1. A brief overview of Ha Nam tourism
Ha Nam tourism is increasingly becoming a favorite choice for many people thanks to the blend of cultural-spiritual spaces and modern entertainment areas. Only about 55 km from Hanoi, taking about 1–1.5 hours by car, it is a reasonable destination for a short trip or a weekend getaway. Transportation is also quite convenient with the Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway, along with many frequently running bus and train routes, helping to save both time and cost.
Not only that, Ha Nam is also located on the axis connecting Hanoi with famous heritage regions in the south such as Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa. Thanks to this, you can combine many attractions in one itinerary, saving costs and gaining diverse and complete experiences.
Ha Nam - an ideal destination for a short weekend trip. (Source: Collected)
2. Guide to traveling to Ha Nam from Hanoi
Buses are currently the most chosen means of transport for traveling to Ha Nam from Hanoi due to their convenience and diverse services. The buses mainly depart from Giap Bat, My Dinh, and Nuoc Ngam stations, with ticket prices ranging from 50,000 – 100,000 VND. Among these, premium limousine buses are popular for their comfort and door-to-door pick-up services.
If you want a more relaxed experience, you can choose the train from Hanoi station to Phu Ly station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, suitable for enjoying the countryside scenery through the train window. For those who value independence, a private car or motorbike is a suitable choice, especially for groups of friends who want the freedom to stop and explore along the way.
For private vehicles, the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh expressway is the fastest route, taking only about 1 hour for the 55 km distance. From the Liem Tuyen intersection, turn into the center of Phu Ly to arrive. If traveling by motorbike, you can choose National Highway 1A or 21B through Thanh Liem. This route is about 10 – 15 km longer but offers you fresh countryside scenery, many interesting stops, and the opportunity to experience traditional craft villages along the way.
Additionally, bus routes 206 and 214 running from Giap Bat station to Phu Ly are also quite popular. Ticket prices range from only 30,000 – 35,000 VND, with a frequency of one trip every 15 – 30 minutes, operating from 5 AM to 7 PM daily. The travel time is about 2 hours, longer than other means, but it is a cost-saving option.
To easily compare prices and schedules, tourists can use the Ha Nam Tourism app or online booking platforms like Vexere. Features such as real-time notifications or itinerary updates make trip planning more convenient and organized. During major festival seasons like the Ha Nam Culture and Tourism Week or events at Tam Chuc Pagoda, you should book tickets 1 – 2 weeks in advance to avoid sold-out situations. Some bus companies also offer combo tickets with attraction passes at preferential prices.
3. Attractive destinations when traveling to Ha Nam
3.1. Sun World Ha Nam: International standard water park
Sun World Ha Nam officially emerged as a prominent new destination in 2025, particularly attracting visitors from Hanoi with just over an hour's travel. This large-scale entertainment complex offers a full-day experience with a modern water park, an indoor amusement area, and vibrant water music performances during the summer.
Sun World Ha Nam entertainment complex with countless attractive activities. (Source: Collected)
With 14 water play areas and over 40 slides designed to international standards, Sun World Ha Nam is suitable for all ages, from thrilling games for young people to gentle, safe areas for children. The unmissable highlight is the lazy river nearly 550m long, winding around the children's play area – where the whole family can relax and enjoy the cool water.
When night falls, Sun World Ha Nam “transforms” into a sparkling light park with unique material-penetrating lighting effects. This is also the most beautiful moment for visitors to stroll, check-in, and capture vibrant photos of a complete day at Sun World Ha Nam.
3.2. Tam Chuc Pagoda: the largest spiritual destination in Southeast Asia
Tam Chuc Pagoda - a must-visit destination. (Source: Collected)
The Tam Chuc Pagoda complex is one of Ha Nam's prominent spiritual destinations, covering an area of over 5,100 hectares, likened to "Ha Long Bay on land" thanks to its majestic landscape and impressive Buddhist architecture. Tam The Palace, the Garden of Stone Pillars, and other magnificent structures blend harmoniously with the natural scenery, creating a sacred space that attracts millions of visitors and Buddhists annually.
This place regularly hosts major cultural and spiritual events such as lantern festivals, the Buddha's Birthday grand ceremony, or Zen music art nights, offering an experience that is both serene and solemn.
