Early summer weather can be scorching, and emotions run deep as we near our parting for the crucial university entrance exam. A weekend getaway to 'escape together' seems like a fitting choice.
Near Hanoi, there are 3 wonderful destinations for summer travel with your class before saying goodbye.
For 12th grade students, the farewell is imminent, each heading in different directions with individual future plans. Moreover, this is close to the important University entrance exam. The weather is hot, and emotions are always complex, so a 2-day 1-night summer trip with the whole class is the perfect choice. It's time to spend together before parting and relieve stress to gain positive energy for the exams.
Since we're still students, the budget for trips is usually limited. Therefore, we can't venture too far. No worries! The 3 destinations below, with mountains and sea, right near Hanoi, will be perfect choices for organizing a trip with the class before saying goodbye:
Thung Nai
– The average cost to rent a 45-seater bus to Thung Nai is about 4 – 6 million VND (depending on the bus company and timing).
– When arriving at Thung Nai, you'll only spend around 250 – 300,000 VND for a night's stay, three meals, and additional services (if agreed upon), such as boat rides, sightseeing tours... Roughly estimating, each person in the class group will only spend around 500,000 VND.
Dubbed as the “Halong Bay on land”, Thung Nai is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Hoa Binh. Thanks to its location amidst the Da River reservoir, Thung Nai is beautiful and pristine with its rocky islands on the reservoir or lush forests. Walking through the forests, you can see a breathtaking Thung Nai, the lake's surface rippling every morning or the sun turning a corner of the sky red at dusk.

This place is quite close to Hanoi, so it's very convenient for a class trip. Here, you can freely play in the cool, clear Trach stream, or simply sit and admire the majestic Bo waterfall or enjoy the peacefulness of the vast Thung Nai lake. If you're lucky, on clear nights, with a bright moon, you can rent a boat and paddle out to the middle of the lake to admire the moonlit sky and feel the cool breeze. Being with your friends in such moments is enough to feel very happy and peaceful.

– The costs for a trip to Mai Chau are similar to going to Thung Nai. If you're traveling in a large group, the best option is still to rent a passenger bus. The price is only 4-6 million VND for the whole class, which is convenient and reassuring.
– Both Lac village and Poom Coong village here are well-developed for tourism, so you'll never have to worry about a shortage of accommodations. The price is also only 50,000 VND/person/night. Eating, living, and activities are similar to going to Thung Nai, very simple and easy-going.
As the sibling of Thung Nai, also situated in Hoa Binh, Mai Chau may not boast the 'vast expanse of a great lake', but it exudes a romantic charm, cool and fresh air, diverse and rich culture, and distinctive cuisine.
Being a valley, the climate here is extremely mild; summers are not too hot, winters are not too cold. Hence, it's quite suitable for the whole class to 'escape' from the summer heat and the pressure of exams. What could be better than strolling with friends on roads surrounded by lush greenery, enveloped by majestic mountains shrouded in mist? Your class is sure to have some awesome photos. At night, you can hire locals to set up a campfire, complete with speakers, and lights for a fun and exciting experience.

Oh, and when visiting Mai Chau, don't miss out on Thung Khe Pass (White Stone Pass), it's the perfect spot to admire Mai Chau from above. A truly worthwhile experience.

Co To Island
– The cost of going to the beach will naturally be a bit higher than going to the mountains. The average price for a 45-seater bus trip from Hanoi to Van Don is around 9 – 10 million VND.
– Afterward, the whole class continues to take a high-speed boat to Co To with tickets priced at 160,000 VND/passenger on weekdays and 200,000 VND/passenger on weekends.
– Upon arrival, you can opt to stay at a homestay for 80-100,000 VND/person if in a group, or if you prefer more comfortable amenities at a hotel, the price will be around 600,000 VND/room for 4 people.
– Adding the food expenses of about 500,000 VND, you'll spend approximately 1 million VND/person for this trip.
If your class decides not to go to the mountains, then let's head to the sea together! Particularly in the northern coastal area, and near Hanoi, the first name that surely comes to mind is Co To Island. Famous for its long stretches of fine white sand, crystal-clear blue sea, perfect for your class to 'strike a pose' and have fun together. Besides swimming and visiting famous spots, organizing outdoor BBQ parties, bonfires on the beach, or squid fishing at night are all great plans. Your class will surely have more joyful memories to cherish.

The services on Co To Island in recent years have been quite good, with designated safe zones on all beaches, so no need to worry about danger. Just relax and enjoy the trip with your class.

According to Young Knowledge
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourMay 18, 2017