5 Days In Vietnam Itinerary: For First Timer Visitors
Epic 5 Days In Vietnam Itinerary
So you’ve got 5 days in Vietnam, and you’re trying to figure out where the hell to go without turning your trip into a sweaty bus marathon.
Smart move, looking this up now. Most people make the mistake of trying to cram Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang and Saigon into less than a week. Then they spend half their vacation staring at the back of a seat while Google Maps mocks them with “8 hours remaining.”
Here’s what I learned after spending three and a half months bouncing around Vietnam: the country is way bigger than it looks on Instagram. And the good stuff? It’s not always where everyone tells you to go.
You could choose to spend 5 days in the north, centre, or south of the country. Each region has enough to keep you busy without that awful feeling of constantly packing and unpacking your bag.
Take Cat Ba Island, for example. Everyone obsesses over Halong Bay (and yeah, it’s beautiful), but Cat Ba gives you the same limestone cliffs and boat tours without the crowds. I met a German couple there who’d done both, and they actually preferred Cat Ba. Fewer tourists, better food, and you can still get those photos that make your friends jealous.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with your partner, this guide will help you pick one area and actually experience it. No rushing. No FOMO. Just a proper trip where you remember what you did instead of which bus you were on.
And if you end up with more time? I’ve got itineraries for 7 days, 10 days, and even 2 weeks that follow the same philosophy of going deeper instead of wider.
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🇻🇳 5 Days In Vietnam Quick Guide 🇻🇳
- When To Visit: December to April, but March to April is best
- Get Your Vietnam E-Visa: Book your visa online well in advance of your trip.
- Stay Connected: I use Airalo For Fast and Reliable Service
- Things To Do In Vietnam: Ha Long Bay Tour, Lan Ha Bay Tour, Sapa Trekking Tour, Hanoi Highlights Tour
- Get Trusted Travel Insurance – I Use Safety Wing
Map Of Vietnam For A 5 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Hanoi
Morning
Hanoi has so many things to do that you could spend days here.
Even at night there are many things to do and see.
The food scene is incredible, with countless dishes to try and a thriving coffee culture. Make sure you sample the egg coffee.
Start the morning at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to learn about Ho Chi Minh’s past and influence on Vietnam, which is extraordinary. Close by is the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 and a peaceful place to explore.
You could add Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, which is nearby, but it closes at 11:30 AM, so make sure you don’t forget that.
The Presidential Palace is a short distance away, with amazing architecture.
I recommend booking the Hanoi Highlights Tour, which covers some of the city’s best highlights and lasts 4 hours, if you want a predefined guided tour.
Find Out Where To Stay In Hanoi For First Timers
Afternoon
Take a Grab to the Vietnam Military History Museum.
This looks like something NASA built for space exploration.
There are many aircraft on display, and the museum has different sections covering struggles against French, Chinese, and American forces.
When I visited, the sheer scale blew me away. You could easily spend from lunchtime until closing time at 4:30 PM here.
Grab Something At Some Of The Best Vegan Restaurants In Hanoi
Evening
Once Back In Hanoi, you have many options.
I recommend visiting Train Street, one of the city’s most popular spots.
I made a full review post about Train Street, so take a look at that before you go. I recommend booking this Guided Food Tour with Train Street Visit or simply exploring on foot by yourself if that’s how you like to travel.
The train only passes a couple of times a day, usually at 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM, but this can change depending on the time of year. Still, you can walk the streets and feel the atmosphere, which is always fun.
Nighttime
At night, I recommend walking around Hoan Kiem Lake.
It’s always busy with live music or groups of people keeping fit.
The city has many lights and is beautiful. You can head to one of the rooftop bars in Hanoi for an incredible view of the city at night with a tasty cocktail.
I recommend The Luxe Bar overlooking the lake. Ask for Hao, the best barman in Hanoi! Once done here, pay a visit to the Old Quarter and feel the atmosphere. Especially on Beer Street, where anything can happen.
It’s loads of fun in Hanoi.
Read My Best Restaurants In Hanoi Guide To Prepare Your Palate
Day 2: Hanoi To Sapa (Morning Bus And Shared Minivan)
Morning
I recommend booking this bus to get from Hanoi to Sapa; you’ll arrive at 2:30 PM, giving you time to explore Sapa Town.
