For the long National Day holiday of September 2nd, many families in Hanoi choose destinations not too far away to experience and explore together. Accordingly, Ha Nam (Ninh Binh province) becomes an interesting destination for families when spending about 2 days and 1 night to enjoy a resort trip, play and learn about traditional historical culture.
Day 1: "Exhausting energy" in Ha Nam
Families with young children can start their vacation with the first day at Sun Urban City, Ha Nam ward, Ninh Binh province. Sports - entertainment - festival ecosystem connected in the same area, convenient for families to experience continuously.
The starting point is Sun Sports City Ninh Binh, a 22 ha sports park with 58 training grounds serving 7 sports. Right next door, Sun World Ha Nam water park brings a world of cooling and refreshment.
As the first water park in Vietnam inspired by Northern folk water puppetry art, this place owns 40 unique slides and 14 modern game complexes, suitable for the entertainment needs of all tourists.
The next meeting point will be Times Square - where the weekend fireworks display series takes place. Especially, on the evening of September 2nd, in the Southwest area of Sun World Ha Nam Water Park, the fireworks display will last up to 7 minutes, promising to bring moments of enjoyment.
Right next to it is a large-scale water music show, one of the longest in Vietnam, stretching along the festival avenue by Vua Le Canal with a system of more than 5,000 nozzles and thousands of LED lights, creating lively "dances" of light and music. Prominent in the square is the 32m high Doi Tam drum symbol, inspired by Ha Nam cultural heritage - an unmissable check-in corner for families.
Day 2: Touching the heritage, immersing yourself in nature
After the bustling first day, the journey can be extended to the core heritage area. Families can choose a main route: Trang An - Bai Dinh; Tam Coc - Hang Mua; or Thung Nham, Van Long.
However, families should also note not to try to "collect" everything in one day. If you prioritize the landscape and depth of heritage, choose Trang An - a scenic complex listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. On a bamboo boat, the family will pass through water caves, water valleys and characteristic limestone mountains. The journey lasts many hours, so start early and wear weather-appropriate clothes.
Bai Dinh can be combined with Trang An route if you want to find a spiritual quiet space. The pagoda complex is large, with many sightseeing items, so you need to spend reasonable time. A leisurely afternoon here will balance the rest after the first day of many activities.
For families who like spectacular views, you can choose Tam Coc - Bich Dong and Hang Mua. From the Ngo Dong River winding between limestone mountains to nearly 500 stone steps leading to the top of Mua Mountain, the route combines both sightseeing and physical challenges. Avoid climbing mountains in the middle of the day and check the weather before going.
Families with young children should also consider choosing Thung Nham with a forest ecosystem and bird garden. Late afternoon, when the birds return to their nests, is usually the most impressive time; therefore, you should not leave too early in the morning.
Van Long is suitable for people looking for a quiet space. On the boat, visitors can admire limestone mountains and, if lucky, can see white-tailed douc langurs in nature. This should be considered a replacement for Trang An or Tam Coc, not a plus point on the already very long itinerary.
If you want to be close to Ha Nam, tourists can choose Bat Canh Son with a system of temples and pagodas in the middle of the river and mountain landscape. A suitable destination for a leisurely tour or stopping on the way back to Hanoi, should not be combined with the already long heritage route.
A small tip for families is to book accommodation, tickets, services in advance; check operating hours, performance schedules and weather. For families with young children, choose a main spot each session.
Sports, water parks, fireworks and heritage create a National Day holiday on September 2 near Hanoi with many experiences if families know how to arrange destinations in clusters to have a relaxing, safe journey and bring many beautiful memories.
