Top 5 Must-Visit Destinations from Ho Chi Minh City on April 30th Holiday Without Flying

With the upcoming April 30th holiday, tourists from Ho Chi Minh City have many options to travel by road with a time limit of 1-4 days, avoiding expensive air tickets.

Mr. Minh Quan, traditional manager at a travel company in Ho Chi Minh City, offers 5 recommendations for travellers planning trips from the city. These options are easily accessible by bus or personal vehicle, allowing for a hassle-free booking process and the flexibility to plan your itinerary up to a week in advance.

1. Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak

Make your April 30 memorable by soaking up the sun in Dak Lak before the rainy season arrives! Just an 8-hour scenic drive, roughly 350 km from Ho Chi Minh City, leads you to this renowned Central Highlands gem. Bus fares from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot range from 200,000 to 400,000 VND on regular weekdays, with holiday round-trips averaging around 720,000 VND.

In Buon Ma Thuot’s vibrant city center, travellers are surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, perfect for a 3-day, 2-night adventure—or longer for eager explorers.

Accommodations cater to all preferences, from top-rated hotels like Muong Thanh Hotel and Nice Hotel, starting at 300,000 VND, to cozy homestays like Zan Homestay, ranging from 300,000 to 1,200,000 VND per night.

Don’t miss nearby attractions like the Buon Don tourist area, Crocodile Pit, Yang-tao Elephant rock, Dray Nur and Dray Sap waterfalls, and the ancient M’nong Rlam pottery village.

For a deeper nature experience, consider staying at the Ban Don tourist area or by Lak Lake, where Lak Tented Camp offers a serene lakeside retreat, perfect for nature lovers and larger groups.

2. Tuy Hoa- Song Cau

Perfect for a 3-4 day escape, Tuy Hoa is a delightful destination easily reachable from Ho Chi Minh City. Round-trip flights cost about 4 million VND. For those who prefer road travel, a bus ride takes around 9 hours, often overnight, which helps conserve daylight. However, be aware that during peak holiday seasons, bus fares to Phu Yen can rise sharply to nearly 1.7 million VND

Once in Tuy Hoa, take local bus number 08 to explore Song Cau, about 111 km away. The bus operates from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with frequent departures and ticket prices ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 VND.

Though not as well-known, Song Cau offers picturesque hills and vibrant coastal fishing villages. Experience local culture at the Mo O ball weaving village, where you can learn traditional crafts. Also, try making coconut rice paper in an area surrounded by over 1,000 hectares of coconut palms—a unique hands-on experience. For a bit of adventure, join a fishing expedition on Cu Mong lagoon, capping off your visit with a taste of freshly caught seafood.

3. Suoi O Beach, Binh Chau, Ba Ria- Vung Tau

Escape the crowds of Vung Tau or Ho Tram and discover the tranquil Suoi O Beach in Binh Chau, Xuyen Moc district. Just a 100 km journey from Ho Chi Minh City and about 58 km from Vung Tau City, this serene spot is perfect for a peaceful retreat accessible by bus or car. Close to Binh Chau market and on the way to the hot springs, Suoi O Beach is ideal for a leisurely 2-day, 1-night getaway, or even a 3-day exploration to enjoy in more of Binh Chau or Ho Tram.

Suoi O Beach features gentle waves and a flat, sandy shore, creating a safe and relaxing environment for families, including seniors and children. The beach’s untouched beauty, highlighted by a few quaint basket boats, offers a picturesque setting. Nearby, Binh Chau port buzzes with activity, providing fresh seafood that visitors can enjoy right there or take home.

While there are no overnight accomodations on Suoi O Beach, visitors can camp under the stars or opt for a variety of accommodations in nearby Ho Tram or Binh Chau, ranging from luxurious resorts to cozy homestays and exciting glamping options.

4. Binh Duong

As the mangosteen harvest peaks from late April to early May, Binh Duong becomes a fruit lover’s paradise. Just a quick drive—45 to 90 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City—brings you to a landscape dotted with tourist spots, serene eco-tourism areas, and lush gardens. Whether you’re here for a day or staying overnight, there’s plenty to explore. Dive into nature at the Kawazo Phu Thinh eco-area or the tranquil Dau Tieng Lake, or step back in time at historical sites like the Southwest Ben Cat tunnels.

When it comes to accommodations, Binh Duong has something for every taste and budget. Luxurious options include The Mira and Fairfield by Marriott, with rooms starting at around one million VND per night. More budget-friendly choices like Long Bao Chau and Saigon Park offer a cozy stay starting from 400,000 VND. Whether you’re after luxury or simplicity, this vibrant destination caters to all.

5. Tien Giang

Tien Giang is a perfect spot for a day trip or a family outing, especially if you have kids. A highlight here is the Cho Gao cocoa garden, where you can dive into the world of chocolate making. For about 300,000 VND, you can learn all about chocolate and even make your own bar. This hands-on experience is a fun twist on the usual garden tours.

After exploring the garden and learning at the factory, you will get to pour your own chocolate mould, wrap up your chocolate bar, and take it home for free. There’s also a tasting area where you can try different kinds of chocolates, both solid and liquid.

Besides the cocoa garden, there are lots of traditional games to play like fishing, tug of war, fruit picking, and pancake eating, all set in the beautiful garden.

Getting to Cho Gao cocoa garden from Ho Chi Minh City is easy. You can take a motorbike, car, or bus for just 85,000 VND per trip, and there’s a shuttle bus that picks up and drops off at the garden. The garden is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything.