Vietnam Itinerary 5 days - Top three tours

Vietnam has one of the most diverse trip options of any southeast Asian country! You can do road trips of epic trails like Ha Giang loop or trek to the largest caves in the world or just relax in ancient cities like Hoi An, there is just something for everyone to do in Vietnam.

However, you've only five days, so you're a bit short on time, but you have to make sure you experience all Vietnam's highlights.

Therefore, we made three very unique Vietnam travel itineraries for you that are all just right for your interests - one is all about the north, one's centered on the middle, and the final one combines a bit of adventure with some scenery.

Itinerary 1: Northern Vietnam Classic (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh)

Perfect for travelers looking for a blend of history, great scenery, and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 1: Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi on the first day and explore the town by doing a free walking tour in the city center.

When you arrive at Hanoi, you'll definitely connect with the energy in Vietnam's capital. The Old Quarter is a great place to start, with its small, bustling backstreets filled with street food vendors, funky old colonial architecture, and loads of honking motorbikes speeding through. Take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake early in the morning, visit Ngoc Son Temple, and for sure have a traditional egg coffee at one of those great local cafes.

You have to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and as you're there, stop on over at the One Pillar Pagoda, which is within walking distance. Next, stop at the Temple of Literature (it has over 16k google reviews avg rating of 4.6 stars), which is basically Vietnam's oldest university.

That night, don't miss this amazing traditional water puppet theater, and follow with a visit to a local eatery for a try at bun cha, what made Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama's night out in Hanoi a legend!

Day 2: Halong Bay Boat Cruise

You'll have a driver pick you up early and drive you out to Halong Bay (or Lan Ha bay if you choose so) which is one of the most popular places tourists visit in northern Vietnam! You can definitely do a day cruise, but if you have a little extra time, consider doing one where you can stay over for a night for a relaxed atmosphere.

You can explore some caves during the day, navigate through some great secret lagoons, and snack on some nice seafood right on board. The boat stops at various islands where you'll get down and pick up some great views. If you pack all this into one day, you'll return to Hanoi at night.
Pro Tip: Choose Lan Ha bay over Halong bay if you can and do an overnight cruise tour where you sleep in the ship. Look for options for having a fine dining experience on the boat during sunset (would be slightly costlier than normal tour).

Day 3: Travel to Ninh Binh – visit Tam Coc and Hoa Lu

Let's start with Ninh Binh. It's what people refer to as a "Ha Long Bay on land" due to its breathtaking karst landscape and all those lush emerald rice fields surrounding it. On your agenda, you have to try a boat tour through either Trang An or Tam Coc's caves, where boat rowers paddle these wooden vessels with their feet.

In the afternoon visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's former capital. Next, stop at the Hang Mua Viewpoint for a great view. But you will have to do a little hike (around an hour)

You'll definitely love relaxing at a sweet homestay amidst the picturesque countryside for a really relaxing night. So try to find a homestay in the village area which should not cost you more than 500k VND for a night.

Day 4: Return to Ninh Binh and then travel to Hanoi

Start your morning off with a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of Vietnam's largest Buddhist sites. Next, visit a few villages and watch locals craft those cool traditional products before returning to Hanoi. End your vacation with a final night out at night markets around the Old Quarter and a cold beer at Bia Hoi Junction.

Day 5: We're off Hanoi at last!

Don't forget to visit any place you may have missed on your last morning, such as Train Street or any of the cool art galleries of Hanoi. You can have a coffee or a cold beer as you watch the trains pass by. Just be careful as it passes pretty close to the restaurants and can be a bit dangerous.

If you have some time prior to your departure flight, simply walk around town a bit before you leave. Buy some local souvenirs for your friends/family like some fridge magnets etc.

Trip Itinerary 2: Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, Vietnam

Ideal for anyone wishing to relax on a beach, visit some sights, and absorb some local atmosphere.

