1. General introduction to Ha Nam

1.1 Where is Ha Nam located?

Where is Ha Nam located? (Image: collected)

Ha Nam is located south of Ha Noi, in the Red River Delta region. With its advantageous geographical location, Ha Nam is adjacent to the capital Ha Noi, only about 50km away, and borders Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Hung Yen, and Hoa Binh. Ha Nam province has an area of about 860 km2, with its administrative center being Phu Ly city. This place not only has abundant natural scenery but also possesses many historical and cultural relics, and is currently investing in adding many large-scale entertainment areas, making it very suitable for weekend trips as well as holidays.

1.2 What is the best way to get to Ha Nam?

From Ha Noi, you can easily travel to Ha Nam by various means:

• Private car or motorbike: Via National Highway 1A or the Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway, it only takes about 1-1.5 hours.

• Passenger bus: There are many passenger bus routes from Giap Bat and Nuoc Ngam bus stations to Phu Ly with continuous frequency throughout the day.

• Train: The North-South railway line has trains stopping at Phu Ly station, convenient for those who want to experience traveling by train.

With an increasingly improved transportation system, getting to Ha Nam is easier and more convenient than ever before.

2. What does Ha Nam tourism offer? Suggestions for the hottest destinations

2.1. Modern entertainment spots for families and young people

If you choose to go to Ha Nam during the upcoming April 30th – May 1st holiday, you will be lucky enough to experience the brand-new Sun World Ha Nam entertainment world. This "super product" water park officially opens in the entertainment hub of Phu Ly, south of Ha Noi.

2.1.1 Explore Sun World Ha Nam – the hottest new entertainment destination for the April 30th holiday

Sun World Ha Nam – the first water park in Vietnam that can operate both day and night, is located in the Sun Urban City resort metropolis, Phu Ly City.

Ha Nam Water Park - The ultimate summer cool-down destination (Image: collected)

Opening on a major holiday, the park promises to become the entertainment focal point of Northern Vietnam, with a series of top-notch experiences: from a 4,628m² wave pool, a 500m lazy river, to 40 high-speed slides in collaboration with the world's number 1 water entertainment technology brand – Proslide. Especially, on weekend evenings, visitors can also experience the park under the sparkling lights, like being lost in a "light park" with magical light effects.

Not just a place for fun, Sun World Ha Nam is also the first water puppetry theme park in Vietnam – honoring the traditional water puppetry art of Noi Roi village, Ha Nam. The architecture is inspired by folk tales such as the Four Sacred Animals, Fairy Dance, Catching Cats and Ducks…, bringing a feeling of both novelty and familiarity to visitors of all ages.

After phase 1, the park will continue to develop the 100,000m² indoor playground Wonder Land with 5 unique entertainment floors such as an ice rink, a theater, a subway station… Promising to bring an exploration journey like stepping into a "Pandora's Box" full of surprises.

Has the above information excited you enough for many trips to Ha Nam yet?

2.1.2. Sun Urban City Ha Nam – A prominent new entertainment and cultural destination in Northern Vietnam

Not only possessing the modern Sun World water park, Sun Urban City Ha Nam is also considered the new "entertainment heart" of Ha Nam province, attracting a large number of residents and tourists from Hanoi, Nam Dinh, Hung Yen and neighboring provinces. Located in the center of the project is a 1.5 km long, 150 m wide festival boulevard – designed inspired by the famous Tich Dien festival, connecting a series of cultural works such as Kim Long – Kim Tien bridge, Doi Tam Drum Square 32m high, light garden, outdoor art performance area and mobile food area.

Doi Tam Drum Square (Image: collected)

A highlight of Sun Urban City Ha Nam is the 1.6 km long water musical stage – the largest in Vietnam, with over 5,280 nozzles, 3,100 LEDs and a water column up to 80 m high. Spectacular water music performances combining sound and light are regularly held on weekends, creating a unique and vibrant outdoor entertainment space.

