No flights needed: Northern Vietnam’s hottest getaways near Hanoi this Reunification Anniversary

Sam Son: A vibrant beach festival and mega water park 

Just over three hours by expressway from Hanoi, Sam Son is gaining momentum with the launch of the Sam Son Sea Tourism Festival 2026, expected to open on the evening of April 25 at the city’s beachfront square. Beyond the festival, the coastal city offers extended entertainment with Sun World Sam Son, one of the largest outdoor amusement complexes in Northern Vietnam developed by Sun Group. 

A world-class water entertainment paradise at Sun World Sam Son

Spanning 33.5 hectares, the park draws inspiration from Vietnamese legends such as Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh and the Muong epic “The Birth of Land and Water,” reflected in its design and ride names. Even before the peak summer season, excitement is building with the “Water Festival,” offering special access from April 12 to April 24, 2026, at just VND 100,000 per person.

Ha Nam: Cooling off at the water park 

For those seeking a refreshing escape close to Hanoi, Ha Nam stands out as a top pick. Located less than an hour from the capital, the province is emerging as a major travel hotspot this April as Sun World Ha Nam Water Park reopens. With an impressive scale, its rides deliver high-energy thrills for visitors of all ages.

Adventure seekers can take on the “Dual Racing Slides” – the first double slide system of its kind in Southeast Asia. Families, meanwhile, can cool off together at the expansive “Wave Bay” spanning over 4,600 square meters, or drift along a 500-meter lazy river. Younger guests will love the “Fox Hunting, Duck Catching” zone, where mini slides and play areas are specially designed with safety in mind.

Sun World Ha Nam Water Park officially reopens to welcome visitors during the Hung Kings’ Festival

A trip to Ha Nam extends beyond its vibrant water attractions. As evening falls, the Times Square area comes alive with one of Vietnam’s longest water music shows, alongside the dazzling giant Doi Tam Drum installation illuminated in shifting colors. Visitors can also explore spiritual sites, cultural landmarks, and traditional craft villages, offering a more tranquil counterbalance after a day of excitement. The seamless blend of modern entertainment and rich heritage is turning Ha Nam into a must-visit destination near Hanoi.  

Sa Pa: Chasing the roses in bloom 

Marking the 10th anniversary of the Fansipan cable car, Sa Pa continues to shine as a leading destination with the 2026 Rose Festival themed “Symphony of Roses,” running from April 25 to May 3. Visitors can stroll through a nearly 50,000-square-meter valley showcasing over 2,000 climbing rose bushes native to Sa Pa, alongside nearly 6,000 rare imported varieties from the UK, France, Germany, and Japan.

>>> Book your Fansipan cable car tickets now to reach the “Roof of Indochina” amid a stunning sea of blooming roses.

Millions of roses in full bloom create an unmissable check-in spot at Sun World Fansipan Legend 

From the nostalgic charm of Sa Pa’s native climbing roses to the vibrant hues of imported varieties such as Molineux, Blue Sky, and Kate, the festival paints a romantic landscape. The experience is elevated further by the live show “The Journey of Flowers,” which tells the story of blossoming love through contemporary folk music and graceful choreography. 

On the afternoons of April 25 and 26, the mountain town will come alive with a vibrant Carnival parade, featuring elaborately decorated floats and hundreds of local artisans, moving from Quần Square to Xuan Vien intersection.  

Experience the rich cultural tapestry of the Northwest at May Village

Beyond the floral wonderland, visitors can explore May Village – a “living museum” showcasing the cultures of nine Northwest ethnic groups. Here, performances such as “Sacred Peak Odyssey” and “Northwest in Bloom” bring local traditions to life. The journey to conquer Fansipan during the holiday also offers breathtaking visuals, including a 60-meter-long rhododendron path at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. The most sacred highlight comes with the flag-raising ceremony atop the 3,143-meter summit on the morning of April 30, where Vietnam’s national flag flies proudly on the anniversary of national reunification.

Ha Long: Fireworks lighting up the bay every night

From April 25, a high-altitude fireworks show will become a nightly highlight for visitors to Bai Chay. Thousands of fireworks will be launched with more than 50 visual effects, transforming the bayfront into a spectacular stage of light. The illuminated lighthouse and dazzling bursts promise to turn the Sun Elite City area into a breathtaking visual experience. 

Spectacular 3D mapping show combined with dazzling fireworks at VUI-Fest Ha Long 

During the holiday, visitors can also explore VUI-Fest Ha Long, a nighttime entertainment complex inspired by the region’s historic trading ports. Unlike traditional night markets, VUI-Fest operates as an immersive festival space, where the line between performers and audience is blurred.

The peak of the celebrations will be Carnaval Ha Long 2026, opening on the evening of April 30 at October 30 Square under the theme “Heritage Shines in a New Era.” Expanded across Bai Chay and Hon Gai, the event is expected to attract around 50,000 spectators and thousands of performers from Vietnam and abroad.  

Cat Ba: A creative green market by the heritage bay 

Located about 2.5–3 hours from Hanoi, Cat Ba is emerging as a rising coastal star this holiday. A standout feature reshaping the destination is the beachfront at the central bay city of Xanh Island. Visitors are greeted by calm waters, gentle waves, fine sand, and rows of towering coconut trees reaching 30–40 meters high – an uncommon sight in Northern Vietnam, evoking the feel of tropical beaches.  

VUI-Fest Cat Ba brings a vibrant, multi-sensory art space to life  

Notably, Cat Ba will officially launch its creative green market, VUI-Fest, on April 25, 2026, operating daily from 9:30 AM to midnight. Visitors can enjoy German-style craft beer without traveling abroad, thanks to Sun Bavaria Cat Ba, serving Sun KraftBeer brewed using advanced technology from Germany’s renowned Braukon brand.

The market promises a lively atmosphere with performances inspired by the mythical tale of Saint’s Island. Dancers dressed as “envoys” from different lands, along with DJs, fire shows, and live bands, will create a dynamic artistic celebration.

A new must-visit destination for the Hung Kings’ Festival and Reunification Anniversary in Cat Ba

Emphasizing sustainability, VUI-Fest also features meaningful interactive spaces such as a “Creative Corner,” where plastic waste can be exchanged for recycling workshops, and a “Kindness Corner,” where old books can be traded for plants, turning it into one of the most inspiring stops in Northern Vietnam this summer. 

This is seen as a golden opportunity for families and young travelers to experience over 12 adventure ride complexes across three themed zones. Immersing in the cool waters of the Legendary Song Do River and capturing moments in uniquely designed check-in spaces is set to make this destination one of the most vibrant entertainment hubs in the region.