At 462 m, Ham Lon is the highest point inside Hanoi's own city boundary and the closest genuine hill walk to the centre, set in the pine and acacia hills of Soc Son north of Noi Bai airport. The stream-side approach past Ham Lon Lake is a popular weekend camping spot with Hanoi students.
Ham Lon Peak (Nui Ham Lon) rises to 462 m in Nam Son Commune, Soc Son District, about 40 km north of central Hanoi, Vietnam. It is the highest point inside the city boundary of Hanoi and the closest genuine hill walk to the centre, set in the pine and acacia hills of Soc Son north of Noi Bai airport. The stream-side approach past Ham Lon Lake is a popular weekend camping spot with Hanoi students.
No entry fee applies, though a small parking charge of around 20,000 VND is collected at the lake. Grab or Xanh SM from the Old Quarter costs roughly 350,000-450,000 VND each way and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Bus 07 from Cau Giay reaches Noi Bai airport, from where a local taxi covers the last 15 km.
The stream route is about 8 km round trip and takes 4-5 hours, with about 380 m of gain to the summit, giving a moderate rating. The trail crosses the stream repeatedly, so feet often get wet, and the surface alternates between rocks, packed earth and pine-needle path. Shade from pine and acacia is good on the lower slopes, while the summit plateau is more open. After summer storms the stream can flood, making crossings hazardous.
Landmarks include Ham Lon Lake at the start, the stream sections with small pools, and the summit plateau, which is used for camping. Turning back is straightforward at any stream crossing if the water is running high. The descent follows the same route.
Water from the stream should not be drunk untreated, so visitors carry about 2 litres each. There are no refuge huts, and campers bring a tent and sleeping mat. Insect repellent is useful in the wooded sections, and trail shoes that can get wet are better than leather boots.
| Distance | About 8 km round trip via the stream route |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4-5 hours round trip |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | October to April; the stream route floods after summer storms |
| Address | Nui Ham Lon, Nam Son Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi, Vietnam |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Soc Son District, about 40 km north of central Hanoi
What to bring
- Trail shoes that can get wet (the route crosses a stream repeatedly)
- 2 litres of water
- Insect repellent
- Tent and sleeping mat if camping on the summit plateau
Location
Nui Ham Lon, Nam Son Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi, Vietnam
21.2969, 105.7900 View on map
Highlights
- Stand on the highest point inside Hanoi's city boundary at 462 m
- Follow a stream-side route past Ham Lon Lake
- Walk through pine and acacia hills in Soc Son
- Camp on the summit plateau, a popular weekend activity with Hanoi students
Tips for visiting
- Wear trail shoes that can get wet, as the route crosses the stream repeatedly.
- Avoid the stream route after summer storms because it floods.
- Carry 2 litres of water and treat any stream water before drinking.
- Bring a tent and sleeping mat if camping on the summit plateau.
- Use insect repellent in the wooded sections.
When to visit
October to April, on dry days. Weekends are busier with campers, so weekdays are quieter.
Accessibility
The trail crosses a stream repeatedly over uneven ground and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The area around the lake is easier to reach but is not step-free.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee?
No entry fee applies, but a small parking charge of around 20,000 VND is collected at the lake.
How far is it from central Hanoi?
It is about 40 km north of the centre, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by Grab or Xanh SM.
How long does the hike take?
The stream route is about 8 km round trip and takes 4-5 hours.
When is the best time to go?
October to April. The stream route floods after summer storms.