Sam Son, Thanh Hoa, has long been a favorite destination for people in the North, especially in the summer. With a beach of more than 6km, fine white sand, clear blue water and delicious seafood, Sam Son offers a wonderful resort experience only about 170km from Hanoi.
The 3-day, 2-night journey from Hanoi to Sam Son is an ideal choice for you to enjoy a short vacation, combining swimming, exploring culture and enjoying local cuisine .
This article provides detailed itineraries, practical tips, and cost-saving tips, suitable for both beginners and seasoned travelers.
- Why choose Sam Son for a 3 day 2 night vacation?
- Prepare before your trip to Sam Son
- Detailed 3-day, 2-night Sam Son travel itinerary
- Day 1: Hanoi – Sam Son – Swimming and exploring cuisine (170km)
- Day 2: Explore the sights and relax on the beach
- Day 3: Shopping for specialties and returning to Hanoi
- Compare Sam Son travel by yourself and by tour
- Tips to save money when traveling to Sam Son
- Frequently asked questions when traveling to Sam Son
- Conclusion: A memorable journey in Sam Son
Why choose Sam Son for a 3 day 2 night vacation?
Sam Son is not only a beautiful beach with a gentle sandy shore and moderate waves, but also a place where many spiritual and cultural attractions converge such as Doc Cuoc Temple, Trong Mai Islet, and Co Tien Pagoda. It only takes about 3-4 hours to travel from Hanoi, Sam Son is the perfect destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city to immerse themselves in nature.
This journey not only brings a sense of relaxation but also helps you discover the unique historical and cultural stories of Thanh land.
Is 3 days 2 nights enough to explore Sam Son? Absolutely enough if you have a clear plan! Let's see the detailed schedule below to start your trip.
Prepare before your trip to Sam Son
To have a smooth trip, you need to prepare carefully in terms of means of transport, finances and health. Here are some things to note:
- Best time: Summer from May to August is the best time to swim in Sam Son beach. However, July and August often have storms, so check the weather forecast before going. April and September are also good choices with cooler weather.
- Transportation: You can choose a bus, train, motorbike or self-driving car. Buses from My Dinh or Giap Bat stations cost 100,000-200,000 VND/person/trip. Trains from Hanoi station to Thanh Hoa station cost 70,000-300,000 VND/person depending on seat type. If you go by motorbike, make sure to check the tires, brakes and bring a basic repair kit.
- Finance: Estimated cost is about 2-3 million VND/person for 3 days 2 nights (including transportation, food, accommodation, entrance tickets). If you go on a package tour, the price ranges from 1.5-2.5 million VND/person depending on the quality of the hotel.
- Documents: Bring your ID card, driver's license (if driving yourself), and save a copy on your phone. If traveling with children, bring their birth certificate.
- Luggage: Light clothes, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, slippers, first aid kit, personal medication, power bank and cash (about 1-2 million VND).
- Supported applications: Google Maps, Vietmap for location; Foody, Traveloka for finding restaurants and accommodations.
Detailed 3-day, 2-night Sam Son travel itinerary
The journey from Hanoi to Sam Son is about 170km long, taking 3-4 hours to travel. The 3-day, 2-night itinerary is designed for you to relax and fully explore the outstanding destinations. Here is the detailed plan:

Day 1: Hanoi – Sam Son – Swimming and exploring cuisine (170km)
6:00: Depart from Hanoi
The car and tour guide (if you go on a tour) will pick you up at the meeting point (Opera House or bus station). If you are on your own, you can catch a bus at My Dinh/Giap Bat station or ride a motorbike through National Highway 1A, through Ha Nam, Ninh Binh. Stop at Phu Ly (Ha Nam) for breakfast with banh cuon cha (about 30,000 VND/person). Continue the journey to Sam Son.
10:30: Arrive at Sam Son - Check-in FLC Sam Son
Arriving in Sam Son, stop to check-in at FLC Sam Son tourist area, which has a luxurious space and many beautiful photo angles. If you travel on your own, you can choose 2-3 star hotels such as Vu Phong, Phuong Hoang (price 300,000-600,000 VND/room/night) or budget motels at A beach, D beach (250,000-500,000 VND/room/night).
11:00: Visit Doc Cuoc Temple
Doc Cuoc Temple is located on Truong Le Mountain, associated with the legend of a giant boy who tore his body in half to protect the villagers. Entrance is free, but you can prepare 20,000-50,000 VND to make an offering. The road to the temple has 40 stone steps, bringing a sacred feeling amidst the sea and sky.
12:00: Lunch and rest
Have lunch at Quoc Viet restaurant (Ho Xuan Huong street) with seafood dishes such as grilled squid, steamed crab, grilled oysters with cheese (price about 150,000 VND/person). Then, check in to the hotel and take a nap.
15:00: Swimming at Sam Son beach
Afternoon is the ideal time to swim at Sam Son beach, with fine white sand and moderate waves. You can rent a chair (20,000 VND/chair) or join a jet ski (300,000 VND/15 minutes). If you go in a group, consider organizing teambuilding on the beach with games such as tug of war, ball throwing (contact the tour company to hire an MC, price about 500,000 VND/group).
