By aussiematesvietnam 
G’day! Your Ultimate Guide to Weekend Getaways in Vietnam
Crikey, has it really been almost 20 years since Tracy and I packed up our lives in the Lucky Country and made the big move to Vietnam? Time flies when you’re having fun, and believe me, we’ve had our fair share of adventures in this incredible country we now call home. As an Aussie who’s spent two decades exploring every nook and cranny of Vietnam, I reckon I’ve become a bit of an expert on how to make the most of a quick getaway in this diverse nation.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Vietnam? For just a weekend? Isn’t that a bit ambitious, mate?” Well, yes and no. Vietnam is certainly a country that deserves weeks, if not months, of exploration. But for many of my fellow Australians visiting on holiday, time is often a luxury they just don’t have. Whether you’re here on business with a few days to spare, or you’ve based yourself in one city and want to explore beyond its borders, this guide is for you.
I’ve put together some ripper weekend itineraries that will give you a taste of what Vietnam has to offer without leaving you feeling like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, from the historic charm of Hoi An to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City – we’ll cover the lot!
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Why Weekend Getaways Work in Vietnam
Before we dive into the specific destinations, let me tell you why Vietnam is perfect for weekend adventures. First off, the country’s domestic flight network is comprehensive and surprisingly affordable. You can fly from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south in just two hours, for less than the cost of a decent dinner back in Sydney.
Tracy and I have lost count of the number of times we’ve finished work on a Friday, hopped on a plane, and found ourselves sipping cold beers in a completely different part of the country by sunset. It’s that convenient!
Secondly, Vietnam’s tourism infrastructure has improved dramatically over the years. Even in remote areas, you’ll find comfortable accommodation, reliable transport, and English-speaking staff. This means less time sorting logistics and more time enjoying your weekend.
Lastly, Vietnam’s compact size and diversity mean you can experience something completely different without traveling far. One weekend you could be trekking through misty mountains, and the next, lounging on pristine beaches. It’s this variety that keeps Tracy and I constantly exploring after all these years.
Northern Vietnam Weekend Escapes
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: The Classic Combo
If you’re based in Hanoi or flying into the capital for a weekend, the Ha Long Bay trip is an absolute must-do. This UNESCO World Heritage site features thousands of limestone karsts jutting dramatically from emerald waters – it’s the kind of sight that makes you reach for your camera every five seconds, trust me!
Tracy and I have done this trip countless times with visiting friends and family, and we’ve got it down to a fine art. Here’s how to make the most of this classic northern getaway:
Friday evening: Arrive in Hanoi and stay overnight in the charming Old Quarter. Grab some dinner at a street food stall – the bún chả (grilled pork with noodles) is a local specialty that’ll knock your socks off.
Saturday morning: Take an early transfer to Ha Long Bay (about 2.5-3 hours by car). Pro tip from yours truly – book a cruise that departs before noon to maximize your time on the bay.
Saturday afternoon/evening: Cruise among the limestone karsts, visit floating villages, and if you’re feeling active, go kayaking around the rock formations. Most cruises include a stop at a beach or cave. The evening typically involves a delicious seafood dinner onboard and perhaps some squid fishing off the back of the boat – a right laugh even if you don’t catch anything!
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Sunday: Wake up to the stunning view of the bay at sunrise (worth setting your alarm for, I promise), enjoy a morning activity like tai chi on the deck, and then cruise back to the harbor. You’ll be back in Hanoi by late afternoon, with enough time to grab some dinner before heading home or to your next destination.
A word to the wise from an old hand – don’t go for the cheapest cruise option. Tracy and I made that mistake once in our early days, and let’s just say the photos in the brochure were from a different vessel entirely! Mid-range options offer much better value and comfort.
Sapa: Weekend in the Clouds
For something completely different, consider spending your weekend in Sapa. This mountainous region in the far north of Vietnam offers terraced rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see, vibrant hill tribe cultures, and a welcome respite from Vietnam’s heat.
