Planning a Vietnam Itinerary in 5 Days? Here’s How to Make It Count
If you only have 5 days in Vietnam, where should you go? What should you do? At Indochina Voyages, we’re here to help you make the most of your journey. A well-designed Vietnam itinerary for 5 days can still give you a rich taste of the country’s history, culture, and stunning landscapes, as long as you focus on one region: the North, Central, or South.
Best Places to Include in Your Vietnam Itinerary 5 Days – By Region
Vietnam offers a rich blend of culture, landscapes, and flavors across its three main regions. If you’re planning a Vietnam itinerary for 5 days, focus on one region and dive into its unique highlights. Here’s a deeper look at the top destinations in each part of the country.
Northern Vietnam
Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital blends ancient charm with colonial influence beautifully. Walk through the Old Quarter, catch a water puppet show, and don’t miss trying bun cha or egg coffee. Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature are must-visits that really capture the city’s soul.
Halong Bay/ Lan Ha Bay: Cruise past dramatic limestone islands, kayak into hidden lagoons, and sleep under the stars on a traditional junk boat. Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter but equally scenic alternative to the more popular Halong Bay.
Ninh Binh: Known as “Halong Bay on land,” it features peaceful boat rides through the stunning limestone landscape of Trang An or Tam Coc. The ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the panoramic views from Hang Mua are worth the visit.
Sapa: A highland town surrounded by rice terraces and ethnic minority villages. Perfect for trekking, homestays, and experiencing rural life among the H’mong and Red Dao communities.
Mai Chau: A peaceful valley with Thai ethnic culture, Mai Chau is less touristy than Sapa but perfect for biking, rice field walks, and relaxing in stilt-house homestays.
Pu Luong: A hidden gem in Northern Vietnam, Pù Luông is known for its breathtaking terraced rice fields, lush green valleys, and traditional stilt-house villages. It’s perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences like soft trekking, local markets, and peaceful nature retreats, without the crowds of more popular spots.
Central Vietnam
Hoi An: A UNESCO World Heritage site with lantern-lit streets, preserved merchant houses, and tailor shops. Great for foodies, culture lovers, and those who enjoy a slower pace.
Da Nang: A modern beach city with quick access to Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, and My Khe Beach. It’s also a great base for day trips to Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge) and Hue.
Hue: Explore Vietnam’s imperial past with visits to the Citadel, royal tombs, and pagodas along the Perfume River. Perfect for history buffs and cultural travelers.
Southern Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): A dynamic metropolis where French architecture meets bustling markets. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and enjoy the local street food scene or rooftop cafés.
Phu Quoc: Vietnam’s largest island offers a tropical escape with white-sand beaches, clear waters, and luxury resorts. Perfect for snorkeling, island hopping, or simply relaxing by the sea. The night market and cable car ride to Hon Thom Island are highlights.
Mekong Delta (Ben Tre/My Tho/ Can Tho): Float through palm-shaded canals, visit coconut candy workshops, and experience local life on the river. Can Tho is best for floating markets, while Ben Tre offers peaceful countryside charm.
Is 5 Days Enough for a Vietnam Trip?
While 5 days isn’t enough to explore the entire country from north to south, it’s the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in one region. Rather than rushing through multiple cities, a well-planned Vietnam itinerary 5 days lets you travel at a comfortable pace, enjoy key highlights, and get a real sense of the local culture.
Whether you’re trekking in the northern mountains, cycling through lantern-lit streets in Central Vietnam, or cruising the Mekong in the south, five days provides enough time for an experience that’s both rich and memorable.
Suggested Itineraries for 5 days in Vietnam
Below are three curated 5-day itineraries, one for each region: North, Central, and South. They are designed to help you make the most of your 5 days in Vietnam.
Northern Vietnam 5 Days – Culture & Natural Wonders
Northern Vietnam offers the perfect mix of tradition, history, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Bustling Hanoi, peaceful Ninh Binh, and the iconic limestone karsts of Halong Bay form a well-rounded journey. Here’s a 5-day itinerary we recommend:
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Spend the afternoon exploring Hoan Kiem Lake, tasting street food, or enjoying a traditional water puppet show.
Day 2: Hanoi City Discovery
Visit key cultural landmarks: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Explore the French Quarter or take a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s lively streets.