Day 1: Arrived in Da Nang and explored the city

When you arrive at Da Nang, you should visit the Marble Mountains. These are amazing limestone mountains with numerous caves and pagodas (or just follow this Danang itinerary). Then, relax at My Khe Beach which is a genuinely in my personal list of most beautiful beaches of Vietnam.

Later tonight, stop by the Dragon Bridge area. On a Saturday, you can visit that incredible fire-breathing dragon display. Try some nice seafood at a restaurant and get into bed early for a quality night's sleep for tomorrow. 
If you had 2 days in Danang, I would have suggested you to visit the Ba Na Hills also but alas you are short on time!

Day 2: Hoi An – Hoi An's Relaxed Atmosphere

You can drive there for just 45 minutes from Hoi An, which is this great trading town that's impeccably maintained. You have to walk around in the morning and visit great places such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Old House. And for real, don't miss trying a banh mi at Banh Mi Phuong—everyone raves about it!

In the afternoon, do definitely try out a Vietnamese culinary class and cook up some great dishes, or simply jump on a bicycle and pedal around through the paddy fields around. At sunset, hop on a boat down on the Thu Bon River and release those lanterns for a relaxing atmosphere. You can get some great souvenirs at night markets, and simply return back to your hotel.

Day 3: My Son and Relaxation at the Beach

Kick off your relaxed morning with a visit to My Son Sanctuary, this great old Cham civilization place reminiscent of Angkor Wat. After a half-day relaxed tour, return to Hoi An for a really relaxed afternoon at An Bang Beach, where you can simply kick back with a few palm trees above you, or splurge on some local seafood.

Day 4: The Royal City - Hue

You'll have to drive along on the stunning Hai Van Pass and definitely stop to appreciate those breathtaking ocean views! From there, once you arrive at Hue, start your tour off with a visit to see the Imperial Citadel, this sprawling compound filled with temples and palaces.

You can also participate in the Hue Festival which happens every year and is pretty cool if you like to know local Vietnamese culture.

You'll have to see Thien Mu Pagoda and take a boat tour down the Perfume River. The food here is great, and you simply must have a try at bun bo Hue, which is this incredibly flavorful spicy beef noodle soup that everyone loves.

Day 5: Departing from Hue

Before you fly out, stop by the Tombs of the Nguyen Kings – they're a fascinating collection of dandy royal tombs.

Trip plan 3: Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh

Ideal for those who are into adventures and nature, particularly if you appreciate great scenery and immersing themselves in culture.

Day 1: Hanoi – Starting off at the capital

Start your day with a visit to some great locations around Hanoi, including the Old Quarters, Temple of Literature, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Honestly, you will not miss getting a bowl of pho and walking around Hoan Kiem Lake!

Day 2: Sapa – Hiking through mountains and exploring local communities

Start your day off with a visit to Sapa, this relaxed mountain town that's great for a number of reasons – including those incredible rice paddies and super cool minority villages. And after that, mosey on over to Cat Cat Village and visit with those very nice Hmong people.

Day 3: Sapa is amazing!

You'll love this extended hike into Ta Van and Lao Chai Villages! You'll have some fantastic terraced scenery. And you'll stay with a local family, cook a meal with them, and get a real insight into their culture.

Day 4: Ninh Binh - Vietnam's Relaxed Attitude

You should return back to Hanoi and relax for a day before exploring Ninh Binh. You can relax on those boat trips at Trang An, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, and climb up to the Hang Mua Viewpoint.
Even though they are wildly different the vibes here reminds me of our Costa rica itinerary we followed for a week!

Day 5: Return to Hanoi and then departed

Take it easy on your final morning before you leave.

Vietnam's got a mood for whatever type of trip you're in the mood for, all depending on how you're feelin'. Need a little city excitement and some beautiful outdoor scenery? You gotta go see Hanoi-Ninh Binh-Ha Long Bay. But if you're in the mood for just relaxing with a little culture and some beach bummin', then Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue are where you need to be. And if you're a mountain lover, you gotta check out Sapa, Hanoi, and Ninh Binh!

Want to make something special just for you? Just send us an email/whatsapp and we will make a customised tour for you :)