Are you looking for a Vietnam Itinerary? Vietnam is a South-Asian gem you should plan to visit if you are thinking for a foreign trip. It is a very safe and welcoming country. If you want to visit Vietnam from India, you must know all the attractions of this country to not miss anything. This article is a well-planned Vietnam itinerary for 5 days that covers how to get around in Vietnam, travel tips, must visit places and must try cuisines along with the activities offered at each spot. It will also describe spots for family, couple and solo travelers.

Vietnam Itinerary 

Vietnam, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, is a fantastic destination for travelers. If you’re heading there for the first time, planning a well-structured itinerary can make your trip easy and unforgettable. This 5-day guide will help you make the most of your visit, covering everything from must-see attractions and local dishes.

Getting around Vietnam

Arrival and Main Location:

When you arrive in Vietnam, you’ll likely land at one of the major airports: Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) or Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Both cities are well-connected to numerous tourist attractions.

• Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): If you arrive here, the city center (District 1) is a convenient base. It hosts plenty of hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites.
• Hanoi: For those landing in Hanoi, the Old Quarter is a lively area close to many attractions and a great starting point. It’s well-connected to other parts of Vietnam by train, bus, and domestic flights.

Main Modes of Transportation:

• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: It is easily available in both cities. Grab is a popular app in Vietnam for ride-sharing. It takes around 45 mins to an hour to travel to Old Quarter or City Centre from both airports. 
• Buses: An affordable but crowded mode of transport. It is useful for travelling longer distances. It takes around 2 days to travel from both airport to Old quarter or City Centre, the popular beginning points. 
• Motorbikes: A popular way to explore the cities is to rent a motorbike, but it requires familiarity with local traffic. It takes around 20–40 minutes to reach Old Quarter or City Centre from both airports if you know the route. 
• Cyclo (Pedicabs): A traditional way to get around, particularly in Hanoi. It takes around 45 mins to an hour to travel to Old Quarter or City Centre from both airports. 

Must visit places in Vietnam

1.     Old Quarter

2.     Cu Chi Tunnels

3.     War Remnants Museum

4.     Halong Bay

5.     Temple of Literature and National University

6.     Sun World Ba Na Hills

Vietnam travel itinerary 5 days

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)

• Ben Thanh Market: You can start your day at this noisy market. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and sample local snacks. You should try the fresh fruits and buy the traditional handicrafts.
• War Remnants Museum: You can visit this museum to learn Vietnam’s history and the impact of the Vietnam War. It’s an educational visit with various exhibits.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica: This iconic French-colonial cathedral is a must-visit as it is a peaceful place amid the city’s hustle.
• Bui Vien Street: You can end your day at this street, known for its vibrant nightlife. Bui Vien Street offers numerous bars and eateries. You can enjoy a local beer or cocktail.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta

• Mekong Delta Tour: Please head out early for a day trip to the Mekong Delta. This region is known for its rivers, floating markets, and rural landscapes. You can book a guided tour that includes boat rides and visits to local villages.
• Lunch in the Delta: You can enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, where you can taste dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
• Coconut Candy Workshop: You must visit the workshop to see how coconut candy is made and sample some sweets.
• Return to HCMC: After exploring the Delta for a day, head back to the HCM city. Thereafter, you can enjoy a quiet dinner in one of HCMC’s many restaurants or cafés.

Day 3: HCMC to Hanoi

• Fly to Hanoi: Please catch a morning flight to Hanoi. The flight takes about 2 hours.
• Hoan Kiem Lake: You can visit this serene lake in the heart of Hanoi. It’s a great place to relax. The Ngoc Son Temple on an island in the lake is also worth a visit.
• Old Quarter: You must not miss exploring the Old Quarter’s narrow streets, which are lined with shops selling everything from silk to souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience local life.
• Water Puppet Show: In the evening, you can watch a traditional water puppet performance, a unique art form native to Vietnam. Shows are held at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Day 4: Hanoi and Halong Bay

• Travel to Halong Bay: Please set off early for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone islands and emerald waters. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Hanoi.
• Halong Bay Cruise: Thereafter, you can board a cruise to explore the bay’s natural beauty. You can enjoy the breathtaking views, visit a cave, and relax on the deck. Some cruises have a seafood lunch menu.
• Return to Hanoi: In the evening, head back to Hanoi for the night. You can also choose to stay in Halong Bay for the night if you are not in a hurry.

Day 5: Hanoi and Departure

• Temple of Literature: You must visit this ancient temple dedicated to Confucius. It’s a peaceful spot and a great way to learn about Vietnam’s educational history.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Thereafter, pay your respects at the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. The site also includes the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.
• Last-Minute Shopping: In the evening, shopping-lovers may return to the Old Quarter for any last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting for their family and friends.

Departure to India from Vietnam

You have to go to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to India after shopping at Old Quarter. You need to make sure to arrive at least 3 hours early to navigate through check-in and security. You also have to check all the luggage and visa before your departure.

Must try food in Vietnam

1. Pho: A noodle soup
2. Banh mi: A delicious baguette filled with meat, vegetables, and pâté
3. Bun cha: Grilled meat with noodles
4. Spring rolls: There are two types of spring rolls: Nem Ran and Nem Cuon. They are rolls made with meat, shrimp, noodles, herbs, spices and sauces. 
5. Egg Coffee: A coffee made with condensed milk and egg yolk on top. 

5 day Vietnam tour expenditure

An estimate of 5-day trip in Vietnam that includes food, travel and lodging. 

Food

• Street food: INR 200-300 per meal
• Casual restaurants: INR 400-600 per meal
• Fine dining: INR 1000-2000 per meal

Estimated daily food cost: INR 1000-1500

Lodging

• Hostels: INR 500-1000 per night
• Budget hotels: INR 1000-2000 per night
• Mid-range hotels: INR 2000-4000 per night
• Luxury hotels: INR 5000+ per night

Estimated lodging cost for 5 nights: INR 5000-20000 (depending on your preference)

Getting Around

• Grabs or taxis: INR 100-300 per ride
• Motorbike rentals: INR 200-300 per day
• Public transport: INR 50-100 per ride

Estimated getting around cost for 5 days: INR 2000-3000

Total estimated cost for a 5-day trip: INR 35000-55000

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