Soc Son Pine Forest
Pine-covered hills north of Hanoi with the sacred Soc Temple, lakes for camping and off-road trails, about an hour from the Old Quarter.
- Hanoi
- Included in 1 tour
- Tours from $65
- Updated October 2026
About Soc Son, Hanoi
Soc Son is the green, hilly northern edge of Hanoi, about 35–45 km from the Old Quarter and close to Noi Bai International Airport. For people in the city, Soc Son Hanoi means fresh air: low hills planted with pine forest, reservoirs and lakes, small farms and weekend camping spots. It is also home to one of the most sacred sites of the Red River Delta, the Soc Temple.
Soc Temple and Saint Giong
According to legend, Saint Giong (Thanh Giong) was a boy from Phu Dong village who grew into a giant overnight, rode an iron horse to drive out foreign invaders, and then flew up to heaven from the top of Soc mountain. The Soc Temple complex (Den Soc) on the slopes of the mountain honours him, with several temples and pagodas linked by stone steps through the trees.
Each year, from about the 6th to the 8th day of the first lunar month, the Giong festival at Soc Temple draws large crowds, and pilgrims carry home bamboo flowers for good luck. The Giong festival of Phu Dong and Soc temples was inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. On the peak above the temple stands a huge bronze statue of Saint Giong on horseback, completed in 2010 for Thang Long–Hanoi’s 1,000th anniversary.
Pine forests, lakes and adventure
Away from the temple, Soc Son’s pine forests and lakes such as Dong Do and Ham Lon are popular for picnics and camping. Several eco-areas offer off-road buggies, quad bikes and simple cafés.
Our Hanoi ATV tour goes to a Soc Son eco-area where you drive your own off-road buggy for 60–90 minutes on forest trails and hill climbs, with viewpoints where you may see planes descending towards Noi Bai, followed by a walk in the pine forest.
Things to do in Soc Son
Soc Son is Hanoi’s green northern edge, 35 to 45 km from the Old Quarter and close to Noi Bai Airport. The sacred Soc Temple complex on the mountain honours Saint Giong, with a huge bronze statue of him on horseback on the peak and a big festival in the first lunar month. Away from the temple, pine forests and lakes such as Dong Do and Ham Lon draw picnickers and campers, and several eco-areas offer off-road buggies and quad bikes on forest trails.
Worth it?
Why visit Soc Son Pine Forest?
- Pine forests close to HanoiCool, shady hills about an hour from the Old Quarter.
- Soc TempleSacred temples where Saint Giong is said to have flown to heaven.
- The Giong festivalUNESCO-listed festival held early in the lunar new year.
- Off-road buggiesDrive forest trails and hill climbs in an eco-area.
- Lakes and campingWeekend tents, barbecues and picnics by the water.
- Planes over the hillsHilltop views towards Noi Bai, with aircraft on approach.
Make the most of it
Best things to do around Soc Son
Visit the Soc Temple complex
Climb through the lower temple, the Mother Temple and the Upper Temple honouring Saint Giong. Allow 1.5–2 hours; dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes.
See the bronze statue of Saint Giong
On the hilltop above the temple; the climb is steep but the views over the countryside are wide.
Drive an off-road buggy
In eco-areas around the pine forests you can drive a buggy on dirt trails after a safety briefing. Prices vary by area and time; our ATV tour includes buggy, fuel and support.
Walk in the pine forest
Shaded paths under tall pines, at their best in the morning or late afternoon.
Camp by a lake
Dong Do Lake and Ham Lon area are well-known camping spots; campsites rent tents and barbecue sets, mostly at weekends.
Visit Viet Phu Thanh Chuong
A large private estate of traditional houses, sculpture and art created by painter Thanh Chuong. Entry about 130,000 VND.
Join our ATV tour
4–4.5 hours from Hanoi, with transfers by car or van (or by motorbike as an upgrade), 60–90 minutes of driving and time to relax in the pine forest.
Good to know
Choose: what to do in Soc Son
| Culture | Soc Temple and the Saint Giong statue — 2–3 hours |
|---|---|
| Adventure | Off-road buggies in an eco-area — 60–90 minutes of driving |
| Nature | Pine forest walks and lake views — 1–2 hours |
| Camping | Overnight by Dong Do Lake or Ham Lon — weekends are busiest |
| Art | Viet Phu Thanh Chuong estate — 1.5–2 hours |
| Festival | Giong festival at Soc Temple — around the 6th–8th day of the first lunar month |
Soc Son is spread out over a large area; plan one or two of these per visit rather than all of them.
