Buzz
Sometimes, you just want to shake off all the stress with an impromptu, short getaway. But for unplanned trips, choosing a destination can be a bit tricky – not knowing where to go, what to eat, or where to stay. Let Mytour guide you with four fantastic destinations favored by many for spontaneous trips. Just take a look and pack your bags!
These spots can get pretty crowded during peak travel seasons due to their convenient accessibility and minimal planning required. So if you've found a place you like, quickly plan your itinerary. And don't risk missing out on flights or ideal accommodations – book with Mytour for fast, convenient, and budget-friendly options.
1. Da Lat
Did you know: Cooler weather makes food taste even better. That's why Dalat's cuisine is so diverse and delicious, blending perfectly with the cool atmosphere to create a food lover's paradise. The dishes in Dalat are easy to eat and cater to many tastes.
Banh Can:
Banh Can - a snack that captures the hearts of many. Dalat's Banh Can is a familiar and filling snack for the locals, served in humble yet cozy eateries. Each serving consists of about 4 to 5 pairs of cakes, topped with chicken or quail eggs. Banh Can is enjoyed with a warm, diluted dipping sauce, scallion oil, pork meatball, and sometimes a crispy sausage.
Enjoying some Banh Can at Goc Cay Bo. @Mytour Golocal
A hearty and piping hot breakfast. @Mytour Golocal
Discover Some Super Delicious Banh Can Addresses:Chicken Heart Steamed Rice Pancake:
Alongside banh can, chicken heart steamed rice pancake is also a specialty in Da Lat. Nowadays, this dish is sold in other areas because many people have fallen in love with it. However, Mytour suggests you enjoy this specialty dish in Da Lat to fully appreciate its flavor.
This chicken heart steamed rice pancake is rare in Ho Chi Minh City but very popular in Da Lat. @Mytour Golocal
Give it a try! @Mytour Golocal
Chicken Heart Steamed Rice Pancake consists of refreshing rice paper, shredded chicken heart or chicken meat, cilantro, and crunchy onions. Some places also serve it with pork sausage and quail eggs.
Some famous Chicken Heart Steamed Rice Pancake spots:
Ba Toa Beef Hotpot at Gỗ Restaurant:
Another specialty from the 'land of fog' is none other than this beef hotpot!
Eating at Gỗ Restaurant is the authentic way to go.
Ba Toa hotpot is renowned for its thick, large, chewy, fragrant, and slightly fatty beef slices. The beef parts served with the hotpot include: beef brisket, tendon, tail, and tripe. Everyone raves about the sweet aroma of Ba Toa beef hotpot broth, which is simmered entirely from beef bones, served with various green vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, water spinach, spinach, coriander, tofu skin, tofu, and instant noodles or rice noodles/pho noodles that are simply divine. Another special touch is the aromatic dipping sauce, spicy and fragrant, perfect for dipping the beef. Can't imagine how delicious this beef hotpot is? Watch this video and you'll know right away! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWBw6UHJ-jo&t=19s
As a tourist city, Da Lat boasts prominent attractions, each with its own charm. You can easily arrange your itinerary between these spots, saving time efficiently. Mytour suggests some central destinations you can visit anytime:
Xuan Huong Lake:
An icon of Da Lat city. Located in the city center, Xuan Huong Lake is always bustling with tourists strolling around the lake. Xuan Huong Lake offers various services such as tandem bike rentals, swan paddle boats, and enjoying coffee by the lake.
'Check-in' at the Y-shaped bridge, Xuan Huong Lake. @Mytour Golocal
Tuyen Lam Lake:
At Tuyen Lam Lake, there are many small flower gardens with vibrant colors surrounding it. The lake, located 7 km from the city center, is surrounded by pristine forests, offering fresh and cool air. Around the lake, there are also many luxurious and tranquil resorts, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Tuyen Lam Lake is a stunning check-in spot, especially around October-November - the season of red maple leaves. @tuongguyenn
Bao Dai Palace:
Built from 1933 to 1938. This is where the last king of the Nguyen dynasty lived and worked. The palace has now become a favorite tourist spot for young people whenever they visit Da Lat. Currently, in the 'city of thousands of flowers,' there are three palaces open to serve tourism.
