Planning a trip to Vietnam can be overwhelming given its diverse offerings, but fear not! A carefully crafted 5 days in Vietnam itinerary allows you to experience the highlights without feeling rushed. Whether you’re interested in historical sites, natural wonders, or culinary delights, this itinerary provides a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation. With just five days, you’ll traverse through iconic landmarks and hidden gems, all while immersing yourself in the local culture and hospitality that Vietnam is known for.
North Vietnam itinerary 5 days
Here’s a well-balanced 5 days 4 nights itinerary covering the best of Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh:
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Explore the Capital
- Morning: Arrive in Hanoi. Check in to your hotel in the Old Quarter.
- Afternoon: Explore Hanoi’s top attractions:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & One Pillar Pagoda
- Temple of Literature
- Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
- Evening: Experience Hanoi’s street food (try pho, banh mi, and egg coffee).
- Optional: Watch the Thang Long Water Puppet Show.
Day 2: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay (Overnight Cruise)
- Morning: Travel to Ha Long Bay (3-4 hour drive).
- Afternoon: Check in to a luxury cruise and explore the bay.
- Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or Titop Island.
- Kayak around limestone karsts.
- Enjoy a sunset on the cruise deck.
- Evening: Seafood dinner onboard & squid fishing.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh (Trang An & Mua Cave)
- Morning: Cruise through Ha Long Bay, visit a floating village or kayak.
- Late Morning: Return to Hanoi, then transfer to Ninh Binh (2-hour drive).
- Afternoon: Explore Ninh Binh:
- Trang An boat tour (stunning river and limestone caves).
- Hike up Mua Cave viewpoint for a panoramic view of Tam Coc.
- Evening: Check in to a homestay or resort in Ninh Binh. Relax and enjoy the countryside.
Day 4: Ninh Binh → Hanoi
- Morning: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda (Vietnam’s largest Buddhist temple).
- Afternoon: Return to Hanoi. Explore:
- Train Street (if open).
- West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda.
- Shopping in Dong Xuan Market or Hanoi Night Market.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Free time for last-minute shopping or coffee at a local café.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
Central Vietnam itinerary 5 days
Here’s a well-structured 5 days 4 nights itinerary for Central Vietnam, covering Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue:
Day 1: Arrival in Da Nang – Explore the City
- Morning: Arrive in Da Nang. Check in to your hotel.
- Afternoon:
- Visit Marble Mountains (explore caves & pagodas).
- Relax at My Khe Beach.
- Evening: Enjoy seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.
- Optional: Visit the Dragon Bridge for the fire & water show (Sat & Sun nights).
Day 2: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge → Hoi An
- Morning: Head to Ba Na Hills (1-hour drive).
- Ride the cable car to Golden Bridge.
- Explore the French Village & Fantasy Park.
- Afternoon: Travel to Hoi An (45-minute drive).
- Visit Hoi An Ancient Town (Japanese Bridge, old houses, and lantern streets).
- Evening: Enjoy a boat ride with lanterns on the Thu Bon River.
- Overnight: Stay in a boutique hotel in Hoi An.
Day 3: Hoi An Countryside & Beach
- Morning: Take a countryside tour:
- Cycle through rice fields.
- Experience the Cam Thanh coconut boat ride.
- Afternoon: Relax at An Bang Beach or try a Vietnamese cooking class.
- Evening: Explore Hoi An Night Market.
Day 4: Hoi An → Hue (Imperial City & Pagodas)
- Morning: Drive to Hue via the Hai Van Pass (scenic coastal drive).
- Afternoon:
- Explore the Imperial City (former royal capital).
- Visit Thien Mu Pagoda.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner by the Perfume River.
- Overnight: Stay in Hue.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Visit the Royal Tombs or Dong Ba Market.
- Afternoon: Transfer to the airport (Hue or Da Nang) for departure.
South Vietnam itinerary 5 days
Here’s a well-balanced 5 days 4-nights itinerary for Southern Vietnam, covering Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc Island:
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – City Exploration
- Morning: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Check in to your hotel.
- Afternoon:
- Visit Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office.
- Explore the War Remnants Museum.
- Walk around Ben Thanh Market.
- Evening: Enjoy a rooftop dinner or a Saigon River dinner cruise.
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta (Ben Tre)
- Morning: Travel to Cu Chi Tunnels (1.5-hour drive). Explore the underground network used during the Vietnam War.
- Afternoon: Head to Ben Tre (Mekong Delta).
- Enjoy a boat ride along coconut-lined canals.
- Visit a local coconut candy workshop.
- Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh → Phu Quoc Island (Beach Relaxation)
- Morning: Take a flight to Phu Quoc Island.
- Afternoon: Relax at Long Beach or explore Starfish Beach.
- Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at Dinh Cau Night Market.
Day 4: Explore Phu Quoc Island
- Morning: Visit Vinpearl Safari or Sun World Hon Thom Cable Car.
- Afternoon: Discover Sao Beach or visit a pepper farm & fish sauce factory.
- Evening: Watch the sunset at Sunset Sanato Beach Club.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Free time for last-minute shopping or beach relaxation.
- Afternoon: Fly back to Ho Chi Minh City for departure.
Travel tips for Vietnam itinerary 5 days
Here are some essential travel tips for your 5-day trip to Vietnam to make the most of your experience:
1. Packing Essentials
- Weather-appropriate clothing:
- North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh): Cool from Nov–Mar, hot from May–Sep.
- Central (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue): Warm year-round, occasional typhoons from Sep–Nov.
- South (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): Hot & humid, rainy season from May–Oct.
- Comfortable walking shoes – for city tours, hiking, and exploring temples.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+).
- Bug repellent: Useful for the Mekong Delta & countryside areas.
- Power adapter: Vietnam uses Type A, C, or F plugs (220V).
2. Transportation & Getting Around
- Domestic flights save time between North, Central, and South Vietnam.
- Xanh SM taxi App is the best for city rides in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh.
- Public transport is limited, so private cars or guided tours work best for day trips.
- Trains & buses:
- Overnight trains are scenic but slow (e.g., Hanoi → Da Nang).
- Buses are affordable but not always comfortable for long distances.
3. Money & Payment
- Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the main currency (1 USD ≈ 25,700 VND).
- Cash is king – markets, street food, and small businesses don’t take cards.
- ATMs are widely available, but some have withdrawal limits (3-5 million VND per transaction).
- Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in hotels, malls, and some restaurants.
4. Food & Drinks
- Must-try dishes: Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha (Hanoi), Cao Lau (Hoi An), and fresh seafood (Phu Quoc).
- Street food is safe in busy areas – pick stalls with high turnover.
- Avoid tap water – always drink bottled or filtered water.
- Vietnamese coffee is strong – try Egg Coffee (Hanoi) or Coconut Coffee (Saigon).
5. Local Etiquette & Culture
- Temples & pagodas: Cover shoulders & knees when visiting.
- Bargaining is common in markets, but be polite.
- Crossing streets: Walk slowly and steadily – traffic flows around you.
- Tipping is not required but appreciated (5-10% in restaurants, 20,000-50,000 VND for guides).
6. Safety & Scams
- Beware of tourist scams: Overpriced taxis, fake tour agencies, and rigged currency exchanges.
- Use reputable tour operators and double-check prices before booking.
- Keep valuables secure – petty theft (like bag snatching) happens in busy areas.
- Emergency numbers:
- Police: 113
- Ambulance: 115
- Fire: 114