There are so many great things to do in Sapa youll be thankful it’s part of the trip!
Make a trip to Sapa Square and see the kids playing down below.
Apart from that, you can visit the beautiful Sa Pa Stone Church beside the square, enter the Sapa Love Market, or explore the Sapa Culture Museum to dive deep into the town’s history.
When I visited, I had the museum to myself, so I could fully enjoy the experience without too many tourists around me.
Sapa in winter is different, so make sure you prepare for the climate you’ll experience.
Evening
I recommend visiting Moana Sapa, a short bike ride from Sapa town, for stunning views of the rice terraces and Fansipan.
When I visited, the place was packed, and I received a free drink with my ticket purchase.
There are decorative gates and large hand sculptures, perfect spots for photos with a dreamlike backdrop.
Spend some time here, sitting and relaxing. It can’t always be go, go, go.
When finished here, make your way to White Cloud Sapa Homestay for an egg coffee or beer and watch the sky change and lights come on across the rice fields.
This is a fantastic way to end the day.
I also made a post about where to stay in Sapa just for you and a guide to the best homestays.
Read My Things To Eat In Hanoi Guide For Some Culinary Inspiration
Day 3: Explore Sapa And Then Back To Hanoi (Train And Shared Minivan)
Morning
This will be the busiest day, most likely.
Make your way down the steep roads to Cat Cat Village. Here you’ll find local Hmong women, horses, beautiful waterfalls, and cultural dances waiting for you.
When I visited, I wasn’t sure if it would be a total tourist trap. While it felt like that in ways, I totally recommend a visit. The village feels hidden away from the world.
Once you get there via walking and a buggy, you’ll see colourful dresses and plenty of places to eat.
I witnessed a local music performance by locals, which was attended by dozens of people. You can get a picture taken with horses along the banks of the river. It felt fun and cultural, so I enjoyed it.
I recommend eating or drinking coffee at Hoa Của Núi Restaurant & Coffee. Amazing views overlooking the village.
Afternoon
Once you finish in Cat Cat Village, I recommend taking an arranged driver to bring you to the Ô Quy Hồ pass.
This was one of my favourite places in all of Vietnam.
When I visited, I explored the Silver Waterfall, Sapa Heaven Gate, the Lonely Tree of O Quy Ho, Love Waterfall, and Rong May Glass Bridge. Each one is better than the previous.
If you can only visit one, I’d suggest the glass bridge for being unique.
Evening
You’ll likely run into time issues because the landscape of the Ô Quy Hồ pass is captivating, so let’s combine the evening and night together so you can enjoy it more relaxed.
When you’re back from the waterfalls and nature, I suggest going to Cau Mây Lao Khống for a quick dinner before heading back to catch the train towards Hanoi.
Take the overnight train (they sell snacks on the train, so if you miss dinner, it’s not a big deal) and bus back to Hanoi so you can sleep and save time for exploring and have another travel experience.
Arriving in Hanoi at 05.30 AM, you’ll head northeast.
Please note – I’m listing these sites as ideas. Pick a couple that appeal to you rather than trying to do everything.
Day 4: Hanoi To Cat Ba Island
Morning
Take a pre-arranged taxi or minivan (includes ferry fee) to Cat Ba Island, which I think is one of Vietnam’s less popular gems.
Here, you can explore Cat Ba National Park and see nature and viewpoints worthy of National Geographic.
My personal favourite was the daytour to Lan Ha Bay and the fishing village, which was as good as Ha Long Bay but with fewer boats.
We visited Monkey Island too, which was the perfect beach!
Afternoon
If you want to explore other parts of Cat Ba, I suggest the Hospital Cave, which housed and hid Vietnamese soldiers from the American bombardment.
My driver showed me some tunnels that the Vietnamese used to move through the island.
Evening
Head to one of Cat Ba Island’s beautiful beaches to watch the sunset.
I loved visiting Cat Co 1 Beach, which was a great place to swim in its own right. Get a cocktail or juice at Waves Bar overlooking the beach.