2. Danang
Located on the famous Central Vietnam tourist route, Danang has mountains, plains, and beaches. This is the second city that Mytour recommends for you to visit if you only have a few days for a 'change of scenery.' The best time to visit Danang is during the dry season, with cool, pleasant, and clear weather. The main mode of transportation to Danang is by plane with a very short flight time. And if you catch flight tickets at the right time with Mytour, you can get them at a very attractive price.
Check out this video for more travel experiences in Danang:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaX2f1yjLjY&t=48s
The cuisine in Danang is diverse and caters to all tastes. There are some dishes that you should prioritize trying so you don't miss out even if you're only visiting Danang for a few short days.
Pork Rolled Rice Paper:
Pork rolled rice paper in Danang is a renowned specialty, addictive to many. Although this dish seems familiar from North to South, for some reason, tourists flock to Danang to enjoy it. The dish consists of fresh green vegetables, served with a special dipping sauce called 'mam nem' and the star, thinly sliced boiled pork. The tender, sweet pork meat combined with just the right amount of fat elevates this dish in the hearts of every traveler.
A renowned dish of Danang.
Seafood:
Due to Danang's coastal location, seafood is a highly attractive cuisine in this city. You can easily find seafood restaurants all over Danang's streets. Fresh shrimp, crab, squid, shellfish, and more await to satisfy the never-ending craving for seafood among the young crowd.
Some recommended restaurants:
When in Danang, one cannot overlook the delicious seafood stalls.
One of the things that makes Danang attractive for short tourist seasons is its unique, modern, and highly artistic attractions. There are places that can be said to be 'one of a kind' in Vietnam and even the region, so if you don't visit them, it's a big loss. Remember to check out these interesting places when you visit Danang for a short trip!
Dragon Bridge:
When you come to Danang, you will see bridges spreading across the city's roads, so this city is also known as the 'city of bridges.' Among them, Dragon Bridge is notable for its water and fire show, attracting many visitors. Dragon Bridge will shoot 18 flames and 3 water jets on the last two days of the week - Saturday and Sunday, starting at 9:00 PM, lasting for 15 minutes. Remember to arrive early, about 30 minutes before, to choose a good spot so you don't miss out.
Admire the Dragon Bridge spewing fire every weekend.
Conquering Chessboard Peak:
The reason why the mountain peak is called Chessboard Peak is because there is a statue of an immortal sitting playing chess here. To reach the mountain peak, you will have to drive along the winding road around the rocky mountain and climb a long stone staircase. From the mountain peak, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the distant scenery, extremely poetic, majestic and cool, dispelling the tiredness of workdays.
Panoramic view of Son Tra Peninsula, including Chessboard Peak. @Mytour
Visit amusement parks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dNpgs__Yh8&t=10s
Da Nang is a quite famous destination on the tourist map, welcoming millions of tourists every year, so there are many attractive amusement parks for tourists to enjoy such as Ba Na Hills, Mount Than Tai, Asia Park,... Because there are so many exciting entertainment activities, you can visit these amusement parks and spend the whole day there without getting bored.
Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills has become extremely famous, hasn't it?
Fantasy Park amusement park at Ba Na Hills.
The hot springs park at Mount Than Tai is a destination that, while not new, guarantees many exciting activities.
One of the must-try activities when visiting Mount Than Tai is soaking in mineral mud.
3. Vung Tau
Just under 2 hours' drive from Saigon, Vung Tau is always the first place that comes to mind for a short and spontaneous trip. Familiar as it may be, tourism in Vung Tau is also developing with many beautiful hotels and new, interesting entertainment spots emerging, making it never lacking in excitement. Besides its beautiful beaches, Vung Tau still has many tourist attractions, entertainment areas, and countless delicious seafood dishes that no foodie soul would want to miss.