Series of spectacular events at Sun Urban City (Image: collected)

In particular, Sun Urban City Ha Nam also hosts large-scale art events such as "Rising Star" and "Thanh Am Thoi Dai", with the participation of famous artists such as Da LAB, ST Son Thach, Tang Duy Tan..., attracting thousands of attendees. The series of programs Ha Nam Music Festival 2025 continues to be held in April and May, affirming the position of this urban area as a leading cultural and entertainment center in the region.

Also located in the Sun Urban City Ha Nam mega-urban area, so you will conveniently experience the Sun World park as well as the hottest festival boulevard in Northern Vietnam.

2.2. Experiencing spiritual culture – Famous pagodas in Ha Nam that you cannot miss

Ha Nam excursions still hold many fascinating attractions waiting for you. After enjoying amusement parks, festivals, and events, take some time to experience the spiritual culture at the following famous and stunning pagodas:

2.2.1. Tam Chuc Pagoda – Where nature is magnificent

Tam Chuc Pagoda, Ha Nam (Image: collected)

Tam Chuc Pagoda is located in Ba Sao town, Kim Bang district, Ha Nam province, spanning an area of approximately 5,100 hectares, including a vast lake, magnificent limestone mountains, and a pristine forest. The pagoda's architecture is a combination of ancient Eastern beauty and unique modernity, highlighted by the Tam The Palace, the Sutra Column Garden, and massive black stone Buddha statues. This is an unmissable destination on your Ha Nam excursion list.

2.2.2. Ba Danh Pagoda – The pagoda that has entered folk songs

Ba Danh Pagoda, Ha Nam (Image: collected)

“As quiet as Ba Danh Pagoda” – a familiar folk saying has made this pagoda an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture. The pagoda lies peacefully on the banks of the Day River, in Ngoc Son commune, Kim Bang district. Without the hustle and bustle, Ba Danh Pagoda brings a sense of serenity, antiquity, and peace to visitors each time they visit.

2.2.3. Long Doi Son Pagoda – Special national relic

Long Doi Son Pagoda is located on Doi Mountain (Doi Son commune, Duy Tien town), and is one of the oldest pagodas in Northern Vietnam, with a history dating back to the Ly Dynasty. A highlight is the Sung Thien Dien Linh Stupa – an architectural work bearing the strong imprint of Buddhism during the Ly and Tran dynasties. The peaceful, verdant surroundings make this an ideal pilgrimage site.

Long Doi Son Pagoda, Ha Nam (Image: collected)

2.2.4. Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda – “A Hermitage in the Forest”

Located deep in the valley of Liem Son commune (Thanh Liem district), Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda stands out with its tranquil atmosphere, almost isolated from the city. The pagoda features strong original Buddhist architecture, combined with elements of Zen, making it ideal for those seeking peace and spiritual cleansing. In recent years, the pagoda has attracted a large number of young people and Buddhists from all over the country to visit.

Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda, Ha Nam (Image: collected)

2.2.5. Bau Pagoda – An Ancient Pagoda in the Heart of Phu Ly City

Bau Pagoda, located in Hai Ba Trung ward, Phu Ly City, is an ancient pagoda with a history of over 400 years. It was once a major center of Buddhist activity in Ha Nam province. The pagoda's architecture is strongly reminiscent of the Le and Nguyen dynasties, with curved roofs, ancient Buddha statues, and a cool, green space. Bau Pagoda remains a venue for many large Buddhist cultural festivals throughout the year.

Bau Pagoda, Ha Nam (Image: collected)

2.3. Explore unique craft villages and cultural heritage

2.3.1. Doi Tam Drum Village – More than 1,000 years of resonance

Doi Tam Drum Village (Image: collected)

Doi Tam Drum Village (Doi Son Commune, Duy Tien Thị xã) is famous as a long-standing traditional drum-making place. Here, visitors can not only witness the process of creating a large drum but also experience the craft village culture and buy unique souvenirs with folk influences.

