5 day itinerary for Vietnam

Itinerary

Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. Here’s a fun and budget-friendly 5-day itinerary that’s perfect for couples, with the option to rent a car for added flexibility. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Morning:

• Arrive in Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam. After checking into your hotel, grab a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Pho (noodle soup) at a local eatery. It’s a must-try!

Afternoon:

• Rent a car (or use a ride-sharing app) and head to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Explore the surrounding area, including the One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace.
• Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple on the lake’s island.

Evening:

• Enjoy a romantic dinner in the Old Quarter. Try some street food like Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) or Cha Ca (grilled fish).
• End your day with a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

## Day 2: Halong Bay Day Trip

Morning:

• Early breakfast and then hit the road to Halong Bay (about a 2.5-hour drive). The views along the way are stunning, so take your time!

Afternoon:

• Once you arrive, hop on a boat tour to explore the bay’s famous limestone karsts and islands. You can go kayaking or simply relax on the deck and soak in the views.
• Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch or buy one from the boat!

Evening:

• Drive back to Hanoi. For dinner, try a local restaurant that serves Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles) – it’s a local favorite!

## Day 3: Ninh Binh Exploration

Morning:

• After breakfast, drive to Ninh Binh (about 2 hours). Start your day with a visit to Tam Coc for a scenic boat ride through rice paddies and limestone caves.

Afternoon:

• Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and explore the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to Mua Cave for panoramic views of the countryside.

Evening:

• Head back to Hanoi and enjoy a cozy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Vietnamese curry or stir-fried noodles.

## Day 4: Hoi An

Morning:

• Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang (a short flight). Rent a car upon arrival and drive to Hoi An (about 30 minutes).
• Check into your hotel and grab breakfast at a local café.

Afternoon:

• Explore the Ancient Town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss the Japanese Covered Bridge and the vibrant lantern shops.
• Take a cooking class together to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes!

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant. The atmosphere in Hoi An at night is magical with all the lanterns lit up. Try some Cao Lau (local noodles) for a special treat!

## Day 5: Relaxation and Departure

Morning:

• After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll along the An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach. Relax and soak up the sun together.

Afternoon:

• If time allows, visit the Tra Que Vegetable Village to see how local produce is grown and maybe even join in on some gardening activities.
• Head back to Da Nang for your flight home. If you have time, stop by the Marble Mountains on your way for some last-minute sightseeing.

Evening:

• Depart from Da Nang, taking with you beautiful memories of Vietnam!

Tips:

• Make sure to check the local traffic rules and regulations if you decide to rent a car.
• Always have some cash on hand for street food and small purchases.
• Don’t forget to try the local coffee – it’s a game changer!

I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your 5 days in Vietnam! Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌏❤️