6 Days in Vietnam

6 days in Vietnam is enough to catch a glimpse of Vietnam’s beauty. With 6 days you can fully explore a region of Vietnam, from its landscape, culture, history to its cuisine.

At first glance, it may feel like too little time for such a large and diverse country. Vietnam stretches from the misty mountains of the north to the tropical islands of the south, and most travelers dream of exploring it all. But if you’re working with less than a week, 6 days is still enough to savor the essence of Vietnam. With the right balance of destinations, you can still enjoy a mix of ancient culture, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering food. Whether you’re wandering the chaotic streets of Hanoi, drifting among the limestone peaks of Halong Bay, watching lanterns glow in Hoi An, or sipping coffee in a Saigon alleyway, your travel to Vietnam rewards every moment. Discover  our suggested itinerary for 6 days in Vietnam, estimated costs and extra travel tips.

Why choose 6 days in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a long, narrow country, and distances between regions are greater than many visitors expect. Traveling from the capital city Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes 2 hours by plane or more than 30 hours by train. That’s why the length of your stay really matters. With 3-4 days in Vietnam, you’d likely only explore one city and its surroundings. With 2 weeks in Vietnam, you could comfortably cover the north, central, and south in one trip. 6 days sits right in the middle, not too short to be rushed and not too long to feel like you’re overcommitted.

A 6-day itinerary in Vietnam works well for:

• First-time travelers wanting a “taster trip” before returning for more.
• Business travelers adding a short holiday on the side.
• Families or couples who want a meaningful trip without taking too much time off work.

The key is to focus. With 6 days, you’ll need to choose one region in depth or maybe two regions connected by flights. That means you won’t see everything, but what you do experience will still be immersive and memorable.

Suggested Vietnam itinerary for 6 days

Option 1: Northern Vietnam highlights in 6 days

If you have heard about Vietnam as misty mountains, emerald rice fields, and ancient streets, the north is where that vision comes to life. Your journey begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. This is a city where old-world charm collides with buzzing modern life. Wander through the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter, each street named after the trade it once specialized in. Stop for a steaming bowl of pho at a roadside stall, then sit at a café with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake and watch locals practice tai chi as the rhythm of local life unfold.

Spend the first 2-3 days to discover Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital.

From Hanoi, you can escape to the dramatic seascape of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where thousands of limestone karsts rise from turquoise waters. Even with limited time, a one-night cruise in Halong Bay is preferable, which allows you to kayak into hidden lagoons, climb to viewpoints, and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on deck. If you still crave more natural beauty, spend one day in Ninh Binh, often nicknamed “Halong Bay on land.” Here, boats glide through rice fields and caves beneath limestone cliffs. For those who prefer the highlands, Sapa is another option, where terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages create unforgettable trekking scenery.

This itinerary suits travelers who love both city culture and outdoor adventure, featuring a balance of buzzing Hanoi with Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.

Extra ideas for your itinerary: Try a Hanoi street food tour, cycle through Ninh Binh’s countryside, or a trekking tour to Sapa’s Fansipan peak.

Option 2: 6 days of Central Vietnam heritage & beaches

Central Vietnam feels like a different world altogether. With ancient citadels, lantern-lit streets, and sandy coastlines, this region is slower, warmer, and full of history. Start in Hue, the former imperial capital. Its citadel, royal tombs, and pagodas still whisper stories of Vietnam’s dynasties. Try Hue’s unique cuisine, ranging from delicate banh beo and savory bun bo Hue to imperial-style feasts. It takes about 2 days to explore the whole of Hue, however to get a glimpse of Vietnam’s royal heritage, a day trip in Hue is enough before you move on to the next destination.

A few hours south, Hoi An attracts travelers with its yellow-walled houses and glowing lanterns. Stroll the Ancient Town, a UNESCO gem, where tailors craft custom clothes and vendors serve cao lau noodles. At night, the Thu Bon River sparkles with thousands of colorful lanterns, join locals to float a candle on the water for a magical moment. You could also take a cooking class to master fresh spring rolls or bike to nearby An Bang Beach for a seafood lunch by the waves. If you want a more authentic and interactive experience, you can spend half a day on a cycling tour to the outskirts, to meet farmers in the agricultural villages and help them with their daily works.

Hoi An Ancient Town is the must-visit destination in Central Vietnam.

Spend the remaining days in Da Nang city, which blends modern vibes with sandy beaches. Walk the Dragon Bridge, lit up at night with fire and water performances, or visit the famous Golden Bridge, held aloft by giant stone hands. My Khe Beach is the ideal place to relax after days of exploration, where you can find golden sand beaches, shady coconut trees, and countless exciting water sports activities.

This route is ideal for couples on a honeymoon, history enthusiasts, or travelers who want a mix of cultural depth and seaside relaxation.

Extra ideas for your itinerary: Ride a basket boat through Hoi An’s coconut groves, take a cyclo tour in Hue, or sip coffee at Da Nang’s stylish coffee shops.

