Short Trips: Top Relaxing and Exciting Getaways

A short trip is a type of travel that fits many lifestyles, especially for those with busy schedules. It usually lasts from 1 to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy a getaway and relax in a short span of time. These destinations are typically near your current location—within the same province or nearby provinces/countries—to minimize travel time and energy.

Today, short trips are favored for their convenience, offering the chance to explore new places and quickly recharge after days filled with work and obligations.

Wondering where to go for a short trip? Many people immediately think of domestic spots, especially those close to where they live. These places often have fresh air, cool climates, and peaceful nature—perfect for unwinding. Here are some of the most popular short-trip destinations within Vietnam:

The town of Sapa is already a household name among both local and international tourists, known for its majestic nature nestled beneath the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and its cool, refreshing climate. From Hanoi, it only takes about 5 hours to reach Sapa. Here, you can breathe in the fresh air, admire the lush green terraced rice fields, or challenge yourself to conquer Mount Fansipan, dubbed the “Roof of Indochina.”

Depending on the time of year, visitors to Sapa can also enjoy cloud-hunting or even snow-hunting. Immersing yourself in the unique local culture in the nearby villages also brings fresh, memorable experiences that can help you “reset” after a short trip.

In Sapa, you’ll witness poetic villages shrouded in mist and the majestic, layered beauty of mountainous landscapes.

A short trip to Sapa typically lasts 2–3 days—just enough for travelers to unwind, enjoy the culture and cuisine, and visit must-see sites like Cat Cat Village, Stone Church, Ham Rong Mountain, and Fansipan Peak. The cost ranges from 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 VND per person.

See also: Sapa travel guide 3 days 2 nights: Itinerary & Travel Tips

If Sapa is the gem of the Northwest, then Da Lat is the top getaway destination in the Central Highlands, especially for young travelers from the South. In addition to its refreshingly cool climate similar to Sapa, Da Lat charms visitors with its romantic scenery, often referred to as the “city of mist.” That’s why Da Lat is frequently chosen as a short-trip destination—a place to unwind and soothe the soul after days of study or work.

On a short trip to Da Lat, you can explore this highland city through attractions like Xuan Huong Lake, Tuyen Lam Lake, Cau Dat Tea Hill, Cam Ly Waterfall, and the Valley of Love. Or simply start your morning at a café, admiring the misty mountain views. In the evening, Da Lat Night Market becomes a lively hub for visitors. Sip a warm glass of soy milk, enjoy grilled corn, and soak in the crisp night air.

Da Lat is served by Lien Khuong Airport, making it a convenient and time-saving destination for short trips. You can book Vietjet flights to Da Lat for as low as 60,000 VND.

Mang Den is a lesser-known gem located in Kon Tum Province, part of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. This area draws visitors with its untouched forests, lakes, waterfalls, and endless pine hills. With a cool climate, rich flora, and serene landscapes, Mang Den is a refreshing alternative to Da Lat and Sapa for a short vacation. As tourism has yet to fully develop here, it’s ideal for travelers seeking unspoiled natural beauty and tranquil escapes.

In Mang Den, you can admire natural wonders like Pa Sy Waterfall, Dak Ke Lake, the Wooden Statue Garden, Kon Klor Suspension Bridge, and Mang Den Pine Forest. While in Kon Tum, be sure to try unique local dishes such as grilled chicken with bamboo sticky rice, numbing pepper hotpot, sturgeon, and wild banana flower salad.

To reach Mang Den, you can take a coach or fly with Vietjet to Pleiku, then continue by bus—saving both time and energy. Airfares start at just 95,000 VND, excluding taxes and checked baggage.

Recently, Nam Cat Tien National Park has become a popular nature-focused destination among adventure lovers. Located between Lam Dong and Dong Nai provinces, the park is about 150 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. It serves as a conservation area for rare flora and fauna.

Nam Cat Tien National Park boasts a diverse ecosystem of primeval forests, rivers, streams, and centuries-old trees.

With lush rainforests and fresh waterways, Nam Cat Tien offers a variety of activities for short-trip explorers. Trekking through the forest and crossing streams is a favorite among young adventurers, offering a hands-on experience of the park’s wilderness and the soothing embrace of Mother Nature. In addition to hiking, many visitors choose to bike around the park to easily reach highlights such as Bau Sau Wetlands, the Bear Rescue Station – Fairy Island, and ancient trees like the Thousand-Year-Old Tung Tree and the Giant Afzelia Tree.

