With many parts of Vietnam embracing a heat wave with outdoor temperatures rising to over 40 degrees Celsius, Da Lat, famous for its year-round cool climate, is the top choice of Vietnamese tourists during this year’s Reunification Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 1) holidays, which will last five days as combined with the weekend and Monday, April 29.

The list was based on an analysis of check-in dates on the Dutch-based travel platform between April 26 and May 1.

Photo by Pham Kim Nhan

The central beach city Da Nang, famous for long, sandy beaches, came in second.

City authorities are set to open a walking street on the western bank of the Han River during the upcoming holiday.

The street will run from APEC park to the Duy Tan-Tran Thi Ly intersection, and connect to Nguyen Van Troi Bridge.

It will be open from 3 p.m. to midnight daily with a series of cultural and music programs.

Local artists will also perform Bai Choi, a type of folk singing which was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, on Tran Hung Dao street on April 29-30.

Photo by Shutterstock

Nha Trang along the central coast ranked third on the list.

Visitors can rent a boat to explore Tri Nguyen and Bich Dam Islands on Nha Trang Bay or trek up to Co Tien Mountain at the height of 400 meters above sea level with three adjacent peaks.

Photo by Tran Anh Khoa

Vung Tau, which neighbors Ho Chi Minh City, ranked fourth.

With HCMC experiencing scorching heats over the past weeks, many have a tendency of flocking to the beach city to cool down during the holiday break.

In this picture is Bai Sau flooded with huge crowds during last year’s Reunification Day holiday.

Photo by Dang Khoa

HCMC, well known for its fireworks performance and street music programs during national holidays, came in fifth.

This year the city will set off fireworks shows at 16 venues, mainly across the Saigon River, to mark the 49th anniversary of Reunification Day on April 30.

A high-altitude fireworks display will be held at Saigon River Tunnel in Thu Duc City.

Other venues where low-altitude fireworks shows will be held include Van Phuc City, Thanh Da Peninsula, Rach Chiec Bridge, Thao Dien Urban Area, Bach Dang Wharf, Tay Bac Industrial Park in Cu Chi District, the Nga Ba Giong relic site in Hoc Mon District, Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11, Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, and many more.

These shows will last 15 minutes from 9:00 p.m. on April 30.

Photo by Quoc Duy

The ancient city of Hoi An was sixth.

Praised for its low cost of living and slow pace of life, the city has recently emerged as a favorite destination of Asian celebrities.

Photo by Lekima Hung

The former imperial city of Hue ranked seventh.

Between April and August are the most suitable times to visit Hue as the central region is often hit by floods and torrential downpours during the last months of the year.

Hue used to be the capital of the Nguyens, Vietnam’s last royal dynasty (1802-1945) and is famed for its royal mausoleums and other historical structures. Its royal tombs have also become popular tourist attractions.

In the picture above is the tomb of Khai Dinh, the 12th king of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Photo by Vo Thanh

The capital of Hanoi ranked eighth.

According to weather forecasts, Hanoi is braced for scorching days throughout the holidays.

The 2024 Hanoi Tourism Festival will be held on April 25-28 at the city’s Thong Nhat Park, with diverse activities including dragon dancing, art performances and traditional costume shows.

Photo by Nghiem Dinh Chinh

The coastal city Phan Thiet ranked ninth on the list.

It has become popular recently after an expressway was opened to traffic last year, helping to reduce travel time between HCMC and Phan Thiet from six to two hours.

Many tourists travel by car to Phan Thiet and then take a speedboat to Phu Quy Island, an emerging tourist destination where hotels and resorts are increasing in number.

Photo by Huy Thoai

Mui Ne, which enjoys a tropical hot climate all year round, completes the list.

Between April and October is the best time to head to Mui Ne as calm waters and steady wind conditions are perfect for relaxing as well as adventurous activities like windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet-skiing and kayaking.

Also worth a visit are Mui Ne fishing village, the white sand dunes, Ta Cu Mountain and Co Thach beach where most of its large rocks are covered with green moss in March and April every year.

Photo by Kim Cuong

By VnExpress