Vietnam in 10 Days Itinerary: Highlights Route for First Timers
If you have 10 days to explore Vietnam, you do not need to choose between north and south. By combining high speed expressways with two strategic 75 minute domestic flights, this tested route takes you through the very best of Vietnam: atmospheric street food in Hanoi, an overnight luxury cruise in Halong Bay, lantern lit alleys in Hoi An, and dynamic rooftop culture in Ho Chi Minh City. Here is your day by day travel guide with vetted logistics, realistic travel times, and hotel recommendations.
Hanoi: French Colonial Charms, Train Street & Street Food
Begin in Vietnam's thousand year old capital with egg coffee, cyclo rides, and aromatic pho bowls.
Halong Bay: Luxury Overnight Boutique Cruise
Glide past thousands of limestone pillars, kayak secluded sea lagoons, and enjoy sunrise tai chi on deck.
Hoi An: Silk Lanterns, Tailoring & Coconut Palm Waterways
UNESCO merchant houses, romantic Thu Bon river boat rides, An Bang beach, and round basket boats.
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Waterways
Saigon skyline energy, wartime underground tunnel history, and peaceful hand rowed sampans in the delta.
10 Day Highlights Journey: North to South Route Path
Total distance: 1,660 km. Click any stop or jump button below to explore the schedule.
Hanoi Capital and Old Quarter
Explore 36 ancient trade streets, sip traditional egg coffee, witness the iconic Train Street, and visit the historic Temple of Literature.
Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
Travel via expressway limousine, cruise through emerald waters, kayak into limestone sea caves, and wake up to morning mist and tai chi.
Hoi An and Da Nang Coastal Charm
75 minute domestic flight into Da Nang, custom tailored garments, lantern boat rides along Thu Bon River, and round coconut basket boats.
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong
Dynamic southern skyline, underground wartime resistance tunnels in Cu Chi, and peaceful hand rowed sampans along Mekong palm canals.
10 Day Highlights Booking Matrix
Book internal domestic flights, overnight boutique cruises, and vetted hotels early to secure optimal rates.
Domestic Flights & Expressway Vans
Book your Hanoi to Halong limousine, Hanoi to Da Nang flight, and Da Nang to Saigon flight with instant digital e tickets.
Overnight Halong Cruise & Tours
Secure top rated 4 and 5 star Halong Bay boutique cruises, Cu Chi Tunnels guided excursions, and Hoi An basket boat tours.
Boutique Hotels & Resorts
Curated boutique hotels situated directly within Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoi An riverside, and Saigon District 1.
Vietnam 5G eSIM Card
Instant digital delivery for Viettel and Vinaphone 5G data networks. Connect the moment your flight lands in Vietnam.
Have 14 Days Instead? Compare Both Itineraries
If you can extend your holiday by 4 days, you can add the dramatic limestone river valleys of Ninh Binh (Halong on Land) and the imperial citadel tombs of Hue. Both itineraries are tested and verified.
3 Things You Must Prepare Before Entering Vietnam
Ensure smooth immigration clearance, active 5G Google Maps navigation, and ride hailing without local street taxi surcharges.
Official Vietnam eVisa
Step by step application via the national portal, 90 day multi entry rules, photo guidelines, and airport VIP fast track pass.
Vietnam eSIM & SIM Card
Instant email QR code setup for Viettel and Vinaphone with high speed 5G data for Grab taxi and Google Maps without airport queues.
Grab App & Travel Tips
Card setup for Grab ride hailing, avoiding confusion between 20000 and 500000 VND notes, zero fee ATMs, and tap water rules.
In This 10 Day Itinerary Guide
Days 1 and 2: Hanoi Arrival, Old Quarter & Street Food Culture
Land at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), clear immigration with your official eVisa, and take a 45 minute Grab taxi or pre booked private car directly into the Old Quarter. Hanoi is a sensory feast of buzzing motorbikes, street food vendors balancing bamboo poles, and centuries old French colonial mansions.
