The intense heat wave at the end of May caused Hanoi to record temperatures of over 41 degrees Celsius at times, becoming one of the hottest areas in the country.
In prolonged hot weather conditions, many people in the Capital are starting to look for destinations with cool but not too crowded climates to rest and "cool down" on weekends.
Quan Son Lake - "miniature Ha Long Bay" in Hanoi
About 50 km southwest of the center of Hanoi, Quan Son Lake is 850 hectares wide, located in Hong Son and Phuc Son communes (Hanoi). This place is likened by many to "Ha Long Bay on land" thanks to the scenery of a large lake interspersed with limestone mountain ranges. From the inner city, visitors only take about 1 - 1.5 hours by car or motorbike.
In the summer, this place impresses with its blue water, fresh air and many blooming lotus ponds. Visitors can take a boat through the small mountains, enjoying a peaceful feeling that is completely different from the stuffiness in the city.
Not too crowded with mass tourists, Quan Son Lake still retains its pristine beauty with lawns along the lake, camping areas and many check-in corners in nature. Many groups of young people choose to come here from early morning to row boats, picnic or have short breaks on weekends.
Keo Ca Lake – a quiet green space
Located in Trung Gia and Noi Bai communes (Hanoi), Keo Ca lake in recent years has become a camping spot passed down by Hanoi youth every summer. This area is about 30 - 40 km from the center of Hanoi, the travel time by motorbike or car is about more than 1 hour.
Keo Ca Lake owns pine forests, large lakes and a much more pleasant temperature than the inner city thanks to its high green tree density. Early morning and late afternoon, the air here is cool, suitable for outdoor activities.
The attraction of Keo Ca Lake lies in its tranquility and closeness to nature. There are not too many tourism services, this place is suitable for people who want to "temporarily escape" from the city's pace of life, set up tents by the lake or organize short picnics.
Many tourists commented that the pine forest scenery and lake surface here evoke the atmosphere of Da Lat, especially in the early morning when light fog covers the water surface.
Doi Bu Mountain - a place to hunt for cool blue clouds
About 40 km from the center of Hanoi, Doi Bu, located in the border area between Hanoi and Phu Tho, is becoming a weekend trekking spot sought after by many nature lovers. This place is famous for its large hills, reeds and airy space. In the summer days, the temperature in this area is more pleasant than in the inner city thanks to its high terrain and many green trees.
Bu hill is especially crowded with visitors in the early morning or late afternoon, a suitable time to hunt clouds, watch the sunset and camp overnight. The scenery of rows of grass stretching along with clouds covering the mountainsides makes this place likened by many young people to a "mini plateau" near Hanoi.
In addition to trekking, this place is also famous for paragliding thanks to its open terrain and wide view.
Ban Xoi Valley – weekend picnic location
Located at the foot of Ba Vi mountain, Ban Xoi valley is about 45 - 50 km from the center of Hanoi, suitable for day trips or weekend stays.
This place stands out with a wide lake, large lawns and a stilt house area located in the middle of nature. In the summer, many tourists choose to camp, organize BBQ or roam around the lake.
The air in Ba Vi area is usually cooler than the center of Hanoi by a few degrees Celsius, especially in the late afternoon and evening, it is quite pleasant thanks to many green trees and lakes.
In addition to resort activities, visitors can also combine exploring Ba Vi national forest or surrounding eco-tourism areas.
Ham Lon - "Soc Son roof" attracts trekking enthusiasts
For those who like to exercise and explore nature, Ham Lon Mountain is a familiar choice every weekend. This area is located in Soc Son, about 35 km from the center of Hanoi, travel time is about 1 hour by car or motorbike.
Dubbed the "roof of Soc Son", this place owns many forest-crossing trekking routes and a large lake at the foot of the mountain. In the summer, this area attracts many groups of tourists to camp overnight, BBQ and watch the sunrise in the pine forest.
Not too far from the center of Hanoi, but Ham Lon still maintains a fairly quiet space, suitable for people who want to find a place to avoid the short heat without going far.
Dong Lam Steppe - a peaceful green space near Hanoi
Located in Lang Son province, about 120 km from Hanoi, Dong Lam prairie impresses with its vast meadows interspersed with limestone mountains and natural lakes. In the most beautiful season of the year, from about March to May, the water recedes to reveal long green meadows, creating a scene similar to the prairies in the highlands.
Thanks to its spacious and airy space, pleasant climate, and less crowded, it is suitable for camping, picnics, or short-term vacations. Visitors to this area often choose to walk or hire shuttle buses to protect the natural ecosystem of the valley.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, hot weather in the North may continue in the coming days. Therefore, destinations with cool climates, close to nature and convenient travel from Hanoi are becoming a trend chosen by many people this summer.