Do all of this before walking the coastal route to Cat Co 3 Beach.
Nighttime
Once the day is complete, head to The Healing Kitchen for great food.
Construction is happening on the bay, so there’s an amusement park feel with lots of places to have snacks and light shows around Cát Bà Square.
It’s great fun and very busy at night, which I enjoyed. Stay overnight in Cat Ba before heading to Ha Long Bay the following morning.
I Compared Thailand And Vietnam Just For You!
Day 5: Ha Long Bay Day Trip
Book this Ha Long Bay day trip with a Deluxe cruise.
It’s a full day, so this is a great way to spend the last day of your 5-day trip in Vietnam.
You won’t have to contact anybody when you get to Vietnam, as it will be pre-booked, so no stress, and it’s highly rated.
I actually stayed overnight on Ha Long Bay and loved every second. We got to see incredible limestone cliffs in the water with nearly 2,000 islands all over the bay, which are said to be 20 million years old.
Bring a camera and a GoPro for photos in the kayak. My iPhone broke when I brought it on the kayak on Cat Ba Island, so make sure it’s covered, or simply pick up a GoPro for waterproof shots.
There are incredible caves and marine life, and I recommend you see this at least once in your life.
Once complete, make your way back to Hanoi and the airport to leave with a memory bank full of the best 5 days in Vietnam you can experience.
Alternative Vietnam Itineraries
You could explore the south of Vietnam in 5 days.
Start in Ho Chi Minh City for two days (see my One day in Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary for inspiration). See the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and Bitexco Tower at night for amazing city views, and do a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels.
I even shot an AK47 on my tour.
Then get a bus to Can Tho in southern Vietnam.
See the small canals, Cai Rang Floating Market, and take a Mekong River cruise. Be careful in this region of malaria and dengue, but it’s so beautiful and peaceful here that I had to recommend it.
Stay overnight and see the Can Tho prison and night markets.
Pretty soon, you’ll have an epic 5-day Vietnam itinerary for just the south.
- Day 1 – Ho Chi Minh City: Explore the War Remnants Museum, visit Independence Palace, walk around District 1, and head to Bitexco Tower at night for amazing city views.
- Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels: Take a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels to explore the underground network used during the Vietnam War, try shooting an AK47, then return to Ho Chi Minh City for evening exploring at the night markets.
- Day 3 – Travel to Can Tho: Take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, explore the small canals, visit local markets, and stay overnight in Can Tho.
- Day 4 – Can Tho: Visit Cai Rang Floating Market early in the morning, take a Mekong River cruise to see the peaceful waterways, explore Can Tho prison, and enjoy the night markets in the evening.
- Day 5 – Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City: Spend the morning exploring any remaining sights in Can Tho, then travel back to Ho Chi Minh City and head to the airport for departure.
Read My Three-Day Ho Chi Minh City itinerary.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam could easily have 5 days’ worth of things to do.
I recommend visiting Da Nang for two days, seeing Son Tra Peninsula and exploring the city’s beaches. Marble Mountain is fun to explore, too.
Go to Hoi An for a night and see the boats on the river and release the floating lanterns, which are beautiful. You can day-trip to My Son or visit An Bang Beach if you want some sand under your feet.
You could visit Hue for a day to see the Imperial City, which left me speechless.
- Day 1 – Da Nang: Explore Son Tra Peninsula for panoramic views, visit the Lady Buddha statue, relax on My Khe Beach, and walk along the Dragon Bridge at night to see the fire and water show.
- Day 2 – Da Nang: Visit the Marble Mountains, explore the caves and pagodas, head to Ba Na Hills to see the Golden Bridge held by giant hands, and return to Da Nang for evening exploring.
- Day 3 – Hoi An: Travel from Da Nang to Hoi An, walk through the Ancient Town, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, explore the colourful lantern shops, and release floating lanterns on the river at night.
- Day 4 – Hoi An: Take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary to see ancient Cham temples, or visit An Bang Beach for swimming and relaxation, then return to Hoi An for sunset drinks by the river.
- Day 5 – Hue: Travel from Hoi An to Hue, explore the Imperial City and the Citadel, visit Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River, then head back to Da Nang for departure.
