linh trang 0.jpg

The peaceful surroundings of Duong Lam Ancient Village. Photo: Linh Trang

Beyond the scenic spots and historical landmarks in central Hanoi, visitors looking for a short escape during the September 2 National Day holiday can explore several destinations on the city’s outskirts, including Duong Lam Ancient Village, Muong Coc community tourism site and Ba Vi National Park.

Duong Lam Ancient Village

Located about 50km from central Hanoi, Duong Lam Ancient Village is a popular choice for visitors during the September 2 National Day holiday.

Far removed from the noise and bustle of the city, the village draws visitors with its quiet, timeworn charm and familiar images of old northern Vietnam: banyan trees, village wells and communal courtyards.

Visitors can also discover traditional crafts and local specialties such as peanut candy and banh te, a steamed rice cake filled with minced pork. For something more unusual, they can take an ox-cart ride around the village, feed and pet the cattle, or even give them a “massage.”

Muong Coc community tourism site

About 60km from central Hanoi, the Muong Coc community tourism site in My Duc Commune offers the unspoiled beauty of a semi-mountainous landscape, with Bai Bo Lake, rice fields, lotus ponds, limestone mountains and villages inhabited by the Muong ethnic community.

Beyond its natural scenery, Muong Coc preserves many distinctive elements of Muong culture, from gong performances, folk songs and Mo Muong rituals to traditional herbal medicine, cuisine and customs passed down through generations.

Visitors arriving during the September 2 holiday can choose from eight cycling routes exploring Muong villages, two trekking trails focused on nature and medicinal plants, as well as eight other experiential tour programs.

They can also sample dishes deeply rooted in Muong culinary traditions, join folk games, experience a Mo Muong evening and relax with a herbal foot bath.

Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism

https://static-images.vnncdn.net/vps_images_publish/000001/000003/2026/8/27/768317203-1021523730514416-4680720410537236289-n-3296.jpg
https://static-images.vnncdn.net/vps_images_publish/000001/000003/2026/8/27/772271710-1023857520281037-6917540568335537555-n-3297.jpg
Visitors enjoy activities and traditional food at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism. Photo: Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism

During this year’s September 2 holiday, the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism will not only offer free admission but also host a wide range of cultural experiences.

A highlight will be the highland market themed “The Plateau in Festival,” held in Ethnic Village Area I. Around 40 stalls will showcase local produce and traditional dishes including colorful sticky rice, highland-style steamed rice rolls, thang co stew and corn liquor, prepared by members of the Tay, Nung, Hmong and Dao ethnic communities.

Visitors to the market can also watch the Nung people’s cat-lion dance, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, at 8:30am and 2:30pm each day. A folk music and dance program titled “Celebrating Independence Day,” accompanied by Hmong khen performances, will take place from 9am to 10:30am and from 3pm to 4:30pm.

Three traditional rituals will also be authentically recreated during the holiday: the Nung people’s crop-praying ceremony from Cao Bang at 9am on August 30 in the Nung Village; an excerpt from the Dao wedding procession from Cao Bang at 9am on September 1 in the Dao Village; and the Thai people’s new-rice celebration from Son La at 9am on September 2 in the Thai Village.

Ba Vi National Park

For travelers looking for a cool, green retreat from the city during the National Day holiday, Ba Vi National Park is an ideal option. It is not too far from Hanoi, enjoys a pleasant climate, offers plenty to experience and remains relatively affordable.

During the holiday, visitors can explore attractions including an abandoned old church, a cactus greenhouse, old French villas, the ruins of another church, a temple dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, Ngoc Hoa Cave and remnants of French military facilities.

Those looking for a physical challenge can climb 500 steps to the mountain summit to visit Thuong Temple, which is dedicated to Tan Vien Son Tinh, the revered mountain deity in Vietnamese folk tradition.

Thao Trinh