2.3.2. Vu Dai Village and its specialty braised fish

Mentioning Vu Dai Village (real name is Nhan Hau Village, Hoa Hau Commune, Ly Nhan District), people immediately think of writer Nam Cao and the character Chi Pheo. Not only preserving literary memories, Vu Dai Village is also famous for its traditional braised fish dish, braised in an earthenware pot and charcoal for 12 hours. This is definitely a stop not to be missed when exploring the Nam Ha Noi region.

Vu Dai Village (Image: collected)

2.3.3. Thanh Ha Fine Arts Stone Village – Exquisite carvings

Thanh Ha stone carving craft village (Thanh Ha commune, Thanh Liem District) is one of the cradles of stone sculpture art in Northern Vietnam. With a history of more than 300 years, the people here are famous for their skillful hands, creating works from green stone such as Buddha statues, reliefs, incense burners, tombstones, house pillars, and three-gate entrances…

Thanh Ha Fine Arts Stone Village (Image: collected)

The special feature of Thanh Ha stone is its hardness and beautiful natural stone veins, very suitable for fine art carving. Today, the village's products are not only present in many large spiritual works nationwide but are also exported to many Asian countries.

2.3.4. Ngoc Dong Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Village – The soul of the countryside in every strand of rattan

Located in Hoang Dong Commune (Duy Tien Thị xã), Ngoc Dong Village preserves and develops the traditional bamboo and rattan weaving craft that is hundreds of years old. The artisans here have created a series of handicrafts such as baskets, trays, containers, lampshades, interior decorations… with sophisticated weaving techniques, durability, and a strong Vietnamese soul.

Ngoc Dong Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Village (Image: collected)

In particular, the craft village still maintains a high sense of community, with many households participating in production and transmitting the craft to younger generations. In the current trend of green and slow living, Ngoc Dong's bamboo and rattan products are increasingly popular both domestically and internationally.

3. What to eat when traveling to Ha Nam?

Cuisine is one of the factors that captivate tourists when traveling to Ha Nam. Not too elaborate but with a strong Northern Vietnam character, the dishes here are not only delicious but also carry the flavor of home, easily making people remember them.

• Ca kho lang Vu Dai – Famous delicious dish: When mentioning Ha Nam specialties, one cannot ignore Ca kho lang Vu Dai – simmered in an earthenware pot for 12 hours, using charcoal and more than 10 traditional spices. The fish is soft, rich in flavor, eaten with white rice or hot sticky rice is very appetizing. During Tet, this dish is often sold out and ordered from all over the country.

Ca kho lang Vu Dai (Image: collected)

• Ban Cuon cha nuong Phu Ly: Phu Ly Ban Cuon is thinly rolled, soft and smooth, served with fragrant grilled chả and sweet and sour fish sauce. The special thing is that the chả here is grilled with charcoal, both fragrant and retains the juiciness of the meat, suitable for breakfast or dinner.

• Sparrow fried with salt – a rustic dish that locals love very much. The birds are cleaned, marinated and then fried until crispy, served with lime leaves and salt and pepper.

• Bun ca ro dong: Ha Nam Bun ca ro dong is usually made from fish caught from the fields in the rainy season, firm and fragrant. The fish is deboned, pan-fried or steamed and then put into a hot bowl of vermicelli, topped with sweet and light fish bone broth and green vegetables. This dish is both rustic and nutritious, suitable for breakfast or lunch.

Bun ca ro dong (Image: collected)

With its location adjacent to Hanoi, convenient transportation system and rich culture and cuisine, Ha Nam is increasingly becoming an ideal tourist destination for short trips. From famous spiritual attractions to modern entertainment spaces and long-standing traditional craft villages, each region in Ha Nam offers diverse experiences, suitable for many ages and interests. If you are still wondering what to do in Ha Nam, it’s time to pack your bags and explore a land that is developing strongly – a place where traditional beauty and a modern and attractive lifestyle converge.