Vietnam 6 Day Itinerary: North, Center or South

North Vietnam 6-Day Itinerary

As you know, Northern Vietnam is the origin of the thousands-years-culture of Vietnamese people's civilization, making this region a popular choice for many international travelers who intend to visit Vietnam. 

If this is the first time traveling to Vietnam, it would be the best option to explore The North first with much impressive natural beauty and save other places for the next trip. 

Day 1: Visit Ninh Binh - Halong Bay on Land

Ninh Binh is a picturesque homeland of famous heritage sites and hospitable local people. So, the first day in the North will be the time for a full-day tour to Ninh Binh, including a boat trip down the Tam Coc River, before exploring Hoa Lu - the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties.

You should depart from the resting place around 07:30. It may take about 2 hours to drive through rural northern Vietnam.

Ngo Dong River In The Ripe Rice Season

Top activities that you should not miss are:

• Get on a bamboo boat rowing by the locals and admire the stunning beauty of rice fields along the Ngo Dong River. 
• Have a Vietnamese-style lunch at a local restaurant.
• Ride a bicycle through the beautiful countryside.
• Visit the locals to learn more about Vietnamese culture and hospitality.
• Enhance your knowledge of the history of the Dinh dynasty’s Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Le dynasty’s Le Dai Hanh when visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

Hoa Lu Ancient - Capital The Capital Of Vietnam’s First Fundamental Government

Day 2: Explore the Capital City

This Hanoi half-day tour allows the tourists to choose between morning or afternoon to join. You can take a tour by car or motorbike depending on your preference.

The first place you should set foot is Vietnam's first university: the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), where numerous students come here to pray for luck in education.

Van Mieu “Pagode Des Corbeaux” During The French Colonization Period

The next place to visit is the One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam that looks like a lotus flower. Although being destroyed by the French colonialists when they withdraw from the city, the building was of significant importance. It was completely rebuilt in 1955.

One Pillar Pagoda Resembling A Lotus Blossom, The Symbol Of Purity

Then, we will see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum of the great father of Vietnamese citizens. The Mausoleum is usually open in the mornings of the week except for Mondays and Fridays. However, on special days such as the first day of the Lunar New Year, May 19 (Ho Chi Minh's birthday), and September 2 (National Day) that coincide on Monday or Friday, it will still be open for visitors.

Famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

It is also great to pay a visit to the largest and most famous scenic lake in Hanoi: West Lake. The famous Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on an islet within West Lake, is considered the oldest temple in Hanoi, with a history of more than 1,500 years.

As your next day is heading to Sapa, you might need some time for preparation. It is advisable to move to the Hanoi train station at 20:00 because the night train to Lao Cai will depart at around 21:00. Having an overnight trip on a communal train is an interesting experience to try.

Day 3: Reach Sapa - The Town of Clouds 

The train will stop in Lao Cai from around 05:30 to 06:00. You will be transferred to your hotel and have a short relaxation time before enjoying a full-day trip in the North of Vietnam

Start your new trip by trekking on a small road to the valley of Y Linh Ho Village, which is a small village settled on the Muong Hoa River. 

The community of Hmong people is also in the vicinity - Lao Chai village. You may not know that Hmong people have recently started to change their lifestyles, they become more sedentary. Here, you can see many traces of traditional cultures: rudimentary houses and indigo-blue costumes.

A Beautiful Spot In Sapa

Continuing the journey, you will visit Ta Van Village to visit the Zay people, a minority group with about 38,000 people concentrated mainly in Northwest Vietnam.

After lunch, you should catch a ride to your Sa Pa hotel to relax for the rest of the day.

Day 4: Experience the Vibes of Ethnic Minority Villages

You will begin the fourth-day journey down the southwest of Sapa to visit the Cat Cat village of the H’mong people - one of the magnificent villages in Sapa. This place is famous for its marvelous waterfall, massive luscious green fields, and giant bamboo water mills.

Explore The Cultural Beauty of Cat Cat Village and H'mong People

After enjoying lunch at the river, you continue walking 3 km to Sin Chai village at the foot of Mount Fansipan, enjoy the time there and ride back to Hanoi at around 15:00.

Day 5: Relax Time at Halong Bay 

Since your next destination is the World Natural Heritage Halong Bay, these last two days will be a treat for you after the previous soft adventure. 

