Suggested itinerary for your Vietnam trip in 5 weeks from North to South
- Travel Vietnam Guides
- Jul 1, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: May 22
Vietnam, a safe place for traveler, a land of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and mouthwatering cuisine, offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Here's a detailed plan of five-weeks journey across Vietnam from North to South, complete with daily activities, attractions, transport tips, and recommendations for each stop.
Suggested itinerary for your 5-weeks trip in Vietnam starting from Hanoi:
Day 1-3: Hanoi (3 days)
Day 4: Ninh Binh (1 day)
Day 5-7: Sapa (3 days)
Day 8-10: Ha Giang (3 days)
Day 11-12: Ban Gioc (2 days)
Day 13-14: Ha Long Bay (2 days)
Day 15-16: Phong Nha - Ke Bang (2 days)
Day 17-18: Hue (2 days)
Day 19-20: Da Nang (2 days)
Day 21-22: Hoi An (2 days)
Day 23-24: Quy Nhon (2 days)
Day 25-26: Phu Yen (2 days)
Day 27-29: Da Lat (3 days)
Day 30-32: Phu Quoc (3 days)
Day 33-35: Ho Chi Minh City (3 days)
Day 1-3: Hanoi (3 days)
Transport: Arrived by international flight. Used taxis and motorbike taxis for local travel.
Activities:
Day 1: Visit some famous attractions in Hanoi such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Explore the Old Quarter and enjoy the street food.
Day 2: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, and watch a traditional water puppet show in the evening.
Day 3: Visit the Temple of Literature and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Move to Ninh Binh in the afternoon.
Tips: Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Day 4: Ninh Binh (1 day)
Transport: Traveled by bus from Hanoi (2 hours). Rented a motorbike locally.
Activities:
Day 3: Explore Tam Coc by boat after arriving in the afternoon (this is one of must-visit places at Ninh Binh)
Day 4: Visit the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, take a boat ride through the caves, then visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and hike up to Mua Cave for panoramic views.
Tips: Stay in Tam Coc for a more scenic and peaceful experience. Bring sunblock and water for the boat rides.
Day 5-7: Sapa (3 days)
Transport: Comeback Hanoi by bus (2 hours) then take an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then bus to Sapa (total 8 hours). Or you can take a night bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa directly (7-9 hours).
Activities:
Day 1: Trek to Cat Cat Village and explore the local Hmong culture.
Day 2: Take a guided trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, passing through terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages.
Day 3: Visit Fansipan mountain by cable car.
You can also check Sapa travel guide to build your own schedule in Sapa.
Tips: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and be prepared for varying weather conditions.
Day 8-10: Ha Giang (3 days)
Transport: Take an overnight bus from Sapa to Ha Giang (7 hours). Motorbike rental to discovery Ha Giang Loop.
Activities:
Day 1: Start the Ha Giang Loop, visit Quan Ba Heaven Gate and Lung Cu Flag Tower.
Day 2: Continue the loop, passing through Dong Van Karst Plateau Geo-park and Ma Pi Leng Pass.
Day 3: Explore Meo Vac and return to Ha Giang city.
Tips: Ensure your motorbike is in good condition and check the weather forecast before starting the loop.
Day 11-12: Ban Gioc (2 days)
Transport: Bus from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (7-8 hours), then taxi to Ban Gioc.
Activities:
Day 1: Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall - one of top 10 must-visit waterfalls in Vietnam and Nguom Ngao Cave.
Day 2: Explore the surrounding areas, including Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda.
Tips: Bring a raincoat during the rainy season. The area can be slippery.
Day 13-14: Ha Long Bay (2 days)
Transport: Bus from Cao Bang to Ha Long Bay (6 hours).
Activities:
Day 1: Embark on an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, explore the bay, visit Sung Sot Cave, and kayak around the islands.
Day 2: Continue the cruise, visit Titop Island for hiking and swimming.
Tips: Book your cruise in advance and choose one that fits your budget and interests
Day 15-16: Phong Nha - Ke Bang (2 days)
Transport: Take a flight from Ha Long to Dong Hoi. Then go to Phong Nha by bus.
