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.

5-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast with authentic pho, a flavorful beef noodle soup loved by locals and visitors alike. Open from 6:00am to 10:00am.

VND50000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around this scenic lake in the heart of Hanoi and visit the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple on an island, which is an iconic cultural symbol of the city. Open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm.

VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets filled with colonial architecture, street vendors, artisan shops, and savor the vibrant culture of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor Bun Cha, a famous grilled pork and noodle dish, in the place made popular by President Obama’s visit. Open 10:00am to 8:00pm.

VND70000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and a picturesque temple complex dedicated to Confucius. Open daily 8:00am to 5:00pm.

VND30000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try Cha Ca, grilled fish with dill and turmeric, a unique Hanoi delicacy in this popular local eatery. Open 10:00am to 10:00pm.

VND120000, 1h

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay

Early morning bus trip to Halong Bay takes around 3.5 hours. Enjoy scenic landscapes en route.

VND300000, 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Day Cruise

Embark on a breathtaking cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring limestone karsts and emerald waters. Includes lunch onboard. Cruise runs from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

USD60, 5h

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi by bus.

Included, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting showcasing the country’s culinary diversity. Open until 10:30pm.

VND150000, 1h

Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 3: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Hanoi to Hue

Morning flight to Hue, historic former imperial capital. Flight duration about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

USD50, 1h15m

9:00am

Breakfast at Ancient Hue

Taste royal-style Hue cuisine in a traditional setting with delicate and refined flavors. Open from 7:00am.

VND100000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with palaces, gates and gardens - a relic of the Nguyen dynasty. Open daily 8:00am to 5:00pm.

VND150000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Hue specialties such as Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup. Open 10:00am to 3:00pm.

VND80000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit this serene seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, an important religious site. Open 7:00am to 6:00pm.

Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Dine in a French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant in a colonial villa, offering local and European dishes. Open 6:30pm to 10:00pm.

VND200000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hue

Day 4: Charming Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Travel Hue to Hoi An by car

A scenic 3-hour drive south along the coast, passing through stunning landscapes including the Hai Van Pass.

VND700000, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Morning Glory

Sample Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles and white rose dumplings in a celebrated local favourite. Open 10:00am to 9:00pm.

VND100000, 1h

1:00pm

Walking tour of Ancient Town

Explore the UNESCO ancient town of Hoi An with its lantern-lit streets, Chinese temples, historic houses and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Open all day.

VND120000, 2h

3:30pm

Visit An Bang Beach

Relax at this tranquil beach just 4 km from town, perfect for a swim or a scenic walk. Public access open all day.

Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy western and Vietnamese fusion dishes with a view of the Thu Bon River at this upscale restaurant. Open until 10:00pm.

VND180000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 5: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Flight Hoi An (via Da Nang) to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning flight taking approximately 1.5 hours to the bustling southern economic hub.

USD60, 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at L'usine

Enjoy a chic café with French-inspired breakfast dishes in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Open from 7:00am.

VND150000, 1h

10:00am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s history with exhibits on the Vietnam War and its impacts. Open 7:30am to 6:00pm.

VND40000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Relish one of the city’s best pho joints serving classic Vietnamese beef noodle soup. Open 6:00am to 9:30pm.

VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Explore these iconic French colonial landmarks located close to one another in the city center. Open daily.

Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Shopping at Ben Thanh Market

Experience vibrant market life with souvenirs, clothes, and local street food stalls. Open 6:00am to 7:00pm.

Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Deck Saigon

Dine riverside at this fine dining restaurant offering upscale Vietnamese and international cuisine. Open until 10:30pm.

VND350000, 2h

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

8:00am

9:30am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

7:00am

11:00am

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Historic Hue

7:00am

9:00am

10:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

6:00pm

Day 4: Charming Hoi An

8:00am

11:30am

1:00pm

3:30pm

6:30pm

Day 5: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

7:00am

8:30am

10:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

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