You should start your journey to Halong Bay from 08:00 to 08:30. The transfer takes about 2.5 hours from Hanoi Old Quarter to the cruise port.

Usually, you will arrive at the port at 11:00 and prepare for the check-in. The procedure is relatively easy. You only have to bring your ID Card or Passport. Then you will be served lunch on board.

Delicious Hors D'œuvre On The Indochine Cruise

Depending on the itinerary of each cruise, you will be taken to the must-see attractions of Halong Bay. The majestic landscape here deserves you to pay for sightseeing and staying one night. Enjoy it!

Discover The Natural Beauty Of Dark And Bright Cave

Day 6: Back to Hanoi

Get up early to enjoy the incredible sunrise on the karsts by joining in the Tai Chi class on the sundeck. Then you still have time to visit some last attractions like Trung Trang Cave, Cai Beo Floating Village, Viet Hai Village, Cat Ba National Park, etc.

After that, the cruise will take you to the port. You will be transferred back to the Hanoi Old Quarter.

If you want to know more about the itinerary and included details in the program, please refer to our Best of Northern Vietnam 6 days tour or contact our consultants now.

Central Vietnam 6-Day Itinerary

The Centre part of Vietnam is less known than other regions; however, it never stops attracting tourists coming to visit. Central Vietnam is also the heart of the country with its ancient past and relics.

There are many places in this region waiting for you to explore: the temples, pagodas, tombs, citadels, golden sand beaches, river islets, etc.

Day 1: Taste Savory Hue Cuisine

Start your 6 days trip in the center of Vietnam with Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. The best way for you to explore its culture is through its unique cuisine with lots of typical local dishes. Let's join the night culinary tour in Hue on the first day!

The food tour starts at 18:00, and you will be picked up at your hotel by a cyclo. Here are some delicious foods you must try. 

• Hue cakes such as Banh Nam, Banh Beo, Banh Uot, Banh Bot Loc, etc.

Some Typical Dumplings Of Hue, Which Are All Made From Rice Flour

• Hen food for trying clam rice and clam noodles.
• Another typical dish in Hue is sweet soup, from popular to royal style.

Sweet Soup - A Delectable Must-Try Snack In Hue City

• If there is still space in the stomach, you should continue walking to Dinh Tien Hoang Street, where you can taste popular street food such as Banh Khoai, Nem Lui, etc.

When you are full, a cyclo takes you around the streets to admire the romantic atmosphere at night. You can buy special gifts for your beloved at home, such as sesame candies, conical hats, sour shrimp, long dresses, and Minh Mang wines.

Day 2: Get Around the City All Day

Besides the cuisine, Hue attracts tourists with its peaceful sceneries, mausoleums, and temples with unique art. Then, spending the whole day exploring this ancient city might be the top choice.

You should start with a trip on the boat along the Perfume River to visit the towering Thien Mu Pagoda. This is one of the most ancient pagodas in Hue city, and because being regarded as a symbol of Hue, its name appears in many romantic poetries or lyrical songs. And of course, you can’t miss this must-see spot if you are a pilgrim.

Thien Mu Pagoda - The Most Sacred One In The Center Of Vietnam

You will have a chance to understand more about Nguyen Emperors and Royal’s Life at Tu Duc tombs. The structure of the tomb is intricate, consisting of a pavilion, sanctuary, chamber, courtyard, and private palace. 

The next destination is Hue Imperial Citadel - a walled palace inside the citadel of the city of Hue which is the former imperial capital of Vietnam. It took 200 years to complete the building, and the Complex of Hue Citadel was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Hue Imperial Citadel - The Capital Under The Nguyen Lords' Dynasty

Entering Hue Citadel, you can explore the Forbidden Purple City, the Imperial City, ancient tombs, the flag tower, and the royal library, which offer much exciting information and experience.

Day 3: Enjoy Magnificent View When Moving To Hoi An

Say goodbye to Hue and head down south to Hoi An via the cloudy Hai Van Pass. Located at 500 meters above sea level, the road curves back and forth, with some slight bends and some hairpin turns. There are many stops on the way for sightseeing or taking pictures.

Hai Van Pass - One Of The Most Beautiful Roads In Vietnam

On the way to Hoi An, you can stop at Marble Mountain at Ngu Hanh Son district to witness the unique beauty in terms of shape, location, stone types, and the caves within.

