5 days in Vietnam itinerary ideas: From North to South in style

Is 5 days in Vietnam enough?

While Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometers north to south, five days is the perfect amount of time to explore one region deeply. You won’t be able to cover the whole country, but you can immerse yourself in the history, food, and landscapes of a single area—without spending too much time in transit.

This guide offers you 8 curated options on what to do in Vietnam in 5 days, depending on where you land and what style of trip you’re after.

Option 1: Northern explorer – Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay

Perfect for: First-time visitors seeking a mix of nature, culture, and iconic landmarks

Day 1: Hanoi’s historic pulse Begin in the capital’s Old Quarter. Wander its lively lanes, admire Hoan Kiem Lake, and visit the ancient Ngoc Son Temple. Fuel up with bun cha and egg coffee, then enjoy a water puppet show after sunset.

Day 2: Cultural highlights of Hanoi Explore the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and One Pillar Pagoda. Dive into Vietnam’s ethnic heritage at the Museum of Ethnology and unwind in a hidden café in the French Quarter.

Day 3: Day trip to Ninh Binh Head south to Ninh Binh for a boat tour through Trang An or Tam Coc’s limestone landscapes. Climb to the summit of Hang Mua for panoramic views and explore the historic capital of Hoa Lu before returning to Hanoi.

Day 4: Overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay

Travel to Ha Long Bay and embark on an overnight cruise. Kayak through grottoes, visit floating villages, and savor seafood under the stars. End your day with sunset drinks on the deck.

Day 5: Wake up in the bay & return Greet the day with sunrise Tai Chi, visit Surprise Cave, and cruise back to port. Return to Hanoi for some final sightseeing or souvenir shopping before departure.

Souvenirs: Silk scarves, egg coffee kits, Trang An landscape postcards, hand-carved wooden figurines

Option 2: Southern energy – Ho Chi Minh city & Mekong delta

Perfect for: Travelers who love dynamic city life mixed with rustic charm

Day 1: Dive into Saigon Touch down in Ho Chi Minh City and head straight for iconic sites like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. Enjoy street eats at Ben Thanh Market and a nightcap with rooftop views.

Day 2: Explore the Cu Chi tunnels Journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels and crawl through the narrow underground world used during the Vietnam War. Return to Saigon for Vietnamese iced coffee and explore quirky art spaces or thrift markets.

Day 3: Mekong delta excursion Spend the day in Ben Tre or My Tho, cruising coconut canals and sampling fresh fruit at a floating market. Visit cottage industries making rice paper or candy before heading back.

Day 4: Saigon slow & savor Relax at a local café, visit Cholon (Chinatown), and explore Nguyen Hue pedestrian street. Try southern-style noodles like hu tieu for lunch and enjoy a last stroll around District 3.

Day 5: Departure day Pick up souvenirs at Saigon Square or visit a contemporary gallery before your flight.

Souvenirs: Vietnamese coffee beans, propaganda art prints, coconut candy, lacquer chopsticks

Option 3: Central coast combo – Da Nang, Hoi An & Hue

Perfect for: Cultural travelers who love a blend of beach and heritage

Day 1: Coastal charm in Da Nang Arrive in Da Nang and visit the Marble Mountains, then relax on My Khe Beach. Head to Linh Ung Pagoda to admire the towering Lady Buddha statue against the sea breeze.

Day 2: Explore Hoi An’s magic Travel to Hoi An and spend the day exploring the Ancient Town’s lantern-lit streets. See the Japanese Covered Bridge, try local dishes like cao lau, and book a tailor for custom outfits.

Day 3: Experience rural life Join a cooking class in the morning, bike to Tra Que Vegetable Village, or lounge at An Bang Beach. Return to Da Nang or stay overnight in Hoi An.

Day 4: Scenic drive to Hue Take the Hai Van Pass to Hue, stopping for photos of Lang Co Lagoon. In Hue, cruise along the Perfume River and enjoy a peaceful evening in a garden café.

Day 5: Royal Hue Tour the Imperial City, explore the royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, and stop at Thien Mu Pagoda before heading to the airport.

Souvenirs: Hand-sewn lanterns, tailor-made garments, bamboo bookmarks, local art from Hoi An

Option 4: Northern Highlands adventure – Sapa trekking

Perfect for: Nature lovers, hikers, and cultural explorers

Day 1: Hanoi to Sapa Take a scenic bus or overnight train to the misty highlands of Sapa. Settle into a mountain lodge and soak in the terraced views.

Day 2: Trekking to hill tribe villages Begin a guided trek through Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. Learn about the culture of H’mong and Dao people, and overnight in a cozy homestay.

Day 3: Forest trails & local life Continue your trek past bamboo forests and rice fields. Visit local schools or craft houses, and return to Sapa for a warm meal and herbal bath.

Day 4: Explore Sapa town Browse the local market for handwoven goods and climb Ham Rong Mountain for sweeping views. Take the train or limousine bus back to Hanoi in the afternoon.

Day 5: Final touches in Hanoi Back in Hanoi, use your final hours to shop for gifts or stroll around West Lake before heading to the airport.

