Thien Son-Suoi Nga eco-tourism site in the Ba Vi National Park in Hanoi, about 60 km from the city center, offers a refreshing retreat from the summer heat.
Visitors can camp beside cool streams, stay in traditional stilt houses and enjoy local specialties, or admire the more than 60-meter-high Cong Troi waterfall cascading into a natural pool.
According to the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, Hanoi was the hottest city in the country with a temperature of 41.1 degrees Celsius recorded on Tuesday. Its temperatures soared to 40.7 C on Monday, when nearby Phu Tho Province topped the country at 40.8 C.
Photo by Le Cao Hai
Ba Vi National Park, covering nearly 11,000 hectares on Hanoi's western outskirts, is known as the "green lung" of the capital thanks to its dense forests, cool climate and mountainous landscapes.
Popular attractions include a moss-covered abandoned church hidden in the forest and a large cactus greenhouse that draws young travelers and photographers.
During the French colonial era, Ba Vi was developed into a hill retreat similar to Da Lat, Sa Pa and Tam Dao, with villas and resorts built across the mountainside.
Photo by Phong Vinh
Tam Dao, around 90 km from Hanoi, has long been one of the capital's favorite summer escape destinations thanks to its cool climate, misty mountains and peaceful atmosphere.
Known as “three islands” in Vietnamese, the hill town sits high above the plains and offers visitors a refreshing break from the heat and congestion of urban life.
Dubbed a “dreamy land” by travel bloggers, the town is often shrouded in mist, giving it a tranquil and romantic charm.
Alongside modern villas, hotels and luxury resorts, visitors can also explore historical landmarks such as the stone church built by the French in 1912, which overlooks the town center and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Photo by Vu Khanh
The Huu Lung Steppe, also known as Dong Lam Steppe, around 123 km from Hanoi, spans an area of 100 hectares and is renowned for its lush green grass and clear lake, nestled amidst majestic cliffs.
The area has a typical tropical monsoon climate of northern Vietnam's mountainous regions, with mild and cool temperatures throughout the year.
The steppe is most captivating before the rainy season, typically from March to May when the water level is low, revealing verdant peninsulas.
To preserve the ecosystem of the area, visitors are not permitted to drive into the valley. Instead, they can walk approximately 500 meters or hire transportation services to reach the destination.
Photo by Hung Vi
Pu Luong Nature Reserve, around 160 km south of Hanoi, is a popular retreat for travelers seeking cooler weather, lush landscapes and a slower pace of life. Spanning more than 17,000 hectares, the reserve is home to limestone mountains, tropical forests, waterfalls and caves, with peaceful Thai and Muong ethnic minority villages scattered across the valleys.
Thanks to its mountainous terrain and dense forest cover, Pu Luong maintains a mild climate year-round, with summer temperatures often hovering around 20 degrees Celsius, offering a sharp contrast to the intense heat in northern cities.
Accommodation options range from homestays and hostels to eco-resorts, all designed around sustainable tourism principles. Most lodgings embrace a minimalist lifestyle experience, meaning rooms typically do not include amenities such as televisions or air conditioners, allowing visitors to immerse themselves more fully in nature.
Photo by Manh Tien Khoi
Dai Lai Lake, less than two hours drive from Hanoi, is an ideal getaway throughout the year, with temperatures averaging 3-4 degrees Celsius lower than big cities.
Visitors to Dai Lai Lake can engage in a variety of recreational activities, including golf, boating, kayaking, or camping. Certain areas, especially those within resorts, may require the purchase of entrance tickets.
Photo courtesy of Flamingo Dai Lai Resort
Situated in the middle of Dai Lai Lake, Ngoc Island was once a wild bird island but has now been transformed into a resort. It features various architectural attractions and tourism services, including the reconstructed Linh Thong Pagoda, a children's play area, a camping ground, and a 900-square-meter outdoor swimming pool.
To access the island resort, visitors must purchase mandatory island and train tickets, each costing VND100,000 (US$3.80). An extra VND100,000 ticket is required to enter the water park.
Photo courtesy of Vinh Phuc Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