19:00: Dinner and explore Sam Son at night
Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant or a seafood restaurant by the sea such as Hai Ly (VND 100,000-200,000/person). Then, rent a tandem bicycle (VND 40,000-50,000/hour) or an electric car (VND 20,000-30,000/km) to stroll around the coastal city at night, watching the sparkling lights and bustling atmosphere. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Explore the sights and relax on the beach
6:00: Watch the sunrise and swim in the sea
Get up early to watch the sunrise on Sam Son beach, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of fishermen pulling in their nets. You can buy fresh seafood such as squid, shrimp, crab right on the beach for 100,000-300,000 VND/kg.
8:00: Breakfast and sightseeing
Have breakfast at the hotel with a buffet (VND 50,000-100,000/person) or enjoy eel porridge at a roadside restaurant (VND 30,000/bowl). Then, the car will take you to Hon Trong Mai and Co Tien Pagoda on Truong Le Mountain. Hon Trong Mai is associated with the legend of steadfast love, a check-in spot not to be missed. Co Tien Pagoda has an ancient beauty, and was visited by Uncle Ho in 1960. Both locations have free entrance tickets.
11:30: Lunch
Return to the hotel for lunch with Thanh Hoa specialties such as sour sausage and shrimp rolls (about 150,000 VND/person).
14:00: Free time to swim or enjoy thrilling activities
In the afternoon, you can continue swimming or participate in games at the Sam Son amusement park (Nguyen Du street, ticket price 50,000-100,000 VND/game). If you want to relax, visit FLC Luxury Hotel to experience the spa or golf course (price from 500,000 VND/person).
19:00: Gala Dinner and explore Sam Son at night
In the evening, join the Gala Dinner program (if you go on a tour, the price is about 200,000 VND/person) with performances and group games. If you go on your own, you can have dinner at the restaurant and walk around Sam Son night market, buy souvenirs such as dried squid, dried shrimp (price 200,000-500,000 VND/kg). Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Shopping for specialties and returning to Hanoi
7:00: Swimming and breakfast
Enjoy the morning sea air and have breakfast at the sanctuary, enjoy pate bread or bun cha (price 30,000-50,000 VND/person).
9:00: Shopping for specialties
Go to Sam Son seafood market to buy dried squid, dried shrimp, Thanh Hoa fermented pork rolls as gifts (price 100,000-300,000 VND/kg). If you have time, stop by Ham Rong Bridge on the way back to check-in and take photos.
11:30: Lunch and check out
Have lunch at Sanctuary restaurant, then check out before 12:00.
13:00: Depart for Hanoi
Get on the bus back to Hanoi, stop in Thanh Hoa or Phu Ly to buy more specialties such as fresh coconut, Tu Tru sticky rice cake (price 20,000-50,000 VND/dish). Expected to arrive in Hanoi at 5:30 p.m., ending the trip.

Compare Sam Son travel by yourself and by tour
To choose the right form, below is a comparison table between independent travel and package tours:
Criteria | Independent travel | Go on a package tour |
---|---|---|
Expense | 2-3 million VND/person (depending on vehicle and accommodation) | 1.5-2.5 million VND/person (including transportation, food, accommodation) |
Flexible | High, free to choose schedule, stops | Low, fixed schedule |
Experience | Explore freely, stay close to the locals | Convenient, with tour guide support |
Suitable for | Young, adventurous, experienced | Family, newbie, want to save time |
If you are a newbie or traveling with family, choose a package tour to save time and ensure safety. If you love freedom, traveling by motorbike or car will bring a more interesting experience.
Tips to save money when traveling to Sam Son
To optimize costs, you can apply the following tips:
- Book services in advance: Book bus tickets, hotel rooms or tours 1-2 months in advance to get cheap prices, especially during peak season (20-30% discount).
- Choose reasonable accommodation: Prioritize motels or 2-star hotels in beach A, beach D (250,000-500,000 VND/night) instead of high-end resorts like FLC (1.5-3 million VND/night).
- Local food: Choose a popular restaurant like Quoc Viet or Hai Ly to enjoy seafood for 100,000-150,000 VND/person, instead of a hotel restaurant.
- Travel in groups: Share the cost of transportation, accommodation and food to reduce personal expenses by 30-40%.
- Smart shopping: Negotiate prices when buying seafood at the market, preferably buying early in the morning to get a good price.
Frequently asked questions when traveling to Sam Son
1. Is 3 days 2 nights enough for a trip to Sam Son?
Perfect for swimming, visiting famous places like Doc Cuoc Temple, Trong Mai Islet, Co Tien Pagoda and enjoying local cuisine.
2. What is the best season to go to Sam Son?
Summer (May-August) is ideal for swimming, but keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid storms.
3. How much does it cost for 3 days 2 nights?
About 2-3 million VND/person if traveling on your own, or 1.5-2.5 million VND/person if going on a package tour.
4. Should I go on a tour or go on my own?
Tours are suitable for beginners or families, while self-guided tours are suitable for those who want to explore freely.
5. What to do if you have an accident on the road?
Bring the emergency hotline (113) and a list of reputable repair shops in Thanh Hoa. If you go on a tour, the tour guide will assist you.
Sam Son 3 days 2 nights tour from Hanoi is a great opportunity for you to enjoy the blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine and explore Thanh culture.
With detailed itineraries, cost-saving tips, and practical experiences shared, you are ready to start your journey. Pack your bags, plan, and travel to Sam Son today!
Source: https://baonghean.vn/du-lich-3-ngay-2-dem-bien-goi-diem-den-yeu-thich-cua-nguoi-dan-mien-bac-10302176.html
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