Option 3: Southern Vietnam itinerary in 6 days

If your idea of Vietnam is energy, flavor, and sunshine, then head south. You will begin in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), a metropolis that never slows down. Dive into the food scene: try sizzling banh xeo pancakes at Ben Thanh Market or sip cocktails on a rooftop overlooking twinkling skyscrapers. For architecture enthusiasts, visit colonial style landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the City Hall. For a historical touch, visit sites such as the Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum, or the Cu Chi Tunnels outside the city. During our Vietnam tours, your French-speaking guide will help you learn more about the country’s glorious past. A scooter tour is a fun way to feel Saigon’s pulse, zipping to hidden pho stalls or family-run eateries.

Next, take a whole day trip to the Mekong Delta, where life revolves around the river. Float through canals lined with coconut palms, visit the bustling Cai Rang floating market, or taste tropical fruits fresh from orchards. For a unique twist, stop by candy-making factory for a sweet tasting session.

For the last couple of days, escape to Phu Quoc Island, where white-sand beaches and turquoise waters offer the ultimate relaxation. Snorkel and dive through colorful coral reefs, wander night markets for grilled squids, or simply sip fresh coconut juice while watching the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand.

Spend 2 days relaxing in Phu Quoc.

This itinerary fits travelers who want to mix big-city excitement with tropical downtime.

Extra ideas for your itinerary: Join a Saigon photography walk, bike through Mekong villages, or dive Phu Quoc’s reefs.

Option 4: Highlights of Vietnam

Ambitious travelers might want to see both ends of Vietnam in just 6 days. It’s possible but it requires quick flights and efficient planning. One way is to spend the first three days in the North to visit Hanoi’s ancient streets and Halong Bay’s dreamy karsts, then fly south to Ho Chi Minh City for another three days. In Hanoi, sip egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake and haggle for souvenirs in the Old Quarter. In Halong, kayak through caves or watch sunrise over the bay. In Saigon, explore lively markets and join a vespa tour for street food. A Mekong Delta day trip adds river markets and lush scenery. This route captures Vietnam’s contrasts: the north’s heritage and the south’s dynamism.

It’s fast-paced, but for travelers short on time who want to check off major highlights, it’s a thrilling option.

Extra ideas for your itinerary: Add a Hanoi cyclo ride, a Mekong homestay, or a Saigon rooftop bar visit.

Ho Chi Minh City, the most modern and vibrant metropolis in Vietnam.

Cost & practical informations

Vietnam is famously budget-friendly, but your costs depend on your style of travel.

• Backpackers can get by on $40-50 per day, staying in hostels, eating street food, and using public transport like buses, taxis and metro.
• Mid-range travelers usually spend $70-100 per day, enjoying boutique hotels, domestic flights, private car with driver and guided day trips.
• Luxury seekers can easily spend more than $200 per day, especially if opting for five-star resorts, private tours and upscale dining.

Major expenses to plan for include domestic flights (often $60-120 one-way), an overnight Halong Bay cruise, and excursions like a Mekong boat trip or Hoi An cooking class. If you are going on a Vietnam tour package by Paradise Travel, these expenses are included, which is a big advantage over paying separately. Booking in advance, especially during peak holidays, is highly recommended.

Travel tips for 6 days in Vietnam

Best time to visit

Vietnam’s seasons and climate varies sharply by region. Spring (March-April) and autumn (September-November) are generally the most comfortable across the country, with mild weather and less rain.

Summer is hot and humid in the north, but it’s a great time for beaches in central and southern Vietnam. Winter can be chilly in the north (especially in Sapa), while the south remains warm year-round.

Getting around

With only 6 days, efficiency is key. Domestic flights connect Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City in about 2 hours, and booking early keeps prices low. For shorter distances, for example between Hue and Hoi An, private cars or trains are more scenic and comfortable than overnight buses.

Our tip: Don’t try to see too much. Pick one region and explore it well, or limit yourself to two with flights in between.

Food & cultural insights

Vietnam’s food is as diverse as its landscapes. In the north, dig into pho or bun cha (grilled pork noodles). Central Vietnam serves mi Quang and cao lau noodles. The south offers banh xeo, fresh spring rolls, and sweet tropical fruits. Try a cooking class or street food tour for a hands-on experience.

Cultural etiquette is simple but matters: dress modestly at temples (cover shoulders and knees), take off shoes before entering homes, and use both hands when giving or receiving items. Bargaining is normal in markets: start at 60% of the asking price and settle with a smile around 80%. Learn “xin chào” (hello) to connect with locals.

For deeper insights and local experiences about traveling in Vietnam, see our detailed Travel to Vietnam 2026 guide.

Local experts’ opinion about 6 days in Vietnam

6 days in Vietnam may not sound like much, but it’s long enough to fall in love with this country. Each region has its own charm: Hanoi’s ancient streets, Hoi An’s glowing lanterns, Saigon’s vibrant energy, or Phu Quoc’s tranquil beaches. Whichever path you choose, a Vietnam itinerary for 6 days will still make you feel both exciting and refreshing. Perhaps you’ll leave wishing for more and that’s the beauty of it. Vietnam has a way of drawing travelers back again and again.

Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our customizable Vietnam tours for more travel options. Pack your curiosity, embrace the journey, and let Vietnam surprise you.