Planning a 10-day trip to Vietnam can feel overwhelming with so many incredible places to visit. This comprehensive Vietnam travel itinerary for 10 days will help you make the most of your time in this fascinating country, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay.
Why Choose a 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary?
Ten days in Vietnam offers the perfect balance between seeing the country’s highlights and maintaining a comfortable pace. This carefully crafted itinerary combines must-see attractions with authentic local experiences, ensuring you get the most out of your Vietnamese adventure.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Before diving into the day-by-day itinerary, it’s important to time your visit right. Vietnam experiences different weather patterns from north to south:
- North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay): Best from October to December
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue): Most pleasant from January to August
- South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City): Ideal from December to February
For this 10-day itinerary, traveling between October and December provides the most favorable weather conditions across all regions.
Day-by-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary: 10 Days of Adventure
Day 1-2: Exploring Hanoi
Day 1: Arrival and Old Quarter
Your Vietnamese journey begins in the capital city of Hanoi. After checking into your hotel, head straight to the historic Old Quarter.
Morning/Afternoon:
- Airport arrival and hotel check-in
- Initial exploration of the Old Quarter
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Evening:
- Night Market exploration – Weekends only
- Here is the TripAdvisor link.
- Street food tour or dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant
- My fave was Tung’s Kitchen near the city center.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
Morning:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Temple of Literature
Afternoon:
- Vietnamese Women’s Museum
- Hoa Lo Prison Museum
- Traditional water puppet show
Evening:
- Dinner at Train Street
- Rooftop bar for city views
Days 3-4: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 3: Departing for Ha Long Bay
Morning:
- Early departure from Hanoi (4-hour drive)
- Board your cruise ship
- Welcome lunch
Afternoon:
- Cave exploration
- Kayaking activities
- Cooking demonstration
Evening:
- Sunset viewing
- Seafood dinner
- Squid fishing (seasonal)
Day 4: Morning in the Bay
Morning:
- Tai Chi session (optional)
- Cave visits
- Brunch onboard
- Return to Hanoi
Afternoon:
- Travel to airport
- Flight to Hoi An/Da Nang
Days 5-6: Hoi An Ancient Town
Day 5: Ancient Town Exploration
Morning:
- Walking tour of Ancient Town
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Old merchant houses
Afternoon:
- Tailor shop visits (if interested)
- Traditional handicraft workshops
- Thu Bon River boat ride
Evening:
- Lantern-lit dinner
- Night market exploration
Day 6: Countryside and Beach
Morning:
- Cooking class with market visit
- Herb Village exploration
- Bicycle tour through rice paddies
Afternoon:
- An Bang Beach relaxation
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Optional spa treatment
Evening:
- Sunset dinner at beach restaurant
- Walking through lantern-lit streets
Day 7: Hue Imperial City
Morning:
- Early drive from Hoi An to Hue
- Visit Hai Van Pass
- Lang Co Beach stop
Afternoon:
- Imperial City tour
- Thien Mu Pagoda
- Perfume River boat ride
Evening:
- Royal-style dinner
- Dong Ba Market visit
Days 8-10: Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta
Day 8: HCMC Highlights
Morning:
- Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Central Post Office
Afternoon:
- War Remnants Museum
- Independence Palace
- Ben Thanh Market
Evening:
- Dinner at Skybar
- Nightlife on Bui Vien Street
Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels and City Life
Morning:
- Cu Chi Tunnels tour
- Traditional Vietnamese lunch
Afternoon:
- Cho Lon (Chinatown)
- Thien Hau Temple
- Local market exploration
Evening:
- Food tour in District 4
- Rooftop drinks
Day 10: Mekong Delta Day Trip
Morning:
- Early departure to Mekong Delta
- Floating market visit
- Local fruit farm tour
Afternoon:
- Traditional lunch
- Canal boat ride
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City
Evening:
- Farewell dinner
- Last-minute shopping
- Departure preparations
Transportation Tips for Your 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary
Between Cities
- Domestic flights: Book through Vietnam Airlines or VietJet Air
- Trains: Consider for shorter distances
- Private transfers: Recommended for Ha Long Bay
Within Cities
- Grab app: Similar to Uber, very reliable
- Taxis: Use Mai Linh or Vinasun in HCMC
- Walking: Perfect for old quarters and city centers
- Cyclos: For short, scenic rides
Accommodation Recommendations
Hanoi
- Old Quarter: Ancient Lane Hotel, La Siesta Classic
- French Quarter: Sofitel Metropole, Press Club
Ha Long Bay
- Mid-range: Glory Legend Cruise
- Luxury: Paradise Elegance Cruise
Hoi An
- Old Town: Anantara Hoi An
- Beach Area: Victoria Hoi An
Ho Chi Minh City
- District 1: Rex Hotel, Park Hyatt
- Modern Options: Liberty Central
Budget Considerations
For 10 days in Vietnam, expect to spend:
- Budget: $40-60/day
- Mid-range: $100-150/day
- Luxury: $200+/day
These estimates include:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transportation
- Activities
- Shopping
Essential Tips for Your Vietnam Travel Itinerary
Packing Essentials
- Light, breathable clothing
- Rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Power adapter
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
Cultural Considerations
- Dress modestly at temples
- Remove shoes when entering homes
- Ask before taking photos of people
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases
Food Safety
- Stick to bottled water
- Eat at busy establishments
- Try street food from popular vendors
- Carry basic medications
Making the Most of Your 10 Days
Time-Saving Tips
- Book domestic flights in advance
- Arrange airport transfers
- Consider guided tours for efficiency
- Pack light for easy travel
Cultural Experiences to Include
- Street food tours
- Cooking classes
- Temple visits
- Local market exploration
- Traditional performances
Conclusion
This 10-day Vietnam travel itinerary provides a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and modern city life. While it moves at a relatively quick pace, it allows enough time to experience the essence of each destination. Remember to stay flexible – sometimes the unplanned moments become the highlight of your trip.
The key to enjoying this itinerary is balancing scheduled activities with free time for spontaneous exploration. Vietnam’s charm lies not just in its famous attractions but in the small moments: sipping coffee with locals, wandering through markets, and watching life unfold on busy street corners.
Whether you follow this itinerary exactly or use it as a framework for your own adventure, these 10 days will give you a meaningful introduction to Vietnam’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Remember to check current travel requirements and book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. Safe travels!
Check out more articles on Vietnam travelling here.
