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Vietnam in 5 Days: The Perfect Itinerary for 2025 (Starting from Ho Chi Minh City)

Discover my tried-and-tested 5-day Vietnam itinerary for 2025, featuring Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant streets, Mekong Delta adventures, and cultural gems with local insights I've gathered over multiple visits.

Introduction: Why Vietnam Deserves Your 5 Days

The first time I landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), I was completely unprepared for how Vietnam would capture my heart. The sensory overload hit me immediately—the symphony of motorbike horns, the intoxicating aroma of phở simmering in street-side pots, and that distinctive tropical heat that wraps around you like a blanket. I remember standing frozen on the sidewalk, clutching my backpack as a continuous stream of motorbikes flowed around me like water around a rock, unsure how I’d ever cross the street. A local woman in her 70s simply took my arm and guided me through the chaos, saying with a smile, “Từ từ” (slowly, slowly). That moment of unexpected kindness set the tone for all my subsequent visits.

While Vietnam deserves weeks of exploration, I’ve refined this 5-day itinerary over my six visits to offer you the perfect introduction to this captivating country. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), we’ll experience the perfect blend of urban energy, cultural immersion, and natural beauty—all while avoiding the tourist traps I wasted time on during my first visit.

This carefully crafted 5-day Vietnam itinerary for 2025 incorporates recent changes in transportation options, post-pandemic adjustments to popular sites, and the local insights I’ve gained from befriending everyone from street food vendors to boutique hotel owners. You’ll experience authentic Vietnam, save money where it makes sense, and splurge where it truly enhances your experience.

Day 1: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s Historic Heart

After the long flight to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), you’ll want to settle in quickly. I recommend staying in District 1 for convenience—specifically around the Đồng Khởi or Bùi Viện areas depending on your preference for luxury or backpacker vibes.

Morning: Colonial Architecture and Vietnamese Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese coffee at The Workshop Coffee. The strong, sweet cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) will kickstart your system and help with jet lag. Trust me—I made the mistake of trying to push through without caffeine on my first visit, and I was nodding off by noon!

From there, take a leisurely walk to admire the French colonial architecture:

  • Saigon Central Post Office – Designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, of tower fame), with beautiful arched windows and an impressive domed ceiling
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon – Recently reopened after extensive renovations
  • Reunification Palace – The site where North Vietnamese tanks crashed through the gates in 1975, ending the Vietnam War

Afternoon: War Remnants Museum

After lunch at Quán Ăn Ngon (a perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish setting), head to the War Remnants Museum. I won’t sugarcoat this—the museum is emotionally challenging but essential for understanding Vietnam’s recent history. The photojournalism exhibition is particularly moving.

Insider Tip: Entrance fee is 40,000 VND (about $1.60), but go after 4:00 PM and you’ll often find shorter lines. Allow at least 90 minutes here—I rushed through on my first visit and regretted not giving it proper time.

Evening: Street Food Adventure in Ben Thanh Night Market

As the sun sets, make your way to Ben Thanh Night Market. Skip the touristy section at the front and head to the food stalls at the back where locals eat. Here’s what to try:

  1. Bánh xèo – Crispy savory pancakes filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts
  2. Bún thịt nướng – Grilled pork over vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs and fish sauce
  3. Chè – Sweet dessert soups (my favorite is chè chuối, with banana)

End your evening with a drink at the Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar at the historic Caravelle Hotel, where war correspondents once gathered. The view of the city at night is spectacular, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music.

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels and Contemporary Saigon

Morning: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Book a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, departing around 8:00 AM. These tunnels formed an incredible underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. My first visit here in 2017 was with a large tour group, and I felt rushed. On my 2023 return, I used Les Divagations, a smaller operator that provides more context and fewer crowds.

Money-Saving Tip: Skip the expensive hotel-arranged tours and book directly with smaller operators. You’ll pay about 550,000 VND ($22) instead of $40-50, and often get a more personalized experience.

Afternoon: Contemporary Art and Boutique Shopping

Return to HCMC and have lunch at Secret Garden, a hidden rooftop restaurant serving home-style Vietnamese cuisine. It’s tucked away in an old apartment building with no signage—exactly the kind of authentic find I love discovering.

