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According to Booking.com's Travel Predictions 2026 report, 93% of Vietnamese travelers shared that road trips appeal to them because of their flexibility, spontaneous spirit, and opportunities to meet new people. 87% appreciated sharing the driving duties, making the entire journey more connected and personal.
Summer is one of the ideal times for short getaways with family and friends. To help travelers easily plan their next trip, Booking.com has just introduced a guide suggesting ideal routes to escape the summer heat, departing from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, for different groups of travelers.
For families with children
As children enter their summer holidays, many families seek experiences that differ from a typical weekend getaway. From exploring majestic limestone mountains to enjoying leisurely days by the sea, the destinations below offer a balance of exploration and relaxation, allowing visitors to spend quality time with their families.
Ninh Binh:Located about two hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh boasts ancient rivers winding through limestone valleys, flowing peacefully at the foot of cliffs and snaking through a system of caves formed over millions of years.
For families, the combination of vibrant nature and layers of historical heritage makes Ninh Binh an ideal destination for sightseeing rather than just "checking in" at each name on a list of destinations.
Ho Tram:Located about 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Tram boasts a tranquil coastline surrounded by lush green casuarina trees and a long, airy sandy beach. The calm sea, fresh seafood, and slow pace of life create a completely different atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of the city.
For families looking to enjoy a genuine beach vacation without the crowds, Ho Tram is a worthwhile option.
Hoi An:Located about 30 minutes from Da Nang, few places in Vietnam offer a complete family experience like Hoi An. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its enchanting lantern-lit old town, rich cultural heritage, and an environment that young children can easily explore on foot or by bike.
Right next door, An Bang beach, with its fine sand and clear blue water, would be the perfect addition to a complete family weekend getaway.
For groups of friends and Gen Z
There are some of the best journeys when you travel with friends. A roadside coffee stop can be the start of a conversation that lasts for hours, a scenic spot can become the perfect spot for an impromptu photoshoot, and a local dish can be the most memorable experience of the entire trip.
Mai Chau:Located about 3.5 hours from Hanoi in the western part of Hoa Binh province, Mai Chau valley impresses with its natural beauty of rice fields, tree-covered hills, and villages with traditional stilt houses of the White Thai people, still maintaining their relaxed and carefree way of life.
Activities such as cycling through villages, strolling through local markets, enjoying traditional meals, and ending the day with folk dances will create experiences that naturally bond group members.
Da Lat:Located about 5-6 hours' drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat has long been a favorite destination for groups of friends seeking a cool atmosphere, outdoor adventures, and a vibrant coffee culture.
Here, visitors can spend the whole day at specialty cafes, explore majestic pine forests and waterfalls, visit flower gardens, or gather around a warm barbecue party as the weather gets colder at night.
Hue:Located about an hour's drive from Da Nang via Hai Van Pass, the Da Nang to Hue driving route offers spectacular sea views and ancient French-era fortresses atop the pass, making this route a memorable part of the trip.
Beyond its palace architecture, Hue also invites groups of tourists to explore its bustling local markets, enjoy local specialties such as Hue beef noodle soup and banh khoai (fried rice cakes), and discover riverside cafes or hidden corners of the ancient capital.
For couples
A road trip offers quality time together without interruption – something many couples seek but rarely get in their daily lives. These destinations are even better when experienced without a pre-planned schedule, allowing couples to celebrate special moments together and fully enjoy the journey.
Tam Dao:Located about 1.5 hours from Hanoi, Tam Dao offers couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, providing a romantic mountain retreat just a short drive away.
The moss-covered ruins of French colonial architecture add a touch of charm to this place, and the lesser-known trails promise more opportunities for couples to stroll hand-in-hand and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Mui Ne:Located about 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne lies at the end of the stunning coastal road through Binh Thuan province, where the long stretches of coastline, the shady palm trees, and the expansive ocean views combine to create a relaxing space for a romantic getaway.
Couples can spend leisurely mornings together watching the sunrise over the distant sea, strolling slowly along the beach, and ending the day with a romantic dinner of fresh seafood right by the sea.
My Son Sanctuary:Located about 1.5 hours from Da Nang, nestled deep in a valley surrounded by lush forests and tree-covered hills, My Son is a complex of ancient Cham temples and towers recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, dating back to the 4th century.
This is an ideal stop for couples who love history, culture, and experiences with a slow pace.
