How to spend 5 days in Vietnam?

How to spend 5 days in Vietnam? With a short time of only 5 days in Vietnam for your tour in Vietnam is difficult to access the whole country – but it is possible to explore deep into one of the specific regions.

Would you like another itinerary or suggestion? Please let us know or customize your Vietnam trip.

5 Amazing Days in Vietnam

Northern Vietnam Explorer

If you plan to visit Northern Vietnam, book your international flights to Vietnam which land at Noi Bai – Hanoi International Airport. There is lots of adventure to be had when visiting this region of Vietnam; the Northern Explorer has been designed to showcase many of Vietnam’s qualities in one short trip.

Hanoi: 40KM from Noi Bai Airport

Turtle Tower in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

Central Hanoi is only 40KM from Noi Bai airport. Vietnam’s ancient capital city – famed for its fantastic culture and exquisite street food. There are many fascinating museums and historic sites showcasing Vietnamese people and cultures that are simply a must-see the first time you are here, some of which include:

• Old Quarter
• Hoan Kiem Lake
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum
• One-Pillar Pagoda
• Temple of Literature
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
• St Joseph’s Cathedral
• Opera House
• West Lake

Halong: 180KM from Hanoi

You can spend either 1 or 2 days cruising in the World Famous Halong Bay which is 180KM from Hanoi.

The 1 day tour departs in the morning around 8am and it takes 3 hours 30 minutes to get to the Bay. The cruise starts at noon from the port of Halong with a daily Halong bay daily tour (no bedrooms). This is normally a 4 hour cruise with a seafood lunch on boat. Highlight of the tour is to visit Heaven Palace Cave (Dong Thien Cung). The cruise arrives back to Halong port at around 4-4.30pm and finishes in Hanoi at 8pm.

The 2 day Halong tour is the most popular choice as you get to see the main sights and spend a night floating on the bay.

The trips include many activities when you are there including kayaking amongst the serene Limestone Karsts, visiting Caves, and having the opportunity to swim in the cool waters (from March to late October)

During the cruise there are a couple of places that are sure to amaze even the most discerning of guests. The Surprise Cave (Hang Sung Sot) is a grand 12,000m² cavern located in Bo Hon Island, deep in the heart of Halong’s Heritage Zone. It was found by the French who named it Grotte des surprise (Surprise Cave) in 1901.

The spectacular Titop Island is one of the more famous islands in Ha Long Bay. It is a beautiful stop to make on your cruise and offers a unique feature in that you can climb stairs to the top of the islet and get a picturesque 360’ view. It also features a fantastic crescent shaped beach, known for its white sand and small waves, making it ideal to lie and sunbathe followed by cooling down with a calming dip in the water.

After your cruise ends on 2^nd day you will be transferred back to your hotel in Hanoi.

Mai Chau: 150KM from Hanoi

Mai Chau village

Situated around 150km from Hanoi is the tranquil town of Mai Chau. The area creates interest among travelers because of the simple way of life for the villagers coupled with the fantastic surrounding mountain scenery. If staying overnight you will get an authentic look at the Vietnamese countryside by staying with a local family in a Homestay. The family will provide dinner and breakfast for you the next morning, giving you a chance to interact with them and fully immerse yourself in the way of life. You can visit the town for 1 or 2 days.

Sapa: 400KM from Hanoi

The most beautiful Northwest town of Sapa is 400KM from Hanoi. The best way to visit this place is by taking the night train which departs from Hanoi between 8-10pm

Ninh Binh: Located just 90KM from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is famous with Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tam Coc Grottos, Bich Dong, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An nature reserve, Cuc Phuong National Park…

With time and above mentioned attractions, here are some itineraries for your consideration:

Itinerary 1:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (Overnight in Hanoi)

Day 2: Visit Halong with a night on boat

Day 3: Take night train to Sapa after getting back to Hanoi from Halong

Day 4: Visit Sapa (Overnight in Sapa)

Day 5: Continue visit some villages in Sapa then take night train back to Hanoi

Itinerary 2:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (Overnight in Hanoi)

Day 2: Visit Halong with a night on boat

Day 3: Back to Hanoi from Halong (Overnight in Hanoi)

Day 4: Visit Mai Chau 1 day (Overnight in Hanoi)

Day 5: Visit Ninh Binh 1 day (Overnight in Hanoi)

See more for our North Vietnam tours

Southern Vietnam in 5 days

After booking your flight to Tan Son Nhat – Saigon Airport, we can take guide you on an epic adventure throughout Vietnam’s southern region.

– Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City: 6km from Airport

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is host to many popular attractions – most of which are centrally located in District 1 which is great for tourists as it means you can get to see all of them in just a few short days. The most visited include:

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• The War Remnants Museum
• Saigon Central Post Office
• Ben Thanh Market
• Independence Palace

– Cu Chi Tunnels: 60KM from Saigon

A morning drive will take you to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, located 60km to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh’s city centre. The tunnels compose a twisting maze of underground passages, chambers, rooms and booby traps used by the Vietminh. Upon arrival, you will watch a short introductory video on the tunnels construction before having the opportunity to explore the maze yourself, portions of which have now been widened to accommodate modern day visitors.

– Cai Be floating market: Mekong Delta – 110km South West of Saigon

This fascinating arrangement of boats lined along the river is host to the colorful Cai Rang floating market, a congregation of sampans from all provinces of the Delta laden with a rainbow of tropical fruits and fresh vegetables.

– Can Tho: Mekong Delta – 160km South West of Saigon

Can Tho is the base from which your Mekong River cruise will depart. From here you have easy access to many top attractions around the Mekong River – and your cruise will make a stop at each one.

– Chau Doc: 250km West of Saigon

This small town acts as a crossroads for goods to and from nearby Cambodia. A stroll around the market on any morning will surprise you with the variety of goods for sale. Many Temples and floating villages make up the other things to see for visitors wanting to gain an insight in to the local culture. The nearby ‘Sam Hill’ now attracts many visitors – comfortably climbable at 750ft it is the only high ground in the region, therefore offering fantastic panoramic views across the countryside.

– Da Lat: 300km North East of Saigon

Da lat is known throughout Vietnam as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. The town is set against a backdrop of dark green mountains covered in pine trees, while the city itself is infused with greenery and often referred to as the ‘flower capital of Vietnam’. The temperature is pleasantly cool throughout the year, as it is located on the edge of Vietnam’s Central Highland Plateau. Highlights of Dalat include the Lam Ty Ni pagoda, accessible via a cable car ride providing some breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding scenery, Bao Dai summer palace, Tuyen Lam Lake and a rustic railway station with only an 8km network of tracks remaining.

– Nha Trang: 400km East of Saigon

Nha Trang is a beautiful coastal town famous for its long a pleasurable beach. Special watersports facilities including parasailing, jet skiing, surfing and a children’s water park make it a top destination for any adventure-seekers. Other activities you shouldn’t miss are:

• Hire a bicycle to ride around the city and its surrounding areas, and really get your bearings
• Have fun at Vinpearl Amusement park
• Experience some of the history at the ancient Po Ngar Cham towers or the French built Nha Tho Nui Cathedral
• Long Son Pagoda
• National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam

With time and above mentioned attractions, here are some itineraries for your consideration:

Itinerary 1:

Day 1: Saigon arrival (Overnight in Saigon)

Day 2: Saigon – Cu Chi (Overnight in Saigon)

Day 3: Saigon – Can Tho (Overnight in Can Tho)

Day 4: Can Tho – Chau Doc (Overnight in Chau Doc)

Day 5: Chau Doc – Saigon (Overnight in Saigon)

Itinerary 2:

Day 1: Saigon arrival (Overnight in Saigon)

Day 2: Saigon – Dalat (flight) (Overnight in Dalat)

Day 3: Dalat – Nha Trang (Overnight in Nha Trang)

Day 4: Nha Trang (Overnight in Nha Trang)

Day 5: Nha Trang – Saigon (flight) (Overnight in Saigon)

See more for our South Vietnam tours

Central Vietnam Excursion

Book your flight to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and we will arrange the onward flight to one of the central cities for you to begin your Central Excursion.

Da Nang: Approx 1hr flight from Hanoi – 1hr10 flight from Ho Chi Minh City

Da Nang is a large beach city located in the centre of Vietnam. It has an International Airport which provides easy access to the fantastic Heritage sites of Hoi An and Hue.