Spend your afternoon exploring the rapidly emerging contemporary side of Ho Chi Minh City:

  • The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre – Vietnam’s first purpose-built space for contemporary art
  • Châu Khun Gallery on Đồng Khởi Street – Showcasing works by emerging Vietnamese artists
  • L’Usine – Part café, part concept store in a beautifully restored colonial building

Evening: Dinner and Cocktails in Thao Dien

Tonight, venture to District 2’s Thao Dien neighborhood, where Ho Chi Minh City’s creative class lives and plays. This area was barely on the tourist map when I first visited in 2017, but has since become a vibrant district. Take a Grab car (Vietnam’s Uber) for about 100,000 VND ($4).

Have dinner at Lubu Restaurant, which serves contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish setting, then grab craft cocktails at Laotique, where the mixologists create drinks with local herbs and fruits.

Day 3: Mekong Delta Day Trip

The Mekong Delta offers a complete contrast to Ho Chi Minh City’s urban energy. Here, life moves according to the rhythm of the river.

Morning: Journey to the Delta

Book a tour to Mỹ Tho and Bến Tre, about 2 hours from HCMC. I recommend Les Voyageurs for smaller group experiences. Depart early (around 7:00 AM) to maximize your day.

Money-Saving Insider Tip: Instead of a full-day guided tour, consider taking the public bus to Mỹ Tho (70,000 VND/$2.80 each way from Mien Tay Bus Station) and arranging a boat tour when you arrive. Local operators charge around 150,000 VND ($6) for a half-day tour, compared to $25-35 for the packaged tours from HCMC. Just be prepared to negotiate!

My most embarrassing travel mistake: During my first Mekong Delta trip, I forgot to bring insect repellent and ended up with over 20 mosquito bites. Learn from my error and come prepared with bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat!

Afternoon: River Life and Local Industries

Your tour will likely include:

  • A boat ride through narrow canals lined with water coconut palms
  • Visits to local cottage industries (honey farms, coconut candy workshops)
  • A lunch of delta specialties like cá lóc nướng trui (grilled snakehead fish)
  • Exploring fruit orchards and sampling tropical fruits straight from the tree

The sounds of the delta are unforgettable—birds calling, water lapping against wooden boats, and the gentle putt-putt of small engines as locals transport goods along the waterways.

Evening: Return and Relax

You’ll be back in HCMC by early evening, likely tired from the day’s adventures. Treat yourself to a foot massage at one of the many spas in District 1. My favorite is Miu Miu Spa on Le Thanh Ton Street, where a 60-minute reflexology session costs around 350,000 VND ($14) and will rejuvenate your tired feet.

For dinner, try Quán Hưng Phát for excellent bún đậu mắm tôm (tofu and pork with fermented shrimp paste)—a local favorite that few tourists discover. It’s pungent but delicious!

Day 4: Day Trip to Vung Tau Beach

For a change of pace, head to Vung Tau, a coastal city about 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. While not Vietnam’s most spectacular beach, it offers a pleasant escape from the city and a glimpse into where urban Vietnamese go for their weekend retreats.

Morning: Hydrofoil to Vung Tau

The most scenic way to reach Vung Tau is by hydrofoil from Bach Dang Pier in District 1. Greenlines and Petro Express operate regular services, taking about 90 minutes and costing around 250,000 VND ($10) one-way. Book your tickets a day in advance during weekends.

The hydrofoil departs at 8:00 AM, providing fantastic views of the Saigon River as you speed toward the coast. However, service can be occasionally suspended during stormy weather—a lesson I learned the hard way in 2022 when I arrived at the pier only to find my boat canceled!

Afternoon: Beach Time and Local Seafood

Upon arrival, head straight to Back Beach (Bãi Sau), the more scenic of Vung Tau’s two main beaches. Rent a beach chair for about 50,000 VND ($2) and enjoy the waves. The water isn’t crystal clear, but it’s clean enough for a refreshing swim.

For lunch, walk to one of the seafood restaurants along Tran Phu Street. Ganh Hao is my go-to spot for the freshest catch at reasonable prices. Try the grilled squid with salt and chili (mực nướng muối ớt) and steamed clams with lemongrass (nghêu hấp sả).

