Travel Checklist for April 30 - May 1 Holiday

The April 30 - May 1 holiday this year is a significant milestone for Vietnam and its people, marking 50 years since the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025) alongside International Workers' Day.

According to the official government calendar, civil servants will have a five-day break from Monday (April 28, 2025) to Friday (May 2, 2025). Many people are taking advantage of this long holiday to travel with family and friends. That’s why having a thorough checklist will ensure a complete and joyful trip—no forgotten essentials, no last-minute stress.

The April 30 - May 1 holiday marks a historic milestone in the Vietnam’s history

Things You Can Do During This Holiday

April 30 - May 1 is a perfect occasion for activities that celebrate the Vietnam's history. Consider planning a visit to military parades, history museums, or war memorials. As someone born in peacetime, these visits are likely to stir powerful emotions and a deeper understanding of the past.

Since this is a rare long break, it’s also a great opportunity for a getaway with your loved ones. If it’s been a while since everyone had time to travel together, this might be the perfect moment.

>>> Read more: Vietnam’s April 30–May 1 Holiday: Where to Go & What to Buy

Visiting museums, watching parades, or going on a trip—what’s your plan for the April 30 - May 1 holiday?

April 30 - May 1 Travel Checklist and Must-Do Tasks

Whether you're heading to the beach, mountains, or your hometown this holiday, a well-prepared checklist is key to a smooth trip. This is the first long break after Tết and also a peak travel season nationwide—so proper planning is crucial to avoid exhaustion, last-minute costs, or chaotic changes.

1. Outline a Rough Travel Plan

With a four-day vacation, divide your days into travel time, sightseeing, and rest.

List your destinations in order of priority: must-visit – should-visit – could-visit, to ensure a fulfilling experience and avoid regrets.

Destination list by priority:

• Must-visit: Historical landmarks, monuments, museums linked to the holiday.
• Should-visit: Popular local attractions with good reviews and check-in spots.
• Could-visit: Cafes, night markets, shopping areas, and cultural experiences.

Plan according to real conditions:

• Avoid an overly packed schedule—it’s a busy season with traffic jams and long lines.
• Book entrance tickets online where possible.
• Organize your plan by morning – afternoon – evening for easier navigation.

Note:

• Don’t be too rigid—it will pressure both the planner and participants.
• Stick to the plan just enough to allow flexibility while keeping everyone comfortable.

The more detailed your checklist, the less likely you'll forget things

2. Snacks and Essential Medicines

• Food & Drink: Snacks, electrolyte drinks, hydration packs (especially in hot destinations)
• Medication: Digestive pills, anti-diarrheal, motion sickness meds, headache relief, pain balm (if there’s lots of walking)
• Weather-related items: Mosquito spray, heat patches (for cold areas), cooling spray (for hot spots)

3. Clothing

Dress appropriately depending on your destination. For casual travel, pack nice outfits for memorable photos. If visiting sacred or historical sites, bring tops with sleeves, long pants or skirts.

Also prepare essential accessories like:

• Jackets, hats, sun-protection gloves
• Multi-pocket backpacks or roomy handbags
• Proper footwear for lots of walking

Note: Prioritize light, easy-to-match outfits that work across various settings.

Dress appropriately based on your destination

4. Photo-Ready Accessories

As they say, a great trip includes great photos. So be sure to bring the right gear for those Instagram-worthy shots.

• Camera or smartphone: Set modes and settings beforehand, check storage space
• Fast chargers, power banks, memory cards
• Tripods, selfie sticks, small reflectors
• Waterproof phone pouches, waterproof cases

5. Documents & Money

April 30 is a peak travel time, meaning potential traffic jams, forgotten documents, or lack of cash. Preparing in advance helps you avoid unnecessary trouble.

• ID card, driver’s license (if self-driving), health insurance, kids’ documents (if needed)
• Cash (have small bills in case cards aren’t accepted)
• Bank cards, topped-up e-wallets
• A waterproof pouch or small travel wallet for documents

Note: If traveling through multiple provinces, take photos of important documents and store them on your phone for quick access.

Special Checklists by Travel Type

Each kind of trip has its own unique needs. Tailor your packing list accordingly:

1. If you're going to the beach:

• Swimwear, quick-dry towels
• Anti-slip sandals, wet bags
• Wide-brim hats, swim goggles
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  

2. If you're going to the mountains/forest:

• Trekking shoes, flexible long pants
• Insect-repellent clothing, mosquito spray
• Mini flashlight, hiking stick
• Reusable water bottle, picnic snacks
  

3. If you're going for a resort vacation:

• Comfortable sleepwear
• Basic skincare and body care kit
• Books, scented candles, or essential oils
• Nice outfits for resort photo ops
  

4. If you're motorbiking:

• Protective gloves, dust-filtering masks
• Windbreaker, windproof goggles
• Mini repair tool kit
• Rain covers for bags or clothes
  

5. For water activities (beach, river):

• Waterproof sunscreen
• Swimsuits and dry bags
• Plan B gear in case of weather changes

If you're planning a trip to the beach or river, pack your swimsuit and water-resistant sunscreen.

Prepare a Backup Plan (Plan B)

The April 30 - May 1 holiday falls during a seasonal transition, so weather can be unpredictable—some places may hit 37°C, others might have sudden rain. Check the forecast beforehand and pack flexible items like lightweight raincoats or compact umbrellas.

Be ready to adjust your schedule too—perhaps switch beach days to cooler times, or move outdoor sightseeing to early mornings or late afternoons.

If you're traveling with kids or elderly people, pre-locate rest stops like:

• Air-conditioned cafés
• Shaded public benches or cooling stations
• Nearby clinics or convenience stores for quick breaks
  

Conclusion

A joyful getaway during the April 30th – May 1st holiday is not only a chance to unwind after hectic workdays but also a meaningful moment to honor a significant milestone in Vietnam's history. Though planning a trip with a complete checklist might take some time and effort, it will help ensure everything goes smoothly — making your journey more fulfilling and full of great memories.

We hope this article helps you prepare thoughtfully for your holiday. Don’t forget to explore more useful tips and discover unique, handcrafted Vietnamese gifts at Chus.vn – a place where culture and craftsmanship come together in every piece!