Hoi An: 25km South of Danang

Hoian River

Hoi An has been elected a World Heritage Listed site due to its impeccable preservation. It has a varied mix of ancient households, with touches of Japanese, Chinese and Thai styles in the building designs.

Close by is a Pottery Village and a Silk Farm, and even more popular is renting a bicycle for a cycle to Tra Que village, here you can have fun with local farm activities – giving you the opportunity to experience the laid back and happy life of the local people.

It is another place famous for its stunning beach, here you can relax for the afternoon, topping up your tan and sipping a cocktail from one of the many beachside bars and restaurants.

My Son: 50km West of Hoi An

My Son is an impressive historical site exhibiting relics of the ancient Champan civilization. Today it stands as a mere red ochre shadow to its former greatness, but the structures, courtyards and paths have withstood the tests of time and nature and still afford visitors an insight into the great history.

Hue: 150km North of Danang

Another of Vietnam’s Heritage zones, the city of Hue is famous for its main attraction – the ancient Citadel. It was made a UNESCO site in 1993, to help preserve and restore the remaining buildings and walls of the ancient city. Other activities include visits to any of the 7 Royal Tombs surrounding the city and the Thien Mu Pagoda.

Quang Binh: 200km North of Hue

Fresh on to the tourist scene is Quang Binh province. In 2003, UNESCO recognized it as a heritage zone and since then visitors have steadily increased year by year. The Phong Nha National Park is the main attraction of the area and is home to many caves and grottoes buried deep in to the huge Limestone Karsts.

Kon Tum: 200km South West of Hoi An

This is a great location for those looking for an authentic look at a Vietnamese city untouched by normal tourism. As such, this stands as the main attraction of the city as well as a few landmarks which people like to visit including a wooden church and the bishops building.

Pleiku: Central Highlands

Pleiku is another one of Vietnam’s central cities that remains untouched by major tourism. It offers a look at the country that few people see when they visit here. It is a peaceful location and you are best spending a couple of days here just to relax and peruse through various local shops and temples.

Buon Ma Thuot: 150km North West of Nha Trang

Elephant Riding, in Buon Ma Thuot

Numerous Waterfalls and Trails through the National Park are the things people enjoy most about visiting this location. The area is remote enough that it is perfect for those travelers wanting to get away from it all and into the countryside, providing a unique experience with a look at the simple lives of the Vietnamese country people.

With time and above mentioned attractions, here are some itineraries for your consideration:

Itinerary 1:

Day 1: Danang Arrival – Hoi An (Overnight in Hoi An)

Day 2: Hoi An (Overnight in Hoi An)

Day 3: My Son (Overnight in Hoi An)

Day 4: Hoi An – Hue (Overnight in Hue)

Day 5: Hue (Overnight in Hue)

Itinerary 2:

Day 1: Danang Arrival – Hoi An (Overnight in Hoi An)

Day 2: Kon Tum (Overnight in Kon Tum)

Day 3: Pleiku (Overnight in Pleiku)

Day 4: Buon Ma Thuot (Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot)

Day 5: Hoi An (Flight to Danang) (Overnight in Hoi An)

See more for other options at our tours in center of Vietnam area: Central Vietnam tours

Budgets for 5 days in Vietnam:

• 3 star hotel without flight: 350 – 450 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• 4 star hotel without flight: 500 – 650 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• 5 star hotel without flight: 750 – 950 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• Flight from 80$US/ 1 way (North/ South to Central), from 150$US/ 1 way North to South or vice versa

Recommended 5 days in Vietnam tours

These tours can be customized to fit your demands

• Explore The Highland of Southern Vietnam
• Trekking Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay Kayaking Tour
• Danang Beach Break
• Central Vietnam Stopover
• Beach and Central Highland of Vietnam Stopover
• Southern Vietnam Experience
• Central Vietnam With World Heritage
• Best of North Vietnam tour
• Adventurous Tour to Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Lang Son

Struggle to plan a 5-day trip to Vietnam? As always, we can assist in any part of your holiday – whether it be a guide to help you explore the city or just a phone call to our office with a question or need assistance.