3.3. Traditional Craft Villages and Local Cultural Experiences
Visiting Ha Nam, the journey of exploring traditional craft villages like Thanh Ha and Quyết Thành offers visitors a feeling that is both familiar and novel. In Thanh Ha lace embroidery village, wooden embroidery frames, shimmering threads, and the skillful hands of artisans create a vivid picture of a craft that has existed for hundreds of years. Visitors can not only admire each meticulous stitch but can also try their hand at embroidery, feeling the sophistication and patience behind each work.
Visit traditional craft villages to better understand cultural beauty. (Source: Collection)
Meanwhile, Quyet Thanh pottery village opens up another world – where clay, through the hands of artisans, becomes products imbued with the rustic soul of the countryside. From the kneading and shaping stages to the firing and display, every detail reflects the meticulousness and passion for the craft of the local people.
Both craft villages have exhibition areas and souvenir shops, where visitors can choose to buy unique handmade gifts, bearing the distinct mark of Ha Nam.
3.4. Famous temples, pagodas, and historical sites
Discover unique spiritual cultural spaces. (Source: Collected)
Tran Thuong Temple is a place to commemorate National Duke Tiet Che Tran Hung Dao, holding significant historical and cultural meaning for Vietnamese people. The ancient architecture and solemn atmosphere provide opportunities for visitors to reflect on national history.
Ba Danh Pagoda is attractive thanks to its quiet location by the Day River and its simple, ancient architecture. This is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful, relaxing space.
Meanwhile, Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda offers its own charm with an ancient architectural complex nestled amidst fresh nature. Moss-covered stone steps, gracefully curved tiled roofs, and the tranquil scenery create a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts, and it is also a popular stop for many young people on their journeys to explore Ha Nam from Hanoi.
4. Must-try Specialties of Ha Nam
4.1. Phu Ly Rolled Rice Pancakes
Delicious Phu Ly steamed rice rolls. (Source: Collected)
Unlike Hanoi-style steamed rice rolls usually served with cinnamon sausage or minced pork, Phu Ly steamed rice rolls impress with their thin, chewy texture, served with grilled meat over charcoal and sweet and sour fish sauce sprinkled with fried shallots. Although a rustic dish, Phu Ly steamed rice rolls require meticulousness in every step, from steaming the rolls to preparing the dipping sauce. When eaten, the aroma of the meat blends with the soft, smooth texture of the rolls, making it unforgettable for anyone who tries it.
4.2. Vu Dai Village Braised Fish
From the pages of Nam Cao's "Chi Pheo", Vu Dai village braised fish has transcended literature to become a distinctive culinary symbol of Ha Nam. Black carp is braised in clay pots for 12–16 hours with galangal, ginger, premium fish sauce, and dozens of other spices, creating firm, fragrant pieces of fish steeped in traditional flavors. Each pot of fish is a handcrafted "masterpiece", chosen by many as a gift during Tet or important holidays.
4.3. Dam Village Chung Cake
Dam Village Chung Cake attracts tourists. (Source: Collected)
Dam Tai Village is famous for its long-standing Chung cake wrapping craft. The cake is made from yellow flower glutinous rice, green bean and fresh pork belly filling, wrapped in lush green dong leaves, then boiled for 9-10 hours continuously. The finished product has a soft, fragrant crust and a rich, fatty filling that is not greasy. Thanks to the neat square wrapping technique and standard boiling method, Dam Village Chung cake has become a familiar choice for Tet holidays or traditional ancestral ceremonies.
4.4. Kim Bang Mountain Goat
Ha Nam mountain goats are raised naturally on rocky mountains, resulting in meat that is firm, sweet, and less fatty than stall-raised goats. Local people process them into many attractive dishes such as steamed goat, grilled goat, raw goat with lime, goat hot pot, or goat stir-fried with lemongrass and chili. Each dish retains its rich, characteristic savory flavor, making Ha Nam cuisine more diverse and memorable.
4.5. Rice Noodles with Gourami Fish
Enjoy a piping hot bowl of snakehead fish noodle soup. (Source: Collected)
One of the familiar breakfast dishes of Ha Nam people is snakehead fish noodle soup. The fish is cleaned, filleted, fried golden, then cooked with bone broth, creating a naturally sweet and savory flavor. When eating, the noodles are served with hot broth, added with mustard greens, scallions, and chili paste – simple yet refined, embodying the soul of Northern Delta cuisine.
Traveling to Ha Nam from Hanoi in 2025 offers diverse experiences from spiritual, cultural to modern entertainment. Plan now to explore this land rich in character with your family and friends!
