What to See in Vietnam in 5 Days – The Ultimate Travel Guide

Vietnam, with its rich history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes, has become a must-see destination in Southeast Asia. Even with just 5 days, you can fully experience the best that this S-shaped country has to offer, from vibrant cities to majestic landscapes and unique cuisine.

So, are you curious about what to see in Vietnam in 5 days? Asia Tour Deals is here to help you discover them.

Tourists explore the Imperial Citadel in Hue

Best Time to Visit Vietnam for a 5-Day Trip

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, with a distinct division between the dry and rainy seasons. For travelers curious about what to see in Vietnam in 5 days, the dry season, lasting from November to April, is ideal, as the weather is cool and rain is scarce.

The rainy season, from May to October, brings more rainfall, greener landscapes, and fewer tourists. In addition, participating in traditional festivals such as Tet Nguyen Dan (usually in January or February) or the Mid-Autumn Festival (in the 8th lunar month) will provide unique cultural experiences.

Choosing Your 5-Day Vietnam Itinerary – North, Central, or South?

When planning your adventure and considering what to see in Vietnam in 5 days, you have a variety of routes to explore, each with its own beauty and experience:

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh)

Hanoi's capital with a bustling old town and a long history, Halong Bay is a natural wonder of the world with thousands of majestic limestone islands, and Ninh Binh with beautiful landscapes.

Central Vietnam (Danang - Hoian - Hue)

Danang with beautiful My Khe beach, ancient Hoian with shimmering lantern streets, and Hue - the ancient capital with unique historical and cultural relics.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Cu Chi Tunnels)

Ho Chi Minh City is bustling with modern life, the Mekong Delta is rich with floating markets and traditional craft villages, and Cu Chi Tunnels - a witness to heroic history.

Detailed 5-Day Itinerary for Vietnam

Option 1: North Vietnam (Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh)

North Vietnam (Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh)

Day 1: Hanoi

Start your Vietnam Tour Package in Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam. In the morning, stroll around the Old Quarter with 36 streets, where you can explore ancient architecture and enjoy street food such as Pho and Bun Cha. Next, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, the symbol of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, the first university in Vietnam. In the evening, explore Dong Xuan night market for shopping and local cuisine in this Hanoi Tour Package.

Day 2: Halong Bay

Depart early to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - top of the best places to visit in Vietnam in 5 days. Join an overnight cruise on the bay, where you will admire thousands of majestic limestone islands and visit caves such as Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Dau Go Cave, etc. Besides, kayaking will bring you closer to nature. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood on the cruise and watch the beautiful sunset over the bay.

Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi

After returning from Halong Bay, in the afternoon in Hanoi, join a street food tour to discover the unique flavors of the city. Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a world cultural heritage, to learn about its history and ancient architecture.

Day 4: Ninh Binh

Today, venture to Ninh Binh, often celebrated as "Halong on land," to complete your exploration of what to see in Vietnam in 5 days. Visit the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex by boat, you will admire the majestic landscape with limestone mountains and natural caves. Next, climb up to Hang Mua for a panoramic view of rice fields and rivers. In the afternoon, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, with impressive architecture.

Day 5: Hanoi – Depart

Spend the last morning shopping for souvenirs at handicraft stores or enjoying egg coffee, a unique specialty of Hanoi, before ending the Vietnam itinerary 5 days.

Option 2: Central Vietnam (Danang – Hoian – Hue)

Central Vietnam (Danang – Hoian – Hue)

Day 1: Da Nang

Start your exciting journey in Danang, a dynamic coastal city that perfectly fits any list of what to see in Vietnam in 5 days. In the morning, visit Son Tra Peninsula, home to Linh Ung Pagoda with the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam. In the afternoon, relax at My Khe Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. In the evening, stroll on Dragon Bridge and admire the unique fire and water show.

Day 2: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

For those wondering what to see in Vietnam in 5 days, Ba Na Hills is an unmissable destination. Spend the day exploring this mountain resort with its cool year-round climate. Take the world's longest cable car to the top, visit the French Village with its ancient European architecture, and check in at the famous Golden Bridge. In the evening, return to Danang and enjoy fresh seafood at coastal restaurants.