Timing
Best time to visit Soc Son Pine Forest
Dry, mild and clear — the best time for trails and camping.
Warm and green; occasional drizzle early in the season.
The Giong festival brings big crowds to Soc Temple (usually February).
Hot and humid with storms; trails can be muddy and some activities may pause after heavy rain.
Plan your visit
Half-day plan: our Soc Son ATV tour
Pickup in Hanoi
Car or van from your hotel (or a motorbike upgrade), about 50–60 minutes.
Safety briefing
10–15 minutes of instruction and practice in the buggy.
Off-road drive
60–90 minutes on forest trails, slopes and rough terrain to hilltop viewpoints.
Relax
Tea, coffee or sugarcane juice after the drive.
Pine forest walk
Stroll among the pines and the eco-area’s replica landmarks for photos.
Return to Hanoi
Back at your hotel after about 4–4.5 hours in total.
Map & directions
How to get to Soc Son Pine Forest
- By car or GrabAbout 50–60 minutes from the Old Quarter via Nhat Tan Bridge and the airport road. Around 300,000–450,000 VND each way.
- By motorbikeAn easy ride on wide roads for confident riders; the hills have quieter lanes.
- By busCity buses run towards Soc Son town; you will need a taxi for the forest areas.
- With usOur ATV tour includes transfers from Hanoi, the buggy, safety gear and eco-area entrance.
Eat like a local
Where to eat near Soc Son Pine Forest
- Ga doi Soc SonFree-range hill chicken, grilled or steamed — the local speciality.
- Grilled snakehead fishCharcoal-grilled fish wrapped in rice paper with herbs.
- Lakeside barbecueCampsites often sell meat, corn and drinks for barbecues.
- Sugarcane juiceFresh and cold — served after the drive on our ATV tour.
For your camera
Best photo spots at Soc Son Pine Forest
- Pine forest pathsStraight trunks and filtered light in the morning.
- Hilltop viewpointsWide views over fields, with planes on approach to Noi Bai.
- Soc Temple stepsMoss-covered steps and temple roofs among old trees.
- Buggies on the dirt trailsAction shots in the dust — ask your guide to help.
Local advice
Tips for visiting Soc Son Pine Forest
Do
- Wear closed shoes and clothes that can get dusty
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent
- Dress modestly for Soc Temple
- Follow your guide’s instructions on the trails
- Take your rubbish home after camping
Don’t
- Drive a buggy after drinking alcohol
- Light fires outside designated areas in the pine forest
- Go during the Giong festival if you dislike crowds
- Leave the marked trails with a buggy
- Underestimate the summer heat
Visit with a local
Tours that visit Soc Son Pine Forest
Hanoi · ATV & Off-Road
Hanoi ATV Tour: Self-Drive Off-Road Buggy in the Pine Forest
897+ booked
From $89
$65
per adult
Good to know
Soc Son Pine Forest: questions & answers
Where is Soc Son in Hanoi?
On the northern edge of Hanoi near Noi Bai International Airport, about 35–45 km and 50–60 minutes from the Old Quarter.
What is Soc Son Hanoi famous for?
Its pine forests, lakes for camping and Soc Temple, where legend says Saint Giong flew to heaven.
When is the Giong festival at Soc Temple?
From about the 6th to the 8th day of the first lunar month, usually in February.
Can you do ATV or buggy rides in Soc Son?
Yes. Several eco-areas offer off-road buggies. Our Hanoi ATV tour includes transfers, a safety briefing and 60–90 minutes of driving.
Do I need a licence to drive a buggy in Soc Son?
No licence is needed for the buggies on our tour, which run on private trails in an eco-area. You get a briefing and practice first.
Can you camp in Soc Son?
Yes, Dong Do Lake, Ham Lon and other campsites rent tents and barbecue sets, mostly at weekends.
Is Soc Son worth visiting?
Yes, for a half-day of nature, adventure or culture close to Hanoi — especially in autumn and spring.
What is there to do in Soc Son?
Visit the Soc Temple complex and the bronze statue of Saint Giong on the peak, picnic or camp by lakes such as Dong Do and Ham Lon, walk the pine forest, and ride an off-road buggy or quad at one of the eco-areas. It is a popular green escape and handy near Noi Bai Airport.
Is Soc Son good for a day trip from Hanoi?
Yes – it is the closest pine-forest-and-lakes escape, 35 to 45 km north of the city, good for half a day or a full day. Our Hanoi ATV tour goes to a Soc Son eco-area where you drive your own off-road buggy for 60 to 90 minutes, with viewpoints where you may see planes descending towards Noi Bai.
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