5 Days in Vietnam: Our Recommendations
Boasting more than its fair share of beautiful coastal panoramas, Vietnam is as diverse as its landscapes, as any Vietnam tour will testify. The rich culture of the country drifts from the far-flung corners of the orient to the patisseries of Paris, with villages virtually unchanged since colonial times and cities that are a living breathing entity of shopping malls and street food stalls.
Whether you decide to dedicate yourself to a single fantastic destination such as Halong Bay or want to see as much of the country as possible, there’s no better way to do it than on a 5-day Vietnam tour. Check out our recommended 4 and 5-day itineraries below and take advantage!
- Harry Davies
- From Canada
Vietnam in 5 Days: Country at a Glance
| Day 1 | Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 2 | Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and take in the city sights |
| Day 3 | Visit the Quang Ba Flower Market and other attractions in Hanoi |
| Day 4 | Discover the hidden wonders of Halong Bay by boat |
| Day 5 | Enjoy breakfast with the rising sun and return to Hanoi |
Our final recommended Vietnam tour takes in both the north and the south of the country. Starting in the former capital of South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll be given a guided tour of some of the 340 km of passageways that make up the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the various grand colonial-era structures built by the French. The short flight to Hanoi means you’ll have time to check out all that this city has to offer too, before catching a traditional water puppet performance. Then take to the waters of Halong Bay on a luxury vessel for a day and a night of adventure including a visit to the incredible Sung Sot Cave before ending your 5-day Vietnam itinerary back in Hanoi.
4 Days in Vietnam: The Best of Vietnam
| Day 1 | Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 2 | Tour Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels Complex |
| Day 3 | Drift by the stalls of Cai Be Floating Market on the Mekong Delta |
| Day 4 | Capture your last memories of Ho Chi Minh City |
The most populous city in the country, and the capital during the French period of rule, Ho Chi Minh City (frequently still referred to by its previous name of Saigon) is awash with colonial landmarks, as you will discover on your tour of the city. Swapping aboveground for underground, you’ll then have the chance to wiggle your way through the Cu Chi Tunnels, which acted as important communist supply routes during the Vietnam War. Taking a Cu Chi Tunnels tour is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. Heading southwest, you’ll enter the famed Mekong Delta, and witness trading on the water at Cai Be’s floating fruit and vegetable market, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
5-day Itinerary in Vietnam: Discover Hanoi, Halong, and Van Phuc
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Travel to Ha Long Bay |
| Day 3 | Return to Hanoi |
| Day 4 | Visit Van Phuc Silk Village from Hanoi |
| Day 5 | End your trip in Hanoi |
Discover one of Vietnam’s must-see destinations and learn more about the life of the people in rural Vietnam during this tour. Encounter the captivating limestone karsts and isles of Ha Long Bay and see its natural landmarks such as Dau Go Cave and Tuan Chau Island. Then explore Hanoi, a city steeped in culture and full of historic sights. Visit Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Temple of Literature. Watch a traditional water puppet show and go on a cycle trip around Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
5-day itinerary in Vietnam: Saigon and Mekong Delta
| Day 1 | Arrive in Saigon and go on street food tour |
| Day 2 | Explore Cu Chi tunnels |
| Day 3 | Travel from Saigon to Can Tho via My Tho |
| Day 4 | See Cai Rang floating market and return to Saigon |
| Day 5 | End your trip in Saigon |
Explore southern Vietnam on this immersive, 5-day tour. Taste mouthwatering local dishes during a food tour of Ho Chi Mihn City (Saigon) and discover the Chu Chi tunnels, masterfully constructed underground mazes that provided shelter to people during the war. Cruise down the Mekong in a sampan and see its islands. The Cai Rang floating market is a wonder to behold, a unique and lively haven for handicraft enthusiasts. Your journey comes to an end in Saigon.
5-day Trip in Vietnam: Trekking in Sapa
| Day 1 | Travel from Hanoi to Sapa |
| Day 2 | Explore Sapa |
| Day 3 | Sapa exploration continues |
| Day 4 | Return to Hanoi |
| Day 5 | End your tour in Hanoi |
Explore the lush valleys and rice terraces of Sapa in northern Vietnam during this 5-day tour. See hills filled with verdant greenery and villages inhabited by members of different tribes. Discover the picturesque villages and waterfalls of Cat Cat and Sin Chi. Hike up the spectacular Ham Rong Mountain and enjoy the sweeping panoramas over Sapa. There is so much enchanting beauty shrouded in abundant greenery just waiting to be discovered during this tour.
Insider's tip: Choose your season to visit Vietnam wisely. Each season has its own particularities, but overall March to April is the best time to travel to Vietnam. Remember that Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, so do not overload your itinerary. You don’t want to spend most of your time on the road. Focus on a few regions to truly enjoy the beauty of Vietnam. Enjoy the food. Vietnam is known to have some of the best and healthiest food in Asia. So make sure to try lots of local dishes. It is often the case that street food is the best and most authentic, not to mention the cheapest. — Guillaume and Hammer from A Fun Couple
Vietnam in 5 Days: Trekking the lesser-known Ba Be
| Day 1 | Hanoi to Ba Be National Park |
| Day 2 | Hike through the jungles of Ba Be |
| Day 3 | Visit Dzao ethnic villages |
| Day 4 | Enjoy a boat trip on Ba Be Lake |
| Day 5 | Travel back to Hanoi |
Be part of an exciting opportunity as you traverse the untouched and pristine wilderness of Vietnam. Travel through the remote regions of Ba Be, discovering hidden natural wonderlands along the way. Learn more about the ethnic minorities of Vietnam’s north during a visit to the Thai Nguyen Culture Museum. Then explore the largest lake in Vietnam, Ba Be Lake, and see scenic valleys, rocky cliffs, sparkling rivers, limestone landscapes and majestic caves. Stay in traditional family homes to experience authentic traditional life during this trip.
Vietnam is a country of extraordinary sights, from thriving cosmopolitan cities to tranquil waterways, atmospheric markets and masterpieces of centuries old architecture. With 5 days in Vietnam, you can see a good extent of the country. If you are looking for more itinerary options, check out our 5-day Vietnam itineraries.
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