Hanoi is expected to be a top destination for the upcoming four-day National Day holiday (30/8-2/9) thanks to the celebrations commemorating 80 years since the August Revolution and National Day (A80). Visitors to Hanoi during this time can also explore one or two neighboring provinces.

Bui Thanh Tu, Marketing Director of Best Price travel company, suggests three itineraries suitable for different travel styles: relaxing in Hanoi, a moderately paced trip, and an action-packed adventure. Regardless of the chosen itinerary, visitors can be in Hanoi on 2/9 to witness the parade.

The itineraries assume a starting point of TP HCM for two travelers to provide an estimated cost. The average cost for all three itineraries is around 9-10 million VND. Visitors can opt for motorbikes instead of taxis to reduce expenses.

Action-packed itinerary: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay (4 days, 3 nights)

For those with only 4 days for the National Day holiday but wanting to experience the best of northern Vietnam, this itinerary is ideal. It saves 2-3 hours of travel time while ensuring attendance at the parade in Ba Dinh Square on the morning of 2/9.

Day 1 (31/8): Fly from TP HCM to Hanoi in the morning. Travel to Ninh Binh by taxi (approximately 1 million VND). In the afternoon, explore Trang An or Tam Coc - Bich Dong, enjoying a boat trip through the mountains and caves.

Golden season in Tam Coc. Photo: Le Hoang

Golden season in Tam Coc. Photo: Le Hoang

Stay overnight in Ninh Binh (approximately 1.5 million VND per night). Enjoy local specialties like com chay (burnt rice) and goat meat.

Day 2 (1/9): Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and climb Hang Mua for panoramic views of rice paddies and mountains. After lunch, travel to Ha Long Bay by taxi (4-5 hours, approximately 1 million VND). Stay overnight in Bai Chay (approximately 1.5 million VND per night). Enjoy seafood by the beach and stroll along the illuminated bay.

Day 3 (2/9): Depart early from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi (3-3.5 hours) to witness the parade in Ba Dinh Square, a highlight of the trip. In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening, explore the Old Quarter and enjoy bun cha, nem ran, or treats like Trang Tien ice cream.

Day 4 (3/9): Enjoy a morning activity like boating on Bay Mau Lake or walking around West Lake. Have some egg coffee before heading to Noi Bai Airport for the flight back to TP HCM (round-trip airfare around 4-5 million VND).

Relaxed itinerary: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay (5 days, 4 nights)

For a relaxing and immersive National Day holiday, this itinerary offers a balanced experience. Spend the first 3 days exploring Hanoi's culture and cuisine, followed by a relaxing Ha Long Bay cruise, while still attending the parade in Ba Dinh Square on the morning of 2/9.

Day 1 (31/8): Fly from TP HCM to Hanoi in the morning. Check in to a hotel near Ba Dinh or Dong Da (around 4 million VND for 3 nights per double room) to avoid the crowds in Hoan Kiem. In the evening, savor crab hotpot on Nguyen Bieu Street or traditional beef noodle soup on Ly Quoc Su Street. Explore the Old Quarter's night market.

Day 2 (1/9): Start the day with the famous Tram chicken noodle soup in Yen Ninh, then visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. In the afternoon, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda by West Lake, enjoying shrimp cakes and egg coffee. In the evening, try cha ca La Vong, a Hanoi specialty, and join a night tour of the Temple of Literature.

Soldiers prepare for the 80th National Day parade on 5/8. Photo: Giang Huy

Soldiers prepare for the 80th National Day parade on 5/8. Photo: Giang Huy

Day 3 (2/9): Witness the parade in Ba Dinh Square. Afterward, visit Hoa Lo Prison and sample Hanoi's various sweet soups. In the afternoon, enjoy banh cuon or banh com, and stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake during the festive evening. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4 (3/9): Have a light breakfast and travel to Ha Long Bay by taxi (approximately 1 million VND). Check in at Tuan Chau Port and embark on a 5-star cruise (approximately 3.6 million VND per person). Explore Ao Ech, kayak, swim, enjoy dinner onboard, and participate in nighttime squid fishing or watch a movie under the stars. Stay overnight on the cruise.

Day 5 (4/9): Practice Tai Chi, watch the sunrise, have breakfast, and explore Sung Sot Cave. After lunch, check out, travel back to Hanoi by taxi, and fly back to TP HCM in the evening (round-trip airfare around 4-5 million VND).

"Chill" itinerary: Hanoi (4 days, 3 nights)

For a relaxing and culturally rich National Day holiday focused on Hanoi, this itinerary is perfect. Explore historical sites, the Old Quarter, enjoy local cuisine, and witness the parade in Ba Dinh Square on 2/9, all without leaving the city.

Day 1 (31/8): Fly from TP HCM to Hanoi in the afternoon. Check in to a hotel near Ba Dinh or Dong Da (around 4 million VND for 3 nights per double room) to avoid the Hoan Kiem crowds. Enjoy pho, bun cha, or cha ca La Vong for dinner, then explore the Old Quarter's night market, sampling snacks and Trang Tien ice cream.

People in Hanoi take photos in traditional ao dai at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on 11/8. Photo: Giang Huy

People in Hanoi take photos in traditional ao dai at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on 11/8. Photo: Giang Huy

Day 2 (1/9): Start with Tram chicken noodle soup, then visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. In the afternoon, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda by West Lake and enjoy shrimp cakes and Giang egg coffee. In the evening, have cha ca La Vong and join a night tour of the Temple of Literature.

Day 3 (2/9): Witness the parade in Ba Dinh Square. Afterward, visit Hoa Lo Prison and enjoy Hanoi's sweet soups. In the afternoon, buy banh com and banh xu xe, and experience the festive atmosphere around Hoan Kiem Lake. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4 (3/9): Have breakfast, buy souvenirs like dried candied fruits and West Lake lotus tea, then head to Noi Bai Airport for the flight back to TP HCM (round-trip airfare around 4-5 million VND per person).

Hoai Anh