Day 3: Ninh Binh – Tràng An & Bái Đính
Head to Ninh Binh for a peaceful boat ride through Trang An’s caves and rivers. Visit the impressive Bái Đính Pagoda, home to Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex.
Day 4: Ninh Binh to Halong Bay
Depart early for Halong Bay. Board your overnight cruise and enjoy kayaking, swimming, sunset views, and a delicious seafood dinner.
Day 5: Lan Ha Bay – Return to Hanoi
Start your day with tai chi on deck. After brunch and final cave visits, return to Hanoi for your onward flight.
>> Our suggested tour: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay 5 Days
Central Vietnam – Coastline Charm & Lantern Streets
Central Vietnam is where history and nature meet. From Da Nang’s stunning beaches to the ancient charm of Hoi An, this region is ideal for travelers looking to slow down and soak it all in.
Day 1: Arrival in Da Nang
Arrive in Da Nang and enjoy a short city tour featuring Dragon Bridge, Han River, and Da Nang Cathedral.
Day 2: Marble Mountains – Transfer to Hoi An
Visit the Marble Mountains and a traditional stone carving village. Continue to Hoi An for a sunset stroll through its lantern-lit Ancient Town.
Day 3: Cooking Class & Ancient Town Discovery
Join a local cooking class and learn to make iconic Vietnamese dishes. In the afternoon, explore landmarks like the Japanese Bridge and ancient merchant houses.
Day 4: Cam Thanh Coconut Village & Countryside
Take a fun basket boat ride through palm-lined waterways and visit local craft villages. Enjoy free time at An Bang Beach or shop in Hoi An.
Day 5: Departure from Da Nang
Relax in the morning before your transfer back to the airport.
>> Our suggested tour: Danang & Hoi An 5 days
Southern Vietnam – River Life & Urban Energy
Southern Vietnam gives you a taste of both city life and rural tranquility. Explore the modern vibes of Ho Chi Minh City and the peaceful rhythms of the Mekong Delta.
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Visit landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Tour
Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Return to Saigon to visit the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum.
Day 3: Mekong Delta Adventure
Head to the Mekong for a boat cruise, visit floating markets, and explore local workshops. Overnight in the Delta.
Day 4: Rural Life & Return to HCMC
Enjoy a sunrise cruise, visit a craft village, and return to the city for your last evening in Saigon.
Day 5: Departure
Relax with a local coffee or quick market visit before heading to the airport.
>> Our suggested tour: Ho Chi Minh City 5 Days
Note: These 5-day itineraries above are sample plans designed to showcase the best of each region. You can always customize your trip to match your interests, pace, and travel style. At Indochina Voyages, we also offer tailor-made Vietnam package tours. Feel free to explore more options or contact us directly at [email protected] to start planning your personalized journey.
Useful Information Before You Travel to Vietnam
Vietnam weather overview
Vietnam’s weather varies by region due to its tropical geography. Here’s the best time to visit each area:
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay): March-May and September-November are ideal, with mild temperatures and less rain, perfect for outdoor sightseeing.
- Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An): Visit between February and April for sunny days, little rainfall, and great conditions for beach time and ancient town exploration.
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): The dry season, from December to April, offers warm, pleasant weather, great for city tours and river cruises.
>>> Read more: When is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
How much does it cost for 5 days in Vietnam?
For a comfortable and well-paced private tour, a 5-day Vietnam itinerary typically costs around $385 per person for the North part and $300 for the Central or the South, when staying at standard hotels. This price usually includes:
- Private transfers
- Guided tours
- Entrance fees
- Meals as mentioned
- Comfortable accommodation
Note: Prices may vary depending on the region, time of travel, and whether you include extras like an overnight Halong Bay cruise or upgraded hotel options. If you’re interested in premium services or custom requests, our team can tailor the package to suit your preferences and budget.
Visa Requirements
Before your trip, check the current visa rules for your nationality. Depending on where you’re from and how long you plan to stay, you may need to apply for an e-visa, visa on arrival, or get one in advance. It’s simple to arrange, but confirming the right option ahead of time helps you avoid unexpected issues, especially if your trip includes cross-region tours or motorbike travel.
Ready to experience Vietnam in just 5 days? Whether you’re drawn to the misty mountains of the North, the lantern-lit charm of the Central coast, or the lively rivers of the South, we’ve got a plan for you.
Email us at [email protected] and let’s create a journey that fits your travel dreams – perfectly timed and uniquely yours.
