Hi there.
Let’s head out together again—
travel blogger Sseozhere.
With the 2026 Chuseok holiday coming up,
I know a lot of you are starting to plan an overseas trip.
If it’s hard to take a long vacation, short flight times matter,
and for a 3-night, 4-day itinerary,
Japan, China, and Taiwan are some of the most realistic options.
Today, I’m comparing Tokyo, Shanghai, and Taipei
to break down the pros and cons by travel style.
1. Tokyo, if you don’t want to miss shopping or great food
Tokyo is an easy first-time destination in Japan, and it’s one of those cities where you can enjoy shopping, amazing food, and sightseeing all in one trip.
Neighborhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza each have a totally different vibe, and because public transportation is so convenient, Tokyo travel is surprisingly beginner-friendly.
I especially recommend it for trips with friends or your partner if you want to focus on shopping, cafés, and great restaurants rather than a parent-centered family trip.
The downside is that during peak periods like Chuseok, airfare and hotel prices can jump fast, so it’s best to book early.
2. Shanghai, if you want a more unique short-haul getaway
Personally, Shanghai is the short-haul overseas destination I’ve been recommending most lately.
The flight from South Korea is short, but once you arrive, you get European-style streets, dazzling skyline views, and that unmistakable China atmosphere all at once, so it feels completely different from Japan.
Major sights like The Bund, Yuyuan, and Xintiandi are relatively close together, which makes a 3-night, 4-day Shanghai trip very doable.
And with China recently allowing visa-free entry, the barrier to planning a trip there feels much lower than before.
That said, you do need a bit of China-specific prep—things like Alipay, WeChat Pay, and map apps—so I highly recommend setting everything up before you fly.
3. Taipei, if you want a food-focused trip with a slower pace
Taipei is one of the best cities for first-time international travelers.
From Shilin Night Market to Din Tai Fung and beef noodle soup, there’s no shortage of great food, and another big plus is that you can combine city sightseeing with easy day trips nearby.
If you add Jiufen and Yehliu, a 3-night, 4-day itinerary can feel surprisingly full without being rushed.
If you want somewhere a little more relaxed than Japan and easier to prepare for than China, Taipei is a great fit.
4. Nha Trang, if you need rest more than sightseeing
If your dream Chuseok holiday is to truly unwind, Nha Trang is also a great option.
The best part is that once you build in resort downtime, a massage, and a few good meals, your itinerary already feels full—so there’s no need to overcomplicate your sightseeing route.
It’s especially well suited for a family trip with parents or a hotel-stay vacation focused on relaxation.
Compared with the destinations above, though, the flight is a bit longer, so I’d recommend Nha Trang when you can secure around five days off.
If you only have 3 nights and 4 days,
which destination is the best?
On a short trip, travel time
and the route between attractions matter more than you’d think.
If you want to make the most of the city,
Tokyo or Shanghai are strong picks.
If you want a low-stress trip centered around food
then Taipei is the better choice.
On the other hand, if sightseeing matters less
and rest is the real goal, go with Nha Trang.
If you’re planning 2026 Chuseok travel,
don’t just compare airfare prices.
Think about your travel style and local transit time too before you decide.
Thanks for reading.
Every moment of traveling together
Sseoz’s Neighborhood Wanderings
Asia | South Korea | restaurants | hot places