6 days in Vietnam itinerary: 5 best ways to spend your short trip

Is 6 days enough to explore Vietnam?

Yes - if you focus wisely. Six days is ideal for:

• Exploring one region fully or combining two with short flights

• Mixing sightseeing, cultural activities, and food experiences

• Immersing in Vietnam’s highlights without excessive travel time

To make the most of your time, choose one of the curated 6 days in Vietnam itinerary options below based on your interests.

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 Arrive in Vietnam’s bustling capital and dive into its history and energy. Begin in the Old Quarter, where French colonial buildings sit beside buzzing markets. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, and sip an authentic egg coffee in a hidden café. End the evening with a traditional water puppet show.

Day 2: Cultural depth in the capital Explore the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Later, discover Vietnam’s ethnic diversity at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Enjoy a relaxed dinner in the French Quarter and sample Hanoi’s signature dish: bun cha.

Day 3: Ninh Binh’s scenic wonders Take a day trip to Ninh Binh. Glide through limestone landscapes on a boat ride in Trang An or Tam Coc. Climb Hang Mua Peak for sweeping rice field views, and walk among ancient temples in Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay overnight cruise Head to Ha Long Bay and embark on an overnight cruise. Sail past limestone karsts, kayak through grottoes, and enjoy fresh seafood under the stars. Participate in sunset drinks and optional night squid fishing.

Day 5: Wake up in the bay Greet the morning with sunrise Tai Chi on the deck, followed by a light breakfast. Explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, then return to port and transfer back to Hanoi.

Day 6: Final exploration & shopping Spend your last day shopping for silk, wooden crafts, or sipping coffee before heading to the airport.

Souvenirs:

• Silk scarves from Hanoi

• Trang An postcards

• Egg coffee kits

• Hand-carved wooden figurines

Option 2: Central Charm – Da Nang, Hoi An & Hue

Perfect for: Culture lovers and laid-back explorers

Day 1: Arrival in Da Nang Start with a visit to the Marble Mountains, climb through caves and temples, and then relax at My Khe Beach. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda for panoramic views of the coast and the towering Lady Buddha statue.

Day 2: Lantern-lit magic in Hoi An Travel to Hoi An Ancient Town. Explore the charming Japanese Covered Bridge, visit traditional wooden houses, and browse art galleries. Dine riverside on specialties like cao lau or white rose dumplings.

Day 3: Workshops and rice paddies Join a lantern-making or cooking class in the morning. In the afternoon, bike through Tra Que Vegetable Village, interact with farmers, or relax at An Bang Beach.

Day 4: Scenic Hai Van pass to Hue Drive the Hai Van Pass, known for its ocean vistas and mountain curves. Stop for photos along the way. Arrive in Hue and enjoy a sunset walk by the Perfume River.

Day 5: Imperial highlights of Hue Visit the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Enjoy the tranquility of Hue’s garden houses or relax at a local tea house.

Day 6: Café culture & departure Spend your final morning sipping royal lotus tea or shopping for handmade incense before catching your flight from Da Nang.

Souvenirs:

• Custom-tailored clothing from Hoi An

• Hue’s imperial tea blends

• Silk lanterns

• Handmade incense

Option 3: Southern Energy – Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta

Perfect for: Foodies, history buffs, and fast-paced urban travelers

Day 1: Dive into Saigon Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Wander Ben Thanh Market for local snacks and souvenirs.

Day 2: Cu Chi tunnels tour Take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used during the Vietnam War. Return for rooftop cocktails or street food sampling in District 1.

Day 3: Mekong delta adventure Head to Ben Tre or My Tho in the Mekong Delta. Cruise through coconut palm canals, visit a local candy factory, and enjoy a homemade lunch in a tropical orchard.

Day 4: Saigon’s creative corners Explore Chinatown (Cho Lon), visit modern galleries in District 3, and walk through streets lined with French colonial architecture. Try com tam (broken rice) or hu tieu (Southern-style noodle soup).

Day 5: Foodie experiences Join a Vietnamese cooking class or take a hidden alley food tour. Discover how to make fresh spring rolls and banh xeo from scratch.

Day 6: Local life & last moments Grab coffee at a local café, pick up last-minute gifts, or explore small boutiques before heading to the airport.

