Vietnam Travel Itineraries | 3, 5, and 7-Day Plans for 2026

When planning a trip to Vietnam, many travelers wonder how many days are enough and how to combine cities efficiently.
Vietnam offers very different experiences depending on the city, so choosing the right itinerary based on your schedule is essential.

In this article, we introduce three recommended Vietnam travel itineraries for 2026:
a 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day plan.
All itineraries are designed to be easy to follow and ideal for first-time visitors.

1. 3-Day Itinerary | Discover Ho Chi Minh City

For travelers with limited time, a 3-day itinerary focused on Ho Chi Minh City is a great option.

Day 1

  • Depart from Japan and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Check in to your hotel
  • Enjoy dinner at a nearby Vietnamese restaurant

It is best to keep the first day relaxed to recover from travel fatigue.

Day 2

  • City sightseeing such as the Reunification Palace and Ben Thanh Market area
  • Café hopping and shopping
  • Dinner at a well-rated local restaurant

Ho Chi Minh City has a wide range of dining options, making it easy to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine throughout your stay.

Day 3

  • Last-minute shopping and souvenirs
  • Departure

This itinerary is ideal for short trips, business travel, or first-time visitors.

2. 5-Day Itinerary | Ho Chi Minh City and Nearby Attractions

With a few extra days, you can explore both the city and nearby destinations.

Day 1

  • Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Light dinner and rest

Day 2

  • City sightseeing
  • Visit local restaurants and cafés

Day 3

  • Day trip to the Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Return to the city for dinner

Day 4

  • Shopping and free time
  • Spa or massage for relaxation
  • Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine at a popular restaurant

Day 5

  • Departure

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, food, and relaxation.

3. 7-Day Itinerary | Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang Highlights

For travelers who want to experience both urban life and beach resorts, a 7-day itinerary is highly recommended.

Day 1

  • Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2

  • City sightseeing
  • Food and café exploration

Day 3

  • Additional sightseeing or a nearby tour
  • Evening flight to Da Nang

Day 4

  • Arrive in Da Nang
  • Beach walk and relaxation
  • Dinner at a seaside restaurant

Day 5

  • Da Nang sightseeing
  • Visit My Khe Beach and local cafés

Day 6

  • Day trip to Hoi An
  • Explore the old town and lantern-lit streets in the evening

Day 7

  • Depart from Da Nang and return home

This itinerary allows you to enjoy both vibrant city life and a relaxing coastal atmosphere.

4. Tips for Choosing Restaurants During Your Trip

In Vietnam, where you eat can significantly impact your travel experience.

When choosing restaurants, consider:

  • Convenient locations near sightseeing spots
  • Clean and foreigner-friendly environments
  • A good balance between local flavor and comfort

VIETGOHAN helps travelers find carefully selected restaurants by area, cuisine type, and dining scene, making restaurant selection easy and reliable.

5. Summary | Choose an Itinerary That Fits Your Schedule

Vietnam offers flexible travel options depending on your length of stay.

  • 3 days: Focused city trip in Ho Chi Minh City
  • 5 days: Balanced plan with nearby excursions
  • 7 days: Combination of city life and beach resorts

When planning your 2026 Vietnam trip, choose an itinerary that matches your schedule and travel style.
With the right plan, you can enjoy Vietnam’s culture, food, and scenery without feeling rushed.

(Photo by Unsplash.com)