Vietnam travel offers stunning natural wonders and captivating cultural and historical relics, making it a beautiful destination for tourists to explore. If you find it overwhelming to plan a Vietnam 5-day itinerary, below is a recommended list of cannot-miss attractions and activities to enjoy during your upcoming trip to Vietnam.
1. 5-day North Vietnam itinerary
1.1. What to do in Northwest Vietnam in 5 days?
The Northwest region is an ideal option for a Vietnam 5-day itinerary. You are recommended to choose the following route: Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai) - Sapa (Lao Cai) - Lai Chau - Moc Chau (Son La) - Mai Chau (Hoa Binh) to explore this region's most beautiful features.
- Day 1: Mu Cang Chai - Sapa Town
With captivating steep hills, valleys, and terraced fields, Mu Cang Chai is perfect for trekking and hiking fans to kick-start their 5-day North Vietnam itinerary.
In Sapa Town, you can admire the stunning natural beauty, join ethnic markets, and savor famous mountain specialties like Thang Co, Salmon hotpot, and Black chicken.
- Day 2: Cat Cat Village - Fansipan Mountain - Lai Chau
Cat Cat is a must-visit on your 5 days Vietnam itinerary. Here, you can stay in a local stilt house and experience the local life and traditional activities while admiring the stunning views.
The Fansipan Mountain cable car tour is perfect for your 5-day Vietnam itinerary. It provides a fast and safe solution to reach the summit and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Lai Chau boasts stunning natural beauty with mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and diverse minority cultures. It is a popular destination for trekking, hiking and experiencing the daily lives of ethnic communities.
- Day 3: Si Thau Chai Village - Sin Suoi Ho Village
Si Thau Chai stands out with its quiet and clean environment, mixed flowers and abundant fruit trees along the road.
Sin Suoi Ho means "golden spring" in the common language, describing the image of a peaceful small village, full of fruit trees along with waterfalls and streams.
- Day 4: Moc Chau
Recommended for your 5 days in Vietnam, Moc Chau offers an exciting journey through the breathtaking mountainous attractions such as Dai Yem Waterfall, Moc Chau Plateau and Pha Luong Peak.
- Day 5: Mai Chau
Mai Chau, with its lush green valleys and distinctive stilt houses, is a suitable idea for your Vietnam 5-day itinerary. You can also enjoy traditional dishes such as bamboo-tube rice, smoked meat, papaya salad and local rice wine during your stay.
1.2. The perfect 5-day Vietnam itinerary: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
A plan to visit Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay provides ample sights and activities to fill your Northern Vietnam 5-day itinerary.
- Day 1: Hoan Kiem Lake - Hanoi Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem Lake, an iconic symbol of Hanoi, has witnessed many historical ups and downs. Here, you should not miss the famous sites such as The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple and Turtle Tower.
As a popular option in the Vietnam 5-day itinerary, Hanoi Old Quarter is well-known for its abundant attractions, diverse cuisine, lively nightlife, and distinctive handicrafts. You can try unique Hanoi cuisine such as Pho, Bun Cham Bun Thang here.
- Day 2: Tran Quoc Pagoda - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex - Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Temple of Literature
Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and the most famous religious site that must be visited in your Vietnam 5-day itinerary. When visiting this place, you can immerse yourself in calming nature and pray for your loved ones.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex is a historic attraction on your Vietnam 5-day itinerary. Here, you can learn about Uncle Ho's life and the Vietnamese liberation under his leadership.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long has remarkable universal values depicting its long-standing history, continuous function as a center of authority, and diverse cultural layers.
Temple of Literature is the first university in Vietnam and a popular destination for students seeking luck in their upcoming exams and studies.
- Day 3: Bai Dinh Pagoda - Trang An Ninh Binh
Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the most famous pagoda complexes in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. With its tranquil ambiance and amazing architecture, it is a worth-visiting place to include on your Vietnam 5-day itinerary.
Trang An Ninh Binh, with its stunning natural beauty of majestic mountains and serene waterways, has been featured in several blockbuster movies such as Blood Letter and Kong: Skull Island. It is an ideal destination that should be included in your Vietnam 5-day itinerary.
- Day 4: Tam Coc - Ha Long City
Tam Coc is renowned for its limestone mountains, caves, and rice paddies. The best time to visit Tam Coc is from May to June when the rice fields turn golden and the lagoon by the entrance to Bich Dong Cave blooms with lotuses.
Ha Long City is a captivating destination on any Vietnam 5-day itinerary, thanks to its stunning limestone islands and emerald waters. To fully experience the local culture and cuisine, you should stop by Ha Long Night Market - a bustling hub for street food and souvenirs.
- Day 5: Ha Long Bay
If you love beautiful island landscapes, Ha Long Bay is a must-visit on your Vietnam 5-day itinerary. With its thousands of large and small islands and numerous unique caves, Ha Long Bay boasts a majestic and poetic natural beauty. Here, you should stop by some splendid tourist attractions including Dragon Eye Island, Ti Top Island, Con Coc Island, Ngoc Vung Island, Sung Sot Cave...
2. A detailed 5-day Vietnam itinerary to explore the central region
Hue (Day 1) - Da Nang (Day 2+3) - Hoi An (Day 4+5)
- Day 1: Hue is rich in ancient palaces, tombs, and temples that possess a deep history and cultural significance. There, you should visit stunning destinations such as Hue Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh Tomb, Vong Canh Hill to discover the finest of Hue.
- Day 2: Inner city of Da Nang
At My Khe Beach, you can enjoy various thrilling activities and savor the seafood delicacies at renowned restaurants such as Thoi Co and Ba Thoi.
