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This trend is reflected in Booking.com's 2026 Travel Trends Forecast report, where 84% of Vietnamese travelers said they are willing to book a trip to reward themselves for their efforts. Trips are now not only associated with traditional occasions like weddings or anniversaries, but are also strongly driven by personal milestones.
As the National High School Graduation Exams conclude, many families and young people are looking for meaningful ways to mark this milestone and create memorable moments together. The following six destinations across Vietnam could be considered ideal for a perfect "stress-relieving" trip after the exam season.
Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak
Located in the heart of the Central Highlands, Buon Ma Thuot offers a slow-paced lifestyle, completely separate from the hustle and bustle and pressures of exam season. The city is known as the "coffee capital" thanks to its vast coffee plantations covering the hillsides. Spending a morning at a traditional café here, enjoying locally roasted and ground coffee beans, is a completely different experience compared to cafés in the city.
Beyond coffee, the majestic Dray Nur and Dray Sap waterfalls cascading along the Serepok River, the vast Yok Don National Park, and the unique cultural identity of the Ede and M'Nong communities offer visitors many reasons to relax, immerse themselves in nature, and experience the distinctive rhythm of life in the Central Highlands.
These experiences help students relieve stress after a tense exam season. With reasonable costs, Buon Ma Thuot is also a suitable choice for young people's first independent trips.
Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
As Vietnam's largest island, Phu Quoc has developed into a comprehensive seaside resort destination while still retaining the tranquility that has made it so appealing.
Not only is Phu Quoc perfect for groups of friends wanting to enjoy the golden sunshine, seafood, and sunset at Dinh Cau night market, it is also an ideal destination for families seeking diverse entertainment activities at VinWonders or the island's new sea-crossing cable car.
In the northern part of the island, the Ong Lang beach area retains its peaceful charm, perfect for those seeking a quieter post-exam holiday. For adventurous travelers, pearl farms, pepper gardens, and traditional Phu Quoc fish sauce factories are definitely must-see destinations.
Ba Vi National Park, Hanoi
82% of Vietnamese tourists said they often consider the risk of extreme weather when choosing a destination and time to travel, while 81% of survey respondents said they would proactively avoid places with harsh weather. Given these factors, Ba Vi National Park is an attractive option for students in the North who want to enjoy a holiday close to home.
Located about 60 km from the center of Hanoi, this vast forest is an ideal destination for families and groups of friends, offering weekend camping trips, BBQ parties under the pine trees, or trekking routes that provide a feeling of complete separation from urban life without having to travel too far.
The fresh, cool air of the highlands makes this place especially suitable for a summer getaway, especially when the heat in Hanoi is becoming more intense.
Ha Long, Quang Ninh
For many families, Ha Long Bay is always the answer to the question of where to go when wanting to mark a truly memorable milestone. Thousands of towering limestone islands rising from the turquoise waters have made this UNESCO World Heritage Site one of Vietnam's most iconic landmarks.
For families wishing to celebrate their children's completion of national exams, an overnight cruise on the bay offers a completely different experience from their daily routine.
Beyond the breathtaking scenery, experiential activities such as kayaking to explore caves, swimming in calm straits, or night squid fishing on the boat deck also provide opportunities for families and friends to spend quality time together, creating memorable moments that extend beyond the exam season.
Quy Nhon, Gia Lai
Over the past decade, Quy Nhon has quietly emerged as one of the best seaside destinations for those seeking a getaway from the familiar tourist routes.
Beaches like Ky Co and Eo Gió boast crystal-clear turquoise waters, rivaling even the most famous destinations abroad. Gia Lai's Cham tower heritage also offers cultural depth for those seeking to explore beyond the sea.
Meanwhile, the culinary paradise of Quy Nhon, centered around the fish market near the port, will treat visitors to the freshest and most delicious grilled fish cakes. For student groups, the cost of food and accommodation in Quy Nhon is relatively affordable compared to many other popular beach destinations, helping to optimize the budget for the trip.
Can Tho
The capital of the Mekong Delta will be a well-deserved reward for those willing to escape the familiar beaches to the charming waterways of Can Tho. Can Tho moves at its own rhythm, where time is defined by the flow of the river rather than the ticking of a clock, making it one of the most ideal destinations in the South for relaxation and recharging after exam season.
The best experience at Cai Rang Floating Market is at dawn, when vendors begin selling agricultural products and fruits from their wooden boats, with goods tied to long poles to signal what they are selling.
Leaving the floating market, families can explore the Mekong Delta by traditional sampan boats, visit fruit orchards laden with ripe fruit in rural villages, or simply spend an afternoon watching the rhythm of life on the river from a cafe by Ninh Kieu wharf.
For young people in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho is only a 3-hour bus ride away, but it feels like stepping into a completely different world.
