Vietnam 4-day Itinerary: Options, Trip Insights & Tips

Where and what to do in Vietnam for 4 days?

To begin with, you may consider whether it is reasonable and worthwhile to spend a 4-day trip to Vietnam. My answer to you is yes. While 4 days might seem brief, the good news is that with a smart sequence of travel destinations, you can fully uncover the iconic and distinctive features of Vietnam.

Vietnam features prominent tourist centers across its three regions: North, Central, and South. Depending on flight costs or your interests, you might want to explore:

What to see in Vietnam for 4 days

Northern route: It boasts the capital city Hanoi, along with breathtaking natural landscapes of mountains and rivers, coupled with intriguing traditional culture. 

• Notable travel destinations: Hanoi, Halong Bay (UNESCO site), Ninh Binh (UNESCO site), Mai Chau, Sapa.

• Best things to do: Explore city landmarks and indulge in outdoor activities such as cycling, boating, and cruising.

Central route: The central region boasts stunning azure sunny beaches, a vibrant cityscape with lively colors, and serene fishing villages and countryside. 

• Notable travel destinations: Da Nang, Hue (UNESCO site), Hoi An (UNESCO site), Quang Binh (UNESCO site), Nha Trang.

• Best things to do: Soak up in the sun-kissed beaches, visit the enchanting Ba Na Hills, explore city attractions, and immerse yourself in the activities of rustic villages. 

Add Hoi An to your Vietnam 4-day itinerary!

Southern route: The lively southern hub is filled with historical landmarks, bustling trading centers, and a river-centric lifestyle ingrained in the local culture.

• Notable travel destinations: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Cu Chi, Mekong Delta.

• Best things to do: Tour the city, explore war history sites, cruise to island villages by boat, and soak in the authentic riverside living experience.

Furthermore, the budget for traveling in Vietnam is quite reasonable for international visitors. You will likely spend around 20 - 60 USD per day, accommodating from budget-friendly to more comfortable options. I will provide more detailed insights later.

Suggested Itineraries

In this section, I'll guide you through specific itineraries for each day by highlighting travel routes that are both convenient and ideal for a Vietnam 4-day trip.

Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay 

Get ready to delve into the hustle cultural vibes of Hanoi, the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh's delta, and the breathtaking coastal scenery of Halong Bay:

4-day trip to Vietnam Northern

Day 1: Hanoi

• Noi Bai Arrival

• Transfer to Hotel and check-in

• Afternoon: City tour, cyclo ride, street food tour

• Night: Water puppet performance, shopping, Ta Hien beer street

Day 2: Ninh Binh

• Transfer Hanoi - Ninh Binh

• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

• Tam Coc or Trang An boat ride

• Mua Cave hiking and cycling around the fields

• Back to Hanoi

Day 3 - 4: Halong Bay

• Transfer Hanoi - Halong Bay

• Get on board and follow a 2 days 1-night cruise itinerary customized to each cruise. Normally it includes visits to caves, islands, fishing villages, kayaks, meals, and other cruise amenities.

Day 4: Hanoi Departure

• Transfer Halong Bay - Hanoi

• Noi Bai International Airport Departure

Da Nang  - Hoi An - Hue

The Central region’s sun-drenched landscapes offer diverse vibes: Da Nang pulsates with energy, Hue exudes serene sophistication, and Hoi An captivates with its timeless and vivid character.

Vietnam 4 days 3 nights itinerary in Central

Day 1: Da Nang - Hoi An

• Da Nang Arrival

• Hotel Check in

• Afternoon: Son Tra Peninsula, My Khe Beach

• Hoi An ancient town

Day 2: Ba Na Hills - Golden Bridge - Fantasy Park

Day 3: Da Nang - Hue - Da Nang

• Thien Mu Pagoda

• Hue Imperial Citadel

• Lunch

• Khai Dinh Tomb

• Back to Da Nang

Day 4: Da Nang departure

• Morning: Free time to visit and shopping in the city

• Da Nang departure

HCM - Cu Chi - Mekong Delta

The southern route is equally fascinating. It features a historic city and an intriguing journey through the countryside by boat.

Vietnam 4 day itinerary to Southern

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh

• City Arrival

• Hotel check in

• Afternoon: City tour, street food tour

• Night: Cruising in Saigon river

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels

• Morning: Cu Chi Tunnels tour

• Back to city

• Afternoon: Thien Hau Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh - My Tho

• Vinh Trang Pagoda

• Coconut Island: Cycling, visiting farms and gardens

• Sampan boat ride

• Back to city

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh Departure

• Free time, shopping

• Saigon Departure

Tips for Vietnam 4 days trip

Quick tips to plan your Vietnam trip

• For the best travel experience in Vietnam, you can consider your Vietnam 4 days trip from September to April. If you plan to visit the Central region, it should be between February and September.

• Don’t forget the basics for your Vietnam adventure—sun protection, insect repellent, and light, season-appropriate clothing will keep you comfortable and prepared.

• Budget for visiting Vietnam in 4 days: I’ve put together a quick reference table for you to estimate costs. Typically, a 4-day trip to Vietnam might range from 450 to 600 USD, depending on your spending preferences.

Vietnam in 4 days - Delve into exotic Southeast Asia adventure

To gain more insights, navigate to our post about Vietnam travel guide!

Considering the highlights I’ve shared, does the proposed Vietnam 4-day itinerary seem approachable, fantastic, and worthwhile to you? Feel free to drop a message for New Asia Tours if you require any guidance or assistance with Vietnam tours!