Planning a Vietnam itinerary in 5 days? In only five days, you can still discover the essence of Vietnam if you plan smartly. Our local travel experts, who have been guiding visitors since early 2000, have put together the most practical 5-day itineraries for North, Central, and South Vietnam. Each plan includes highlights, travel times, and costs so you can decide which route suits you best.
Whether you are a first-time traveler, a couple on honeymoon, or a family with children, these suggestions are based on real experiences of thousands of our guests. They are short, efficient, and designed to give you an authentic taste of Vietnam. For more options beyond this 5-day trip, explore our Vietnam travel plans and itinerary ideas.
Compare 3 Vietnam Itinerary Options for 5 Days (North, Central, South)
| Route | Main Stops | Travel Style | Best For | Estimated From* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North | Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Ninh Binh | Culture + Nature | First-timers, landscape lovers | $450 (3*) / $650 (4*) |
| Central | Da Nang – Hoi An – Hue – My Son | Heritage + Beach | Culture seekers, couples | $480 (3*) / $680 (4*) |
| South | Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi – Mekong Delta | Food + Local Life | Families, market lovers | $470 (3*) / $670 (4*) |
Flight from 60$US/ 1 way (North/ South to Central), from 100$US/ 1 way North to South or vice versa
*Indicative land-only prices per person, twin share. Contact us for detailed quotes including hotels and flights.
Vietnam Itinerary in 5 Days: Suggested Routes & Day-by-Day Plan
Northern Vietnam tour in 5 days: Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh
This route balances cultural discovery in Hanoi with natural wonders in Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. It’s the best choice if you want postcard landscapes and a mix of city and countryside.
- Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi, evening food tour in the Old Quarter.
- Day 2: Hanoi city tour — Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, water puppet show.
- Day 3: Halong Bay overnight cruise — limestone karsts, kayaking, sunset on board.
- Day 4: Morning cruise, return to Hanoi.
- Day 5: Ninh Binh day trip — Trang An boat ride, Mua Cave viewpoint.
Expert tip: In winter (Dec–Feb), bring a jacket for Hanoi. In summer, prepare for strong sun on Halong cruises.
Central Vietnam in 5 days: Da Nang – Hoi An – My Son – Hue
Central Vietnam combines UNESCO heritage sites with charming beaches. This 5-day itinerary is ideal for couples or culture lovers.
- Day 1: Arrival Da Nang, transfer to Hoi An. Stroll the lantern-lit town.
- Day 2: Cycling tour to Tra Que Village or cooking class, relax at An Bang beach.
- Day 3: Half-day trip to My Son Sanctuary, return to Hoi An.
- Day 4: Scenic Hai Van Pass drive to Hue, visit Imperial Citadel.
- Day 5: Explore royal tombs or local markets in Hue, departure.
Expert tip: Tailor shops in Hoi An can deliver custom-made clothes in just 24 hours — perfect for short trips.
Southern Vietnam in 5 days: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi – Mekong Delta
Southern Vietnam is dynamic, flavorful, and perfect for travelers who enjoy markets and food adventures.
- Day 1: Arrival in HCMC, explore Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market.
- Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning, afternoon street-food tour.
- Day 3: Transfer to Mekong Delta (Ben Tre or My Tho), boat ride, overnight in Can Tho.
- Day 4: Cai Rang floating market, return to HCMC.
- Day 5: Shopping or leisure time before departure.
Expert tip: The Mekong is best from November to April, when the weather is dry and markets are busier.
Best 5-Day Vietnam Itinerary: North, Central or South?
- Pick the North if you love landscapes and want a mix of culture and nature.
- Pick the Central route for ancient towns, heritage, and a relaxed pace.
- Pick the South if you enjoy city life, local food, and riverside charm.
If unsure, our travel consultants can design a custom 5-day itinerary based on your interests and budget.
How Much Does a 5-Day Trip to Vietnam Cost?
- 3 star hotels: 300 to 450 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
- 4 star hotels: 450 – 650 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
- 5 star hotels: 700 – 950 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
- Flight from 60$US/ 1 way (North/ South to Central), from 100$US/ 1 way North to South or vice versa
Note: Prices vary by season and service level. Always confirm with a licensed local operator.
Things to Know Before Your 5-Day Trip to Vietnam
- Focus on one region to avoid spending too much time in transit.
- Book domestic flights early if you plan to connect Hanoi, Da Nang, or HCMC.
- Use local guides to save time and get insider stories.
- Prepare cash in VND for small markets, though cards are accepted in big cities.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for cruises and adventure activities.
Looking for longer Vietnam itineraries beyond 5 days? Explore our comprehensive Travel to Vietnam 2026 guide for visa information, best times to visit, extended itineraries, and expert tips to make the most of your trip.
FAQs: Vietnam Itineraries 5 in days
Hello,
I’m planning a five-day trip with my friend arriving to Hanoi and departing from Ho Chi Minh City.
We’d definitely like to go to Halong Bay. I also am interested in in Sapa. (these two I anticipate taking a day each or maybe 2 for Halong Bay).
I’m wondering though how you’d recommend getting from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and if you would suggest any other destinations, or if time is too tight for more. I also figured we’d spend some time in the arrival and departure cities the day of arrival and departure.
Thank you,
Heidi
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Since Hanoi, Sapa and Halong are in the north and Ho Chi Minh is in the south, 5 days are too tight for you to discover all 4 cities. Therefore, we advise that if you have 5 days in Vietnam and you want to visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, follow this itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2: Transfer to Halong Bay and spend time on a cruise. See some cruise suggestions here: https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/halong-bay-cruises
Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise. Back to Hanoi in the afternoon. Take an evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City tour
Day 5: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City
If you need any further information, feel free to contact us at info@vietnamparadisetravel.com.
Regards,
Chi
Please guide if it’s possible to visit Halong bay and the Golden hands on bridge in the same 4 day trip to Vietnam?
Best regards,
Tasneem
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Yes, you can travel to Halong Bay and Da Nang within 4 days in Vietnam. This is my suggested itinerary:
If you need any assistance for your travel planning, contact Paradise Travel and we will arrange all services (visa, accommodations, transportation, activities, and so on) for your perfect trip to Vietnam.
Regards,
Chi
Hello:
Do you work with travel agents? I’m putting together a 5 day trip for two ladies in September and could use your help.
They would like to visit Saigon, Hanoi and Hue. I am not sure they will be able to do all three cities in such a short time.
Thank you,
Cindi Hemingway
New Act Travel
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Thank you for your comment. Since Hanoi, Hue and Saigon are in different regions of Vietnam which will require domestic flights, 5 days in Vietnam are not enough to visit these 3 cities.
We advise they should take a trip to Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, etc.) within 5 days. Here are some of our sample itineraries, you can contact us via email service@vietnamparadisetravel.com for any tour request:
Regards,
Chi