9 ideal travel destinations for a last-minute New Year's holiday.
From relaxing in hot springs and trekking through caves to traveling to Malaysia, tourists can still plan last-minute trips with reasonable costs and flexible itineraries.
Even with late planning, travelers can still enjoy early-year holidays at destinations near Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Malaysia. These options cater to one to four-day getaways with diverse activities such as relaxation, trekking, culinary exploration, or visiting historical sites.
1. Hot spring baths in Phu Tho and Hoa Binh
A trip to hot springs is the perfect choice when Northern Vietnam enters a cold spell with temperatures ranging from 14-17 degrees Celsius. Just a two-hour drive from Hanoi, visitors can relax in these popular areas.
- Suggested location:Ohayo Onsen, Tre Nguồn, Thanh Thủy Resort, Đảo Ngọc Xanh (Thanh Thủy) or Serena Resort, Mandala Retreats, Yasumi Onsen Resort (Kim Bôi).
- Time:2-3 days.
- Expense:1-2 million VND per person.
2. Hai Phong food tour by luxury train
The Hoa Phuong Do high-quality train experience offers a fresh perspective on culinary journeys. With a travel time of approximately 2.5 hours, travelers can stay in central hotels for convenient exploration of the city.
Hai Phong cuisine is nổi with dishes such as: crab noodle soup, baguette, spicy fish noodle soup, crab spring rolls, stir-fried sea snails, snails, and coconut dessert. If your itinerary is longer than 2 days, you can combine it with an overnight stay in Do Son.
- Time:2-3 days.
- Expense:2-3 million VND per person.
3. The vibrant flower season in Moc Chau.
Moc Chau (Son La province) is entering its most beautiful season of the year when plum blossoms and cherry blossoms bloom simultaneously. Tourists can travel there by private car or limousine in about 3.5 to 4 hours from Hanoi.
- Note:Rooms in prime locations often book up quickly, so travelers should contact the agent or website to make a reservation right away.
- Time:3 days.
- Expense:2-3 million VND per person.
4. Quang Tri: A journey following the trail of the film "Red Rain".
Following the success of the film "Red Rain," historical landmarks such as the ancient citadel, Hien Luong bridge, Thach Han river, and Ta Con airport have become popular destinations. Tourists can combine this with a visit to Khe Sanh in the west.
From Hanoi, you can take the expressway (8-9 hours) or a sleeper bus. From Ho Chi Minh City, a round-trip flight to Dong Hoi currently costs around 3 million VND.
- Time:4 days.
- Expense:3-6 million VND per person.
5. Challenge your limits with the Tiger Cave - Over Pygmy trekking route.
This is an adventure-seeking journey with a 21 km jungle trail, exploration of 6.5 km of caves, and swimming in dark caverns. This trekking route requires good physical fitness to overcome treacherous cliffs and streams.
- Difficulty:3/5.
- Time:4 days (3-day, 2-night tour).
- Expense:Approximately 12.5 million VND per person (all-inclusive tour).
6. Binh Tien Blue Sea - Vinh Hy Bay
Located on the northeastern coastal road of Khanh Hoa, Vinh Hy offers a pristine natural experience. Visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour to admire the coral reefs, and visit Hang Rai Cave and Suoi Tien Sheep Farm.
- Time:2 days.
- Expense:3.5-4 million VND per person.
7. Relaxing getaway in Mang Den
Mang Den (Quang Ngai) is a perfect alternative to Da Lat, offering a tranquil mountain and forest setting. The beginning of the year is when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, and the cool weather is ideal for enjoying grilled chicken, bamboo rice, and wild vegetable hot pot.
- Move:Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Pleiku, then travel by car for another 3 hours.
- Time:4 days.
- Expense:5-6 million VND per person.
8. River tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi and Binh Duong
This one-day trip is perfect for busy people, departing by speedboat from Bach Dang Wharf. The tour combines visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels and traditional craft villages in Binh Duong, such as those making wooden clogs and piggy banks.
- Expense:1.8 million VND per person (all-inclusive, including food and drinks).
9. Explore Malaysian culture
With visa-free policies and round-trip airfares ranging from 3.5 to 4 million VND, Malaysia is one of the most accessible foreign destinations. Besides the capital Kuala Lumpur, visitors can also explore the ancient town of Melaka, located 150 km away.
- Time:4 days.
- Expense:10-12 million VND per person.
