Top 10 Travel Destinations for April 30 in Northern Vietnam That Tourists Should Visit
The holiday on April 30th – May 1st, 2025 is an ideal time to explore Northern Vietnam, where majestic natural landscapes, diverse cultures, and significant historical sites converge. With a 5-day vacation (from April 30th to May 4th), you can plan a memorable trip with family, friends, or loved ones. Below is a list of 10 tourist destinations for April 30th in Northern Vietnam that stand out, along with detailed information about the location, dishes, transportation, costs, and notes for a complete trip.
1. Sapa – Lao Cai: The dreamy foggy town
Sapa is famous for its cool climate (15-20°C), stunning mountainous scenery, and unique ethnic culture. During the April 30th holiday, Sapa hosts the “Summer Festival” with activities such as the Rose Festival at Fansipan tourist area and the Ethnic Food Festival. This is also the season when the rhododendrons bloom on the top of Fansipan.
Fansipan Peak: Conquer the “roof of Indochina” by cable car (ticket price ~800,000 VND/person).
Cat Cat Village, Ta Van: Explore the life of the H'Mong and Dao people.
Silver Falls, Dragon Cloud Glass Bridge: Check-in at the majestic landscape.
Dishes to try:
Thang Co, salmon hotpot, grilled chicken with mac khen, five-color sticky rice.
Suggested addresses: A Phu Restaurant (Fansipan street) or Hoa Dao Restaurant (Cau May street).
Transportation:
From Hanoi: Sleeper bus (ticket price 250,000-350,000 VND/ticket, 5-6 hours) or train to Lao Cai station, then take a bus to Sapa (50,000 VND).
Local transportation: Rent a motorbike (~120,000 VND/day) or take a taxi.
Estimated costs:
Accommodation: Homestay (200,000-500,000 VND/night), 3-star hotel (800,000-1,500,000 VND/night).
Food: ~100,000-300,000 VND/person/day.
Total cost: ~2,000,000-3,500,000 VND/person for 3 days 2 nights.
Notes:
Book bus tickets and accommodation early as Sapa is often crowded during holidays.
Bring a light jacket as it can be chilly in the evenings.
Respect local culture when visiting villages.
2. Ha Giang: The journey to conquer the northernmost region of the country
Ha Giang captivates travelers with its treacherous mountain roads, terraced fields during the water season, and unique ethnic culture. At the end of April, the weather is dry, the sky is clear, making it ideal for a road trip or tour.
Must-visit places:
Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River: Majestic landscapes, perfect for photography.
Dong Van Stone Plateau: A global geological park with a lively market.
Lung Cu Flagpole: The northernmost point of the country.
Dishes to try:
Au Tau porridge, buckwheat cake, Thang Co, five-color sticky rice.
Suggested addresses: Ong Ha Restaurant (Dong Van town) or Thang Co A Phu Restaurant.
Transportation:
From Hanoi: Sleeper bus (~300,000-400,000 VND/ticket, 7-8 hours).
Local transportation: Rent a motorbike (150,000-200,000 VND/day) or take a full-package tour (3,000,000 VND/person for 3 days).
Estimated costs:
Accommodation: Homestay (150,000-400,000 VND/night), hotel (500,000-1,200,000 VND/night).
Food: ~100,000-250,000 VND/person/day.
Total cost: ~2,500,000-4,000,000 VND/person for 3 days 2 nights.
Notes:
The mountain roads are dangerous, so drive carefully.
Wear sports shoes and comfortable clothes if going trekking.
Prepare cash as some places do not accept card payments.
3. Ha Long Bay – Quang Ninh: A natural wonder of the world
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO heritage site with thousands of limestone islands and emerald waters. During the April 30th holiday, you can experience an overnight cruise or explore new islands like Quan Lan and Co To.
On the occasion of April 30th, you can experience a cruise in Ha Long Bay
Must-visit places:
Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island: Explore the caves and swim.
Lan Ha Bay: Less crowded, suitable for kayaking.
Yen Tu Pagoda: A famous spiritual tourism destination.
Must-try dishes:
Squid cake, grilled oysters, noodle with shrimp, sea crab.
Recommended address: Cua Vang Restaurant (Bai Chay area) or Ha Long Night Market.
Transportation:
From Hanoi: Bus (150,000-250,000 VND/ticket, 3-4 hours) or limousine (350,000 VND/ticket).
Local transportation: Cruise (~1,000,000-3,000,000 VND/person for a 1-day or 2-day 1-night tour).
Estimated costs:
Accommodation: 3-star hotel (800,000-1,500,000 VND/night), 4-5 star cruise (2,500,000-5,000,000 VND/person/night).