Read This Guide About The Hai Van Pass In Vietnam
Best Time To Visit?
It’s often said that March and April, and September to November, are the best times to visit Vietnam.
When I visited, I was in Ho Chi Minh City in April, the north in June and July, and the centre in August and September.
It was usually hot, with temperatures always above 30 degrees Celsius. Hanoi had some big downpours, and when I was in Da Nang, I changed my plans to visit Hue because a major typhoon came into the city.
Harsh weather is common in Asia, so be prepared and do your weather research. I made a packing list for Southeast Asia, so check that out for some lightweight rain jackets and other useful tips.
How Long Should I Spend In Vietnam?
I recommend spending at least 5 days in Vietnam if you’re travelling as a couple or solo.
Why 5 days? Because you can fit in loads like Hanoi, Sapa, Cat Ba and Ha Long Bay.
Be prepared to spend energy, but it’s all worth it.
I have other posts where I show why Hanoi is worth visiting, and in fairness, every place I went in Vietnam didn’t disappoint. I would just suggest trying to keep well rested, hydrated and plan transport and hotels well in advance.
One of my favourite places in Vietnam was Ta Van Village.
Is Vietnam Actually Worth Visiting?
For sure.
Vietnam has so many distinct and diverse regions that in 5 days you can see amazing beaches, rice fields, limestone cliffs and cities with culture if you want.
When I visited Ho Chi Minh City years before, I wasn’t very impressed because I was exhausted from a month of travel in Thailand beforehand, but after staying a prolonged time in Vietnam, I have come to appreciate every part.
My 5-day itinerary includes Hanoi and Sapa, and many couples want to see these places together. I couldn’t recommend it enough. The people in the north are warm and friendly.
The food is some of Asia’s best, and I have lifetime memories from this region that I cherish already.
Don’t go abroad without comprehensive travel insurance. I have used and trust Safety Wing.
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
In 5 days, you can see parts of Vietnam in depth and love every second.
There’s so much to see in the north that it makes sense to start from here. Alternatively, you could do a 5-day trip between Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. Or you could start in the south and spend 5 days in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta with day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
I suggest the north because you can get mountains, bays, amazing food, and a fantastic capital city, too.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Where To Go In Vietnam In 5 Days?
In 5 days in Vietnam, focus on one region to maximise time. Northern Vietnam offers Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Sapa’s rice terraces ($5.00 entry to Cat Cat Village), Cat Ba Island ($15.00 ferry and minivan), and Ha Long Bay cruises (from $100.00). Southern Vietnam includes Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho floating markets (tours from $25.00), and Cu Chi Tunnels ($5.00 entry). Central Vietnam features Da Nang’s beaches, Hue’s Imperial City ($7.00 entry), and Hoi An’s Ancient Town (free to walk). Tip: Book overnight trains ($30.00) to save daylight hours. Sticking to one region avoids wasting 1-2 days on internal flights.
Can I Mix Regions In 5 Days, Or Should I Really Stick To One Area?
Stick to one region to maximise daylight hours. Flying from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh takes 2 hours (from $50.00) but adds airport time. I focused on northern Vietnam: Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Sapa’s rice terraces, Cat Ba Island, and Ha Long Bay. Overnight trains (from $30.00) and ferries (from $15.00) let me travel whilst sleeping, saving hotel costs and time. Mixing regions means losing 1-2 days to transport. Tip: Book transport in advance to secure lower prices and guarantee availability during peak season.
Is 5 Days In Vietnam Worth It, Or Should I Just Wait Until I Have More Time?
Five days in Vietnam are absolutely worth it. Focus on one region to avoid wasting time travelling. In the north, explore Hanoi, Sapa’s rice terraces, and Ha Long Bay. Transport is efficient with overnight trains ($30.00) and ferries ($15.00), maximising daylight hours. Book accommodation nearthe Old Quarter in Hanoi to walk to attractions. Visit Cat Cat Village early (8 AM) before tour groups arrive. Pre-book Ha Long Bay cruises online to save $10.00 and guarantee spots. Five days lets you experience Vietnam’s culture, landscapes, and cuisine without rushing.
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