Planning a short getaway? Vung Tau is a must-visit destination. @Mytour Golocal
Situated in the tropical climate zone of Southeastern Vietnam, Vung Tau weather is characterized by two distinct seasons:
Thanks to its mild weather, Vung Tau becomes a year-round destination for tourists, offering plenty of attractions without requiring much travel time. Experienced travelers recommend avoiding days with storms or rough seas for safety reasons.
Banh Khot:
When in Vung Tau, you can't miss the famous Banh Khot. Vung Tau's Banh Khot differs slightly from those in the Southern region, with thin crispy batter fried in deep oil. Served with fresh shrimp, powdered shrimp, scallion oil, and accompanied by fish sauce, pickles, and raw vegetables.
Crispy Banh Khot paired with fresh seafood from the coastal region will freshen up your trip. @Mytour Golocal
Some great Banh Khot spots in Vung Tau:Stingray hotpot:
Stingray hotpot is an affordable seafood dish in Vung Tau. What's better than enjoying a sour hotpot filled with sour bamboo shoots, corn, and tender sweet stingray after a hot noon?
Sour and spicy Stingray hotpot is the 'specialty' of Vung Tau.
Famous stingray hotpot eateriesSalted egg sponge cake:
A tempting snack that has spread nationwide is the salted egg sponge cake. Not too intricate, this cake allures with its fragrant aroma straight from the oven, soft and fluffy texture, and the savory taste of various fillings like salted egg, cheese, shredded pork…
Some delicious salted egg sponge cake shops:
This is the box of salted egg sponge cake at Electric Pole Root. @Mytour Golocal
Seafood:
Seafood in coastal cities, especially in Vung Tau, is always fresh and enhanced with delicious flavors that have captivated many seafood enthusiasts. In Vung Tau, you can find numerous seafood restaurants offering a variety of dishes to savor, just sit back and wait for the dishes to arrive. Alternatively, following the current trend, tourists often enjoy visiting seafood wholesale markets to handpick their own ingredients, then organize their own parties and cooking sessions. The cost is also much more affordable this way.
Seafood has never been a wrong choice whenever you have the opportunity to visit a coastal city. @Mytour Golocal
Popular seafood restaurants in Vung Tau:Bach Dinh (Villa Blanche):
This building, designed in Roman architecture, leans against this Big Mountain and was once the summer retreat of the Governor-General of French Indochina Paul Doumer for his daughter. It's one of the attractions drawing tourists for showcasing 19 cannons and many valuable antiques.
Bach Dinh is a perfect spot for 'Instagrammable' photos with its nostalgic and serene corners. @How Many Country
The cool shade of the porcelain flower garden right next to the building. @How Many Country
Maritime Signal Station:
The Vung Tau lighthouse was built in 1862, designed as a 18-meter high cylindrical tower. The path to the lighthouse winds up the mountain, surrounded by shady trees. Particularly, there's Cô Tiên stall offering two famous dishes: peach kernel eggs and soft yogurt at very affordable prices.
The lighthouse at night. @How Many Country
Vung Tau Panoramic Viewpoint:
With its beautiful pristine beaches and picturesque natural scenery, Vung Tau always evokes unforgettable emotions for tourists. If you have the chance to admire the panoramic view of this beautiful coastal city from above, casting your eyes to where the sky meets the sea and towards the sprawling forests, you will understand why Vung Tau continues to captivate so many despite the passing of time.
Mui Nghinh Phong (meaning 'welcoming wind') is one of the top spots to enjoy the sea view from above. Both its front and back faces the sea, allowing you to admire two different beaches at the same time. To fully appreciate the splendid beauty of this city, you should stand from the statue of Christ atop Tao Phung Mountain and gaze down.