Day 1: Old Quarter Exploration, Hoan Kiem Lake & Train Street
Afternoon & Evening- Afternoon: Check into your boutique hotel in the Old Quarter. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, cross the iconic scarlet The Huc Bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple, and wander through Hang Bac (Silver Street) and Hang Gai (Silk Street).
- Late Afternoon: Head to Hanoi Train Street. Order a rich Vietnamese egg coffee (Ca Phe Trung) at a trackside cafe and watch the train pass within inches of residential doorsteps.
- Evening: Join a guided street food walking tour. Sample Hanoi specialties: Bun Cha (grilled pork patties in sweet savory broth with rice noodles), fresh spring rolls, and crispy Banh Mi 25.
Day 2: Historical Landmarks, Temple of Literature & French Quarter
Full Day- Morning: Visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), founded in 1070 as Vietnam's first national university. Walk through its five manicured courtyards and admire ancient stone stele turtles.
- Midday: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, viewing the imposing marble Mausoleum, Presidential Palace grounds, and the historic One Pillar Pagoda.
- Afternoon: Explore West Lake (Tay Ho) and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi dating back to the sixth century. Later, walk the wide boulevards of the French Quarter past the Hanoi Opera House.
- Evening: Attend a traditional 50 minute performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, an art form originating in flooded Red River rice paddies centuries ago.
Recommended Stays in Hanoi (Old Quarter)
Top Rated StaysSofitel Legend Metropole
Historic French luxury in the French Quarter, world renowned spa and cocktail bars.
La Siesta Classic Ma May
Heart of Old Quarter, exceptional hospitality, quiet soundproof rooms and rooftop bar.
Little Charm Hanoi Hostel
Indoor swimming pool, immaculate pod style dorms and private rooms steps from beer street.
Days 3 and 4: Halong Bay Luxury Overnight Cruise
An overnight cruise on Halong Bay or adjacent Lan Ha Bay is the undeniable crown jewel of northern Vietnam. Booking an overnight boutique cruise ensures you sail far beyond day trip crowds into tranquil karst lagoons where towering limestone pillars emerge from calm jade waters.
Day 3: Expressway Transfer, Boarding & Karst Kayaking
Cruise Day 1- 08:30 AM: Luxury limousine van pickup at your Hanoi hotel. Travel via the modern Haiphong expressway (160 km, 2.5 hours) with one comfort rest stop.
- 11:45 AM: Arrive at Tuan Chau or Halong International Cruise Port. Tender boat transfer to your cruise ship, welcome drink, and cabin check in.
- 01:00 PM: Multi course Vietnamese seafood lunch served while sailing past famous islets such as Incense Burner and Stone Dog.
- 03:30 PM: Kayak through Luon Cave lagoon or hike 400 stone steps to the panoramic summit viewpoint on Ti Top Island.
- 07:00 PM: Sunset cocktail hour on the top sundeck, cooking demonstration (spring rolls), followed by a gourmet dinner and nighttime squid fishing.
Day 4: Sunrise Tai Chi, Sung Sot Cave & Flight to Da Nang
Cruise Day 2 & Flight- 06:30 AM: Wake up for sunrise Tai Chi on the open sundeck amidst ethereal morning mist, accompanied by light pastries and fresh coffee.
- 07:30 AM: Explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), the largest and most magnificent cavern in Halong Bay with towering stalactites and stalagmites.
- 09:30 AM: Cabin check out and buffet brunch while cruising back toward harbor.
- 11:30 AM: Disembark and board your expressway return transfer straight to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (HAN).
- 04:30 PM: Take a 75 minute domestic flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (DAD). Meet your driver for the 40 minute coastal transfer into Hoi An ancient town.
Vetted Overnight & Day Cruise Operators (Book via Viator):
Cruises should be booked at least 3 weeks ahead in high season. All include meals, excursions, and English speaking guides with free 24h cancellation:
Days 4 to 7: Hoi An Ancient Town, Tailoring & Coconut Palm Groves
Hoi An is universally celebrated as the most enchanting town in Vietnam. As a major maritime trading port between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries, Japanese, Chinese, and European influences blended seamlessly. Today, traffic is restricted in the historic center, yellow mustard shophouses line canals, and thousands of glowing silk lanterns reflect in the river each evening.
