Quoc Oai, as known as Xu Doai (the Western Region) of Hanoi, is renowned not only for its cultural and spiritual heritage, but also as a retreat for visitors seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Just an hour's drive from central Hanoi, visitors can immerse themselves in community-based tourism and get back to nature by staying in homestays in the Muong ethnic villages of Quoc Oai District. With its semi-mountainous terrain and fresh climate, the region is blessed with unique natural beauty - pristine lakes and streams, winding scenic roads, charming houses nestled on hillsides and well-developed infrastructure.

A corner of Homely Land homestay in Dong Xuan Commune. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

Perched on a hill overlooking Dong Bo Lake, Homely Land Guesthouse in Dong Xuan Commune combines modern architecture with a serene natural setting. The property has 11 guest rooms and six tents of various sizes. Inside the main house, visitors will find a piano for the artistically inclined and a pool table to liven up evening gatherings.

Homestay owner Mai Van Doan described the homestay's idyllic location, surrounded by lakes, hills and forests near the Tan Vien mountain range.

It's convenient because it's just over 40 kilometers from central Hanoi and the roads are easy to navigate, he told The Hanoi Times.

"Here, guests can savor the regional cuisine of the Muong ethnic minority, go hiking and stream wading, and explore notable attractions in Quoc Oai such as Thay Pagoda (Sai Son Commune), So Village Communal House (Cong Hoa Commune), or Tuan Chau Hanoi International Tourism Area (Sai Son Commune),"  Doan said.

At Kana Hill Homestay, visitors can choose from three guesthouses - two built entirely of handcrafted wood and one designed in a modern style. This mix of architecture creates a distinctive atmosphere amidst the lush, tranquil natural surroundings.

A distinctive highlight of Kana Hill is the hospitality of the host, who serves guests steaming cups of tea made from flowers grown on the homestay grounds. Set amidst the serene mountains, the aromatic warmth of chrysanthemum tea or spiced orange cinnamon tea provides a soothing escape from life's cares and offers moments of relaxation with loved ones.

"I was captivated by the beauty of Kana Hill, a wooden house in the countryside near Hanoi. The light fragrance of the wood brought a refreshing feeling, washing away life's worries," said Le Xuan Hai, a visitor from Cau Giay District in Hanoi.

Kana Hill homestay in Dong Xuan Commune. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

"While we were there, my family and I took in the fresh air, which seemed to be a quiet source of vitality, and watched the sunrise amid the sounds of nature. Children especially enjoy the area's abundance of outdoor activities and rural life experiences, he told The Hanoi Times.

Day-trip experiences in private sites

In addition to short stays, Quoc Oai District is developing one-day adventure tours, especially for younger travelers.

At An Rose Farm in Hoa Thach commune, visitors can admire over 10,000 blooming roses, mostly imported varieties. The flowers are arranged in bright stripes or squares, complemented by climbing roses on trellises. The farm is especially stunning in November when the roses bloom in the cooler weather.

The entrance itself is an impressive sight, with an arch made entirely of fresh flowers that last from several days to a week, depending on the weather.

Bui Thi Thu, a visitor from My Duc District, learned about An Rose Farm through social media.

"I've been following this place for a year or two. So many people come here and post pictures," she said.

"It's indescribably beautiful. I think it's a must-see for girls to feel like a princess and live a fairy-tale dream."

On the same day trip, visitors can visit Xu Doai Vineyard and engage in typical northern rural activities such as farming, sowing seeds, fishing, or making products from grapes and lotus seeds.

Visitors enjoy a photo day at An Rose Farm in Hoa Thach Commune. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

Vuong Dac Loc, Director of Xu Doai Agricultural Cooperative, shared how his childhood memories of the So Village Communal House (Cong Hoa Commune) and his love for agriculture inspired him to develop rural tourism in his hometown.

"These childhood experiences constantly drive me to promote tourism in our village, bringing practical benefits to families, relatives and the local community," he told The Hanoi Times.

"Xu Doai's rural tourism model offers exciting activities for day trips. Visitors can explore the So Village Communal House, learn the traditional craft of glass noodle making in So Village, discover the agricultural beauty of the vineyard, or participate in the processing of lotus-related products such as lotus tea or dishes," Loc said.

Hoang Nguyen Ung, Vice Chairman of the Quoc Oai District People’s Committee, said that the district is committed to tourism development.

"In addition to cultural and spiritual tourism, we want to capitalize on the potential and strengths of each area to develop community-based tourism related to agriculture and rural life, as well as eco-tourism and homestay experiences," he said.

"We especially welcome businesses, organizations and individuals who are interested in investing in tourism infrastructure and creating tour programs to make Quoc Oai an attractive destination," Nguyen Ung appealed.