Activities:
Day 1: Visit Phong Nha Cave and Dark Cave, enjoy zip-lining and mud baths.
Day 2: Explore Paradise Cave and the Botanic Garden.
Tips: Bring swimwear and a waterproof camera. Book tours to avoid missing out on popular caves.
Day 17-18: Hue (2 days)
Transport: Bus from Phong Nha to Hue (4 hours).
Activities:
Day 1: Visit the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh - top attractions in Hue.
Day 2: Take a boat cruise on the Perfume River and explore the local markets.
Tips: Hire a guide to better understand the history and significance of the sites.
Day 19-20: Da Nang (2 days)
Transport: Train from Hue to Da Nang (highly recommended) or you can go by bus (3 hours).
Activities:
Day 1: Visit the Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, and the Dragon Bridge.
Day 2: Take a day trip to the Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge - one of the famous symbol of Da Nang.
Tips: Visit the Marble Mountains early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Day 21-22: Hoi An (2 days)
Transport: Taxi from Da Nang to Hoi An (45 minutes).
Activities:
Day 1: Explore the Ancient Town, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, and enjoy a lantern-lit evening. Do not miss the tailoring experience in Hoi An - that is a must-do adventure.
Day 2: Take a cooking class in Hoi An and visit the local markets.
Day 3: Relax at An Bang Beach and explore the nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village.
Tips: Rent a bicycle to explore Hoi An.
Day 23-24: Quy Nhon (2 days)
Transport: Bus from Hoi An to Quy Nhon (6 hours).
Activities:
Day 1: Visit Ky Co Beach and Eo Gio.
Day 2: Explore the Banh It Towers and Thap Doi Cham Towers.
Tips: Quy Nhon is less touristy, providing a more authentic Vietnamese experience.
Day 25-26: Phu Yen (2 days)
Transport: Bus from Quy Nhon to Phu Yen (2 hours).
Activities:
Day 1: Visit Ganh Da Dia and Bai Xep Beach - top places to visit in Phu Yen that you can not miss.
Day 2: Explore the Vung Ro Bay and Mang Lang Church.
Tips: Phu Yen is known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Don’t miss the stunning coastline.
Day 27-29: Da Lat (3 days)
Transport: Bus from Nha Trang to Da Lat (6-7 hours) or you can go to Da Lat by airplane.
Activities:
Day 1: Visit the Crazy House, Dalat Railway Station, and Xuan Huong Lake.
Day 2: Explore Datanla Falls and the Valley of Love.
Day 3: Take a day trip to the nearby coffee plantations and Lang Biang Mountain.
Tips: Da Lat has a cooler climate, so pack some warm clothes. Check the Da Lat travel guide to set up your own schedule.
Day 30-32: Phu Quoc (3 days)
Transport: Flight from Da Lat to Phu Quoc.
Activities:
Day 1: Relax on Long Beach- Top 12 Beautiful Beaches in Vietnam; visit the night market.
Day 2: Explore Vinpearl Safari and VinWonders.
Day 3: Take a boat trip to the An Thoi Islands for snorkeling and diving.
Tips: Phu Quoc is a great place to relax and unwind. Try the local seafood.
Day 33-35: Ho Chi Minh City (3 days)
Transport: Flight from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City.
Activities:
Day 1: Visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Day 2: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and take a Mekong Delta day trip.
Day 3: Shop at Ben Thanh Market and enjoy the nightlife in District 1.
Tips: Be cautious of traffic and keep your belongings secure. Try the local coffee and street food.
Tips when traveling to Vietnam
Food: Must-try Vietnamese dishes and where to find them.
Language: Basic Vietnamese phrases that are useful for travelers.
Transportation: How to getting from airport in Vietnam, which are the main Vietnamese transportation.
Others: How to get Vietnam visa, take note information about Vietnam currency and Vietnam SIM cards for tourists.
You can also check some suggested Vietnam travel itineraries to make your trip in Vietnam more meaningful and convenient!
You can add or subtract to adjust the schedule to suit your time. If time does not allow, you can refer to the suggested itinerary for a 15-day trip to Vietnam.
This itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and leisure activities, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the beauty and diversity of Vietnam. Happy travels!
Travel Vietnam Guides
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