7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, with its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests, is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime location for digital nomads seeking both natural beauty and connectivity. While the bay itself offers plenty of attractions, the surrounding region is also ripe with destinations perfect for weekend getaways. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, here are seven places to explore when you need a break from your laptop screen.

Hanoi

The bustling capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, is a must-visit for anyone staying in Ha Long Bay. Just a few hours away, Hanoi offers a blend of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and culture. Spend your weekend wandering through the Old Quarter, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and enjoying the vibrant street food scene. Don't miss the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for a unique Vietnamese cultural experience.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Hanoi from Ha Long Bay is by bus or shuttle service, which takes about 3 to 4 hours.

Travel Tip: Visit the Temple of Literature, a Confucian temple that also houses Vietnam's first national university. It's a serene spot perfect for contemplation and escaping the city's hustle.

Where to Stay: Consider staying at the Sofitel Legend Metropole for a touch of luxury and history, or the Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa for a more boutique experience.

Where to Eat: Pho Gia Truyen is famous for its Pho Bo, a traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup, and is a must-try while in Hanoi.

Sapa

For a complete change of scenery, head to Sapa, a town known for its terraced rice fields, ethnic diversity, and cool mountain air. Trekking through the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, visiting local hill tribe villages, and marveling at the Fansipan peak are just a few activities to enjoy. The weekend market is a cultural feast for the senses, where you can meet locals from various ethnic groups selling their crafts and produce.

How to Get There: The most comfortable way to reach Sapa is by overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, followed by a bus or shared taxi to Sapa town.

Travel Tip: For an unforgettable view, take the Fansipan cable car to the top of Indochina's highest peak. The vistas are breathtaking.

Where to Stay: The Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa offers cozy accommodation with stunning views, while the Sapa Eco-Home provides a more eco-friendly and intimate experience.

Where to Eat: The Hill Station Signature Restaurant serves up local ethnic cuisine with a modern twist and offers a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace.

Ninh Binh

Often referred to as "Ha Long Bay on land," Ninh Binh is a landscape of lush greenery and dramatic limestone cliffs rising from the ground. Take a boat ride through the Trang An Grottoes, cycle around the rice paddies, and climb up to the Mua Cave viewpoint for a panoramic view of the region. The ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the Bai Dinh Pagoda are also worth a visit.

How to Get There: Ninh Binh is accessible by bus, train, or motorbike from Ha Long Bay, with the journey taking around 4 to 5 hours.

Travel Tip: Rent a bicycle and explore the countryside at your own pace, stopping at local villages and enjoying the peaceful scenery.

Where to Stay: The Tam Coc Garden Resort is nestled among the limestone peaks and offers a tranquil retreat, while the Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort has a lovely pool with scenic views.

Where to Eat: Trung Tuyet Restaurant is a local favorite for its delicious goat meat dishes and traditional Vietnamese fare.

Yen Duc Village

For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, visit Yen Duc Village, a small, traditional Vietnamese village located between Ha Long Bay and Hanoi. It's an excellent place to learn about local life, participate in farming activities, and enjoy a water puppet show performed by villagers. The peaceful atmosphere and warm hospitality make it a perfect rural retreat.

How to Get There: Yen Duc Village is best reached by car or motorbike, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour from Ha Long Bay.

Travel Tip: Take part in a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes using fresh, local ingredients.

Where to Stay: Stay at the Yen Duc Village Homestay for an immersive experience, or the Viet Hai Homestay for comfort in a traditional setting.

Where to Eat: Dining is typically provided by the homestays, offering a chance to savor home-cooked Vietnamese meals.

Bai Tu Long Bay

While Ha Long Bay is well-known, its neighbor Bai Tu Long Bay remains relatively untouched and less crowded. Here, you can kayak through the calm waters, explore the Thien Canh Son cave, and visit the local fishing villages. The bay's serene beauty and the opportunity for close encounters with nature make it an ideal spot for relaxation and adventure.

How to Get There: Bai Tu Long Bay can be reached by joining a cruise from Ha Long Bay, which is the most common way to explore the area.

Travel Tip: Opt for a multi-day cruise to fully experience the tranquility of Bai Tu Long Bay and visit more secluded areas.

Where to Stay: Most visitors stay on a cruise boat, such as the Dragon Legend Cruise, which offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the bay.

Where to Eat: Meals are typically included on the cruise, with a variety of fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes on offer.

Co To Island

Co To Island is a hidden gem with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back vibe. It's a great place to unwind, sunbathe, and enjoy water activities like snorkeling and swimming. The island's lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the surrounding seascape, and the untouched nature makes for a refreshing escape from the digital world.

How to Get There: To reach Co To Island, take a ferry from Cai Rong port, which is about a 2-hour drive from Ha Long Bay.

Travel Tip: Rent a motorbike to explore the island's secluded beaches and scenic spots at your own pace.

Where to Stay: Co To Eco Lodge is an excellent choice for those looking for comfort and sustainability, while the Co To Beach Hotel offers beachfront accommodations.

Where to Eat: Co To Seafood Restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, particularly the grilled squid and local clams.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall, located on the border between Vietnam and China, is one of the most stunning natural wonders in the region. It's the largest waterfall in Vietnam and offers a majestic sight as the water cascades down multiple levels. The surrounding landscape is equally impressive, with lush rice fields and karst peaks. A visit here is a refreshing break from the coastal scenery of Ha Long Bay.

How to Get There: The journey to Ban Gioc Waterfall from Ha Long Bay is quite long, taking around 8 hours by car or motorbike, so it's best suited for a long weekend getaway.

Travel Tip: Bring your passport, as you might get the chance to take a raft right up to the border line on the Quay Son River.

Where to Stay: The Saigon-Ban Gioc Resort offers comfortable accommodations with views of the waterfall, while the Nguom Ngao Farmstay provides a more rustic experience.

Where to Eat: Local eateries near the waterfall serve up regional specialties like bamboo-tube rice and grilled fish.

Whether you're looking for cultural immersion, natural beauty, or just a quiet spot to relax, these weekend getaways from Ha Long Bay offer something for every type of digital nomad.