While five days isn’t enough to see all of Vietnam, it’s certainly enough to experience some of the country’s top highlights. With smart planning, you can focus on either the North (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay), Central (Da Nang, Hoi An, Ba Na Hills), or South (Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta). A well-structured Vietnam itinerary will help you make the most of your limited time, offering a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Though brief, a 5-day trip can still leave you with unforgettable memories and a strong desire to return.

Depending on your travel interests, you can choose between North and South Vietnam if you have five days. North Vietnam, which includes Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay, is the best place to visit if you're looking for cultural heritage, beautiful scenery, and historic temples. Highlights including Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Mekong Delta are available in South Vietnam if you're more interested in contemporary city life, war history, and river cruises. Although both areas provide a wealth of experiences, concentrating on only one guarantees a more leisurely and in-depth journey. Your Vietnam itinerary should align with what excites you most nature, history, food, or vibrant city life.

In a 5-day Vietnam trip, focusing on one region helps you explore more deeply. In the North, must-see places include Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the stunning limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh, and a Ha Long Bay day cruise. In Central Vietnam, don’t miss the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Marble Mountains. In the South, highlights are Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and a Mekong Delta boat tour. A well-planned Vietnam itinerary can combine cultural sites, natural beauty, and local cuisine, giving you a rich and memorable travel experience in a short time.

Indeed, if you base yourself in Hanoi, you can visit both Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh in a 5-day trip to Vietnam. Both locations are reachable as day trips: Ninh Binh offers beautiful scenery, temples, and cave boat excursions in Trang An or Tam Coc, while Ha Long Bay offers stunning limestone karsts and boat tours. You can optimise your time by starting early and booking guided tours. A well-organised Vietnam itinerary allows you to experience the natural beauty and cultural highlights of Northern Vietnam without feeling too rushed during your short stay.

Depending on your travel preferences, a 5-day trip to Vietnam can cost anywhere from $300 to $800 USD per person. Budget travellers can find affordable guesthouses, street food, and public transport, which keeps costs low. The cost of accommodation, domestic flights, and guided excursions may be higher for mid-range tourists. Accommodations, meals, admission fees, local transportation, and activities such as Mekong Delta excursions or Ha Long Bay cruises are all included in the costs. There are additional flights to and from Vietnam. With smart planning, your Vietnam itinerary can offer excellent value for money, allowing you to enjoy rich cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and delicious cuisine without overspending.

The best time for a 5-day Vietnam itinerary depends on the region you plan to visit. For North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh), spring (March to April) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather and clear skies. The best time to visit Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang) is from February to August, when the weather is dry and sunny. For South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta), the dry season from December to April is ideal. Avoid the rainy season if you want smooth travel and outdoor activities. A well-timed Vietnam itinerary ensures you enjoy comfortable weather and fewer travel disruptions.

Travelling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay is convenient and straightforward. To reach Ninh Binh, you can take a bus, train, or private car; travel time is around 2 hours. For Ha Long Bay, most travellers opt for a bus or shuttle service, which takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. Many tours also include round-trip transportation from Hanoi. Booking a guided day trip is a hassle-free option for both destinations, especially if your schedule is tight. Including efficient transport options in your Vietnam itinerary helps you maximise your time and comfortably enjoy both locations.

If you're visiting Vietnam for the first time or have limited time, it can be a wonderful idea to book a 5-day guided tour. With guided tours, you can concentrate on the experience rather than the planning by taking care of the details, like transportation, admission fees, and meals. They come with informed local guides who provide each location additional cultural and historical background. For day travels to locations like the Cu Chi Tunnels or Ha Long Bay, tours are extremely beneficial. If your Vietnam itinerary is packed and you want to make the most of every day, a guided tour offers convenience and value.

For a 5-day Vietnam trip, pack light but smart. Essentials include breathable clothing for warm, humid weather, comfortable walking shoes, a light rain jacket, and swimwear if you’re visiting coastal or riverside areas. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat for sun protection. A small backpack is useful for day trips, along with a reusable water bottle. If you're visiting temples, bring modest clothing to cover shoulders and knees. Also carry basic toiletries, travel adapters, and any necessary medications. A well-prepared bag ensures your Vietnam itinerary goes smoothly, whether you're exploring cities, cruising, or hiking scenic landscapes.

When organising a 5-day Vietnam itinerary from Hanoi, concentrate on the main destinations in Northern Vietnam. On the first day, begin by touring Hanoi's Old Quarter, temples, and street food culture. Visit Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Mua Cave during your day trip to Ninh Binh on Day 2. Take in the limestone cliffs and caverns during a full-day Ha Long Bay boat trip on Day 3. On Day 4, take a cooking class or visit cultural sites like the Temple of Literature. Day 5: Shop or unwind before leaving. A well-balanced Vietnam itinerary from Hanoi offers nature, culture, and history in just five days.

In one day, Hanoi offers a rich blend of culture, history, and local life. Start your morning at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and nearby Presidential Palace. Then, visit the Temple of Literature and the One Pillar Pagoda. Enjoy lunch with traditional dishes like pho or bun cha. In the afternoon, explore the Old Quarter’s bustling streets, shops, and local cafés. Don’t miss a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. End your day with a water puppet show or a street food tour. Including Hanoi in your Vietnam itinerary ensures a deep cultural experience, even with limited time.

Yes, in just five days, you may comfortably explore either Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the Ancient Town, go to the Japanese Covered Bridge, eat some local food, and take a day excursion to the Marble Mountains or Ba Na Hills while you're in Hoi An. Explore historical locations in Ho Chi Minh City, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum, then spend the entire day touring the Mekong Delta. While Ho Chi Minh City is lively and modern, Hoi An is lovely and cultural, both cities provide distinctive experiences. Tailor your Vietnam itinerary based on your travel interests.

Vietnam offers an incredible variety of local dishes, even on a short trip. Must-try foods include pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich), and bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), especially in Hanoi. In Central Vietnam, don’t miss cao lau in Hoi An or mi Quang in Da Nang. In the South, try com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) and hu tieu (southern-style noodle soup). Street food is inexpensive, flavourful, and a key part of the culture. Be sure to include local food experiences in your Vietnam itinerary for a truly authentic and memorable journey.