Soc Son, a picturesque district on Hanoi’s outskirts, offers a diverse natural landscape. From hills and mountains to plains, rivers, and lakes, Soc Son has it all. The area’s large forest cover ensures an abundance of fresh air, making it an ideal spot for a quick getaway from the city.
It takes less than an hour to travel to Soc Son from Hanoi, making it a convenient option for those who prefer shorter distances. The journey to Soc Son is just as enjoyable as the destination, with a comfortable and scenic drive via the Nhat Tan Bridge and National Route 3.
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| Travelers kayaking on Dong Do Lake. Photo: Do Hoa |
Day 1: Morning
Leaving Hanoi, travelers will take the road to Noi Bai International Airport, a journey that offers both comfort and beautiful views. Along the way, make sure to stop by the Saint Giong Monument, located on top of Soc Mountain in Phu Linh Commune. This sculpture, built in 2010 to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi, celebrates the exploits of Phu Dong Thien Vuong, a genie in Vietnamese legend. It is also a popular pilgrimage site at the beginning of the year.
The monument is situated at an altitude of about 300 meters, and visitors can choose from three routes to reach it: an asphalt road or two small stone-paved paths for those who enjoy a bit of mountaineering.
Just five kilometers from the monument is the Blue Valley Cafe & Bistro, a café-restaurant that caters to the needs of travelers. This spacious and relaxing establishment has been likened to a ‘miniature Dalat’ and is sure to appeal to both young visitors and families alike. The menu offers a range of European-style dishes as well as popular Vietnamese cuisine.
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| The giant statue of Saint Giong on top of Soc Mountain, Soc Son District, Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times |
Day 1: Afternoon and Evening
Soc Son offers a wide range of accommodation options, from homestay villas to wooden houses. In recent years, the number, style, and price of these lodgings have proliferated, with options ranging from 3 million to nearly 20 million VND per night. Amaya Home, Blue Mountain Villa, The Moonlight Villa, and U Lesa Retreat are just a few of the many choices available.
Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or enjoying the various games available at your chosen lodge. In the evening, gather with your group to enjoy a barbecue dinner. You can bring your own food or book a full catering service, and don’t forget to negotiate cleaning and dishwashing costs with your host.
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| Amaya Home in Soc Son District. Photo courtesy of the homestay |
Day 2: Morning
Start your day with a breath of fresh air and a walk or jog around one of the nearby lakes: Keo Ca Lake, Dong Quan Lake, or the slightly further afield Dong Do Lake. After your morning exercise, a delicious breakfast will be waiting for you at your accommodation.
In the late morning, visit Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace, located next to Keo Ca Lake in Hien Ninh commune. This cultural complex, built by painter Thanh Chuong in 2001, spans over 8,000 hectares and is a recreation of the cultural mark of his ancestors. An entrance fee is now charged for conservation purposes, and additional activities such as water puppet shows and tea ceremonies are also available.
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| Sunset over Dong Quan Lake, Soc Son District, Hanoi |
Day 2: Noon
After leaving Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace, be sure to stop at one of the local restaurants to sample some rustic dishes, such as hill-grazed chicken, stewed fish from Dong Quan Lake, or banh duc (smooth rice flans with peanuts). Some recommended restaurants in the area include Phu Dong, Toan Thang, Vu Nghia, and Huong Tram Eco-garden.
With a satisfied stomach, it’s time to return to the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Alternatively, if you’re not ready to leave just yet, you can explore the Ban Rom ecological tourist site, climb Mount Ham Lon, or camp by the romantic Dong Do Lake.
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| Viet Phu Thanh Chuong in Soc Son District, Hanoi. Photo: Viet Phu Thanh Chuong |
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| The Viet Phu Thanh Chuong Cultural Complex, or Thanh Chuong Viet’s Palace, is well known to those who love to discover Vietnamese culture and admire the national quintessence |
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