The late April holiday period will span seven days. The Hung Kings' Commemoration Day starts this Sunday and gives workers a three-day weekend from April 25-27, and the Reunification Day and International Labor Day holidays run from April 30 through May 3.
Northern Vietnam is expected to experience peak heat during the holiday period, prompting travelers to seek out cool getaways.
Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park, about 60 km west of Hanoi, is a popular escape from the capital during hot periods, offering cooler temperatures and lush natural surroundings.
The journey from central Hanoi takes roughly 1.5 hours via the Lang-Hoa Lac expressway, making it a convenient option for short trips. While many visitors opt for day trips, those seeking a quieter experience are advised to stay overnight to avoid peak-hour crowds and enjoy the park's tranquility.
Entrance fees are set at VND60,000 (US$2.28) per adult, with discounted rates of VND30,000 for people with disabilities, and VND10,000-20,000 for students.
The park operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors planning to stay overnight must register in advance with park authorities or present a confirmed accommodation booking.
Ba Vi National Park features a varied landscape of forests, rolling hills, mountains, rivers, and lakes, making it a versatile destination for outdoor activities and short retreats.
Visitors can camp at the 400-meter elevation, trek through the park's forested trails, or unwind at resorts and hotels located around the 600-meter level. Key attractions include Tan Vien Peak, the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple, and the remains of a historic French-era church.
Temperatures at higher elevations, particularly near the summit, remain cool year-round. Even during sizzling weather, evenings can be noticeably chilly, so visitors are advised to bring long-sleeved clothing or light windbreakers.
Pu Luong
Pu Luong, a mountainous area in the northwest of Thanh Hoa Province, lies about 155 km from Hanoi and can be reached in roughly four hours by road.
The region is characterized by limestone mountain ranges, primary forests, and expansive terraced rice fields. In April, the rice paddies remain lush and green, while the harvest season typically begins around the second week of May, when the landscape shifts to golden hues.
Pu Luong is also known for its eco-friendly resorts built along hillsides, offering quiet retreats with panoramic views over the terraces. These accommodations provide a balance of comfort and immersion in nature, making the area particularly appealing for travelers seeking seclusion during short holiday breaks.
Photo by Pu Luong Ecocharm
In Pu Luong, visitors can explore highland villages in Ba Thuoc, an area that remains relatively isolated and preserves many traditional customs of the Thai ethnic community, including distinctive stilt houses.
Deep inside the core zone of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Hieu Village is best known for the Hieu Waterfall, where clear, fast-flowing streams cascade into natural bathing pools at the base, popular spots for swimming and cooling off.
Beyond the waterfall, the area offers a range of nature-based experiences, including walks through palm-covered hills, terraced rice fields, and stretches of primary forest, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and short retreats.
Photo by Tam Anh
Mau Son (Lang Son)
Mau Son, located nearly 200 km from Hanoi, can be reached in about four hours via the CT01 and CT09 highways, making it a viable option for a 2-3 day escape from the capital.
The Mau Son range consists of more than 80 peaks, with the highest rising above 1,540 meters. Thanks to its elevation, the area maintains a cool climate year-round, even during peak summer heat. It is also among the rare locations in Vietnam where snow and ice can form during intense cold spells, adding to its appeal as a unique highland destination.
Accommodation options include budget guesthouses located on the mountain summit, offering panoramic views and a tranquil atmosphere. Alternatively, visitors can stay in Lang Son City, about 60 km away, and travel up to Mau Son for day trips.
Photo by Bui Vinh Thuan
Each season in Mau Son offers a distinct landscape and rhythm of life. The cloud-hunting period typically runs from March to August, when shifting mists blanket the mountain range.
In April and May, local farmers begin preparing the land and planting rice on terraced fields that contour the hillsides and extend into cinnamon forests.
In early summer, residents also tend corn crops and enjoy the bloom of hydrangeas.
The image shows a waterfall approximately seven meters high on the mountain's northern slope, while the southern side is characterized by large, clear streams.
Photo by Bui Vinh Thuan
Phia Oac (Cao Bang)
Located within the UNESCO-recognized Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, Phia Oac - Phia Den National Park sits at an elevation of over 1,900 meters, offering pristine natural landscapes and a cool, temperate climate year-round.
The area once served as a hill resort developed by the French in the early 20th century, remnants of which still add historical character to the park.
Phia Oac is approximately 250 kilometers from Hanoi and about 70 kilometers from Cao Bang city center, with a travel time of roughly five hours from Hanoi via Highway 7 and National Highway 3.
Photo by Lalago
The park also features several places of interest, such as the Khai Phat fort ruins, the beeswax-printed brocade weaving village of the Dao Tien ethnic group, the Tinh Tuc tin mine, Kolia tea hill, and a salmon farm.
Accommodation is available at the Kolia tourist area, located on Kolia Pass in the core zone of the park.
The site offers bungalows and traditional stilt houses, alongside an organic farm and an ecotourism model.
Photo by Kolia
