5 days in Vietnam itinerary

Vietnam is home to the world’s largest cave system and one of Southeast Asia’s longest, most stunning coastlines. The country’s food scene is just as unique, with dishes like egg coffee, born out of a 1940s milk shortage in Hanoi. Despite the rapid pace of change, ancient traditions are still alive, carried on by the 54 different ethnic groups that call Vietnam home. If you're short on time but want to make the most of your trip, here’s a 5 days in Vietnam itinerary to explore the best of this country in just a few days.

5 days in Vietnam itinerary overview

Five days in Vietnam might feel like a whirlwind, but it’s still enough time to enjoy some key highlights. This itinerary works well for those traveling around Asia and fitting Vietnam into a broader journey.

• Day 1: Explore Hanoi
• Day 2: Visit historical sites
• Day 3: Halong Bay cruise
• Day 4: Cable car views
• Day 5: Markets and shopping

If this 5 days in Vietnam itinerary is feeling a bit too abbreviated, be sure to check out our other Vietnam itineraries for inspiration:

| 10 days | 14 days | 3 weeks | North Vietnam |

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Hanoi has been Vietnam's capital for over a thousand years, and its layered history and slower pace (compared to the sensory overload of Ho Chi Minh City) really make it stand out.  

Things to do on your first day

I always try to land earlier in the day when I can—nothing beats starting a trip with an early Vietnamese coffee.

The Old Quarter

The Old Quarter gives you a taste of traditional Vietnamese city life. Each street specializes in a specific craft or trade—Hang Bac is where you’ll find silversmiths still using old methods, while Hang Quat is the place for ceremonial items and festival decorations. 

The architecture is just as fascinating. The narrow "tube houses" stretch deep into the block, with courtyards that let in light and air.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi, perfect for people-watching. Early mornings are lively, with groups practicing tai chi and dancing. Lunchtime is quieter, with office workers taking breaks on the benches. By evening, the lake fills up again with families and couples out for a stroll.

The red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple is hard to miss. Inside, there’s a preserved turtle—one of the last of an extinct species that used to live in the lake.

Food to try on day one

While you are in Ho Chi Minh City, take the opportunity to try these classic Vietnamese foods:

• Egg coffee at Giang Cafe: Egg coffee is a must-try in Hanoi. Giang Cafe has been making it the same way since 1946, whipping egg yolks into a fluffy foam and serving it over strong Vietnamese coffee. It’s sweet and rich, almost like dessert. The cafe is hidden in an alley, so keep an eye out for a small sign and head upstairs to find it.
• Cha Ca for Dinner: Cha ca is one of Hanoi’s signature dishes. It’s turmeric-marinated fish cooked at your table, served with fresh herbs, rice noodles, and peanuts so you can mix it up however you like. If you’re visiting on a weekend, the night market is another good option for dinner, with street food like banh mi and grilled corn.

Where to stay in Hanoi

Here's a very quick rundown of some of the neighborhoods you might want to stay in, or see our guide to Hanoi's neighborhoods for a more thorough look.

• Old Quarter: Quaint boutique hotels in historic buildings.
• French Quarter: Colonial-style hotels with a more polished vibe.
• West Lake: Upscale options with water views.
• Ba Dinh District: A quieter, local feel near major landmarks.

Day 2: Exploring Hanoi

Even with limited time, Hanoi is worth lingering a bit to see more of it. 

Things to do on your second day

Most people suggest starting at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, but that means standing in long queues in the heat. I’d recommend starting your day at the Temple of Literature when it opens at 8 am, then heading over to the mausoleum later in the morning for the last entrance at 10:30 am.

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature was Vietnam’s first university and is still visited by students hoping for a bit of exam luck. The stone stelae, carved with the names of graduates from 1442 to 1779, give insight into how the imperial examinations worked, with a reminder of how few people passed—sometimes just 1%.

One Pillar Pagoda

This Buddhist temple rises from a lotus pond on a single stone pillar, resembling a lotus flower blooming from the water. Built by Emperor Ly Thai Tong in 1049 after dreaming of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, it’s become an iconic symbol of Hanoi, despite being destroyed and rebuilt a few times.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex is dedicated to Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, and is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. His embalmed body is displayed inside the mausoleum, which has a strict dress code—no shorts, sleeveless tops, or flip-flops. Nearby, you’ll find Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, a simple wooden structure he chose over the grand Presidential Palace. The house is preserved just as he left it. His collection of vintage cars, including a Soviet Pobeda, is also on display. 

Onward to Halong Bay

The drive to Halong Bay from Hanoi takes about 2.5 hours via the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway (CT04) and cuts through farmland where water buffalo still plow rice paddies beside modern factories. If you have time, consider stopping at Dong Ky, a village known for its woodcarving tradition. You’ll see artisans crafting intricate furniture, a skill passed down through generations. 

Day 3: Halong Bay by water

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic sights, with nearly 2,000 limestone islands rising out of green waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a place shaped over millions of years, filled with dramatic karsts, caves, and hidden lagoons. Despite the daily influx of boats, the scale of the bay means there are still plenty of peaceful spots to enjoy. 

