5 days in Vietnam itinerary: 3 unique ways to spend your time

Who says you need weeks to explore a new culture? Read about our five-day Vietnam itineraries and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of this captivating country. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, and the culturally vibrant central Vietnam with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these itineraries pack a punch when it comes to diverse experiences.

See our other Vietnam itineraries: 10 days | 14 days

Itinerary #1: Southern Vietnam explored

Explore the enchanting allure of Southern Vietnam on this 5-day itinerary. You’ll discover the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, followed by the tranquil and picturesque canals of the Mekong Delta, where traditional villages and bustling floating markets await.

Your Southern Vietnam 5 day itinerary begins with your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.

While here, make a visit to Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City's bustling Chinatown, where you'll explore the Thien Hau Pagoda, the fascinating FITO Museum, and the vibrant Ben Thanh Market. The evening takes an exciting turn with a Vespa night tour, allowing you to experience the Vietnamese nightlife while indulging in local delicacies.

Day three leads you to the picturesque Mekong Delta's Cai Be, where you'll embark on a mesmerizing cruise through its intricate waterways, visiting bustling markets and charming islands. 

You'll even spend the night on a boat, fully immersing yourself in the delta's unique culture. As the journey continues, day four invites you to rediscover Saigon's nightlife, where you'll savor the flavors of local street food and unwind at a cozy café. 

On day five, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of Vietnam's founding father. This significant site is a popular tourist attraction offering cultural insights into Vietnamese history. Finally, attend a cooking class at GRAIN by a local chef.

Itinerary overview

Check this 5-day Vietnam itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival Day

• Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Explore the city in your free time.

Day 2: Guided Tour Of Ho Chi Minh City

• Visit Cholon, the city's bustling Chinatown.
• Discover Thien Hau Pagoda.
• Tour the FITO Museum.
• Explore Ben Thanh Market.
• Enjoy a Vespa night tour.

Day 3: Overnight Cruise On The Mekong Delta

• Depart for Cai Be in the Mekong Delta.
• Cruise through scenic waterways.
• Visit local markets and islands.
• Overnight on the boat.

Day 4: Saigon Food Tour

• Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
• Discover Saigon's nightlife.
• Enjoy local street food.
• Relax at a cozy café.

Day 5: Cooking Class with Luke Nguyen

• Attend a cooking class with Chef Luke Nguyen.
• Taste the dishes you've prepared.
• Depart from Ho Chi Minh City.

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Itinerary #2: From Hanoi to Halong

Explore two of Northern Vietnam's most cherished destinations, immersing yourself in the cultural richness and historical wonders of Hanoi. Then, discover enchanting caves and hidden beaches in the stunning Halong Bay on this 5 day itinerary. 

Your adventure starts in Hanoi, exploring cultural landmarks and experiencing local life

The first full day is dedicated to discovering Hanoi's rich culture and history. Explore some of the best attractions in Vietnam like the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Ethnology Museum. Alternatively, gain insights into the lives of Vietnamese women at the Vietnam Women’s Museum. 

Later, immerse yourself in the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, known as the '36 Streets,' and conclude the day with a mesmerizing Water Puppet Show. Day three offers a culinary class and spa experience.

On day four, you'll embark on a scenic cruise on Halong Bay, enjoying dinner onboard a traditional junk boat. Day five marks the return to Hanoi, concluding this memorable journey.

Looking for ideas for exploring North Vietnam? You'll find it in our North Vietnam itineraries.

Itinerary overview

Check this 5-day Vietnam itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

• Transfer to your hotel.
• Explore the city in your free time.

Day 2: Discover Hanoi

• Visit Hanoi's cultural sites: the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Ethnology Museum.
• Stroll through the Old Quarter.
• Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show.
• End the day with a Hanoi Family Dinner experience.

Day 3: Hanoi Cookery Class and Spa Experience

• Join a Hanoi cooking class to learn local recipes.
• Relax with a spa experience near West Lake.

Day 4: Journey to Halong Bay

• Travel to Halong Bay.
• Embark on an unforgettable Halong Bay cruise, where you can take in the scenic beauty and enjoy activities like kayaking and cultural experiences.

Day 5: Return to Hanoi

• Return to Hanoi by car.
• Conclude your journey.
   

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Have the time to explore Vietnam in depth? Check out our Vietnam 3-week itineraries for inspiration.

Itinerary #3: Cultural Saigon

Experience the captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in the bustling heart of Vietnam with our Cultural Saigon 4 day itinerary.

Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, your journey begins in vibrant Chinatown. You'll explore the Thien Hau Pagoda, the intriguing FITO Museum, and the bustling Ben Thanh market. You can also choose to visit the History Museum for a deeper dive into the city's history.

Next, you'll embark on an adventure to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, where you'll board the Bassac boat for an overnight cruise. Along the way, you'll witness local cottage industries, enjoy a Mekong-style lunch, and dine onboard. The highlight of your Mekong Delta experience is a visit to the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market.

Returning to Ho Chi Minh City, prepare for an evening of culinary delights, sampling street food like banh xeo and com suon non nuong muoi ot in a local park. Spend a final day with a cooking class at GRAIN by a local chef.

Rough Guides Tip: For those interested in exploring further, consider a visit to Hue’s Imperial City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a former royal fortress, offers a fascinating look into the cultural and historical significance of the Nguyen Dynasty, making it a must-see for travelers exploring the rich heritage of Central Vietnam.

Itinerary overview

Check this 5-day Vietnam itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

• Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

• Visit Cholon, the city's vibrant Chinatown.
• Explore Thien Hau Pagoda.
• Tour the FITO Museum.
• Stroll through Ben Thanh Market.
• End the day with a Vespa night tour.

Day 3: Depart for Mekong Delta's Cai Be

• Cruise through scenic waterways.
• Visit local markets and islands.
• Stay overnight on the boat.

Day 4: Discover Saigon's Nightlife

• Indulge in local street food.
• Unwind at a cozy café.

Day 5: Attend a Cooking Class

• Take part in a cooking class.
• Savor the dishes you've prepared.
• Conclude your culinary adventure.

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Travel without planning

Thinking about a journey to Vietnam? Get in touch with our local experts. We'll develop a personalized itinerary, and you can make changes until it's exactly what you desire.

Is your trip to Vietnam just around the corner? Be prepared by reading our tips for traveling in Vietnam and the expertise of our in-house editor.

See our other Vietnam itineraries:  10 days | 14 days