Where to go in Thanh Hoa During the September 2 Holiday?

27/08/2026
With its convenient transport connections, Thanh Hoa is an ideal choice for short trips during Vietnam’s National Day holiday on September 2. From Hanoi, visitors can easily travel to Thanh Hoa by private car, coach, limousine, or train. Depending on the destination, travel time ranges from approximately 3 to 5 hours, making the province well suited for short getaways.

Beyond Sam Son Beach, Thanh Hoa is also home to natural attractions such as Pu Luong and May Waterfall, as well as a variety of distinctive local dishes in Thanh Hoa City. Here are some suggestions for your holiday getaway.

Sam Son – A Convenient Choice for a Beach Getaway

For those looking for an easily accessible destination with plenty of activities for the whole family, Sam Son is one of the top choices.

Sam Son Beach attracts large numbers of visitors on weekends

From Hanoi, visitors can take the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh – Thanh Hoa Expressway before continuing to Sam Son. In addition to private vehicles, there are currently many coach and limousine services operating between Hanoi and Sam Son. Visitors can choose services that pick them up in central Hanoi and drop them off in Sam Son, offering greater convenience than driving themselves during the busy holiday period. Some limousine services operate multiple departures throughout the day.

In Sam Son, visitors can swim, stroll along the seaside square, visit the water park Sun World, explore popular photo spots, enjoy fresh seafood, and take part in various entertainment activities.

In particular, this year’s National Day holiday will feature a range of notable activities around Sam Son Seaside Square. On the evening of September 1, an art performance and fireworks display are scheduled to take place, adding an exciting highlight to the holiday experience.

Suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Depart for Sam Son, check in, have lunch and rest. In the afternoon, enjoy the beach and visit Doc Cuoc Temple and Trong Mai Islet, or spend time at Sun World Sam Son. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood, stroll around the seaside square, watch the musical fountain and art performances; if traveling on September 1, visitors can also enjoy the fireworks display.

Day 2: Wake up early to watch the sunrise, enjoy a morning swim and have breakfast. Spend the rest of the morning relaxing or shopping for local specialties and souvenirs, then have lunch and check out. Depart in the early afternoon, concluding the two-day, one-night Sam Son getaway.

Pu Luong – An Escape into Lush Mountain Landscapes

Fresh air, terraced rice fields, traditional villages nestled among the mountains, and a slow-paced lifestyle make Pu Luong an ideal destination for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle during the holiday.

An ideal destination for visitors seeking a relaxing getaway

Visitors without a private car can still reach Pu Luong conveniently by limousine or coach. There are currently limousine services operating from Hanoi to Pu Luong, with travel times generally taking around 4–5 hours depending on the drop-off point and traffic conditions. Some operators offer pick-up in central Hanoi and drop-off at resorts, homestays, or other accommodation areas in Pu Luong according to their schedules.

This is also a good option for young travelers who prefer not to drive long distances themselves. However, as attractions in Pu Luong are spread across a relatively large area, visitors should choose a service that drops them off near their accommodation, or arrange a motorbike rental or local transfer service for greater convenience when exploring the area.

In Pu Luong, visitors can trek through traditional villages, cycle among terraced rice fields, explore waterfalls, experience local culture, or simply relax amid nature.

Suggested itinerary: Pu Luong is best suited to a two-day, one-night or three-day, two-night trip.

Day 1: Depart for Pu Luong, check in at a homestay or resort, have lunch and rest. In the afternoon, trek or cycle through Don Village and Hieu Village, taking in the terraced rice fields, streams and waterfalls. In the evening, enjoy local specialties and spend the night surrounded by the peaceful mountain landscape.

Day 2: Wake up early to watch the sunrise, enjoy the morning mist and have breakfast. Then visit a local market or experience the culture and daily life of local communities, and shop for local specialties. Have lunch, check out and depart for the return journey, concluding the two-day, one-night Pu Luong trip.

Visitors are advised to book accommodation and transportation early for the September 2 holiday, as demand is expected to increase.

May Waterfall – A Destination for Nature Lovers

For those looking for a natural attraction that is suitable for a short getaway, May Waterfall is another destination worth considering.

May Waterfall is famous for its nine cascading tiers, also known as the “Nine Steps of Love”

Located in Thach Thanh District, May Waterfall is known for its streams cascading over multiple natural rock tiers amid lush forests. Its cool, green surroundings and relatively unspoiled landscape make it suitable for groups of friends, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.

For larger groups, visitors can hire a private vehicle from Hanoi or rent a vehicle in Thanh Hoa City and continue to May Waterfall. This option offers greater flexibility, especially for those who want to combine May Waterfall with other destinations in western Thanh Hoa.

As the final stretch to the waterfall may be less convenient than the main roads, visitors should check the vehicle’s drop-off point and arrange a transfer in advance. This helps avoid situations where the vehicle only drops passengers in the district center, leaving them to find onward transportation themselves.

Suggested itinerary: May Waterfall is suitable for a day trip if visitors depart early, or it can be combined with other destinations in western Thanh Hoa as part of a two-day, one-night journey.

A holiday does not have to mean traveling far – just a few hours from Hanoi, visitors can experience pristine beaches, lush mountains, and the distinctive flavors of Thanh Hoa.

Article: Thanh Hoa Tourism Promotion and Exhibition Center

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