Overnight cruise

Spending the night on a boat is one of the best ways to experience Halong Bay. The key is picking the right cruise. Evening trips let you enjoy the bay after the day boats have left, while two-night cruises can take you farther out to Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, where things feel even more remote.

Smaller boats (12-18 cabins) can access less crowded areas and narrow passages, while larger boats offer more stability in rough weather and usually have more amenities. If you don’t want to follow the boat’s schedule, you can always do a day trip and stay overnight in Halong City to explore at your own pace.

How to pick a cruise

Look for options with smaller group sizes, routes to quieter areas, and operators that support sustainable tourism. Some popular choices include:

• Indochina Sails – smaller, traditional-style boats
• Bhaya Cruises – mid-range options with eco-friendly practices
• Dragon Legend – great for exploring Bai Tu Long Bay

Also, think about your cabin’s location: lower deck rooms are less prone to motion but have limited views, while upper cabins have better views but more movement.

Kayaking 

Kayaking is one of the highlights of visiting Halong Bay. Most cruises offer guided sessions, and mornings are the best time to spot wildlife like macaques or sea eagles. Some caves and lagoons are only accessible at certain tide levels, so it’s worth asking about timing. Even if you’re new to kayaking, the calm waters here make it easy. 

Floating villages

Halong Bay is home to a few floating villages, with Cua Van being the largest. About 300 residents live here, supporting themselves through fishing and pearl farming—traditions that have been passed down for generations. If you visit early, you can catch the floating market, where locals trade their catch.

Day 4: Exploring Halong Bay on land

After stepping off the cruise, you’ve got the whole day to explore Halong Bay from a different perspective. Here’s how to make the most of your time on land.

Best things to do in Halong Bay on land

After a day on the water, here’s how I recommend spending your time around the bay.

Cable car to the Sun Wheel

The Queen Cable Car is a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of Halong Bay. Stretching 2.2 kilometers, it’s the world’s longest over-water cable car, and the ride itself is a highlight. At the top, you’ll find the Sun Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel offering 360-degree views of both the bay and Halong City.  

Ti Top Island

If you’re up for a short climb, Ti Top Island has one of the best views in the bay. The 400 steps to the summit are steep but manageable, and the lookout point at the top gives you a panoramic view of the islands scattered across the water. The island also features a crescent beach that is stunning and a great stop after a hike. 

Night market

Halong’s night market is worth a stop if you’re into local crafts or fresh seafood. Unlike markets in Hanoi, the prices here are fixed, so no need to haggle. You’ll find dishes like sam (horseshoe crab roe) and ngan (local clams), both regional delicacies.

Return to Hanoi

For a change of pace on the way back, take the eastern route through Hai Phong, Vietnam’s main port city. It’s a nice way to see a different part of the country. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional craft villages like Bach Dang, known for its wooden boats, and Dong Ho, famous for its folk paintings made with natural pigments and woodblocks.

Day 5: Back to Hanoi

Spending your last day in Hanoi is a smart choice—this way, you won’t waste any time traveling, and you'll have a full day to enjoy the city. With only 5 days in Vietnam, it’s good to make the most of each day here. 

What to do on your last day

Here's how I would spend one more day in Hanoi on this 5 days in Vietnam itinerary:

Dong Xuan Market

Start your day at Dong Xuan Market, the largest covered market in Hanoi. It’s been around since the late 1800s and is still buzzing with activity. The ground floor has fresh produce, seafood, and meats, while the upper levels focus on textiles and handmade goods. If you're hungry, grab a bowl of bun thang from the food court—it’s a classic noodle soup with chicken, pork, and egg that’s hard to beat. 

Ancient House at 87 Ma May

Next, check out the 19th-century merchant’s house at 87 Ma May. This place offers a real look at traditional Hanoi architecture. It’s narrow, with small courtyards that let in plenty of light and air. What I love about this house is that it feels authentic—original furnishings are still in place, and it gives a true sense of how merchants lived and worked. The ground floor was used for storage and trading, while the upper levels were living spaces, with areas for ancestor worship.

Bun Cha at Hang Manh Street

Before leaving Hanoi, you have to try bun cha, a dish the city’s famous for. Hang Manh Street is one of the best places to get it. It’s grilled pork and meatballs served with rice noodles, herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. Be sure to get there early—vendors usually sell out by mid-afternoon.

Onward travel

If you're heading somewhere else, Van Don International Airport near Halong Bay is an option, though flights are limited. If you’ve got time, take the Reunification Express train along the coast—it’s scenic and passes fishing villages and rice paddies. Overnight trips are comfortable in soft sleeper cabins. For a quieter ride, I’d recommend booking an upper berth.

Ready to venture to Vietnam? Wise up on things to know before going to Vietnam as you plan your trip.

You could also reach out to our Vietnam local travel experts, who are on hand to curate a personalized itinerary that's perfect for you.