Food: ~150,000-400,000 VND/person/day.
Total cost: ~3,000,000-6,000,000 VND/person for 3 days 2 nights.
Note:
Book the cruise tour early to get a good price.
Bring sunscreen and a hat if participating in outdoor activities.
Check the services on the cruise carefully to avoid extra costs.
4. Moc Chau – Son La: Cool green plateau
Moc Chau is famous for its lush green tea hills, ripe red plum orchards, and fresh air. April-May is the plum harvest season, perfect for picking fruit and taking photos.
Must-visit places:
Heart Tea Hill, Dai Yem Waterfall: Picturesque scenery.
Ban Ang Pine Forest: A peaceful space, ideal for camping.
S-shaped road: A famous check-in spot.
Must-try dishes:
Stir-fried beef, grilled stream fish, lam rice, fresh milk from Moc Chau.
Recommended address: 75 Moc Chau Restaurant or Dong Hai Eatery.
Transportation:
From Hanoi: Bus (~150,000-200,000 VND/ticket, 4-5 hours).
Local transportation: Rent a motorbike (~100,000-150,000 VND/day).
Estimated costs:
Accommodation: Homestay (200,000-500,000 VND/night), hotel (600,000-1,200,000 VND/night).
Food: ~100,000-250,000 VND/person/day.
Total cost: ~1,800,000-3,000,000 VND/person for 3 days 2 nights.
Note:
The road to Moc Chau is winding, check the vehicle before going.
Wear comfortable shoes if trekking or picking plums.
Avoid picking fruit in orchards without permission.
5. Dien Bien: A land of heroic history
Dien Bien attracts tourists with historical sites from the Dien Bien Phu victory and the pristine natural beauty. The April 30th - May 1st occasion coincides with the 70th anniversary of the victory (May 7, 1954 - May 7, 2024), many cultural events are organized.
The April 30th - May 1st occasion coincides with the 70th anniversary of the victory in Dien Bien
Must-visit places:
A1 Hill, De Cat Tunnel, Dien Bien Museum: Learn about history.
Muong Thanh Field: Lush green rice fields.
Pa Phong Suspension Bridge: A unique check-in spot.
Must-try dishes:
Grilled chicken with mac khen, sticky rice, smoked buffalo meat.
Suggested address: Muong Thanh restaurant or Tay Bac food stall (TP. Dien Bien Phu).
Transportation:
From Hanoi: Plane (1,500,000-2,500,000 VND/round trip ticket, 1 hour) or bus (400,000-600,000 VND/ticket, 10-12 hours).
Local transportation: Rent a motorbike (~150,000 VND/day) or taxi.
Estimated costs:
Accommodation: Hotel (500,000-1,200,000 VND/night), guesthouse (200,000-400,000 VND/night).
Food and drink: ~100,000-300,000 VND/person/day.
Total cost: ~3,000,000-5,000,000 VND/person for 3 days 2 nights.
Note:
Book plane tickets early to save costs.
Learn about the history before visiting to have a more meaningful experience.
Wear comfortable shoes as some historical sites require a lot of walking.
6. Tam Dao – Vinh Phuc: The Da Lat of the North
Tam Dao is only 70km from Hanoi, making it an ideal destination for a short trip. With a cool climate (18-22°C) and misty scenery, it is a great place to relax. However, Tam Dao can be crowded during holidays.
Must-visit places:
Silver Falls, ancient stone church: Famous check-in spots.
Cloud Bridge, Wind Cafe: Romantic scenery.
Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple: A spiritual tourism site.
Must-try dishes:
Grilled hill chicken, stir-fried su su tops, mountain pork.
Suggested address: Huong Rung restaurant or Rock Cafe.
Transportation:
From Hanoi: Motorbike (1.5-2 hours) or bus (~100,000-150,000 VND/ticket).
Local transportation: Walking or taxi (~50,000-100,000 VND/short trip).
Estimated costs:
Accommodation: Homestay (300,000-600,000 VND/night), hotel (800,000-1,500,000 VND/night).
Food and drink: ~100,000-250,000 VND/person/day.
Total cost: ~1,500,000-2,500,000 VND/person for 2 days 1 night.
Note:
Avoid going on weekends if you want fewer crowds.
The road to Tam Dao is steep, drive carefully.
Book rooms early to avoid the situation of fully booked.
7. Ninh Binh: The ancient capital and scenic area
Ninh Binh is famous for its picturesque landscapes and historical sites. The weather is cool during the April 30 holiday, perfect for exploring Trang An – a UNESCO heritage site.
The April 30 holiday is very suitable for exploring Trang An, Ninh Binh.
Must-visit places:
Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong: Boat trips to enjoy the rivers and caves.