Love Bridge is a magnetic attraction due to the countless padlocks hanging on it, each representing a romantic love story.
In addition to its stunning design, Dragon Bridge attracts many tourists for its thrilling water and fire shows.
Displaying sculptural and artistic artifacts from the ancient Cham kingdom, Cham Museum is among the top tourist destinations to include in your Vietnam 5-day itinerary.
Cho Con Market embodies the dynamic vibe and offers many souvenirs and scrumptious delicacies like Banh Canh, My Quang and Kem Bo.
The Danang Fine Arts Museum displays the cultural and historical artifacts of Da Nang. It also introduces, educates, and promotes the values of the city.
Han Market is a paradise for shopaholics, boasting a variety of specialties and souvenirs.
- Day 3: Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang
This peninsula is an ideal escape for those who want to spend time in nature. It features white-sand beaches, stunning landscapes, ancient forests, and beach activities.
- Day 4: Hoi An Ancient Town, recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site, is a living museum of global architectural styles and urban lifestyles that reflect a unique cultural blend.
- Day 5: My Son Sanctuary - VinWonders Nam Hoi An
My Son Sanctuary is one of the most splendid Cham temples in Vietnam, featuring intricate carvings and elaborate stone masonry that have existed for centuries.
Visiting Vinpearl Nam Hoi An will bring unforgettable and exciting experiences to your Vietnam 5-day itinerary. VinWonders Nam Hoi An is a world-class theme park. As soon as you enter this place, you will be stunned by the park's majesty, modernity, and beauty.
3. 5-day South Vietnam itinerary
3.1. The ideal 5-day Vietnam Itinerary to discover Mekong Delta
Tra Vinh (Day 1+2) - Can Tho (Day 3) - Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang (Day 4+5)
- Day 1: Ao Ba Om - An Pagoda - Khmer Cultural Museum - Ong Met Pagoda
Ao Ba Om is associated with fascinating and intriguing stories of the ancient Khmer people
Chua Ang is a large and typical Khmer pagoda which bears majestic and luxurious beauty yet is also equally solemn.
Khmer Cultural Museum displays more than 800 objects and documents, reflecting the culture, lifestyle and customs of the Khmer people.
Ong Met Pagoda embodies the unique style of Khmer culture, representing the history and development of Buddhism in the region.
- Day 2: Hang Pagoda - Ba Dong Beach - Truc Lam Zen Monastery
Hang Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Tra Vinh and belongs to the Theravada Buddhist branch of the Khmer people.
Ba Dong Beach is a lively and picturesque destination that attracts many tourists seeking relaxation and sightseeing opportunities.
Truc Lam Zen Monastery is the perfect getaway to enjoy the tranquil ambiance, admire spiritual and historical values, and practice meditation.
- Day 3: Cai Rang Floating Market - Binh Thuy Ancient House - My Khanh Tourist Village - Tay Do Night Market - Ninh Kieu Wharf
In Cai Rang Floating Market, you can immerse in the sights, sounds, colorful lifestyle, and taste of the Mekong river.
Binh Thuy Ancient House, with over 150 years of history, features antique beauty and significant historical and cultural value.
As a tranquil haven with a traditional village setting, My Khanh Tourist Village offers an authentic Vietnamese cultural experience.
Tay Do Night Market is a bustling and lively night market offering a variety of local street food, souvenirs, and entertainment options.
Ninh Kieu Wharf is a long-standing tourist destination boasting friendly river scenery and a favorable location overlooking the Hau River.
- Day 4: South Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
With peaceful and pristine natural scenery for recreational activities and relaxation, Phu Quoc offers many stunning attractions, including Starfish Beach, Long Beach, Dinh Cau Beach, Phu Quoc Prison, Phu Quoc Night Market. Here, it is suggested that you savor local specialties such as Herring Fish Salad, Sea Urchin and Ham Ninh Clams.
Your Vietnam 5-day itinerary will not be complete without a visit to VinWonders Phu Quoc. This renowned theme park is considered the largest in Vietnam and ranks among the top-rated in Asia. Here, you can immerse yourself in captivating stories, indulge in unparalleled adventures, and partake in various thrilling games.
As a must-visit destination for animal lovers, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is the first wildlife conservation park in Vietnam where you can see various animals in their natural habitats.
3.2. What to do in South Vietnam in 5 days? Visiting Saigon -Tay Ninh - Vung Tau
Tay Ninh (Day 1) - Ho Chi Minh City (Day 2+3) - Vung Tau (Day 4+5)
- Day 1: Tay Ninh boasts various majestic natural wonders such as Ba De Mountain, Cao Dai Tay Ninh Temple, Ma Thien Lanh Valley, and Dau Tieng Lake. It is also a terrific introduction to Vietnamese cuisine with Trang Bang Cake Soup, Ba Den Mountain Lizard and Tay Ninh Beef.
- Day 2 and Day 3: It takes two days to fully explore the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City. Here, you should visit famous attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Central Post Office, Landmark 81, and Cu Chi Tunnels and enjoy signature dishes like Com Tam, Banh Mi, Pho and Hu Tieu.
- Day 4 and Day 5: Vung Tau has a number of historical landmarks, including the White Palace and the Jesus Christ statue. This city is also home to many water sports and outdoor activities, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers and beach lovers.
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Vietnam is a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia that offers visitors so much to see and do. The country offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, making it a truly special and memorable destination. By following our suggested Vietnam 5-day itinerary, you can discover some of the country’s best attractions and hidden gems. So, plan your trip now and get ready for an unforgettable journey to one of Vietnam’s most spectacular destinations!
