Sóc Sơn, Rural district in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Sóc Sơn is a rural district in Hanoi that extends across the Red River Delta region near Nội Bài International Airport. The area features lakes, mountains, and dense forests with a temperate climate.
The name comes from Tai-Kadai words Sōkl and Krung, meaning mountain of blessings, reflecting its historical importance during the Tang Dynasty. This origin shows how language and geography have shaped the identity of this place for centuries.
Sóc Sơn is divided into 26 communes where residents celebrate traditional festivals and local customs throughout the year. These celebrations and rituals shape daily life and show how important community and heritage are to the people who live here.
The district offers numerous hiking trails around Ham Lon Peak with options for camping at Ham Lon Lake or staying at accommodations near forests. The best time to visit is during cooler months when the weather is more stable.
About two-thirds of Sóc Sơn is classified as protective forest, making it an important natural barrier for regional infrastructure. This large connected forest area is unusual for a populated region so close to a major city.
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