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.

Explore Vietnam: A 5-Day Adventure Fusion of Nature, Culture, & Education

Day 1: Cultural Dive

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kito Cafe

Start your day with a delicious bowl of Phở and fresh Vietnamese coffee at Kito Cafe.

VND 80,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Explore the historic site where the father of modern Vietnam rests in a grand mausoleum.

Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the charming streets, lined with shops and street vendors, soaking up the hustle and bustle.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor the iconic Bun Cha, famously enjoyed by President Obama during his visit.

VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam's first university, showcasing beautiful architecture and serene gardens.

VND 30,000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Engage with Vietnam's diverse ethnic cultures through fascinating exhibits.

VND 40,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Experience the famous Cha Ca, grilled fish served with herbs and noodles.

VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Nature Escapade

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast provided by the hotel before departing for Ninh Binh.

Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Tam Coc Boat Ride

Set sail on a scenic boat ride through breathtaking rice fields and limestone karsts.

VND 150,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trung Tuyet

Indulge in a traditional Vietnamese meal featuring local ingredients.

VND 100,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this beautiful pagoda, set against a stunning backdrop of mountains.

VND 20,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Cycling Trip in Ninh Binh

Enjoy a leisurely cycle through the picturesque landscape, discovering hidden gems.

VND 50,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hoa Lu Restaurant

Try the local specialty, goat meat with rice, at a charming restaurant.

VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 3: Scenic Splendor

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up for a day of exploration with a tasty breakfast buffet.

Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Board your cruise

Prepare for a scenic cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, surrounded by towering limestone islands.

VND 1,200,000 (cruise fee), 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch on the cruise

Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch aboard your cruise as you take in breathtaking views.

Included in cruise fee, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kayaking Adventure

Paddle through the tranquil waters of Halong Bay among towering cliffs and hidden caves.

Included in cruise fee, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Marvel at the breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites within one of Halong Bay’s largest caves.

Included in cruise fee, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner on the cruise

Savor an array of Vietnamese dishes served onboard for dinner while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

Included in cruise fee, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 4: Cultural Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at the cruise

Relish breakfast on the cruise, with coffee and pancakes as you enjoy the morning views.

Included in cruise fee, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hoi An

Transfer to the airport and take a flight to Da Nang, followed by a short transfer to Hoi An.

VND 1,500,000 (flight + transfers), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy a delicious selection of Hoi An’s signature dishes in this highly-rated restaurant.

VND 120,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the beautifully preserved streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site, taking in vibrant shops and historic architecture.

VND 120,000 (ticket to ancient town attractions), 3 hours

5:00PM

Visit a Lantern Workshop

Engage in a hands-on workshop to learn about traditional lantern-making in Hoi An.

VND 200,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Mango Mango

Taste a fusion of Vietnamese and international flavors at this popular spot by the river.

VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 5: Vibrant Finale

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your Hoi An hotel before departing for Ho Chi Minh City.

Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a domestic flight to bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

VND 1,800,000 (flight fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy a famous bowl of Pho at one of the city's best locations.

VND 80,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into the Vietnam War through powerful exhibits and historic photographs.

VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral

Admire the stunning architecture of these iconic landmarks in the city.

Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Dine at a famous restaurant offering a wide array of Vietnamese street foods in a delightful setting.

VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Explore Vietnam: A 5-Day Adventure Fusion of Nature, Culture, & Education

Day 1: Cultural Dive

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Nature Escapade

7:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Scenic Splendor

7:00AM

9:00AM

2:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Cultural Charm

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Vibrant Finale

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

More About Vietnam

Plan Your Vietnam Trip