How many days do you need in Vietnam?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Vietnam, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Vietnam?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Vietnam. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Comprehensive 5-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on July 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast with a bowl of rich and flavorful Pho, a must-try Hanoi specialty known for its fragrant broth and tender beef slices.

VND60000, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a refreshing morning stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Visit the Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake to soak in the cultural and spiritual essence of Hanoi.

VND30000, 1h30m

11:30AM

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, famous for its vibrant street markets, local shops, and colonial architecture.

Free, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the iconic Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs, famously visited by former US President Obama.

VND70000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of Hanoi’s rich educational heritage with beautiful traditional architecture and serene gardens.

VND30000, 1h30m

5:00PM

Water Puppet Theatre Show

Witness a cultural performance of Vietnam’s famous water puppetry art form, showcasing local legends and rural life scenes.

VND100000, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor Cha Ca, a distinctive Hanoi dish featuring grilled turmeric fish served with dill and noodles, at this well-known local restaurant.

VND150000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on July 29, 2025

7:00AM

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Depart early from Hanoi and travel approximately 3.5 hours by a comfortable shuttle bus to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.

VND300000, 3h30m

11:00AM

Board Overnight Cruise

Check in to a luxury cruise boat. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising through the magnificent limestone islands and caves of Ha Long Bay.

USD150 per person (Includes accommodation and meals), 1h30m

1:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit the famous Surprise Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in the bay, known for its grand stalactites and stalagmites.

Included in cruise, 1h0m

3:00PM

Kayaking or Swimming

Engage in kayaking or swimming in a calm area of the bay for a closer look at the karst formations and marine environment.

Included in cruise, 1h0m

6:00PM

Dinner on Board

Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner with panoramic views of Ha Long Bay at sunset.

Included in cruise, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Ha Long Bay

Day 3: Return to Hanoi & Travel to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on July 30, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and Tai Chi on Deck

Start your morning with Tai Chi exercises on deck followed by breakfast as the cruise slowly returns to the harbor.

Included in cruise, 1h0m

9:30AM

Disembark and Travel to Hanoi Airport

Disembark and take a shuttle bus back to Hanoi airport to catch your flight to Hue, the former imperial capital.

VND300000 for shuttle + approx. USD 60 flight, 5h total including flight time

3:00PM

Check-in and Rest at Hotel

Arrive in Hue and check into your hotel to relax before the evening exploration.

Variable, 1h0m

5:00PM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the impressive ruins of the Nguyen Dynasty’s Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring palaces, temples, and royal tombs.

VND150000, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy an authentic Hue cuisine dinner with specialties like Bun Bo Hue and fresh spring rolls.

VND100000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hue

Day 4: Cultural Hue to Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on July 31, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty local Vietnamese breakfast included at the hotel, often featuring rice porridge or bánh mì.

Included, 1h0m

8:30AM

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Marvel at one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in Hue, set by the Perfume River with a striking seven-story pagoda tower.

Free, 1h0m

10:00AM

Drive to Hoi An

Travel by car or bus along the scenic Hai Van Pass, a breathtaking coastal route to the charming town of Hoi An.

VND200000, 3h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Bale Well

Relish traditional Hoi An dishes like Cao Lau noodles and crispy fried pancakes at this local favorite restaurant.

VND90000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Discover Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed old town full of lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and artisan shops. Visit attractions like the Japanese Covered Bridge.

VND120000 for entry ticket, 2h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Morning Glory

Dine on authentic Vietnamese cuisine with river views at this renowned Hoi An restaurant known for its excellent service and traditional recipes.

VND150000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 5: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on August 1, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and Morning Market Visit

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then visit Hoi An Market to experience local produce, spices, and souvenirs.

Included for breakfast, Market free, 1h30m

9:00AM

Travel to Da Nang Airport and Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Drive 45 minutes to Da Nang Airport and take a 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam.

VND100000 for transfer + USD 60 flight approx., 3h total including waiting

12:30PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy another bowl of authentic Vietnamese Pho, this time in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its tender broth and fresh herbs.

VND70000, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s history and the effects of the war through vast exhibits and photography.

VND40000, 2h0m

4:30PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and sample street snacks at this bustling market.

Free entry, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Enjoy expertly cooked traditional southern Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere, a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

VND180000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Comprehensive 5-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Exploring Hanoi

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

7:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Return to Hanoi & Travel to Hue

7:00AM

9:30AM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 4: Cultural Hue to Charming Hoi An

7:00AM

8:30AM

10:00AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

7:00AM

9:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

7:00PM

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