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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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Vietnam 5 Days Backpacking Trip

Vietnam Discovery: 5-Day Adventure

Embark on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Vietnam in this immersive 5-day adventure. Begin your exploration in the historic streets of Hanoi, where you can dive into the city's rich heritage and vibrant street food scene. Wander through the Old Quarter to witness the blend of French colonial architecture and traditional Vietnamese life.

Cruise to the mystical Ha Long Bay next, where you'll be spellbound by the emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests. Take a boat tour or kayak around the bay's tranquil waters and discover hidden caves and secluded inlets.

Then, head to Da Nang, a modern city with stunning beaches and a gateway to cultural treasures like the Marble Mountains and the ancient town of Hoi An. The iconic Dragon Bridge and the coastal views make for the perfect urban escape.

Hoi An is your next stop, allowing you to step back in time in this well-preserved town. Enjoy the charming streets, historical monuments, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. At night, experience the enchanting glow of lanterns that light up the town, creating a magical atmosphere.

Conclude your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis that never sleeps. Discover the city's wartime history at the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels, and explore the French colonial architecture. The city's dynamic street life and culinary scene provide a fitting end to your Vietnamese journey.


Recommended Activities

  • As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is rich in history, cultural charm, and well-preserved colonial architecture. Its Old Quarter offers an opportunity to experience the traditional Vietnamese street life and enjoy local cuisine.
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    Ha Long Bay

    Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone karst landscape rising from the water, making it a magical place for cruising, kayaking, and exploring the numerous caves.
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  • Da Nang is a coastal city known for its sandy beaches and history as a French colonial port. It's a gateway to culture, with landmarks such as the Marble Mountains and the beautiful Dragon Bridge.
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  • Hoi An is a beautifully preserved ancient town with a blend of indigenous and foreign influences, particularly Chinese and Japanese architecture. It's famed for its vibrant lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and its proximity to the serene An Bang Beach.
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    Ho Chi Minh City

    Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis that's the economic heart of Vietnam. The city is full of life, historical sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels, French colonial landmarks, and a dynamic food scene that offers a fusion of flavors from around the country.
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Noir. Dining in the Dark

    Noir. Dining in the Dark

    Offering a unique dining experience in complete darkness, this restaurant allows you to experience food with your other senses heightened.
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    The Toilet Kingdom

    The Toilet Kingdom

    This quirky themed restaurant in Da Nang serves meals in miniature toilet bowls, providing a bizarre yet memorable dining experience.
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    Hanoi Train Street Cafes

    Hanoi Train Street Cafes

    Located directly on the train tracks running between Hanoi homes, you can enjoy a coffee as trains pass just a few feet away.
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    Cuc Gach Quan

    Cuc Gach Quan

    This Ho Chi Minh City eatery offers a rustic, homely ambiance, and serves traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a converted French colonial villa.
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  • Cafe Pho Co

    Hidden in an alleyway in Hanoi, this cafe provides a secret escape and one of the best views over Hoan Kiem Lake.
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    Secret Garden

    Secret Garden

    Tucked away on a rooftop in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this restaurant offers a peaceful dining experience amongst a lush garden setting.
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  • Anh Tukk

    A contemporary venue in Da Nang that creatively fuses Vietnamese cuisine with Korean gastronomy in a vibrant setting.
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    Morning Glory

    Morning Glory

    Nestled in the ancient town of Hoi An, Morning Glory offers a traditional culinary experience showcasing fresh, local flavors and cooking classes.
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Hotels

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    Hang Nga Guesthouse (Crazy House)

    Hang Nga Guesthouse (Crazy House)

    Resembling a giant tree with cave-like rooms, this architectural wonder in Da Lat offers a stay in a fairy-tale environment that's out of this world.
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    Topas Ecolodge

    Topas Ecolodge

    Perched on a mountain top in the Hoang Lien National Park, this sustainable lodge offers a serene escape with breathtaking views of terraced rice fields.
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    The Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel

    The Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel

    Located in the heart of Hanoi's historical area, the hostel is quirky in its decor with traditional Vietnamese elements and offers a vibrant local experience.
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    Hotel des Arts Saigon MGallery

    Hotel des Arts Saigon MGallery

    This boutique hotel in Ho Chi Minh City blends French colonial charm with modern decor, offering a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic city views.
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    Aniise Villa Resort

    Aniise Villa Resort

    Located on the tranquil coast near Da Nang, this unique resort is surrounded by natural beauty and provides a private, cultural stay.
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    Mai Chau Ecolodge

    Mai Chau Ecolodge

    Nestled in the picturesque Mai Chau valley, this ecolodge delivers an authentic experience in harmony with nature and local tribal culture.
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Abono Música del mar Choyero Fest

    Abono Música del mar Choyero Fest

    Se llevará a cabo el primer festival de la música en Baja California Sur, donde se conjugará los mejores exponentes de la música en el estado y el país. Llevándolos a una misma sede y escenario como es el estadio Guaycura
    Map IconEstadio Guaycura in La Paz (536.7 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
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    Gondwana

    Gondwana

    Gondwana en Concierto
    Map IconFrontón México in Ciudad de México (558.99 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Jun 2024
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    Fitz and The Tantrums