You will arrive at Hoi An around 14:00 and have a free afternoon to explore the old town.

Day 4: Discover Champa Relics in My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary, 45 km west far from Hoi An, is a collection of historic Hindu temples built in the green hills between the fourth and fourteenth centuries. Following Hoi An ancient town, these rebuilt temples were classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 due to their architectural and cultural significance. 

While spending half day exploring this place, the picturesque Hindu-themed ruins, including towers, temples, and exquisite stone sculptures, can give you significant impressions. Interestingly, you might find this well-known attraction in the area partly similar to the world-famous Angkor Wat. 

My Son Sanctuary - A Well-Known Spot Of Champa Kingdom

To get back to Hoi An, let’s cruise along the Thu Bon River, pass by fishing villages, and have a glimpse of the local’s lifestyle here. Youu’ll find the serene charm of Hoi An by admiring old houses, pagodas, lanterns, and local’s peaceful life.

Unlike many other cities in Vietnam, Hoi An is small and provincial in feel, but provides a fascinating glimpse into what port life was like in 18th-century Vietnam, and shows how Vietnam was influenced by cultures from Japan, China, and Europe. Some unique international constructions are Japanese Covered Bridge and the Fujian Assembly Hall of Chinese.

Another way to learn about a region’s culture is by visiting its local market. You can witness the local people’s vibrant life, and what products they are selling when walking in the wet market. You are free to shop in the town and look for the most notable souvenirs for your family members or friends.

Stop At A Street Side Shop For Local Herbal Drinks

Day 5: Ba Na Hills - The Way To Heaven

For every first-time traveler to Da Nang, Ba Na Hills is a must-visit place since visitors can experience 4 seasons in one day, immerse in the natural beauty and enjoy the festive atmosphere with many activities. Then it is worthy to buy Ba Na Hills ticket and spend an entire day to explore this nature reserve. 

You will need to take a cable car at Suoi Mo Cable Car Station to get to the top of the mountain at Marseille Station. The unique destinations that you must walk by are:

• Golden Bridge (The Hands of the Gods)
• Le Jardin D’Amour (the Flower Garden of Love) with 9 gardens of Le Jardin D’Amour
• Linh Ung Pagoda
• Debay Wine Cellar

Golden Bridge - An Ideal Place You Cannot Miss In Ba Na Hills

Moreover, you can spend all afternoon in a paradise of games at Fantasy Park - a perfect tourist attraction for an entire family or groups of friends. The options can vary from climbing artificial mountains, fire racing track, mega cinema 360 degrees, or exploring the wax museum and Jurassic Park.

All the activities should end before 17:00 because you will get back to the Cable Car Station to move to the gateway for the transfer back to Hoi An.

Inside Jurassic Park

Day 6: Be An Amateur Chef At Hoi An Cooking Class 

The first destination on your last day is Tra Que Organic village, a fertile agricultural farmland where local farmers still use traditional methods to grow rice. There you can buy the local ingredients you need for your next cooking lesson and try a special herbal drink at a local home.

Experience The Tranquil And Lush Green Organic Fields Near Hoi An

Next, let’s move to the cooking school where you have a chance to learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food, using the freshest ingredients we have bought in the village to cook. You can enjoy your own dish after that.

When the cooking finishes, you can get on a cruise to travel along the Hoi An River back to the center of Hoi An. The tour ends around 15:00. You have free time to explore the town until you transfer to Da Nang Airport for your departure flight.

If you are inspired by the beauty of Central Vietnam, let's create your Central Vietnam through Da Nang - Hoi An & Ba Na Hills tour with our experienced travel consultants!

South Vietnam 6-Day Itinerary

The South is home to many ancient landmarks, colonial structures, the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, the mighty Mekong River system, etc., offering every traveler both a vibrant atmosphere of the urban area and peaceful countryside. Surely there will be many fascinating experiences waiting for you on this 6-day journey.

Day 1: Experience Saigon Nightlife By Motorbike

Ho Chi Minh City is the most modern and crowded city in Vietnam. It has a unique mix of architecture from French to Chinese and other countries, so finding an ancient pagoda or a building with French elements is not hard.

