Just 60km west of Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park is where city dwellers and travelers go when they need fresh mountain air, forest walks, and a change of pace. Rising over the Red River Delta, Ba Vi offers a cool climate year-round, lush tropical forests, colonial-era ruins, scenic temples on mountaintops, and quiet corners perfect for hiking, photography, or even camping. It’s a refreshing day trip—or overnight getaway—when you want to balance culture, nature, and a touch of mystery. An ideal destination for day out hiking near Hanoi.
Things to See & Do
Cactus Garden (Greenhouse)
Start with something unexpected: a sprawling cactus greenhouse showcasing over 1,200 species from around the world. It’s colorful, quirky, and surprisingly photogenic.
French Ruins
Scattered through the forest are haunting colonial remains—an abandoned church, mossy villas, and military outposts overtaken by vines. They’re perfect for history buffs and “ruin photographers.”
Tan Vien Peak & Thuong Temple
Climb a few hundred stone steps to the Upper Temple dedicated to the Mountain God (Tan Vien Son Thanh). On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the delta and even Hanoi in the distance.
Ngoc Hoa Cave
A small but atmospheric cave tucked into the forest, often included on trekking routes.
Thien Son – Suoi Nga Eco-tourism Area
A family-friendly zone with waterfalls, pools, and picnic spots—ideal if you want to relax after hiking.
Trekking & Trail Running
The park has routes for all levels—from easy forest walks to more challenging climbs. It’s also becoming popular with Hanoi’s trail runners.
Camping Under the Pines
If you stay overnight, Ba Vi’s pine forests make a perfect campsite. Wake up to mountain mist and bird calls instead of city horns.
On my first trip to Ba Vi, I left Hanoi early and reached the park in under two hours. The cactus garden was a quirky start, but the real magic came later—climbing past moss-covered ruins until I reached the Upper Temple. From there, clouds drifted between peaks and the Red River Delta stretched endlessly below. By late afternoon, I was sipping tea at a small eco-lodge while mist crept through the forest. It felt like I’d escaped hundreds of miles, not just sixty.
Good to know
The most adventurous way is to hiking through the primeval forest Ba Vi full of high ancient trees with green moss stick around their bodies, interlacing liana and fog covered the entire road despite daylight. On this route, you will have chance to visit a temple dedicated to Ho Chi Minh and Bao Thien tower which are called as two of the most hallowed regions in Ba Vi National Park.