meals, and overnight stays also vary in price depending on needs.

However, during the peak summer season, it gets crowded on weekends. Visitors should note that the stream rocks are slippery, so be careful when traveling with young children.

Ham Lon Lake

Ham Lon Lake is the closest option on the list, suitable for short trips with minimal preparation. Just an hour from the city center, visitors can reach the lake area, set up tents, have a BBQ, or relax under the trees.

This spot isn't as cool as Tam Dao, nor does it have as many services as Dai Lai, but it's perfect for young people who enjoy camping, taking photos, sitting by the lake, and escaping the concrete hustle and bustle of the city. It's more pleasant to visit in the evening or overnight than during the day.

The downside of Ham Lon is that the services are still basic, and the quality varies depending on the campsite. On hot days, if you pitch a tent in an open field, you can still easily get tired. It's best to choose a spot with shade, near a lake, with restrooms and clear tent rental services.

Pu Luong

Pu Luong is further away than the other destinations, but in return, it offers the clearest feeling of being "completely away from the city." The landscape here consists of valleys, limestone mountains, terraced rice fields, Thai ethnic villages, and small streams winding through the forest.

While Ba Vi and Dai Lai are suitable for day trips, Pu Luong is better suited for a 2-day/1-night or 3-day/2-night trip. Visitors can stay in Ban Don, Kho Muong, or Ban Hieu villages, hike through the terraced rice fields, visit Hieu Waterfall, soak their feet in the stream, or relax in a bungalow overlooking the valley.

Hieu Waterfall is a noteworthy spot if the article focuses on the "cool" factor. This area is located deep within the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with flowing water, forests, and surrounding villages. It offers a completely different experience from lakeside resorts near Hanoi.

In terms of cost, Pu Luong offers a variety of homestays, bungalows, and resorts. Budget homestays are often suitable for young groups, while eco-resorts are ideal for families or couples looking for a relaxing getaway. Prices vary significantly depending on the season, location, and room category.

Source: https://znews.vn/di-dau-thoat-chao-lua-ha-noi-post1654625.html