Here’s how to do Sapa in a weekend:
Friday evening: Take the overnight train or a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then transfer to Sapa town. The train is more comfortable, but the new highway has made the bus journey quicker.
Saturday: Spend the day trekking through the rice terraces and visiting minority villages. The scenery is absolutely gobsmacking – some of the best in Southeast Asia. Tracy always says it reminds her a bit of Bali’s rice terraces, but on steroids!
Sunday: Continue your exploration in the morning, perhaps visiting the local market if it’s the right day. Head back to Hanoi in the afternoon, arriving in the evening.
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Fair warning – Sapa is chilly from November to February, so pack accordingly. We’ve seen many a tourist shivering in shorts and t-shirts, looking thoroughly miserable. Don’t be that galah!
Central Vietnam Weekend Escapes
Da Nang to Hoi An: Beach and Culture Combo
This might be my favorite weekend getaway in all of Vietnam, and that’s saying something! Da Nang and Hoi An are just 30 minutes apart by car, but offer completely different experiences. Da Nang boasts stunning beaches and a modern vibe, while Hoi An is all about that ancient charm with its well-preserved trading port.
Here’s the ideal itinerary:
Friday: Fly into Da Nang (there are frequent flights from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City). Check into your accommodation – you can stay in either city as they’re so close together. If you arrive early enough, head to My Khe Beach (China Beach to us old-timers) for a swim and sunset drinks.
Saturday: Spend the day exploring Hoi An Ancient Town. Start early to beat the crowds and the heat. Don’t miss the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Halls, and the local market. Grab lunch at one of the riverside restaurants – the cao lầu (a local noodle dish) is bonza!
In the afternoon, I highly recommend booking a cooking class. Tracy and I have done at least five different ones over the years, and they’re always a highlight for our visitors. There’s something special about learning to make your own spring rolls while cruising down the river on a bamboo boat.
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Saturday evening: Hoi An truly comes alive at night when hundreds of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets. Have dinner in the Ancient Town, then wander around soaking up the atmosphere. If you’re feeling romantic, you can release a candle lantern on the river for good luck – Tracy and I still do this every anniversary.
Sunday: Spend the morning at the beach or exploring the Marble Mountains in Da Nang. These five limestone and marble hills are full of caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries. The view from the top is spectacular, though the climb can be a bit challenging for those not used to stairs.
Fly back in the late afternoon/evening, feeling smug about having experienced two of Vietnam’s best destinations in one weekend.
Hue: A Royal Weekend
For history buffs, a weekend in Hue is just the ticket. Vietnam’s imperial capital from 1802 to 1945, Hue is packed with royal tombs, ancient citadels, and fascinating stories of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Here’s how to spend a royal weekend:
Friday evening: Arrive in Hue by plane (from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City) or train (from Da Nang). Settle into your hotel and enjoy dinner by the Perfume River.
Saturday: Devote the day to exploring the Imperial City, a vast complex of palaces, temples, walls, and gates. It’s like a smaller version of Beijing’s Forbidden City, but with fewer tourists – a definite plus in my book! Take your time wandering through the various pavilions and learning about Vietnam’s royal history.
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Sunday: Visit some of the royal tombs scattered around Hue. My top picks are Tu Duc’s tomb for its beautiful gardens and Khai Dinh’s tomb for its unique blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. If time permits, take a quick dragon boat ride on the Perfume River before heading home.
A little insider knowledge – Hue’s weather can be unpredictable, with rain possible even during the dry season. Tracy always packs a light raincoat when we visit, and more often than not, it comes in handy.
Southern Vietnam Weekend Escapes
Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta: Urban Jungle to River Life
Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon, as us old-school expats still call it) is Vietnam’s bustling commercial hub. It’s exciting and energetic, but after a few days, you might want to escape the honking horns and concrete jungle. The Mekong Delta, just a few hours away, offers the perfect contrast.
Try this weekend plan:
Friday evening: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. The city has come a long way since Tracy and I first visited in the early 2000s – these days you can find everything from sophisticated rooftop bars to traditional street-side beer joints.
