Discovering Penang in a 4-Day Getaway for April 30th

With daily direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City at affordable prices, diverse ecosystems, a vibrant multicultural heritage, and mouthwatering street food, Penang has become an increasingly popular destination for Vietnamese travelers.

What to do in Penang for 4 days during the April 30th holiday

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: In the afternoon, fly from Vietnam to Penang Island (Malaysia). Arrive at Penang International Airport in the evening. Transfer to the heart of George Town by bus or taxi. Check-in to your hotel. Take a leisurely stroll to explore the street food scene.

Day 2: Explore every nook and cranny of the historic George Town. Capture memorable moments with the street art masterpieces. Visit the Peranakan Mansion, Khoo Kongsi, and the iconic Clan Jetties floating villages.

Day 3: Capture the sunrise near Penang Bridge – Southeast Asia's longest suspension bridge. Explore ancient religious architectural wonders like Kek Lok Si Temple, Snake Temple, Burmese Buddhist Temple (Dhammikarama), and Thai Buddhist Temple (Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram).

Day 4: Return to Vietnam.

 1. Airfare

Air Asia frequently offers budget-friendly round-trip tickets from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Penang. Recently, they have introduced daily direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City. Passengers from Hanoi to Penang will have a layover in the capital, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Round-trip ticket prices, including taxes and 7 kg carry-on luggage during holidays, start from 2.6 million VND.

2. Transportation from the Airport to George Town

George Town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2008, is the capital of Penang Island. Upon arrival at Penang Airport in the afternoon, head from Level 2 to Level 1 (in Malaysia, the ground floor is called Level 1), and grab some maps. Choose between two transportation options to reach George Town (approximately 20 km): a bus for 2.70 RM (15,000 VND) or a taxi for 50 RM (260,000 VND).

3. Accommodation

For a convenient exploration of the narrow alleys of the old town and easy access to renowned dining spots, opt for hotels in the heart of the historic district. As this area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, hotels rated 3 stars and below impose a heritage fee of 2 RM per night, while 4-star hotels charge 3 RM per night.

The cost for a double room in a 3-star hotel ranges from 1.5 million VND per night, including breakfast. For a more budget-friendly option, consider bunk beds in guesthouses tucked away in the small alleys of the old town, priced from 250,000 VND per night.

If you desire privacy and a breezy atmosphere, you can choose resort accommodations by the beach, starting from 1.5 million VND, approximately a 30-minute drive from the center of George Town. However, in the evening, finding eateries around these resorts might be a bit challenging.

4. Popular Attractions

George Town: home to some of the most famous 3D Graffiti walls in Southeast Asia, scattered along narrow streets, providing captivating photo opportunities. Street Art in George Town comes in two basic forms: 3D paintings and steel rod sculptures, all depicting the customs and culture of the old town from ancient times to the present day.

Harmony Street (Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling): This location houses four longstanding spiritual sites in Southeast Asia - St. George's Church, Goddess of Mercy Temple, Sri Mah Marianmman Indian Temple, and Kapitan Keling Mosque.

Penang Peranakan Mansion (also known as Baba Nyonya Museum) is an iconic house symbolizing the affluent lifestyle of the Hoa community over a century ago.

Khoo Kongsi Clan House – a series of buildings constructed with impressive Chinese architecture, featuring a grand and ornate hall adorned with intricate carvings and elaborate wooden embellishments.

The Clan Jetties, built in the 19th century by immigrants from Fujian, China, was once the bustling trading port of Malaysia. Stroll along the wooden bridges, venture into the village, and observe the daily life of the residents.

Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest temple in Penang and the grandest Buddhist structure in Southeast Asia, playing a significant role in the religious life of the Chinese community in Malaysia. Perched atop a hill facing the sea, it boasts numerous impressive features, including 10,000 exquisitely carved statues, a 30-meter tall Goddess of Mercy statue, and a seven-tiered pagoda surrounded by vibrant gardens.

Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple, built in the early 19th century by the Myanmar community, is the oldest Buddhist temple in Penang. The temple roof and giant golden Buddha statue shine extravagantly, attracting visitors during festive occasions.

Chaiya Mangkalaram Thai Temple is the renowned Buddhist temple in Penang, housing the world's third-largest reclining Buddha statue, measuring 33 meters. Despite its lengthy and intricate name, most tourists find it amusing when locals refer to the temple as the Sleep Buddha.

Sunrise around the Penang Bridge area: Penang Island is famous for its two bridges both named Penang. The first Penang Bridge spans 13.5 km, while the second, Southeast Asia's longest suspension bridge at 24 km, connects Penang Island to the Malay Peninsula, saving travel time between the island and the mainland.

5. Diverse Cuisine

Penang is hailed as the 'food capital of the world,' boasting diverse street cuisine from the multicultural community. Upon arrival, indulge in the unique specialties of the original Malay, Chinese-Malay, and Indian-Malay communities.

Every evening, a stroll through street food districts like Kimberley and Chulia provides a taste of Malay national dishes. Noteworthy options include Assam Laksa - a soup with the sweetness of brown fish paste, the sourness of tamarind, the spiciness of chili, and the fragrance of laksa leaves; Chinese-style Hainanese Chicken Rice - boiled or roasted chicken served with soy sauce and chili sauce; Char Kway Teow - stir-fried flat rice noodles with eggs, seafood, and bean sprouts; and Phuket Noodles - golden-threaded noodles, tofu squares, and a coconut milk curry broth.

Also worth mentioning is Satay, skewered and pre-seasoned beef or chicken grilled to perfection, enjoyed with a delectable peanut sauce. Additionally, you'll encounter carts selling skewered meat and fresh seafood at affordable prices. After selecting and paying, you can either dip the skewers in a hot pot or grill them on a charcoal stove, creating a delightful experience on the spot. If you visit Little India, don't miss trying Nasi Dalca - rice served with spicy curry, combined with beef, chicken, shrimp, eggs, and more.

By Phan Ngọc Hạnh/Zing News

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour