6 days in Vietnam

Discover Vietnam in 6 days: Itinerary ideas for the North, Central, South or a full-country journey – ideal for first-time visitors seeking culture, nature and local flavors.

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

6 days in Vietnam itineraries and budgets

Who these itineraries are for?

This 6-day journey is ideal for:

• First-time visitors: Those seeking an introduction to Vietnam’s highlights.
• Time-conscious travelers: Individuals aiming to experience the essence of Vietnam in a short span.
• Cultural enthusiasts: Travelers interested in history, local traditions, and authentic cuisine.

Best 6-day tour itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi and explore the Old Quarter’s bustling streets, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, and indulge in a street food tour.

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi

Take a day trip to Halong Bay, enjoy a scenic boat cruise among limestone islands, and return to Hanoi in the evening.

Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi

Visit Ninh Binh’s stunning landscapes, including Tam Coc or Trang An, and enjoy a boat ride before returning to Hanoi for the night.

Day 4: Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, visit iconic sights like Notre-Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Market, and explore the lively streets.

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – HCMC

Take a boat trip through the Mekong Delta’s waterways, visit local villages, and explore floating markets before heading back to HCMC.

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Departure

Tour HCMC’s landmarks like the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace before enjoying a final meal and departing for the airport.

The most popular and famous travel in the North are: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh (with Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Trang An…) Mai Chau… The central with beautiful beaches, Hue ancient citadel and peaceful Hoian Ancient town is suitable for Vietnam family holiday.  And, the South is more popular to travellers with Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City, the mighty Mekong delta, Phu Quoc island, Nha Trang beach city, Da Lat – highland city of love

Hanoi & the North

Ha Long Bay – North Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi City Tour

Explore Hanoi’s rich history with visits to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

Drive through the scenic countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise and spend the night onboard.

Day 3: Ha Long – Hanoi – Sapa

Return to Hanoi in the afternoon, then board an overnight train to Sapa, a charming hill station in northern Vietnam.

Day 4: Sapa

Discover Sapa’s stunning landscapes, including terraced rice fields in Muong Hoa Valley, and learn about the H’mong, Tay, and Dao hill tribes.

Day 5: Sapa – Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi, soaking in the views on the scenic journey and enjoying your last moments in the mountainous region.

Day 6: Hanoi – Departure

Spend your final day shopping or relaxing before your departure, cherishing your memories from this unforgettable journey.

This is one of the most popular itineraries for travelers who visit North Vietnam for the first time, which cover best 3 Northern tourist destinations

A festival in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

Option 2: Hanoi – Ha Long – Ninh Binh – Mai Chau

Day 1: Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi, explore the Old Quarter, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy a delicious street food experience in the evening.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh

Head to Ninh Binh for stunning landscapes. Take a boat ride through Tam Coc or Trang An and explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Halong

Drive to Halong Bay and enjoy a relaxing boat cruise among the famous limestone karsts, with a seafood lunch and overnight on the boat.

Day 4: Halong – Hanoi

Return to Hanoi in the morning and spend your afternoon relaxing or shopping at local markets before your next destination.

Day 5: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Hanoi

Take a day trip to Mai Chau, known for its scenic valley, traditional stilt houses, and welcoming ethnic minority communities, before returning to Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi – Departure

Enjoy your final moments in Hanoi with a relaxed morning, last-minute shopping, or a café visit before your departure.

Option 3: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Halong

• 7 most attractive travel destinations in Northern Vietnam

Temple of Literature in Hanoi

North and Central

• 7 steps to choose your perfect Halong Bay cruise: Master Guide 2018
• Halong Bay Weather: When to travel

Option 1: Hanoi – Halong – Da Nang – Hoi An

Option 2: Hanoi – Halong – Hue – Hoi An

Day 1: Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi, explore the Old Quarter’s bustling alleys, savor street food, and witness the Water Puppet Show showcasing Vietnam’s traditional artistry.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (Overnight on boat)

Cruise through Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, kayak into hidden lagoons, and enjoy a seafood feast under the stars aboard a traditional wooden junk.

Day 3: Ha Long – Hanoi – Flight to Hue

Morning tai chi on deck, visit Surprise Cave, return to Hanoi, then fly to Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty.

Day 4: Hue – Hoi An

Tour the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda, then travel the scenic Hai Van Pass to charming Hoi An, pausing at coastal viewpoints.

Day 5: Hoi An

Wander lantern-lit streets, join a cooking class, visit tailor shops, and cruise the Thu Bon River at sunset for a serene local experience.

Day 6: Hoi An – Da Nang Departure

Relax with a morning beach stroll or café visit before transferring to Da Nang Airport for your onward journey.

