Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Vietnam Highlights: 5‑Day Adventure

Viewed by 75 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Hanoi Introduction

Morning: Arrive at Nội Bài International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can watch locals practice tai chi.

Afternoon: Dive into the bustling Old Quarter, exploring its narrow streets, street‑food stalls, and historic shop houses. Stop by a traditional coffee shop for a strong Vietnamese cà phê sữa đá.

Evening: Experience a water‑puppet show at the Thăng Long Theatre, a unique art form that tells folk tales. Afterwards, dine on pho at a beloved local restaurant.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Immersion

Morning: Visit the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, including the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.

Afternoon: Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups. Take a cyclo ride through the French colonial‑style boulevards of the French Quarter.

Evening: Wander the lively night market around Dong Xuan Market, sampling grilled pork skewers and fresh spring rolls. End the night with a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Morning: Depart early for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. Board a comfortable junk boat and set sail among the towering limestone karsts.

Afternoon: Cruise to Cat Ba Island for a guided hike through the island’s rainforest and a visit to the tranquil Truong Sa Bay. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on deck.

Evening: Return to Hanoi by late afternoon. Relax with a traditional Vietnamese massage before a leisurely dinner in the Old Quarter.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Hue & Hoi An Exploration

Morning: Fly to Hue and tour the historic Imperial City (Citadel), including the Thai Dien Hall and the Forbidden Purple City.

Afternoon: Visit the scenic Thien Mu Pagoda perched on the Perfume River, then take a short flight to Da Nang and transfer to the charming town of Hoi An.

Evening: Stroll the lantern‑lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, crossing the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Dine on Cao Lầu noodles and enjoy a riverfront coffee.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City Finale

Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and start with a visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and local snacks.

Afternoon: Explore the historic War Remnants Museum and the elegant Notre‑Dame Cathedral. Take a short walk to the Reunification Palace for a glimpse into Vietnam’s recent history.

Evening: End your trip with a sunset river cruise on the Saigon River, followed by a farewell dinner featuring modern Vietnamese cuisine.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Hoan Kiem Lake – 1 hour – $0 (public)
  • Old Quarter – 2 hours – $0 (exploration)
  • Water‑puppet show – 1.5 hours – $12
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – 1 hour – $0
  • Temple of Literature – 1 hour – $2
  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – 2 hours – $5
  • Ha Long Bay cruise – 8 hours – $85 (including lunch)
  • Cat Ba Island hike – 3 hours – $15 (guide)
  • Imperial City (Hue) – 3 hours – $10
  • Thien Mu Pagoda – 1 hour – $1
  • Hoi An Ancient Town – 3 hours – $0
  • Japanese Covered Bridge – 0.5 hour – $0
  • Ben Thanh Market – 2 hours – $0
  • War Remnants Museum – 2 hours – $2
  • Reunification Palace – 1 hour – $2
  • Saigon River sunset cruise – 2 hours – $30
  • Domestic flights (Hanoi‑Hue, Hue‑Da Nang, Da Nang‑Saigon) – 3 flights – $180
  • Accommodation (4 nights) – $60 per night – $240
  • Meals & miscellaneous – $30 per day – $150
  • Total Estimated Cost: $800

Tips

If you have extra time, consider extending your stay in Ha Long Bay for an overnight island‑hopping adventure, or add a day in the Mekong Delta for a glimpse of southern rural life. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Da Nang‑Hoi An segment and fly directly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, reducing travel time while still experiencing the country's highlights.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version