Day 3: Hoi An

Move to Hoi An, a UNESCO-recognized ancient town that truly represents what to see in Vietnam in 5 days. Stroll through the small streets with ancient houses, and visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and Chinese Assembly Halls. In the evening, admire the ancient town shimmering under the lanterns and join in releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River.

Day 4: Hue

Depart for Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Visit the Imperial Citadel, which was once the administrative and political center of the Nguyen Dynasty. Next, visit Khai Dinh Tomb with its unique architecture combining East and West. In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an ancient pagoda located on the poetic Huong River.

Day 5: Da Nang - Departure

Return to Danang, and spend time relaxing on the beach or enjoying Central cuisine before ending the Vietnam Tour.

Option 3: South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Cu Chi Tunnels)

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Cu Chi Tunnels)

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Start your journey in Ho Chi Minh City, the economic and cultural center of Vietnam - one of what to see in Vietnam in 5 days. In the morning, visit the Independence Palace, a place that marks an important historical milestone of the country. Next, visit the Central Post Office with its classic French architecture and the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, explore Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop and enjoy local cuisine.

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels

Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels, a famous underground tunnel system built during the war, and discover what to see in Vietnam in 5 days in a unique way. Here, you will experience the underground life of the Vietnamese army and people during the resistance war, visit the functional rooms and Hoang Cam kitchen, and even try to crawl through the narrow tunnels. This is an opportunity to better understand the history and resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Day 3: Mekong Delta

Move to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, and explore what to see in Vietnam in 5 days beyond the bustling cityscapes. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, an ancient pagoda with unique architecture. Then, take a boat to explore the Tien River, and visit the Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix islands. In Ben Tre, experience a sampan ride through the canals, visit a coconut candy factory, and enjoy fresh fruit in the garden. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning, visit the War Remnants Museum - top of the top places to visit in Vietnam to learn more about Vietnam's history. Next, visit Bitexco Tower, the tallest building in the city, and enjoy coffee at a rooftop cafe for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where many entertainment activities and street art are concentrated.

Day 5: Departure

Spend the last morning enjoying Vietnamese coffee culture at a local cafe, relax, and enjoy the city atmosphere - a perfect finale to what to see in Vietnam in 5 days before ending the journey.

Essential Travel Tips for a 5-Day Trip to Vietnam

Here are some tips in this Vietnam Travel Guide you need to know, including visa regulations, currency, transportation, cuisine, and cultural considerations.

• Visa requirements and necessary documents: Visitors should check visa requirements based on their nationality before coming to Vietnam. Some countries are exempt from visas for a certain period, while others require a visa to be applied for a visa in advance. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months and have blank pages.
• Currency exchange and payment methods: The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Visitors can exchange money at the airport, banks, or reputable money exchange counters. Credit cards and online payments are widely accepted in major cities, but in rural areas, cash is the main payment method.
• Transportation: In major cities, taxis and technology-based motorbike taxis (Grab) are popular options. Buses and trains connect provinces, while bicycles or motorbikes are suitable for local exploration.
• Vietnamese food to try: Pho (traditional noodle soup), banh mi (sandwiches), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), and egg coffee are all must-try specialties.
• Cultural customs and travel safety tips: Dress modestly when visiting temples, take off your shoes before entering a home, and avoid touching other people's heads. Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded areas and obey local traffic laws.

Vietnam, with a variety of cultures, history, and natural landscapes, gives visitors a wide range of journeys. Depending on personal preferences, visitors can choose to explore the North with the ancient Hanoi, the majestic Halong Bay, and the poetic Ninh Binh; The Central region with the vibrant Danang, ancient Hoian, and Hue; Or the South with the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.

If you have more time, visitors can expand the journey to other locations such as Sapa, Dalat, or Phu Quoc to experience the diverse beauty of the country with  Asia Tour Deals - Best Vietnam Tours Operator.