The Central

Perfume River, Hue City

The South

• Where to visit when travel to Mekong Delta Vietnam in Winter and Spring 2018
• Where to visit when travel to Mekong Delta Vietnam in Summer 2018
• Where to visit when travel to Mekong Delta Vietnam in Fall 2018

Option 1: Saigon – Mekong delta – Muine

Day 1: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historical site showcasing Vietnam’s war history. Learn about guerrilla warfare tactics and underground living.

Day 2: Saigon – Mekong Delta

Take a scenic boat ride in the Mekong Delta, visiting floating markets, traditional villages, and enjoying local cuisine along the riverbanks.

Day 3: Mekong Delta – Saigon

Return to Saigon, stopping at local towns on the way. Experience the vibrant culture and history of the southern region.

Day 4: Saigon – Mui Ne

Travel to Mui Ne, a coastal town known for its sand dunes, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Relax and enjoy the sea.

Day 5: Mui Ne

Explore Mui Ne’s famous white and red sand dunes, enjoy water sports, and visit the Fairy Stream for a peaceful nature experience.

Day 6: Mui Ne – Saigon – Departure

Head back to Saigon, where you can shop or relax before your flight home, marking the end of a memorable trip.

Floating market, Mekong delta

Option 2: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Cao Dai Holy See – Phu Quoc (Or Nha TRang)

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Arrive in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, stroll along Nguyen Hue Street, savor Vietnamese coffee, and take in French-colonial architecture at the Saigon Central Post Office.

Day 2: HCM City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Cao Dai Holy See

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels’ underground maze, then witness the colorful midday ceremony at the surreal Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh.

Day 3: HCM City – Phu Quoc

Fly to Phu Quoc, check in at a beachside resort, and relax with a sunset cocktail on powdery white sands.

Day 4: Phu Quoc

Snorkel around coral reefs, visit a traditional fish sauce factory, and hike through Phu Quoc National Park’s lush rainforest trails.

Day 5: Phu Quoc

Enjoy a leisure day with optional activities—try paddleboarding, visit the night market, or unwind with a beachfront massage and spa treatment.

Day 6: Phu Quoc – HCM City Departure

Morning at leisure before flying back to Ho Chi Minh City for your departure, bringing home island memories and cultural insights.

Nearby beaches for leisure: Vung Tau (120KM from Saigon) Mui Ne (230 KM from Saigon), Phu Quoc (1 hour flight from Saigon), Nha Trang (1 hour flight from Saigon)

South & North

Saigon – Mekong delta – Hanoi – Ha long

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Arrive in Saigon, get settled, and explore the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the city.

Day 2: HCM City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Cao Dai Holy See

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, followed by a trip to the Cao Dai Holy See, a colorful and unique temple showcasing the local religion.

Day 3: Cho Chi Minh City – Hanoi

Fly from Saigon to Hanoi, check in, and enjoy a leisurely evening strolling around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 4: Hanoi City Tour

Take a guided tour of Hanoi’s key landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Day 5: Hanoi – Ha Long, Overnight on Boat

Drive to Ha Long Bay for a scenic cruise, marveling at limestone karsts, and enjoy an unforgettable overnight stay on the boat.

Day 6: Ha Long – Hanoi – Departure (Late flight after 18:00PM)

Return to Hanoi from Ha Long, have some free time for last-minute shopping, and head to the airport for your evening flight.

Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City

Budgets for 6 days

• 3 star hotel without flight: 400 – 500 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• 4 star hotel without flight: 550 – 650 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• 5 star hotel without flight: 750 – 1000 $US/ person for double/ twin sharing
• Flight from 50$US/ 1 way

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-April) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather across regions.
• Transportation: Domestic flights are efficient for long distances; trains and buses are available for shorter routes.
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND); credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas.
• Packing Essentials: Lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; remove shoes before entering homes or temples.

Accommodation Recommendations

• Hanoi: Old Quarter offers a range of hotels from budget hostels to luxury establishments.
• Ho Chi Minh City: District 1 is central and convenient for tourists.
• Hoi An: Stay in the Ancient Town for easy access to attractions.

Must-Try Food & Drinks

• Pho: Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup.
• Banh Mi: A French-inspired baguette sandwich with various fillings.
• Bun Cha: Grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs.
• Egg Coffee: A Hanoi specialty made with egg yolks and condensed milk.

Plan Your Trip

Embarking on a 6-day journey through Vietnam offers a glimpse into its rich heritage and natural beauty. For a seamless experience, consider booking a personalized tour tailored to your interests. Contact our travel specialists to craft your ideal itinerary and make the most of your Vietnamese adventure.