4 days in Vietnam itinerary – What to do in Vietnam in 4 Days

Is 4 days in Vietnam too short?

It’s a common question: is 4 days in Vietnam enough? While the country has so much to offer—towering mountains, colonial cities, lush deltas, and island escapes—four days can still give you a rich, satisfying taste of Vietnam if you plan wisely.

Instead of trying to cover the entire country, focus on one region: north, central, or south. Each has its own rhythm, cuisine, and stories to tell.

With the right itinerary, 4 days is:

• Enough time to dive into the highlights of a city or region

• Perfect for enjoying a balance of culture, nature, and food

• Ideal for short breaks, layovers, or part of a multi-country trip

The best 4 days in Vietnam itinerary options

Whether you're drawn to ancient towns, modern cities, lush countryside, or dramatic caves, these 4-day itineraries help you make the most of a short trip in Vietnam. Each one focuses on a specific region to maximize your time and experiences.

Option 1: Northern charm – Hanoi & Ninh Binh

Perfect for: First-time travelers who want a balance of culture, history, and nature

Day 1: Cultural immersion in Hanoi Land in Hanoi and head straight to the heart of the city—its Old Quarter. Start your journey with a relaxing stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals practice tai chi and students snap graduation photos. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, perched on a small island. Grab lunch at a traditional bun cha shop like Bun Cha Huong Lien, then dive into the chaos and charm of the Old Quarter’s narrow streets. End the day with a water puppet show and enjoy egg coffee at the legendary Café Giang.

Day 2: Historical highlights Start early with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dating back to the 11th century. In the afternoon, stroll through the French Quarter to admire colonial architecture. Try street snacks like nem cua be (crab spring rolls) or pho bo.

Day 3: Day trip to Ninh Binh – Inland Halong Bay Take a 2-hour transfer to Ninh Binh, a UNESCO-protected area known for limestone mountains and lush rice fields. Board a sampan boat through Trang An or Tam Coc, where locals row with their feet. Climb Hang Mua Peak for a panoramic view of the valley, then explore the 10th-century capital at Hoa Lu. Enjoy dinner at a peaceful countryside homestay before returning to Hanoi.

Day 4: Local Markets & Souvenirs Before departure, browse Dong Xuan Market or shop for silk and bamboo crafts. For cultural insight, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology if time permits.

Option 2: Southern vibes – Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta

Perfect for: Travelers who love big cities, food scenes, and tropical river life

Day 1: Dive into Saigon’s energy Start your trip at Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office—two icons of French colonial architecture. Head to the War Remnants Museum for a sobering but essential look at Vietnam’s past. In the evening, eat your way through Ben Thanh Market and enjoy live music or rooftop views at places like Chill Skybar.

Day 2: Cu Chi tunnels & Café culture Take a morning tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 1.5 hours from the city. Crawl through narrow passageways and learn how guerrilla fighters survived underground. Return to HCMC by afternoon for some café-hopping in District 3 or a walking tour of street art and boutiques in District 5.

Day 3: Mekong Delta discovery

Venture to Ben Tre or My Tho in the Mekong Delta. Cruise past floating markets, lush canals, and coconut candy factories. Visit a family-run rice paper workshop, enjoy honey tea, and listen to traditional folk music under thatched roofs.

Day 4: Chill and shop before you go Spend your last day strolling through Saigon Square, exploring contemporary art galleries, or getting a local massage. Don’t miss trying banh mi or com tam (broken rice) one last time before flying out.

Option 3: Central escape – Da Nang & Hoi An

Perfect for: Couples, honeymooners, or anyone seeking balance between beaches and culture

Day 1: Da Nang gateway Arrive in Da Nang and head to the Marble Mountains—a cluster of limestone and marble hills with pagodas and panoramic views. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda to see the giant Lady Buddha statue. In the afternoon, unwind on My Khe Beach and enjoy dinner at a beachside seafood grill.

Day 2: Hoi An ancient town

Take a 45-minute drive to Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s best-preserved heritage towns. Explore Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient merchant homes, and assembly halls. Join a lantern-making class, then enjoy riverside dining under glowing lanterns.

Day 3: Culture and countryside Start with a cooking class and morning visit to the wet market. Later, bike through Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can plant herbs or take a herbal foot bath. Alternatively, spend the afternoon soaking up sun at An Bang Beach.

Day 4: Golden views & departure On your way back to Da Nang, take the Ba Na Hills cable car—one of the world’s longest—and walk across the surreal Golden Bridge. End with a final seafood meal before heading to the airport.

Option 4: Imperial heritage – Hue in depth

Perfect for: Culture lovers, history enthusiasts, and off-the-beaten-path travelers

Day 1: Imperial citadel tour Arrive in Hue and head straight to the Imperial City (Citadel)—a UNESCO site rich with Vietnamese royal history. Wander through the Forbidden Purple City and enjoy local dishes like bun bo Hue.

Day 2: Tombs and pagodas

Travel along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, then explore the royal tombs of Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, and Minh Mang. Each tomb has a unique blend of architecture and peaceful surroundings. In the evening, take a dragon boat cruise with live folk music.

Day 3: Culinary & market life Take a cooking class focused on Hue’s imperial cuisine. Later, visit the Dong Ba Market to sample snacks and shop for local goods like conical hats and dried lotus seeds. Explore small alleyways or hidden garden houses.

Day 4: Art and reflection Spend your last day at the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities or in a quiet teahouse overlooking the river before you depart.

Option 5: Adventure & nature – Phong Nha & Paradise cave

Perfect for: Adventure travelers, nature seekers, and photographers

Day 1: Arrive in jungle country Fly into Dong Hoi Airport, then transfer to Phong Nha. Stay in a homestay or eco-lodge surrounded by mountains. Settle in with a riverside sunset walk and enjoy a hearty home-cooked dinner.

Day 2: Explore the caves

Visit Paradise Cave, one of Asia’s most majestic caves, with cathedral-like rock formations. For something bolder, try the Dark Cave adventure, which includes kayaking, ziplining, and swimming in a mud pool. Tours are easy to book locally.

Day 3: Village life & hidden trails Wake up to birdsong and go on a bike ride through surrounding villages. Visit peanut farms, learn to make rice wine, or explore the Botanical Garden and Gio Waterfall for a refreshing dip.

Day 4: Return and reflect Head back to Dong Hoi for your flight or train. Grab some local souvenirs like dried banana snacks or herbal balms before saying goodbye to central Vietnam’s wild side.

Final tips for planning your 4 days in Vietnam itinerary

• Choose one region (north, central, or south) to avoid rushing.

• Book tours in advance to save time and secure spots.

• Stay central in cities for easier access to top sights.

• Check the weather—north and south Vietnam have different climates.

Conclusion

Even with just four days, Vietnam offers you a deep and memorable journey. Whether you're walking through the temples of Hue, paddling through Ninh Binh's karsts, or tasting your way through Ho Chi Minh City's markets, your short itinerary can be rich with culture, flavor, and adventure.

Want to explore more Vietnam itineraries? Check out our Vietnam Itinerary blog or contact our travel specialists to help you plan a custom 4-day trip that fits your schedule and style.