5 days in Vietnam Itinerary

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Mon): pause for some serene contemplation at Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, then get a sense of history and politics at The Independence Palace, and then take an in-depth tour of War Remnants Museum.

For maps, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Ho Chi Minh City planner.

Singapore, Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and car. The time zone changes from Singapore Standard Time (SGT) to Indochina Time (ICT), which is usually a -1 hour difference. In August, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) to allow time to fly to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Marked by underground rivers, famous caves, limestone cliffs, and tropical rainforests, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park wows visitors with a spectacular range of landscapes and wildlife.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Tue): Head underground at Son Doong Cave and then explore the fascinating underground world of Paradise Cave. Here are some ideas for day two: relax in the rural setting at The Duck Stop, take in nature's colorful creations at Phong Nha Botanic Garden, and then Head underground at Phong Nha Caves.

For photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park trip planner.

Getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park by flight takes about 4 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) early enough to drive to Hue.

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue remains most famous as the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, the influence of which remains evident in local palaces, temples, forts, and museums.

On the 15th (Thu), contemplate the long history of Tomb of Minh Mang, then admire the striking features of Thien Mu Pagoda, then steep yourself in history at Imperial City, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of The Mieu Temple.

To find photos, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Hue road trip app.

You can drive from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hue in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 40°C in August, and nighttime lows around 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) so you can drive to Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

On the 16th (Fri), relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, view the masterpieces at Ha Ha - Art In Everything, then make a trip to Japanese Covered Bridge, and finally take in the awesome beauty at The Marble Mountains.

To see other places to visit, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Hoi An trip planner.

Drive from Hue to Hoi An in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Hoi An can reach 40°C, while at night they dip to 30°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Fri) early enough to catch the flight back home.