Souvenirs: Hand-stitched textiles, herbal teas, hand-dyed scarves, tribal jewelry

Option 5: Cultural capital – Hue in-depth

Perfect for: History buffs and travelers who prefer a slower, more reflective pace

Day 1: Arrival & Imperial city Begin your journey in Hue, once Vietnam’s imperial capital. Visit the Imperial City (Citadel), a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with moats, gates, and dynastic ruins. Enjoy a riverfront dinner while watching boats pass along the Perfume River.

Day 2: Royal tombs & pagodas Spend the day visiting the grand tombs of Emperors Tu Duc, Minh Mang, and Khai Dinh. Marvel at the architecture and serene landscapes. Stop by Thien Mu Pagoda before enjoying a bowl of bun bo Hue for dinner.

Day 3: Cooking & culture Join a cooking class to learn Hue’s refined royal cuisine. Visit Dong Ba Market for ingredients, then prepare dishes like banh beo and nem lui. Spend your afternoon in a traditional garden house café or visit the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities.

Day 4: Outskirts & relaxation Explore rural temples or take a bicycle ride to Thuy Bieu Village. You can also opt for a gentle spa experience or a countryside walk to see dragon fruit orchards and incense workshops.

Day 5: Final day in Hue Browse artisan craft shops or book a last boat ride before heading to the airport.

Souvenirs: Imperial-style calligraphy, herbal balms, conical hats, royal tea blends

Option 6: Cave & jungle adventure – Phong Nha & Paradise cave

Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers

Day 1: Arrival in Dong Hoi – Transfer to Phong Nha Land in Dong Hoi and drive to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Settle into a riverside lodge or jungle homestay. Explore the quiet village or bike along scenic riverside paths.

Day 2: Explore Paradise cave Visit the majestic Paradise Cave, famous for its massive limestone formations and cathedral-like interior. Take in the cool cave air and awe-inspiring structures.

Day 3: Dark cave adventure Take on the Dark Cave with ziplining, kayaking, and muddy cave swims. After your adrenaline rush, return to town for a local dinner and stargazing by the river.

Day 4: Botanical garden & waterfalls Trek through Phong Nha’s national park to visit the Botanical Garden. Swim in natural pools and see tropical flora. Stop at a nearby duck farm or peanut plantation on the way back.

Day 5: Local markets & departure Grab breakfast and shop at the Phong Nha market before returning to Dong Hoi for your flight.

Souvenirs: Jungle honey, dried bananas, eco-friendly crafts, handmade soaps

Option 7: Island escape – Phu Quoc paradise

Perfect for: Beach lovers, honeymooners, and anyone craving rest and relaxation

Day 1: Arrive & sunset by the sea Fly into Phu Quoc and head straight to your resort. Spend the afternoon on Long Beach with a cocktail in hand, then enjoy a seafood dinner on the sand.

Day 2: Beach-hopping & island fun Explore Sao Beach or Ong Lang Beach, known for their white sand and clear waters. Optionally, join an island-hopping tour to snorkel around the An Thoi Archipelago.

Day 3: Nature & culture Visit Phu Quoc National Park for a jungle hike or check out the local pearl farm. Take a cable car ride for a bird’s eye view of the island.

Day 4: Local life & fish sauce farms Explore Duong Dong Market and Dinh Cau Night Market. Visit the island’s iconic fish sauce distillery or pepper plantations.

Day 5: Spa morning & departure Enjoy a spa massage or sunrise swim before checking out.

Souvenirs: Pearl jewelry, fish sauce gift sets, tropical spices, beach sarongs

Option 8: City & coast – Ho Chi Minh city & Vung Tau

Perfect for: Urban explorers looking to unwind with ocean breezes

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh city highlights Land in HCMC and hit top sights like the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. Cap off your evening with a modern Vietnamese dinner and drinks at a rooftop bar.

Day 2: Head to the coast Take a ferry or car to Vung Tau, a quiet seaside town. Visit the Christ the King statue on the hilltop and relax at Front Beach or Bai Sau (Back Beach).

Day 3: Coastal discoveries Visit the Whale Temple and Vung Tau Lighthouse, then enjoy fresh seafood along the coast. In the afternoon, walk the boardwalk or try kite surfing.

Day 4: Return to Saigon Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City. Use your time to café hop in District 3 or explore Tan Dinh Church and the surrounding boutiques.

Day 5: Wrap-up Spend your final morning picking up last-minute souvenirs or sipping a slow Vietnamese drip coffee before heading to the airport.

Souvenirs: Shell crafts, sun hats, handmade sandals, Vung Tau dried squid

Final tips for your 5 days in Vietnam itinerary

• Stick to one region to avoid wasting time on travel.

• Use domestic flights or sleeper trains to cover larger distances if needed.

• Stay in centrally located hotels to maximize exploration time.

• Pack light but prepare for weather changes—especially in the north.

Conclusion

Five days might seem short, but Vietnam’s diversity makes it possible to fit in adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion with the right itinerary. Whether you’re seeking waterfalls and caves or night markets and noodle shops, this list has something for every traveler.

Still unsure what to do in Vietnam in 5 days?

Explore our full Vietnam Itinerary Guide or connect with our travel experts to build a trip that matches your style and schedule.

Let Vietnam surprise you—in just five days, it can.