At the foot of Mui Nghinh Phong, the wind is already 'welcoming' like this. @Mytour Golocal
Pig Hill has also become a favorite spot for young people recently. Originally a place for quarrying stones on high, Pig Hill 'accidentally' possesses extremely picturesque scenery with a high view overlooking the entire city. Standing on this hill, Thuy Van Road, a corner of Ha Long Street, the blue Bai Sau Beach, and the picturesque Hon Ba Island in the middle of the sea will all be within sight. Additionally, you can also camp on Pig Island. However, it's still a place for stone quarrying with a rather dangerous terrain, so please pay attention to safety, and avoid climbing or crossing beyond the safety barriers.
4. Thailand
If you want to 'change the scenery' with international destinations, the 'Land of Golden Temples' is one of the top choices for trips of about 3-4 days. During long holidays, many Vietnamese people choose Thailand as their destination. Due to its close proximity to Vietnam, diverse flight schedules, and numerous airline options, not to mention the hassle-free visa process, rich religious and cultural heritage, and outstanding culinary scene, Thailand is truly a suitable destination if you want to embark on a spontaneous trip at any time of the year.
Many Thai dishes feature spicy or intense flavors, but are rich and enticing. Below are some dishes to try when in Thailand. We'll cover both spicy dishes and sweet treats for those who can't handle the heat.
Pad Thai:
Considered the 'national soul' of Thailand, Pad Thai consists of stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu, shrimp, tamarind, scallions, bean sprouts, ground peanuts, and fish sauce.
If you're craving Pad Thai, head straight to the most famous eatery here - Thip Samai. @aroimakmak
Since the eatery stays open until late, it could be your spot for a late-night bite. @theguardian
Tom Yum:
A signature spicy and sour soup of Thailand. This dish is made from fresh delicious shrimp, along with various spices and herbs. Tom yum has a distinctive spicy and sour taste that is quintessentially Thai.
Indulge in the flavors of Tom Yum. @rattisin
Mango Sticky Rice:
A sweet dessert that everyone adores. Mango Sticky Rice consists of sticky rice cooked with fragrant coconut milk, served with ripe mango slices, sesame seeds, and rich coconut cream drizzled on top.
Seafood Bucket:
Fresh and delicious seafood such as large prawns, clams, cuttlefish, corn, carrots, etc., cooked in a tangy and fragrant sauce. This dish is served in a tray or bucket, and you'll be provided with a pair of clean plastic gloves to eat. You can visit the Rod Fai night market to enjoy this unique and flavorful dish.
Bangkok:
The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok, is always an excellent choice for travel due to its rich culture, cuisine, and entertainment options. There's so much to eat and buy in Bangkok. With just one day, you can visit historical landmarks in Bangkok, go shopping, and still have time to leisurely enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sunset over the Chao Phraya River.
The Commons complex is a trendy hotspot in Bangkok beloved by the younger crowd. @destinasian.com
Enjoy a cup of coffee at KINN Kaffe & Craft. @bw.anuwat
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown at night. @ohhcouture.com
Nearby Destinations from Bangkok:
Escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok with these destinations that offer a completely different experience. Refresh your trip to Thailand with places just a few hours away from the capital city, such as Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Khao Yai, and more.
This beautiful garden is located in Khao Yai, just about a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. @repeacediary
Or explore the botanical garden in Chiang Mai. @wemovedabroad
Kanchanaburi is famous for its beautiful waterfalls. @joshrh19
Temples:
As the 'Land of Temples,' Thailand boasts many beautiful and sacred temples. Don't forget to visit these temples and offer your prayers! Note that temples in Thailand have strict dress codes: for women, skirts or pants must be at least knee-length, not tight-fitting, with a collared or sleeved top, no sleeveless tops. For men, it's advisable to wear long pants and a collared shirt or a T-shirt with sleeves.
No one visits Thailand without paying a visit to Wat Arun. @icingandglitter.com
Wat Pho houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. @katiespostcard
In addition to temples, the palaces in Thailand are also must-visit destinations when exploring the land of golden temples. @ohhcouture.com
Who says you can't go on a short trip spontaneously? With Mytour's list of destinations, you can travel extensively even with limited time, and the experiences are far from lacking. Don't forget to save this post and get ready for the upcoming holiday season!