After arrival at Ho Chi Minh airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for the check-in procedure. This is a city that never sleeps so you may find out other different aspects of Ho Chi Minh City. Exploring the city at night by taking a Sai Gon motorbike tour is one of the best things you should not miss.

Follow the newly built Saigon freeway, you will pass the magnificent Bitexco Tower, then heading to Chinatown (Cho Lon), Ho Thi Ky market, etc. The tour ends quite late, you will be back at your hotel around 22:00.

The Bustling Atmosphere Of Chinatown

Day 2: Have A Full Day Wandering Around Ho Chi Minh City 

The second day in Ho Chi Minh is a full-day tour to explore many famous attractions in this city. You should get up early to prepare for the day trip because the tour starts around 8:00. The places that you cannot miss on this tour are:

• Reunification Palace: Used to be the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam, this palace marks the end of the Vietnam war on 30th April 1975.
• War Remnants Museum: A place to remind us of the long and brutal war in Vietnam.
• Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: The most famous and oldest classical French colonial architecture construction in Ho Chi Minh. 
• Giac Lam Pagoda: A must-see spot for anyone who is a pilgrim, with a huge Buddha statue system that was built in 1774.
• Chinatown: Including Cho Lon and Thien Hau Pagoda, where you can go shopping and try local Vietnamese food before returning to your hotel.

Learn About The US Invasion Of Vietnam In The War Remnants Museum

Day 3: A History Tour: From Cao Dai Temple To Cu Chi Tunnel

For those who are interested in history and religion, do not miss these two places:

• Cao Dai Temple: the sacred temple of Caodaism. You will have a chance to understand more about Vietnamese religion, especially Caodaism, which incorporates aspects of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and even Catholicism.
• Cu Chi Tunnels: a complex network consisting of numerous trenches, bunkers, booby traps, bomb shelters, a spectacular air ventilation system. You will watch a war documentary introducing soldiers’ lives during wartime and go underground to explore the system of underground tunnels, where supplies were transported, the injured were treated and people were living during some of the most strategic operations in the war.

Crawl Through The Complex Underground Cu Chi Tunnel

Day 4: Discover The Rice Bowl Mekong Delta

Meandering waterways, sleepy riverside villages, traditional workshops, historical ruins, and intriguing culture, with the trip to Mekong Delta, you will have an insight into the local life and style of the typical Vietnamese countryside.

A long-tail boat along the Mekong waterways will take you along the Ham Luong River. You will stop by a coconut processing workshop and have a chance to know how sedge mats are made at a mat weaving house.

The Picturesque Sedge Field In Mekong Delta

You can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Mekong Delta by wandering around the region, get on the “xe loi”, which is a kind of modern motorized rickshaw, and travel to explore exotic fruit farms. After tasting local cuisine at a restaurant, a sampan will take you to explore the narrow canals of the Mekong Delta. Then back to your hotel and spend a night in Can Tho, the delta’s biggest settlement.

Experience The Mekong Delta Countryside By Xe Loi

Day 5: Slide Along The Floating Marketing

The next day, get up early in the morning to take a motorboat to visit Cai Rang Floating Market – a fascinating floating market on the Mekong River. 

After having your breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred by a motorboat to explore Cai Rang Floating Market. You can try the local food there, and buy the fruits from sellers in the small boat.

After the tour, you will be served lunch at the restaurant on the way back to Saigon City.

Explore The Floating Market In A Small Group

Day 6: Enjoy The Last Day 

This is the last day in Ho Chi Minh. Get up early in the morning to catch the first rays of the sun and have a chance to see Saigon waking up with our Good morning Saigon tour.

On the local form of transport (an open-style van with no air-con), you will visit Tao Dan Park where locals do their morning exercises. In the park, there is a small pagoda where you are likely to see locals performing daily prayers.

For anyone who is a food lover, you should try savoring a café sua da, the special drink of Saigoners, and watch the local life from the coffee shop’s balcony.

Ca Phe Sua Da - A Typical Drink Of The Saigonese

Continue walking to a local wet market through the stalls where vendors sell everything from live meat to fresh seasonal vegetables and homeware goods. It’s your last chance to buy souvenirs for your beloved at home.

In short

It's time to start a trip! If you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to write them below. Hope this article brings a lot of useful information for great Vietnam Tours & Holiday Packages!