Bai Dinh Pagoda: The largest pagoda in Southeast Asia.
Ancient capital Hoa Lu: Learn about the history of the Dinh and Le dynasties.
From Hanoi: Bus (80,000-120,000 VND/ticket, 2 hours) or train (100,000 VND/ticket).
Local transportation: Motorbike (120,000 VND/day) or bicycle (50,000 VND/day).
Estimated costs:
Accommodation: Homestay (250,000-600,000 VND/night), hotel (700,000-1,500,000 VND/night).
Food and drink: ~100,000-250,000 VND/person/day.
Total cost: ~1,800,000-3,000,000 VND/person for 2 days 1 night.
Note:
Buy boat tickets in advance to avoid long waits.
Wear comfortable shoes as you will need to walk a lot at Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Avoid eating at places that do not display prices.
8. Ba Be Lake – Bac Kan: The green gem of the Northeast
Ba Be Lake is one of the 20 most beautiful freshwater lakes in the world, featuring pristine and peaceful beauty. It is an ideal choice to avoid crowds during holidays.
Must-visit attractions:
Ba Be Lake, Puong Cave: Enjoy a boat tour to take in the scenery.
Dau Dang Waterfall, Pac Ngoi Village: Explore the culture of the Tay ethnic group.
Total cost: ~2,000,000-3,500,000 VND/person for 3 days and 2 nights.
Note:
Bring insect repellent when going into the forest.
Respect the customs of the Tay ethnic group when staying at a homestay.
Check the weather as it may rain unexpectedly at the lake.
9. Cat Ba – Hai Phong: A paradise of islands and beaches
Cat Ba combines blue seas, pristine forests, and adventure activities. Lan Ha Bay is less crowded than Ha Long, making it a highlight of Cat Ba.
Visit Cat Ba to experience adventure activities during the April 30 holiday.
Must-visit attractions:
Lan Ha Bay, Cat Co Beach: Swimming, kayaking.
Cat Ba National Park: Trekking to explore wildlife.
Monkey Island, Cannon Fort: Check-in at scenic spots.
Must-try dishes:
Lobster, grilled squid, shrimp noodles.
Suggested address: Yummy Restaurant (Cat Ba town center) or Hai San Xanh.
Transportation:
From Hanoi: Bus to Hai Phong (100,000-150,000 VND/ticket), then take a ferry or speedboat to Cat Ba (100,000-250,000 VND/ticket).
Local transportation: Motorbike (120,000 VND/day) or electric car (50,000 VND/trip).
Estimated costs:
Accommodation: Hotel (500,000-1,200,000 VND/night), homestay (200,000-500,000 VND/night).
Food: ~150,000-350,000 VND/person/day.
Total cost: ~2,500,000-4,000,000 VND/person for 3 days and 2 nights.
Note:
Book ferry/boat tickets early to avoid being fully booked.
Wear non-slip shoes if trekking in the forest.
Check the weather before participating in sea tours.
10. Mai Chau – Hoa Binh: Peaceful among the villages
Mai Chau offers the tranquil beauty of valleys, Thai ethnic villages, and fresh air. It is a destination close to Hanoi, suitable for a short trip.
Must-visit attractions:
Lac Village, Nhot Village: Explore Thai culture, cycle around the village.
Mo Luong Cave, Thung Khe Pass: Impressive natural landscapes.
Ba Khan Commune: Lush green valley, few tourists.
Must-try dishes:
Lam rice, grilled pork, bitter bamboo shoots.
Suggested address: The stilt house in Ban Lac or a restaurant in the homestay.
Transportation:
From Hanoi: Bus (~100,000-150,000 VND/ticket, 3-4 hours) or motorbike.
Local transportation: Bicycle (~50,000 VND/day) or walking.
Reference costs:
Accommodation: Stilt house (150,000-300,000 VND/person/night), homestay (200,000-500,000 VND/night).
Food and drink: ~100,000-200,000 VND/person/day.
Total cost: ~1,500,000-2,500,000 VND/person for 2 days 1 night.
Note:
Respect the living space of the local people.
Bring long-sleeved clothes as it gets cool in the evening.
Participate in activities like bamboo dancing and campfire to experience the culture.
Mai Chau has the peaceful beauty of the green valley.
The holiday on April 30th – May 1st is a great opportunity for you to explore the beauty of the North with family and friends. Let NVK Travel accompany you on this journey to discover the Northern tourism destination on April 30th! With over 10 years of experience in organizing domestic and international tours, we provide all-inclusive tour packages, hotel booking services, car rentals, and itinerary consulting to suit all needs. Visit nvktravel.com now to receive special offers and plan your Northern travel memorable!
