Vietnam is one of the easiest long-weekend or one-week trips from the Philippines: flights from Manila take around three hours, Philippine passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 21 days, and you can see mountains, bays, heritage towns and beaches in a single trip. This guide shows you how to plan a Vietnam itinerary from Manila for 4 to 7 days, which region to choose for your dates, and which ready-made land packages fit each plan.
Quick facts for Filipino travellers
- Visa: Philippine passport holders can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 21 days. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from arrival. Entry rules can change, so check the latest rules before you fly.
- Flight time: about 3 hours from Manila to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Check airlines for current routes and fares, including flights to Da Nang.
- Time difference: Vietnam is one hour behind Manila.
- Money: the local currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Bring some cash for markets and street food. Cards are accepted in most hotels, malls and larger restaurants.
- Language: English is common in hotels and tourist areas. Your guide handles the rest.
Which part of Vietnam should you visit?
Vietnam is long and narrow, so most short trips focus on one or two regions. Choose by what you want to see and by the month you travel.
North: Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh
Choose the north for mountain scenery, rice terraces, cool weather and the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay. It is the most popular region for first-time visitors from the Philippines. The best months are September to May; December to February is cold by Philippine standards, especially in Sapa, so pack a jacket.
Central: Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue
Choose the centre for beaches, the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, the lantern-lit old town of Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue. The dry, sunny season runs from about February to August. October to December is the rainy season.
South: Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Da Lat
Choose the south for a big-city break, the Cu Chi Tunnels, boat rides in the Mekong Delta and the cool highland town of Da Lat. It is warm all year. December to April is the driest period.
Sample itineraries from Manila
4 days (a long weekend)
Four days works best in one region with a morning arrival on Day 1.
- Da Nang and Hoi An: Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, My Son Sanctuary, a basket boat ride in the coconut forest and Hoi An by night. See Da Nang & Hoi An 4D3N or, for island time, Da Nang, Hoi An & Cham Island 4D3N.
- Hanoi and Sapa: Fansipan Peak, a village walk and a Red Dao herbal bath, then a Hanoi city tour. See Hanoi & Sapa 4D3N.
- Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh: a day cruise on Ha Long Bay and a boat ride through Trang An. See Northern Vietnam Escape 4D3N.
- Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta: see Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta 4D3N.
5 days
Five days lets you combine two highlights without rushing.
- Hanoi, Sapa & Ha Long Bay 5D4N: Fansipan by cable car, Train Street and a Ha Long Bay cruise.
- Da Nang, Hue & Hoi An 5D4N: the Hai Van Pass, the Imperial City and the Hoi An Memories Show.
- Charming South Vietnam 5D4N: Saigon, the Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
6 to 7 days
With a week you can see most of the north, or the whole central coast.
- Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long & Ninh Binh 6D5N with a night on a Ha Long Bay cruise.
- Central Vietnam Heritage 6D5N: Hoi An, My Son, Ba Na Hills and Hue.
- Da Nang, Phong Nha & Hue 7D6N: Paradise Cave and the Hue to Da Nang heritage train.
- Saigon & Da Lat 6D5N: waterfalls and cloud hunting in the highlands.
Land package or do-it-yourself?
All Connek Trip packages are land-only: you book your own flights, and we handle hotels, transfers, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees and the meals listed in the itinerary. Prices are per person in US dollars, with an approximate peso amount shown on the page. The package price includes a private vehicle for groups of 8 or more. Smaller groups can ask for a private tour at a separate price. We never take guests to commission shops, and tips are optional for groups of fewer than 10.
If none of the packages fits your dates or group, send a tailored trip inquiry and we will plan one for you.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Vietnam?
Four days is enough for one region, such as Da Nang and Hoi An or Hanoi and Sapa. Five to seven days lets you combine two regions or add an overnight cruise.
Is Vietnam expensive for Filipinos?
Day-to-day costs such as street food, coffee and local transport are generally affordable. A land package lets you know most of your trip cost before you go.
Can you help with flights?
Our packages do not include flights, but if you need help booking them, please contact us and our team will support you.
See all our Vietnam tour packages for travellers from the Philippines, or read reviews from our travellers.