Late Afternoon: Christ the King Statue

Take a taxi to the Christ the King Statue, a 32-meter monument reminiscent of Rio’s famous Christ the Redeemer. The 30-minute climb inside the statue’s base leads to stunning panoramic views of the peninsula from Jesus’s shoulders. The entrance fee is just 5,000 VND ($0.20)—one of Vietnam’s best travel bargains!

Sustainability Tip: Instead of taking a taxi, consider renting a bicycle for around 100,000 VND ($4) for the day. Vung Tau is surprisingly bike-friendly, and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint while seeing more of the city at a leisurely pace.

Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch the 5:00 PM hydrofoil back to HCMC, arriving in time for dinner. For your last night in the city, splurge on a meal at Nha Hang Ngoi Got, set in a beautifully restored villa with excellent contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. Their banana blossom salad with chicken and their caramelized clay pot fish are standouts.

Day 5: Final Day in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Cholon (Chinatown) Exploration

For your final day, explore Cholon (District 5), HCMC’s historic Chinatown. This area feels worlds away from the French colonial center and offers a different perspective on the city’s multicultural heritage.

Start at the Binh Tay Market, recently renovated and home to hundreds of stalls selling everything from spices to textiles. The central food court serves excellent hủ tiếu (Chinese-influenced noodle soup), perfect for breakfast.

Next, visit Cholon’s ornate temples:

  • Thien Hau Temple – Dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess
  • Quan Am Pagoda – One of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city

Don’t miss the hidden gem of Faan Café, tucked in a historic building on Tran Hung Dao Street. Their egg coffee rivals Hanoi’s famous versions.

Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping and Spa Treatment

Return to District 1 for some last-minute shopping. Skip the touristy Ben Thanh Market and instead head to:

Before your evening flight, treat yourself to a Vietnamese massage at My Spa. A 90-minute treatment costs around 600,000 VND ($24) and combines traditional techniques with aromatherapy using local ingredients like lemongrass and ginger.

Souvenir Recommended Shop Price Range (USD) Notes
Vietnamese Coffee Saigon Craft Coffee $8-15 Ask for medium roast for best flavor balance
Coconut Shell Crafts Mai Handicrafts $5-25 Sustainable and supports rural artisans
Artisanal Tea Saigon Tea Room $7-20 The lotus tea is uniquely Vietnamese
Lacquerware Authentique Home $15-100 High quality but needs careful packing

Evening: Airport Transfer and Departure

Allow plenty of time to reach Tan Son Nhat Airport—HCMC traffic can be unpredictable. A Grab car to the airport costs around 150,000 VND ($6) from District 1 and takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

One of my worst mistakes was cutting this too close in 2019, underestimating both the traffic and the airport lines. I nearly missed my flight and spent the last hour in Vietnam sprinting through the terminal in a panic rather than savoring my final moments!

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your 5 Days in Vietnam

Five days in Vietnam barely scratches the surface of this magnificent country, but this itinerary gives you a meaningful taste that will likely leave you planning your return before your plane even takes off. From the pulsing energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil flow of the Mekong Delta and the refreshing coastal breeze of Vung Tau, you’ll experience the diverse textures of southern Vietnam.

What I love most about this compressed itinerary is how it balances iconic sites with personal discoveries. You’ll see the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum that help you understand Vietnam’s complex history, but you’ll also have those magical moments of connection—perhaps chatting with a vendor over steaming bowls of phở, or learning a few Vietnamese phrases from a friendly local.

Your 5-Step Action Plan for an Amazing Vietnam Trip

  1. Pre-trip preparation: Download the Grab app before arrival, carry Vietnamese dong for small purchases (many places don’t accept cards), and learn a few basic phrases like “cảm ơn” (thank you) and “xin chào” (hello).
  2. Pack strategically: Bring lightweight, modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered for temples), comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and a portable fan for HCMC’s heat.
  3. Manage your budget: Set aside about $40-50 per day for food, activities, and local transportation—more if you plan to shop or splash out on nicer restaurants.
  4. Respect local customs: Remove shoes when entering homes or certain temples, ask before photographing people, and maintain your composure even in frustrating situations (losing your temper is considered deeply inappropriate).
  5. Stay flexible: Weather, traffic, or unexpected closures may require adjusting your plans. Some of my favorite Vietnam memories came from those unplanned detours!

