Geographical distance, high costs, and long flights lead many to believe they have to wait until they have more time or a more stable financial situation before they can fulfill their dream of exploring Europe.
However, with Vietjet preparing to launch the Hanoi-Prague route from October, the city dubbed the "heart of Europe" is becoming a popular choice for many young travelers looking for their first trip. Prague is historic enough to fully appreciate the beauty of Europe, but also affordable enough to make a first trip more feasible.
That's also why Cam Tu (29 years old, an office worker in Hanoi ) decided to choose Prague instead of other famous cities. Three days in Prague wasn't enough to explore this thousand-year-old city completely, but it was enough for her to understand why so many people always want to return.
Day 1: Stepping into the "heart" of Bohemia
Tú's first stop was Old Town Square – considered the "heart" of Prague. Amidst the rows of buildings with Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture, the hourly chime of the Astronomical Clock seemed to slow down the square amidst the throng of tourists .
What surprised her was not only the beauty of the city but also the cost. In the city center, a local meal with typical Czech dishes cost between 200,000 and 350,000 VND – a much more reasonable price than she had imagined for her European trip.
Leaving the square, Tú walked through Klementinum, visited the famous Baroque library, and then crossed the Charles Bridge. In the sunset, the red tiled roofs reflected on the Vltava River, creating a scene she described as "more beautiful than any picture I've ever seen."
"I stood there for a long time, just watching people go by. I felt like I had just stepped into the very frames I had saved on Pinterest for years," Tú recalled.
In the evening, instead of continuing with her schedule, she chose to stroll along the Vltava River and stop at a small local pub to enjoy Czech beer and the famous roasted pork knuckle – a simple yet very typical Czech experience.
Day 2: Experience the old and cinematic charm of Prague.
While the first day was a gentle stroll through the Old Quarter and along the Vltava River, the second day gave Tú the feeling of stepping deeper into the "soul" of Prague. She started her morning on Tram No. 22, which winds its way up the steep slopes to the ancient castle complex (Prague Castle), costing no more than 100,000 VND. From above, the entire city appeared like a classic European painting.
"I love the feeling of being able to discover a beautiful spot just by turning into a small alley. Prague isn't overwhelming; it makes me want to slow down and take in the sights," she shared.
At the end of the day, Tú followed the suggestion of a friend who had lived in Europe: He went to Letná Park at sunset. From there, the entire panorama of the bridges spanning the Vltava River unfolded in the late afternoon light. Not as crowded as other famous viewpoints, Letná offers a very different Prague – peaceful, gentle, and enough to make anyone want to linger a little longer.
Day 3: Discovering the “hidden gems” and a glimpse into Prague's culture.
After two days exploring famous landmarks, Tú spent her final day experiencing Prague at a slower pace, like a local. She started her day at Café Louvre, a historic café once associated with famous figures such as the writer Franz Kafka and the physicist Albert Einstein.
Leaving the cafe, she visited the Dancing House – a modern architectural masterpiece standing out amidst the historic surroundings – and then continued on to Vysehrad Fortress. Not as crowded as the Old Quarter, Vysehrad offered a different image of Prague: quieter, greener, and high enough to see the entire city. "If I ever come back, I'll spend more time in places like this," the tourist recalled.
What Tú remembers most after 3 days isn't a famous landmark or a popular check-in spot, but the rhythm of life in Prague. A city peaceful enough for tourists to leisurely stroll through small streets, sit for hours in cafes, or stop at any street corner and still feel its unique charm.
A handy guide for first-time travelers.
For first-time visitors to Prague, exploring the city is quite convenient as most of the famous attractions are concentrated in the city center. Walking is the ideal way to experience the cobblestone streets, old squares, and the city's distinctive rhythm. For longer distances, the public transport system is a cost-effective, user-friendly option that provides convenient connections between attractions.
Regarding accommodation, Prague offers many options from hostels to boutique hotels right in the city center, with prices ranging from 800,000 to 1 million VND per night, suitable for short trips. Many tourists share the experience that it's best to spend time exploring the smaller streets outside the crowded tourist areas. Not only are the prices more reasonable, but the local eateries there also offer an authentic and authentic experience. Additionally, tourists should exchange money at banks or reputable exchange points to avoid exchange rate discrepancies.
If you're planning a trip at the end of the year, there's another option worth considering for your trip to Prague. From October, Vietjet plans to operate a flight connecting Hanoi and Prague using wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft, with a layover in Almaty (Kazakhstan), on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The flight departs from Noi Bai Airport at 08:25 and arrives in Prague at 18:55 local time.
The evening landing time is quite suitable for first-time visitors to the city: just enough time to check in, have a light meal, and rest before starting their exploration the next morning. On the return flight, departing Prague at 8:55 PM, allows travelers to still have almost the entire last day to stroll around, shop, or return to their favorite places, before arriving at Noi Bai Airport at 4:20 PM the following day.
The addition of more connecting flights not only expands travel options between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, but also brings Prague closer to Vietnamese travelers planning their first trip to Europe.
For Tú, the three-day trip went by faster than she expected. What Tú brought back was not only beautiful photos, but also a feeling of closeness to a city she once thought was very far away.
Many people still assume that their first trip to Europe must be Paris, Rome, or London. But for Tú, Prague was a choice she has no regrets. The city doesn't captivate visitors with glitz and glamour or famous check-in spots, but with its slow pace of life, ancient beauty, and a sense of familiarity that allows anyone to enjoy it in their own way.