Influences of crystallization time and $H_2O/Al_2O_3$ ratio of the reaction mixtures on the synthesis of AlPO$_4$-5 molecular sieve have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and solid state $^{27}$Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) techniques. The degree of crystallinity of AlPO$_4$-5 follows a sigmoid pattem as crystallization time increases. The induction period is shorter than 1 h when the crystallization process is carried out at 150$^{circ}$C. The conversion of reactants to product, AlPO$_4$-5, can be clearly observed, and all of the determined physical properties change abruptly after about 2 h. It is found that increase in $H_2O/Al_2O_3$ ratio of the reaction mixtures not only changes the crystal morphology from aggregates to hexagonal single crystals, but also results in the formation of longer AlPO$_4$-5 crystals.