As the April 30 holiday approaches, travelers seeking a quick getaway from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have a range of enticing options to consider. With a focus on popular destinations that still have hotel availability and reasonably priced flights, here are some suggestions for a memorable holiday.
In Vietnam, Tam Dao in Vinh Phuc is a prime spot for a refreshing escape. Just a 90-minute drive from Hanoi, this mountainous area offers cool weather and stunning scenery. Hotels in Tam Dao are still available, with prices ranging from 1 million to 4 million VND per night. Popular accommodations include Hôtel de l'Amour Tam Đảo and Venus Hotel Tam Đảo. Visitors can explore attractions such as the stone church, Truc Tam Zen Monastery, and Silver Falls, while also indulging in local delicacies like wild chicken and grilled mountain pork.
Another appealing destination is Hue, where flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are available with prices starting at 1.5 million VND one way from May 1, 2025. Hue boasts a variety of hotels, including the Alba Wellness Resort and Melia Vinpearl Hue, with rates reaching up to 5 million VND per night. Travelers can enjoy the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, visiting sites like Tam Giang Lagoon and the beaches of Thuan An, as well as savoring local specialties such as banh khoai and com hen.
For adventure enthusiasts, trekking tours in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park are still open for the April 30 holiday. The Hang Tien - Tu Lan tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning caves and natural landscapes. Travelers are advised to book in advance and prepare for a physically engaging experience that includes hiking and swimming in natural pools.
Meanwhile, Da Lat is another option, especially as it enters its low season due to occasional rain. Flights from Hanoi cost around 1.3 million VND one way, and hotel prices hover around 2 million VND per night. Despite the rain, visitors can enjoy attractions like Bao Dai Palace and Datanla Falls, along with local dishes such as chicken hot pot and grilled spring rolls.
For those considering international travel, Thailand remains an attractive choice, particularly for a 4-5 day holiday. Round-trip tickets from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok are priced at around 5.8 million VND, with additional daily expenses estimated at 1 million VND per person. This brings the total cost of a trip to Thailand to approximately 10-12 million VND per person, making it a competitive option compared to domestic travel.
As the holiday draws near, travelers looking for last-minute options can consider day trips from Hanoi to nearby locations such as Soc Son or Bac Ninh, and from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Nai or Binh Phuoc for camping or homestay experiences.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the atmosphere is electric as locals and tourists alike prepare for the April 30th celebrations. Two German tourists, Mehmet and Luca, were initially only planning a brief visit but decided to extend their stay after experiencing the city's festive atmosphere. "We didn't know about the parade beforehand, but after participating in the rehearsals, we felt compelled to stay longer," Mehmet shared.
Local residents are equally excited, with many planning to watch the parade at key intersections along Le Duan Street or from one of the 21 LED screens set up throughout the city. Locations such as Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue Walking Street will be prime spots for viewing the festivities. Young locals, like Le Huu Duy and Anh Thu, expressed their joy at being part of such a momentous occasion, feeling a deep sense of national pride.
Families are also making arrangements to witness the parade, with one family from Da Nang traveling to see their daughter participate in the festivities. They opted to stay in a hotel close to the city center to avoid transportation issues on the day of the event. “We woke up at 3:30 AM to prepare for the day,” said Truc, a member of the family, highlighting the excitement surrounding the celebrations.
However, some young people have chosen to stay home to allow tourists to fully experience the holiday atmosphere. One local expressed that they felt it was their way of contributing to the festivities by giving up their spot for visitors. Meanwhile, a British tourist, Mr. Wardrick, expressed regret over missing the official parade but showed enthusiasm for learning more about Vietnam's history through modern media.
The April 30 holiday this year is not just a celebration; it represents a collective spirit that unites people from all walks of life. Whether they choose to join the crowds or enjoy the festivities from home, each individual contributes to the vibrant tapestry of national pride. The streets of Ho Chi Minh City are set to come alive, echoing with the sounds of celebration, as the nation commemorates 50 years since the reunification of Vietnam.
As the day approaches, the excitement continues to build, with many eager to create lasting memories during this special occasion. The sense of community and shared joy is palpable, promising an unforgettable experience for all involved.
