3 must-visit destinations in Southern Vietnam you cannot miss during the April 30th holiday

Shopping with leaves at Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh

For this year's long holiday, the peak of Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh continues to prove its appeal by masterfully interweaving the vibrant rhythms of indigenous culture with sacred, proud moments.

Right from mid-April, joining the festive atmosphere of the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year, pilgrims heading to the mountain peak can immerse themselves in the artistic Chhay-dam drum dances and the traditional pentatonic music of the Khmer people. The culture of hospitality is further spread as Sun World Ba Den Mountain organizes gift-giving and lucky money distribution not only to tourists but also to its Khmer staff.

Approaching the grand April 30th holiday (Reunification Day), the "roof of Southern Vietnam" will officially don the proud color of red. From April 21st to May 30th, visitors can explore the "Memories of Pride" exhibition space, which recreates historical milestones on the sacred land of Ba Mountain—the "magic eye" during the resistance war against America. Notably, at exactly 6:30 AM on April 30th, a solemn Flag Hoisting Ceremony will take place at the mountain peak's square, bringing moments of profound reflection and national pride.

The journey of experience is extended with the entirely free "Frontline Culinary Experience" at the Tay Ninh Memories area (from April 30th to May 3rd) and special art performances at the Tam An Stage every morning.

As evening falls, the square on the mountain peak becomes busier than ever with 4 sessions of the Ba Den Leaf Market (on April 25-26 and April 30-May 1). This is a "unique" market originating in Tay Ninh, where tourists "buy" food using leaves instead of money to enjoy local flavors. Upon taking the cable car up Ba Den Mountain, each visitor will receive a free Bodhi leaf to exchange for food amidst a frontline-style market space, joining the exciting atmosphere of lively dances and folk games.

Cooling off at a world-record water park in Vung Tau

While Tay Ninh is steeped in traditional cultural colors, Vung Tau is an epicenter of bursting energy, kicking off a vibrant summer. Welcoming the long holiday, the Aqua Adventure water park at Sun World Vung Tau will officially open all days of the week starting April 17th, offering a 15-hectare entertainment ecosystem shaded by green coconut trees.

Boasting impressive records, this water park promises to satisfy thrill-seekers. The highlight is the "Duel of the Mariners" - a ride holding the world record for the first 10-lane super water racing slide, allowing 10 people to compete in a speed race simultaneously. Meanwhile, "Adventure Oasis", holding the record for the world's longest children's water coaster, will be a magnet for young guests. Besides, the nearly 100-meter winding Water Coaster system or "Prosperity Bay" - a massive 6,000m² wave pool with waves up to 2.2 meters high - will provide an ideal and safe space to beat the heat.

After conquering the challenging "Infinite Ocean Current" (Hải lưu vô cực) river - the first of its kind in Vietnam - visitors can relax on the 650-meter-long lazy river. With flexible ticket prices (199,000 VND on weekdays, 300,000 VND/adult on holidays) and a modern buffet restaurant system, this is definitely a "must-visit" destination to blow away the Southern heat during this holiday.

Watching 2 nightly fireworks shows in Phu Quoc

For those seeking an "all-in-one" destination, Phu Quoc's Pearl Island is a paradise. Starting the new day, tourists can glide on the world's longest 3-rope cable car to Sun World Hon Thom, unleash their energy at Aquatopia water park, challenge themselves with the wooden roller coaster "Roaring Timbers" (Mộc Xà Thịnh Nộ), and recharge at the Mango buffet restaurant.

Returning to Sunset Town in the late afternoon, taking a stroll on the Kiss Bridge to watch the sun go down is a deeply romantic, European-style experience. And while a sunset usually signals a slowing down of life elsewhere, on the Southern island, it's the time to awaken the "sleep less island." Visitors will be swept up in the vibrant energy of the VUI-Fest night market, sipping craft beer at Sun Bavaria GastroPub, or enjoying French pastries at Maison Kayser under the shimmering lights.

The climax of the journey is the unique "visual signature": a spectacular fireworks banquet every night. Featuring two multi-media shows, "Kiss of the Sea" and "Ocean Symphony," Phu Quoc's night sky is illuminated by two breathtaking fireworks performances nightly. The moment of watching fireworks bloom over the ocean from the Kiss Bridge, Sunset Town beach, or the Sun Bavaria GastroPub will undoubtedly be the most perfect ending to a brilliant holiday for every family.

From the deeply cultural spiritual site atop Ba Den Mountain, through the exhilarating water slides in Vung Tau, to the spectacular fireworks-lit night sky in Phu Quoc - Southern Vietnam tourism during this year's holiday is a multi-hued symphony. Whether you choose to "go up the mountain" to find tranquility or "go down to the sea" to unleash your energy, these large-scale entertainment destinations will certainly treat you to a perfect vacation.