Saturday morning: Head to the Mekong Delta. Can Tho is the delta’s largest city and a good base, about 4 hours from Ho Chi Minh City by car or bus. If you’re short on time, closer destinations like My Tho or Ben Tre (about 2 hours away) are also excellent options.
Saturday afternoon/evening: Take a boat tour through the delta’s winding waterways, visit fruit orchards, coconut candy workshops, and floating markets (if timing allows). The pace of life here is noticeably slower than in the city, and the scenery is lush and green.
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Sunday: Continue exploring the delta in the morning. If you’re in Can Tho, the Cai Rang floating market is most active early in the morning and is well worth the pre-dawn wake-up call. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
A quick tip from Tracy – bring mosquito repellent for the delta. Those little blighters can be vicious, especially around sunset!
Phu Quoc Island: Beach Escape
When Tracy and I need a proper beach fix, we head to Phu Quoc. This island in the Gulf of Thailand has some of Vietnam’s best beaches, and direct flights from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City make it perfect for a weekend escape.
Here’s a laid-back weekend plan:
Friday: Fly to Phu Quoc (about an hour from Ho Chi Minh City or two hours from Hanoi) and check into one of the many beachfront resorts. Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing.
Saturday: Beach day! Long Beach (Bai Truong) is the most developed, but Sao Beach in the south is worth the trip for its white sand and clear water. If you’re feeling active, try some snorkeling or diving – the coral reefs around Phu Quoc are surprisingly healthy.
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Sunday: Explore the island’s interior in the morning. The national park covers more than half the island and offers hiking trails through dense jungle. Alternatively, visit a fish sauce factory (Phu Quoc is famous for producing Vietnam’s best fish sauce) or one of the pepper farms. Fly home in the evening, sand still between your toes.
When Tracy and I visited Phu Quoc for the first time back in 2005, it was a sleepy backwater with just a handful of basic guesthouses. The development since then has been nothing short of astonishing. While I sometimes miss the old days, the new international-standard facilities mean it’s now a comfortable option for a quick weekend break.
Tips for Maximizing Your Vietnam Weekend Getaway
Pack Smart, Pack Light
For a weekend trip, you want to travel as light as possible. Tracy has mastered the art of fitting everything into a small backpack, while I still struggle to close my overnight bag! Here’s what we’ve learned:
- Stick to essentials – Vietnam’s tropical climate means you won’t need bulky clothing most of the year.
- Most hotels provide toiletries, so you can leave those bottles at home.
- Always pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, regardless of the season.
- Bring a universal power adapter – some older hotels might not have international outlets.
- Don’t forget sun protection – the Vietnamese sun can be brutal, especially for us fair Aussies!
Transport Tips
Getting around Vietnam has become much easier over the years, but here are some insider tips to make your weekend travels smoother:
- Book domestic flights in advance – they fill up quickly, especially during Vietnamese holidays.
- Use ride-hailing apps like Grab instead of traditional taxis – they’re cheaper and eliminate language barrier issues.
- For short distances within cities, try using a Xe Om (motorcycle taxi) for a true Vietnamese experience – just make sure to negotiate the price beforehand and wear a helmet!
- If you’re traveling between nearby cities (like Hue and Da Nang), private car transfers can be surprisingly affordable and more comfortable than buses.
Accommodation Advice
After nearly two decades in Vietnam, Tracy and I have stayed in everything from $5-a-night guesthouses to luxury resorts. Here’s what we’ve learned about booking accommodation for weekend trips:
- Location is crucial when you’re short on time – pay a bit extra to stay centrally.
- Boutique hotels often offer the best value – more character than chain hotels but more reliable than budget options.
- Book rooms with breakfast included to save time in the mornings.
- Use booking sites that allow free cancellation – plans can change quickly in Vietnam (especially during rainy season).
- Consider homestays for a more authentic experience – they’re particularly good in rural areas like Sapa and the Mekong Delta.
Final Thoughts: Making Memories in a Weekend
As Tracy and I have discovered over our years in Vietnam, you don’t need weeks or months to create lasting memories. Some of our most