1. Why Ha Nam is an ideal choice for a 1-day trip in 2025
With a geographical location just about 65 km from the capital Hanoi, old Ha Nam (now part of Ninh Binh province) promises to be an ideal destination for short trips, allowing you to enjoy fresh air and discover unique cultural values. It only takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to travel via the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh expressway, and you will arrive in this land, opening up a journey to explore history, culture, and enjoy rich cuisine.
Ha Nam is a tourist destination chosen by many visitors in 2025. (Source: Collected)
The special point of 1-day Ha Nam tourism is the perfect combination of spiritual relics and traditional craft villages. The Tam Chuc pagoda complex stands out with the largest Buddhist sanctuary in Vietnam, nestled amidst rocky mountains and vast lakes, creating a pure and sacred space. Truc Temple is associated with the historical story of national hero Ly Thuong Kiet. Doi Tam drum village, over 1,000 years old, along with Ba Danh pagoda, nicknamed "the most deserted". All bear the deep imprint of Vietnam's ancient culture.
Your journey will be very interesting when combining visits to spiritual sites, enjoying famous specialty dishes like Vu Dai braised fish, Phu Ly rolled cakes, and exploring traditional craft villages. Each day in Ha Nam is an unhurried yet full experience. Morning visit pagodas, noon enjoy specialties, afternoon visit craft villages, and evening relax strolling the old town. This is an ideal itinerary for you to fully appreciate the beauty of this land.
Tourism services in Ha Nam are also increasingly developing strongly. Restaurants, resorts, and transportation services meet all needs, from self-guided to package tours. Young people especially love experiencing craft villages, both learning about culture and having the opportunity to take beautiful photos to keep memories.
2. Detailed, optimal 1-day Ha Nam tourism itinerary 2025
2.1. Morning: Visit Tam Chuc pagoda
Start a new day with a journey to Tam Chuc pagoda, one of the prominent Buddhist destinations in Vietnam. With an area of up to 5,100 hectares, Tam Chuc pagoda impresses not only with its grand scale but also by its title as the largest Buddhist sanctuary in Vietnam. Visitors will experience a pure spiritual space, immersing themselves in the majestic mountain scenery and vast lakes.
The pagoda complex includes many outstanding structures such as Quan Am Palace, Phap Chu Palace, and Ngoc Pagoda located on the mountaintop, along with the unique Kinh Column Garden, featuring 32 Buddhist scripture columns, restored according to the version of scripture columns at Nhat Tru pagoda, a national treasure in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh. Additionally, Tam Chuc pagoda also boasts a special outdoor exhibition space with 12,000 stone paintings depicting Buddhist stories, creating a destination that is both deeply spiritual and uniquely artistic.
An unmissable experience is a 30-minute boat trip on Tam Chuc lake, allowing you to admire the entire landscape from a different perspective. Tam Chuc communal house, located right by the lake, is both a national relic with historical value and an ideal place to rest and sightsee. From here, you can climb to Ngoc Pagoda and gaze at the panoramic view of the lake and mountains.
Rest, relax, and sightsee on a Tam Chuc boat. (Source: Collected)
For the best experience, you should visit in the early morning, before 8 AM. At this time, the air is fresh and the sunlight is gentle, ideal for taking memorable photos.
2.2. Noon: Enjoy local cuisine by Tam Chuc Lake
Cuisine is one of the unforgettable characteristics of the 1-day Ha Nam tour. This place is famous for its traditional dishes with the rustic charm of the Northern Delta, notably Phu Ly steamed rice rolls and Vu Dai braised fish.
Phu Ly steamed rice rolls are distinguished by their thin, soft wrappers, delicious minced pork filling combined with wood ear mushrooms. When dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce, this dish becomes harmonious and extremely attractive, unforgettable after just one bite. Another specialty not to be missed is Vu Dai braised fish. Carp is braised in an earthen pot, infused with traditional spices, offering a rich, unforgettable flavor.
Many restaurants around the Tam Chuc area serve menus of 5 to 7 of these specialty dishes, with views overlooking the lake and mountains, creating an ideal atmosphere for lunch. For convenience, visitors should book a table in advance, especially during holidays or weekends, to ensure their preferred seating. Most eateries serve quickly, allowing you to easily continue your day trip without worrying about time.
2.3. Afternoon: Truc Ngu Dong Son Temple and Doi Tam drum village
As the afternoon arrives, the 1-day Ha Nam tour continues to take visitors to Truc Ngu Dong Son Temple, associated with the legend of national hero Ly Thuong Kiet. The temple is located amidst a vast bamboo forest, offering a cool and peaceful feeling, an ideal place to find tranquility in nature.
The special feature of Truc Temple is the complex of 5 adjacent natural caves, each with its unique beauty. Visitors can climb into the caves and admire the fascinating stalactites formed over thousands of years. The air inside the caves is always cool, perfect for resting after a long day of exploration.
Leaving Truc Temple, it takes only a short time to reach Doi Tam drum village, which has maintained its drum-making craft for over 1,000 years. This land once supplied drums to royal courts and still preserves its traditional crafting process through many generations of artisans.
In the drum village, visitors can witness firsthand the meticulous stages such as selecting wood, stretching hides, nailing, and tuning to create complete drums. Artisans are always willing to share about their craft and provide opportunities for visitors to interact and learn. On the way back, you can buy handicrafts as souvenirs, bringing back something characteristic of this land.
3. Complete the 1-day Ha Nam tour itinerary with attractive destinations
3.1. Ba Danh Pagoda "The most deserted", ancient architecture by the river
Ba Danh Pagoda, located by the Day River in Kim Bang ward, Ninh Binh province, has a history of nearly 1500 years and is famous for its nickname "the most deserted". Unlike crowded pagodas, Ba Danh Pagoda maintains a serene atmosphere, very suitable for those seeking peace and tranquility for their souls.
Enjoy the serene and peaceful space at Ba Danh Pagoda. (Source: Sai Gon Tiep Thi)
With its ancient architectural style, moss-covered tiled roofs, and grounds surrounded by shady trees, Ba Danh Pagoda allows visitors to clearly feel its simple yet elegant beauty. The classic small corners here also attract many young people passionate about vintage-style photography. Especially, with its riverside location, the pagoda becomes even more poetic at dusk, when the gentle sunlight shines on the water, creating a beautiful scene.
A small note when visiting the pagoda is that the entrance road is quite narrow, suitable for motorbikes or small cars, which further enhances its unique character and sense of separation from the hustle and bustle of the modern city.
3.2. Phu Ly Walking Street and specialty eateries
In the evening, Phu Ly Walking Street offers a vibrant yet very friendly atmosphere, reflecting the simple lifestyle of the local people. Not too noisy like walking streets in big cities, Phu Ly street retains its natural, rustic charm, giving visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the real life of Northern Vietnam.
Along the streets, you will find diverse food stalls, characteristic of local cuisine. Here, you can both enjoy food and comfortably chat friendly with the local people. Prices here are very reasonable, offering a great opportunity to taste many signature specialty dishes.
Exploring Phu Ly Walking Street at night not only helps visitors feel the daily life of the local people but also brings authentic and colorful experiences to a Ha Nam 1-day trip.
3.3. Sun World Ha Nam Amusement Park
Sun World Ha Nam, located in Ha Nam ward, is an ideal destination for those seeking a combination of modern entertainment and relaxation. The park is designed with many indoor and outdoor game areas, offering exciting experiences for families and young groups.
One of the highlights of Sun World Ha Nam is its collection of adventure games, including water slides and a dedicated children's area, creating a diverse play space for all ages. Not only that, the park also has many beautiful photo spots, suitable for visitors to capture memorable moments during their trip.
Enjoy endless fun at Sun World Ha Nam water park. (Source: Collection)
With its convenient location, visitors can combine a visit to the nearby Phu Ly walking street, creating a perfect travel itinerary without taking too much time. The park's services fully meet your needs, making your trip more complete and enjoyable.
4. Experience traveling and exploring Ha Nam in 1 day
Starting a 1-day Ha Nam trip, consider choosing suitable transportation for the 65 km journey from Hanoi. Travel time can typically range from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the route and transportation choice.
If you want to be proactive with your itinerary, a personal car is always a flexible option for traveling between attractions. The Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh expressway, entering and exiting at Liem Tuyen, is the most convenient choice. Additionally, fixed-route limousines departing from Hanoi, or high-quality passenger buses at Giap Bat – Phu Ly station, are also suitable options for many groups of tourists.