Vietnam changed me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated when I first visited. The resilience of its people, the complexity of its history, and the vibrancy of its culture continue to draw me back. This 5-day itinerary is my gift to you—a starting point for what I hope will be your own love affair with this extraordinary country.

Final Money-Saving Insider Tip: Before leaving the airport upon arrival, purchase a Mobifone SIM card (around 200,000 VND/$8 for 30GB of data). Having reliable internet access saves money on taxis (by using Grab), helps with translations, and prevents expensive international roaming charges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vietnam

Is 5 days enough time to visit Vietnam?

While 5 days isn’t enough to see all of Vietnam, it’s perfect for exploring Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding region. This itinerary gives you a meaningful taste of southern Vietnam, combining urban experiences, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. If you only have 5 days, focusing on one region (rather than trying to see Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An too) provides a more relaxed, deeper experience.

Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam in 2025?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. As of 2025, citizens of many European countries, Japan, South Korea, and several ASEAN nations can enter Vietnam visa-free for 15-30 days. American, Canadian, and Australian citizens typically need an e-visa, which costs approximately $25 and can be obtained online through the official government portal. Always check the latest requirements before traveling.

When is the best time to visit Southern Vietnam?

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam is from December to April, during the dry season. The weather is relatively cooler (though still tropical) and rainfall is minimal. I’ve visited in February several times and found it ideal—temperatures around 28-32°C (82-90°F) and clear skies. Avoid June through September if possible, as heavy rains can disrupt outdoor activities.

Is Vietnam safe for solo travelers?

Vietnam is generally very safe for solo travelers, including women. Violent crime is rare, though petty theft and scams targeting tourists do occur, particularly in crowded areas. Use common sense precautions like keeping valuables secure, avoiding poorly lit areas at night, and being wary of “too good to be true” offers. I’ve traveled solo through Vietnam multiple times and always felt safe, though I remain vigilant in crowded tourist areas.

How much money should I budget per day in Vietnam?

Vietnam offers excellent value compared to many destinations. Budget travelers can manage comfortably on $30-40 per day, including accommodations in hostels or budget hotels, street food and local restaurants, and public transportation. Mid-range travelers should budget $50-80 daily for nicer hotels, restaurant dining, and activities. Luxury experiences are still reasonably priced by international standards—a five-star hotel might cost $100-200 per night, and a high-end meal rarely exceeds $30 per person.

What should I do about money in Vietnam?

The Vietnamese currency is the dong (VND), and cash is king for small purchases. ATMs are widely available in cities, though they often charge international withdrawal fees (typically $2-5 per transaction). I recommend withdrawing larger amounts less frequently to minimize fees. For higher-end hotels, restaurants, and shops, credit cards are increasingly accepted, but always carry cash as backup. The U.S. dollar is sometimes accepted at tourist establishments, but you’ll generally get a better rate using dong.

How should I get around Ho Chi Minh City?

The Grab app is your best friend for getting around HCMC. It offers car and motorbike taxis at fair, fixed prices, eliminating haggling. For short distances in the city center, walking is often fastest due to traffic congestion. For the adventurous, “xe ôm” (motorcycle taxis) provide a thrilling way to navigate the city’s traffic, though I recommend only using them through the Grab app for safety and fair pricing. Public buses exist but can be challenging to navigate for short-term visitors.

What are some common scams to avoid in Vietnam?

While most Vietnamese are honest and welcoming, be alert for these common scams:

  • Taxi meters that run too fast (use Grab instead)
  • Motorbike rental damage claims (photograph any existing damage before renting)
  • “Closed” attractions where a helpful local offers to take you somewhere else
  • Dramatically inflated prices for tourists (knowing rough costs helps avoid this)

My most embarrassing scam experience was overpaying for a “special” Vietnamese coffee that turned out to be ordinary instant coffee with condensed milk—a $10 lesson in asking prices before ordering!

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