3 days 2 nights tour to the sea, a favorite destination of Northern people

Sam Son, Thanh Hoa, has long been a favorite destination for people in the North, especially in the summer. With a beach of more than 6km, fine white sand, clear blue sea and delicious seafood, Sam Son offers a wonderful resort experience only about 170km from Hanoi.

The 3-day, 2-night trip from Hanoi to Sam Son is an ideal choice for you to enjoy a short vacation, combining swimming, exploring culture and enjoying local cuisine.

This article provides detailed itineraries, practical tips and cost-saving tips, suitable for both beginners and seasoned travelers.

Why choose Sam Son for a 3 days 2 nights vacation?

Sam Son is not only a beautiful beach with a gently sloping sandy shore and moderate waves, but also a place where many spiritual and cultural attractions converge such as Doc Cuoc Temple, Trong Mai Islet, and Co Tien Pagoda. It only takes about 3-4 hours to travel from Hanoi, Sam Son is the perfect destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city to immerse themselves in nature.

This journey not only brings a sense of relaxation but also helps you discover unique historical and cultural stories of Thanh land.

Is 3 days 2 nights enough to explore Sam Son? Absolutely enough if you have a clear plan! Let's see the detailed schedule below to start your trip.

Prepare before your trip to Sam Son

To have a smooth trip, you need to prepare carefully in terms of vehicle, finance and health. Here are some things to note:

• Ideal timing:Summer from May to August is the best time to swim in Sam Son beach. However, July and August often have storms, so check the weather forecast before going. April and September are also good choices with cooler weather.
• Transportation:You can choose a bus, train, motorbike or self-drive car. Buses from My Dinh or Giap Bat stations cost 100,000-200,000 VND/person/trip. Trains from Hanoi station to Thanh Hoa station cost 70,000-300,000 VND/person depending on the seat type. If you go by motorbike, make sure to check the tires, brakes and bring a basic repair kit.
• Finance:Estimated cost is about 2-3 million VND/person for 3 days 2 nights (including transportation, food, accommodation, entrance tickets). If you go on a package tour, the price ranges from 1.5-2.5 million VND/person depending on the quality of the hotel.
• Documents:Bring your ID card, driver's license (if driving yourself), and save a copy on your phone. If traveling with children, bring their birth certificate.
• Luggage:Light clothing, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, slippers, first aid kit, personal medication, power bank and cash (about 1-2 million VND).
• Supported applications:Google Maps, Vietmap for location; Foody, Traveloka for finding restaurants and accommodations.

Detailed 3-day, 2-night Sam Son travel itinerary

The journey from Hanoi to Sam Son is about 170km long, taking 3-4 hours to travel. The 3-day 2-night itinerary is designed for you to relax and fully explore the outstanding destinations. Below is the detailed plan:

Day 1: Hanoi – Sam Son – Swimming and exploring cuisine (170km)

6:00: Depart from Hanoi

The car and tour guide (if you go on a tour) will pick you up at the meeting point (Opera House or bus station). If you are on your own, you can catch a bus at My Dinh/Giap Bat station or ride a motorbike through Highway 1A, through Ha Nam, Ninh Binh. Stop at Phu Ly (Ha Nam) for breakfast with banh cuon cha (about 30,000 VND/person). Continue the journey to Sam Son.

10:30: Arrive at Sam Son - Check-in at FLC Sam Son

Arriving in Sam Son, stop to check-in at FLC Sam Son tourist area, which has a luxurious space and many beautiful photo angles. If you travel on your own, you can choose 2-3 star hotels such as Vu Phong, Phuong Hoang (price 300,000-600,000 VND/room/night) or budget motels at A beach, D beach (250,000-500,000 VND/room/night).

11:00: Visit Doc Cuoc Temple

Doc Cuoc Temple is located on Truong Le Mountain, associated with the legend of a giant boy who tore his body in half to protect the villagers. Entrance is free, but you can prepare 20,000-50,000 VND to make an offering. The path to the temple has 40 stone steps, bringing a sacred feeling amidst the sea and sky scenery.

12:00: Lunch and rest

Have lunch at Quoc Viet restaurant (Ho Xuan Huong street) with seafood dishes such as grilled squid, steamed crab, grilled oysters with cheese (price about 150,000 VND/person). Then, check in hotel and take a nap.

15:00: Swimming at Sam Son beach

Afternoon is the ideal time to swim at Sam Son beach, with fine white sand and moderate waves. You can rent a chair (20,000 VND/chair) or join a jet ski (300,000 VND/15 minutes). If you go in a group, consider organizing team building on the beach with games like tug of war, ball throwing (contact the tour company to hire an MC, price about 500,000 VND/group).

19:00: Dinner and explore Sam Son at night

Enjoy dinner at a hotel restaurant or a seafood restaurant by the sea such as Hai Ly (VND 100,000-200,000/person). Then, rent a tandem bicycle (VND 40,000-50,000/hour) or an electric car (VND 20,000-30,000/km) to stroll around the coastal city at night, watching the sparkling lights and bustling atmosphere. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Explore the sights and relax on the beach

6:00: Watch the sunrise and swim in the sea

Get up early to watch the sunrise on Sam Son beach, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of fishermen pulling in their nets. You can buy fresh seafood such as squid, shrimp, crab right on the beach for 100,000-300,000 VND/kg.

8:00: Breakfast and sightseeing

Have breakfast at the hotel with buffet (VND 50,000-100,000/person) or enjoy eel porridge at a roadside restaurant (VND 30,000/bowl). Then the car will take you toRooster and Hen IsletandFairy Templeon Truong Le Mountain. Hon Trong Mai is associated with the legend of steadfast love, a check-in spot not to be missed. Co Tien Pagoda has an ancient beauty, once visited by Uncle Ho in 1960. Both locations have free entrance.

11:30: Lunch

Return to the hotel for lunch with Thanh Hoa specialties such as sour sausage and shrimp rolls (about 150,000 VND/person).

14:00: Free time to swim or enjoy thrilling activities

In the afternoon, you can continue swimming or participate in games at the beach.Sam Son Amusement Park(Nguyen Du street, ticket price 50,000-100,000 VND/game). If you want to relax, visitFLC Luxury Hotelto experience the spa or golf course (price from 500,000 VND/person).

19:00: Gala Dinner and explore Sam Son at night

In the evening, join the Gala Dinner program (if you go on a tour, the price is about 200,000 VND/person) with performances and group games. If you go on your own, you can have dinner at the restaurant and walk around Sam Son night market, buy souvenirs such as dried squid, dried shrimp (price 200,000-500,000 VND/kg). Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Shopping for specialties and returning to Hanoi

7:00: Swimming and breakfast

Enjoy the morning sea air and have breakfast at the sanctuary, enjoy pate bread or bun cha (price 30,000-50,000 VND/person).

9:00: Shopping for specialties

Go to Sam Son seafood market to buy dried squid, dried shrimp, Thanh Hoa fermented pork rolls as gifts (price 100,000-300,000 VND/kg). If you have time, stop byHam Rong Bridgeon the way back to check-in and take pictures.

11:30: Lunch and check out

Have lunch at Sanctuary restaurant, then check out before 12:00.

13:00: Depart for Hanoi

Get on the bus back to Hanoi, stop in Thanh Hoa or Phu Ly to buy more specialties such as fresh coconut, Tu Tru sticky rice cake (price 20,000-50,000 VND/dish). Expected to arrive in Hanoi at 5:30 pm, end of trip.

Compare independent travel to Sam Son and going on a tour

To choose the right form, below is a comparison table between independent travel and package tours:

If you are a newbie or traveling with family, choose a package tour to save time and ensure safety. If you love freedom, traveling by motorbike or car will bring a more interesting experience.

Tips to save money when traveling to Sam Son

To optimize costs, you can apply the following tips:

• Service Reservation:Book bus tickets, hotel rooms or tours 1-2 months in advance to get cheap prices, especially during peak season (20-30% discount).
• Choose suitable accommodation:Prioritize 2-star motels or hotels in beach A and beach D (250,000-500,000 VND/night) instead of high-end resorts like FLC (1.5-3 million VND/night).
• Local food:Choose a cheap restaurant like Quoc Viet or Hai Ly to enjoy seafood for 100,000-150,000 VND/person, instead of a restaurant in a hotel.
• Go in groups:Share car, room and food costs to reduce personal expenses by 30-40%.
• Smart shopping:Negotiate prices when buying seafood at the market, preferably buying early in the morning to get a good price.

Frequently asked questions when traveling to Sam Son

1. Is 3 days 2 nights enough for a Sam Son tour?

Perfect for swimming, visiting famous places like Doc Cuoc Temple, Hon Trong Mai, Co Tien Pagoda and enjoying local cuisine.

2. What is the best season to go to Sam Son?

Summer (May-August) is ideal for swimming, but keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid storms.

3. How much does it cost for 3 days 2 nights?

About 2-3 million VND/person if traveling on your own, or 1.5-2.5 million VND/person if going on a package tour.

4. Should I go on a tour or on my own?

Going on a tour is suitable for beginners or families, while going on your own is suitable for those who want to explore freely.

5. What to do if you have an accident on the road?

Bring the emergency hotline (113) and a list of reputable auto repair shops in Thanh Hoa. If you go on a tour, the tour guide will assist you.

Sam Son 3 days 2 nights tour from Hanoi is a great opportunity for you to enjoy the blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine and explore Thanh culture.

With detailed itineraries, cost-saving tips, and practical experiences shared, you are ready to start your journey. Pack your bags, plan, and travel to Sam Son today!

Quoc Duong