For young people who love a sense of freedom and independence, choosing to travel by motorbike is an option. This method offers a proactive experience, allowing flexible stops at many places; however, pay attention to the weather and prepare adequate protective gear.
To ensure a smooth journey during your 1-day Ha Nam trip, arranging the order of visited sites plays an important role. The suggested itinerary is: start in the morning at Tam Chuc Pagoda, have lunch in the nearby area, continue visiting Truc Temple, Ngu Dong Son and Doi Tam drum village in the afternoon, and conclude the trip with Ba Danh Pagoda or Phu Ly walking street.
Begin the journey with a visit and worship at Tam Chuc Pagoda. (Source: Cat Tour)
Attractions in Ha Nam are 7 to 20 km apart, very suitable for day trips without taking too much time. Ride-hailing taxis like Grab and Bee operate quite well in the center, making it easy for tourists to travel to the attractions.
If traveling in a group, renting a car for the whole day or using a taxi will be an ideal option, saving time and creating flexibility in adjusting the itinerary. This mode of transportation is not only convenient but also helps the group comfortably explore many destinations in one day without worrying about travel issues. To be proactive, tourists should save the contact phone numbers of attractions and restaurants in their phones for quick reference.
5. Share tips for a complete experience when traveling to Ha Nam for 1 day
Attire, check-in props, customs notes:
To have a truly complete 1-day Ha Nam trip, you should prepare appropriate attire, especially when visiting spiritual sites like pagodas or temples. Attire should be modest, with long pants and sleeves, to show respect for the sacred space. Note, avoid wearing overly short or revealing clothing as much as possible.
Due to the changeable climate in the Northern region, especially the cool mornings, tourists should prepare a light jacket and a hat or cap to avoid the sun. Choose comfortable footwear for walking, especially when moving a lot or climbing stairs in caves or mountains.
To make your trip more complete, don't forget to bring a fully charged phone and a power bank to capture beautiful moments. If traveling independently, personal identification and a driver's license are essential items. Also, carrying enough cash to pay in areas that do not yet support electronic payments is something to keep in mind.
Prepare your phone with a full battery and a power bank to capture beautiful moments. (Source: Collected)
Another important point is to always be mindful of respecting sacred sites, avoiding noise, and protecting the landscape. Please adhere to the regulations at each tourist spot for a comfortable and meaningful trip.
Some tips to optimize your trip:
To fully explore the destinations in Ha Nam, start your journey from Ha Noi before 6:30 AM. This will give you enough time to visit many interesting places without worrying about rush hour traffic jams.
Especially during holidays or weekends, calling to book a table in advance is essential to ensure you don't miss out on delicious local specialties and that your plans are not interrupted. If you want to explore craft villages or spend more time interacting with artisans, contact them in advance to receive dedicated guidance and a full experience.
Additionally, to make your trip more meaningful, you can learn about the history and culture of the destinations beforehand. This will not only add to your enjoyment when exploring historical sites or traditional craft villages but also deepen the experience, allowing you to better appreciate the unique cultural values of Ha Nam.
Ha Nam 1-Day Self-Guided Tour Checklist 2025:
The checklist for a 1-day self-guided trip to Ha Nam includes important documents such as your ID card or citizen identification card, and driver's license if you are driving yourself. Don't forget to bring personal drinking water to maintain your health throughout the long journey.
Essential tech gadgets like a smartphone with a map app installed, a camera, and a power bank will help you stay connected throughout the trip. If you are passionate about photography, a professional camera will be an ideal choice to capture beautiful moments.
Additionally, having both cash and bank cards ready will make it convenient for you to pay in areas that do not yet support electronic payments. Masks and personal hygiene items are also very important for protecting your health throughout the trip. Finally, don't forget to note down the addresses and phone numbers of destinations and restaurants in your phone to be proactive when needed.
A 1-day trip to Ha Nam is an opportunity for everyone to delve deeper into cultural values, experiencing the blend of spiritual spaces, ancient craft villages, and rustic cuisine. With its proximity to Ha Noi and reasonable costs, it has become one of the ideal destinations for a short getaway. Prepare thoroughly and set off to fully experience the beauty of Ha Nam!
