It was a bit crazy trying to cram an entire country into just five days, but since we were already that side of the world — and my husband had never been — I thought, why not? Let’s make it happen and see some of Vietnam’s most iconic spots.
Day 1 – Arriving in Hanoi: Chaos, Charm & Culture
We flew straight from Bali to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital. We stayed right in the heart of the Old Quarter, a maze of narrow, lively streets packed with cafés, shops, motorbikes, and street vendors. It’s the beating heart of the city and the perfect base for first-time visitors.
To our surprise, there were so many vegan restaurants — and all were genuinely delicious! Compared to my last visit, the plant-based food scene has exploded with creativity and variety. We spent our first evening wandering through the bustling streets, people-watching by Hoan Kiem Lake, and soaking in the electric atmosphere.
Day 2 – Ha Long Bay: Vietnam’s Natural Wonder
The next morning, we joined a tour to Hạ Long Bay, one of the most famous natural landmarks in Vietnam. The bus journey takes around three hours from Hanoi — though beware of the “mandatory” overpriced snack pit stop halfway, where the bus lingers for about 30 minutes.
We spent the night aboard a traditional wooden junk boat, cruising through the bay. Most boats follow a similar itinerary: kayaking, cave visits, cooking demos, and set meals. While it can feel a little touristy, the views are undeniably worth it.
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its otherworldly landscape of over 1,600 limestone karsts rising dramatically from emerald-green waters. As the sun sets behind the cliffs and the mist rolls in, the entire bay looks like a watercolor painting come to life — surreal and serene at once.
If you plan to visit, do your research — there’s a huge range of cruise options, from budget to luxury, and it’s worth picking carefully to suit your style.
Day 3 – Back to Hanoi: Street Life & Night Buzz
After returning to Hanoi, we spent our final day there exploring at a slower pace — wandering through the parks, sipping bubble tea in quirky cafés, and watching the world go by.
A must-see is Train Street, where cafés line the railway and you can sit just inches from the tracks as the train passes (though note: it’s occasionally closed for safety reasons).
By night, the Old Quarter transforms again — the streets fill with locals, travelers, and music spilling from every corner. It’s one of those cities that feels alive at every hour of the day.
Day 4 – From Hanoi to Da Nang & Onward to Hoi An
On a tight schedule, we took a quick flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, the coastal gateway to Central Vietnam. (On my first trip, I took the overnight sleeper train — a wild adventure in itself!)
Da Nang has gorgeous beaches and a laid-back vibe, so if you have more time, it’s worth spending a night or two at one of the seaside resorts before heading south.
From Da Nang, it’s about a one-hour drive to Hội An, one of the most charming towns in Vietnam.
Day 5 – Hội An: Lanterns, Rice Fields & Timeless Beauty
In Hoi An, we stayed in a beautiful boutique hotel surrounded by rice fields, about a 15-minute bike ride from the old town. The hotel provided bikes, which made exploring easy and fun.
Hội An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a thriving trading port dating back to the 15th century. Today, it’s famous for its preserved yellow shophouses, tailor shops, riverside cafés, and magical lantern-lit streets.
During the day, we explored museums, temples, and cozy cafés; by night, the entire town glowed with colorful lanterns reflecting on the river. We took a small boat ride, released a lantern into the water, and watched as hundreds floated past — a spectacular and peaceful sight.
We also cycled out to the nearby Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where we made pottery with locals and rode through the surrounding rice fields — the perfect way to end our whirlwind Vietnam adventure.
Final Thoughts
Five days in Vietnam is short, but it’s absolutely doable if you plan wisely and focus on a few key highlights. From the chaos of Hanoi to the calm of Ha Long Bay and the charm of Hoi An, it’s a country that delivers beauty, flavor, and culture at every turn.
If we had a few extra days, I’d add more time by the beach in Da Nang or even venture south to Ho Chi Minh City — but even in this short trip, Vietnam left a lasting impression.
Girl Just Gotta Live 
Leave a comment