Souvenirs:

• Vietnamese coffee sets

• Propaganda art prints

• Coconut candy from the Mekong

• Hand-painted notebooks

Option 4: Nature & Caves – Phong Nha & Hue

Perfect for: Adventure seekers and nature lovers

Day 1: Arrival in Dong Hoi & transfer to Phong Nha Fly into Dong Hoi Airport and take a scenic transfer to Phong Nha, nestled in the lush landscape of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Check into a cozy eco-lodge, enjoy a riverside dinner, and watch the fireflies flicker above the jungle.

Day 2: Explore Paradise Cave Begin your cave exploration with Paradise Cave, one of Asia’s most breathtaking underground wonders. Marvel at stalactites and stalagmites that stretch like cathedral columns. In the afternoon, opt for a Dark Cave adventure: ziplining, kayaking, and swimming through mud pools.

Day 3: Countryside connection Bike through Bong Lai Valley, visiting peanut farms and mud houses. Meet local families, swing over the fields at The Pub with Cold Beer, and end your day soaking in nature.

Day 4: Transfer to Hue via DMZ Drive from Phong Nha to Hue, passing the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for a glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime past. Stop at Hien Luong Bridge or Vinh Moc Tunnels along the way.

Day 5: Hue’s regal legacy Explore the grandeur of the Imperial City, walk along the moats and palaces of the Forbidden Purple City, then cruise the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Wrap up with dinner at a garden house restaurant.

Day 6: Local markets & farewell Spend your final hours browsing Dong Ba Market or sipping lotus tea at a quiet café before flying from Hue Airport.

Souvenirs:

• Jungle honey from Phong Nha

• Handmade textiles from local tribes

• Lotus-scented incense and herbal teas

Option 5: Beach & culture – Ho Chi Minh city & Phu Quoc

Perfect for: Couples, honeymooners, and sunseekers

Day 1: Welcome to Ho Chi Minh city Arrive in Saigon and explore the Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and War Remnants Museum. Take in sunset views from a sky bar or stroll around the walking street of Nguyen Hue.

Day 2: Taste and tales of the city Dive into Vietnamese cuisine with a street food tour or cooking class. Visit Chinatown (Cho Lon), local art galleries, and sip iced coffee in one of the city’s retro-themed cafés.

Day 3: Flight to Phu Quoc paradise Fly to Phu Quoc Island and check into a beach resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Long Beach or visiting Dinh Cau Night Market for dinner.

Day 4: Island adventures Join a snorkeling tour around the An Thoi Archipelago or take a cable car ride to Hon Thom Island. Sample freshly grilled seafood beachside and enjoy a sunset cruise if time allows.

Day 5: Culture and nature Visit the historic Phu Quoc Prison, a pearl farm, or the fish sauce factory—all pillars of the island’s local identity. You can also explore the serene Suoi Tranh Waterfall or hike through Phu Quoc National Park.

Day 6: Last Beach stroll & departure Soak in your final views of turquoise waves before your flight back to Ho Chi Minh City or onward destinations.

Souvenirs:

• Black pepper and fish sauce from Phu Quoc

• Natural soaps and island-themed skincare

• Cultured pearls and handmade shell jewelry

Tips for planning your 6 days in Vietnam itinerary

• Choose a region, not the whole country: With just six days, it’s better to explore one or two regions thoroughly instead of rushing across Vietnam. Focus on either North, Central, or South for a richer experience.

• Use domestic flights wisely: Vietnam’s airports are well connected, and budget airlines make it easy to fly between major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City to save time.

• Balance your itinerary: Mix cultural sites with nature, food, and leisure. Don’t overbook every minute—leave space for wandering, café time, or spontaneous stops.

• Pack for variety: Even in six days, you might encounter beaches, mountains, or cities. Bring light clothes, walking shoes, swimwear, and layers for air-conditioned buses or cool evenings in the north.

• Respect local customs: Dress modestly at religious sites, always take off your shoes when entering homes or temples, and learn a few Vietnamese greetings - locals appreciate it.

• Book early during high season: From December to April, Vietnam is a hot destination. Reserve accommodations and tours in advance to avoid disappointment.

Conclusion

A well-planned 6 days in Vietnam itinerary can be the perfect mix of adventure, discovery, and relaxation. Whether you cruise emerald bays, sip coffee in Hanoi’s alleyways, or snorkel in Phu Quoc’s turquoise waters—every moment in Vietnam is vivid.

Need help building your dream itinerary? Our travel specialists can help you design a personalized 6-day Vietnam trip based on your interests and budget. Plan your trip

Or explore more routes in our full Vietnam Itinerary Guide to find your perfect match!