    Fitz and The Tantrums

    Fitz And The Tantrums en concierto
    Map IconFrontón México in Ciudad de México (558.99 mi)
    Calendar Icon16 Oct 2024
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    Maggie Rose: No One Gets Out Alive Tour

    Maggie Rose: No One Gets Out Alive Tour

    Minglewood Hall is a cashless venue. This event is general admission standing.
    Map Icon1884 Lounge in Memphis (1611.33 mi)
    Calendar Icon29 Jun 2024
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    Lil Man J

    Lil Man J

    Minglewood Hall is a cashless venue. This event is general admission standing.
    Map Icon1884 Lounge in Memphis (1611.33 mi)
    Calendar Icon26 Jul 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Peso Peso

    Peso Peso

    Minglewood Hall is a cashless venue. This event is general admission standing
    Map Icon1884 Lounge in Memphis (1611.33 mi)
    Calendar Icon27 Jul 2024
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    Steve Hofstetter

    Steve Hofstetter

    Minglewood Hall is a cashless venue. This event is reserved seating.
    Map Icon1884 Lounge in Memphis (1611.33 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Jul 2024
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Im gonna be doing my first backpacking trip through Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (then heading off to work remotely from Bali). Ill be using trains and busses to ge...

    Backpacking through Vietnam for a month, what do you think?

    Im gonna be doing my first backpacking trip through Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (then heading off to work remotely from Bali). Ill be using trains and busses to ge...

    /r/backpacking
  • Reddit Icon

    A subreddit for traveling backpacking and wilderness backpacking, not restricted to one or the other. ... All posts must be flaired "Travel" or "Wilderness" ... Travel I just ...

    Vietnam Itinerary

    A subreddit for traveling backpacking and wilderness backpacking, not restricted to one or the other. ... All posts must be flaired "Travel" or "Wilderness" ... Travel I just ...

    /r/backpacking
  • Reddit Icon

    Travelling between Hoi An and Hue - cheap (albeit basic) buses can easily be organised from any decent hostel to take you from Hoi An to Hue or vice versa. This trip takes abo...

    1 month in Vietnam.

    Travelling between Hoi An and Hue - cheap (albeit basic) buses can easily be organised from any decent hostel to take you from Hoi An to Hue or vice versa. This trip takes abo...

    /r/backpacking
  • Reddit Icon

    Hey there, Im looking to travel to Vietnam for 4ish weeks mid Jan, pretty loose budget and just looking for recommendations of all kinds! Im 27/M. Im looking to start by HCMC,...

    Vietnam - A Travel Guide for a Loose Budget

    Hey there, Im looking to travel to Vietnam for 4ish weeks mid Jan, pretty loose budget and just looking for recommendations of all kinds! Im 27/M. Im looking to start by HCMC,...

    /r/backpacking
  • Reddit Icon

    Vietnam has become a fairly safe and easy country to backpack. Don't worry about not having backpacking experience. You'll learn and Vietnam is a great country to really dive ...

    My very first backpacking trip. I am going to Vietnam, Any tips?

    Vietnam has become a fairly safe and easy country to backpack. Don't worry about not having backpacking experience. You'll learn and Vietnam is a great country to really dive ...

    /r/backpacking

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Johnny Wright - Hello Vietnam - Single Version

    Johnny Wright - Hello Vietnam - Single Version

    A song that welcomes you to the beauty and history of Vietnam, perfect for the onset of your journey.
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    Sơn ca - Sài Gòn đẹp lắm

    Sơn ca - Sài Gòn đẹp lắm

    A cheerful tribute to the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, embodying its spirit and vibrancy.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Nhóm Cadillac - Nối Vòng Tay Lớn

    Nhóm Cadillac - Nối Vòng Tay Lớn

    An emotional song that evokes the sense of community and togetherness found throughout Vietnam.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Trọng Tấn - Hà Nội niềm tin và hy vọng

    Trọng Tấn - Hà Nội niềm tin và hy vọng

    Captures the essence of Hanoi's culture, reflecting its hope and confidence.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Lân Nhã - Biển Nhớ

    Lân Nhã - Biển Nhớ

    The song represents the nostalgic feelings and the beauty of Vietnam's coastline, a wonderful companion while visiting Da Nang's beaches.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Nah - Phố Cũ

    Nah - Phố Cũ

    A melodic walk through the old streets of Vietnam, resonating with the ancient city of Hoi An.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Negav - em khiến anh muốn trở thành người Hà Nội

    Negav - em khiến anh muốn trở thành người Hà Nội

    A soulful depiction of the people in Hanoi, blending seamlessly with the city's atmosphere.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Negav - em khiến anh muốn trở thành người Hà Nội
  • Music Icon

    TaynguyenSound - Mây Lang Thang

    TaynguyenSound - Mây Lang Thang

    An inspiring and uplifting song to motivate you through your journey's climbing or adventurous moments.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Quang Dũng - Mùa Xuân Trên Đỉnh Bình Yên

    Quang Dũng - Mùa Xuân Trên Đỉnh Bình Yên

    Celebrates the spring season in Vietnam, which can be enjoyed no matter when you travel in the country.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Anh Khang - Quê Nhà

    Anh Khang - Quê Nhà

    Evokes feelings of longing and love for one's homeland, fitting for the reflective moments of your travel.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Anh Khang - Quê Nhà