In addition to domestic spots, Vietnamese travelers often explore neighboring countries for quick and relaxing getaways. Here are some popular short-trip international destinations:

For many travel enthusiasts, Bangkok (Thailand) is no stranger. The capital of the Land of Smiles captivates visitors with its vibrant street food culture, ancient architectural wonders, and unique travel experiences.

Bangkok is an exciting short-trip destination blending traditional charm with modern appeal.

From Vietnam, it takes only about 2 hours to fly to Bangkok. Once there, you can visit the Grand Palace, sacred temples, Chinatown, and more. With a well-planned 2-3 day itinerary, you’ll have plenty of time to experience the city’s vibrant culture and explore its hottest attractions.

Airfare to Bangkok is considered affordable by many travelers. At Vietjet, tickets to Bangkok are available starting from just 330,000 VND, making your short trip even more budget-friendly.

Also located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia offers numerous unique travel experiences perfect for a short getaway. Its capital, Kuala Lumpur, is famously home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers—one of the country’s most visited landmarks.

A direct flight to Kuala Lumpur from Vietnam takes only about 2 hours, making it ideal for a 2-3 day short trip. Vietjet frequently offers tickets to Kuala Lumpur starting from just 240,000 VND.

While in Kuala Lumpur, consider staying in central hotels and exploring both the inner city and its outskirts. Some must-visit attractions include Perdana Botanical Gardens, Jalan Alor Food Street, the Batu Caves complex, and the Federal Territory Mosque.

Laos is a neighboring country to the west and northwest of Vietnam. It shares many cultural similarities with Vietnam and is known for its friendly people. In recent years, Laos has become a popular destination for Vietnamese travelers. If you're wondering where to go for an exciting short trip, this friendly neighboring country offers plenty of memorable experiences. In particular, Vientiane – the capital of Laos – attracts many visitors with its ancient temples, unique architecture, and sacred Buddha statues.

Vientiane exudes a peaceful, ancient charm with traditional architectural landmarks.

With under 2 hours of flight time, you can start your short trip exploring the Land of a Million Elephants and admire the spiritual architecture of Vientiane. Being a border-sharing neighbor, Laos is easily accessible from Vietnam via multiple transport options. If you're coming from Northern or Central provinces, buses are a common choice. For a quicker and more comfortable journey, book a flight to Vientiane via international airlines like Vietjet—with fares starting from just 240,000 VND.

Recommended places for your short trip in Vientiane include Wat Sisaket, Pha That Luang, Patuxay Victory Monument, Buddha Park, and the Vientiane Night Market. Travel expenses in Laos are very budget-friendly, from entrance tickets to meals—you can enjoy a full trip within 2–3 days at low cost.

Short trips usually last 1–3 days, so travelers should pack lightly while still ensuring all daily essentials are covered. Here are some practical packing tips:

• Large backpack: For short trips, a large backpack with multiple compartments is ideal for easy organization and convenient mobility.
• Personal documents: Always bring ID (citizen ID/passport/driver’s license), especially for hotel check-ins and flights.
• Power bank: To avoid running out of phone battery during active travel days.
• Travel-sized cosmetics: Use mini bottles to pack just enough skincare/makeup for the trip.
• Universal adapter: Essential when traveling to countries with different plug standards.
• Medicines & basic medical kit: Include common remedies (headache, stomach ache, flu), insect repellent, and basic wound care supplies like bandages or antiseptic.

To make the most of your short getaway, keep these in mind:

• Pack efficiently: Use every inch of space in your bag to fit all necessary items.
• Clothing balance: Plan outfits by day and occasion to avoid overpacking.
• Dress for comfort: Wear lightweight, breathable clothes and comfortable shoes for lots of walking or exploring.
• Check the weather: Pack appropriately based on the forecast at your destination.
• Pre-plan your itinerary: A well-organized plan helps minimize transit time and ensures you experience more in limited days.
• Carry cash: In areas without ATMs, having enough local currency is essential for smooth spending and shopping.

With all the benefits short trips offer, travelers can enjoy meaningful experiences even with limited time. Hopefully, Vietjet’s list of chill short-trip destinations has inspired your next journey. Don’t miss the chance to hunt for 0 VND tickets on both domestic and international routes with Vietjet daily between 12 PM – 2 PM right HERE.

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