Day 5: UNESCO Heritage Walk, Tailoring & Lantern River Boats
Hoi An Core- Morning: Stroll through the ancient center. Cross the historic Japanese Covered Bridge, tour the ornate Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and explore the 200 year old Tan Ky Merchant House.
- Midday: Visit a reputable tailoring boutique (such as Bebe Tailor or Yaly Couture) for custom linen shirts, trousers, or dresses fitted in 24 hours.
- Afternoon: Taste famous Hoi An dishes: Cao Lau (chewy noodles with braised pork, crispy croutons, and local greens) and crispy White Rose Dumplings at a canal side terrace.
- Evening: Board a wooden row boat along the Thu Bon River at dusk and release a floating paper flower lantern for good fortune. Browse the vibrant Hoi An Night Market for street snacks and silk souvenirs.
Day 6: Coconut Forest Basket Boats, Cooking Class & An Bang Beach
Village & Sea- Morning: Cycle or take a quick taxi to Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Board iconic round bamboo basket boats guided by local fishermen through water coconut waterways and watch basket spinning performances.
- Midday: Join a hands on cooking class on an organic farm. Learn to prepare crispy Vietnamese pancakes (Banh Xeo), fresh spring rolls, and claypot fish.
- Afternoon: Rent a bicycle and pedal through emerald rice paddies out to An Bang Beach. Relax on sun loungers, swim in the warm East Sea, and sip cold coconut water.
Day 7: Final Tailor Pickups, Da Nang Coast & Flight to Saigon
Southbound Flight- Morning: Final fittings and pickup of custom tailored clothes. Savor morning coffee overlooking ancient tiled rooftops from Faifo Coffee terrace.
- Midday: Private transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport. Optionally stop at the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) to explore limestone grottos and Buddhist pagodas.
- 03:00 PM: Board a 75 minute flight from Da Nang (DAD) to Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat (SGN).
- Evening: Check into your District 1 hotel. Head up to a rooftop cocktail lounge (such as Social Club Rooftop or Chill Skybar) to take in the sprawling cityscape illuminated beneath you.
Recommended Stays in Hoi An (Riverside & Ancient Town)
Top Rated StaysAnantara Hoi An Resort
Colonial elegance along the Thu Bon River, lush tropical gardens, and private sunset cruises.
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
Saltwater and freshwater swimming pools, paddy field views, and complimentary town bicycles.
Boutique Hoi An Resort
Direct private beach access on An Bang coast, beachfront cabanas, and free shuttle into town.
Days 7 to 10: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta
Ho Chi Minh City (still fondly called Saigon by locals) is Vietnam's economic engine. Towering modern skyscrapers stand beside bustling open air street markets, colonial landmarks, and thousands of motorbikes weaving gracefully through wide avenues.
Day 8: Colonial Landmarks, War Remnants Museum & Street Life
Saigon Icons- Morning: Tour the profound War Remnants Museum for an essential historical perspective on twentieth century conflicts. Next, visit the preserved 1960s state rooms and underground war bunker at Independence Palace (Reunification Convention Hall).
- Afternoon: Walk past the French constructed Notre Dame Cathedral and step inside the active Saigon Central Post Office designed in late nineteenth century Gustave Eiffel style.
- Late Afternoon: Explore The Cafe Apartments at 42 Nguyen Hue, a nine story 1960s apartment block transformed into dozens of quirky cafes, indie boutiques, and design studios.
- Evening: Experience the lively energy of Ben Thanh Market or take an exhilarating evening motorbike street food tour through local Districts 3, 4, and 10.
Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Riverways (Combo Day)
History & River- Morning: Travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels (Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc). Learn about the 250 kilometer underground network used during the war, see hidden trapdoors, and crawl through an expanded tunnel section.
- Afternoon: Head south into the fertile Mekong Delta. Board a motorized boat along the Tien River to Ben Tre province, known as Vietnam's coconut capital.
- Late Afternoon: Switch to a traditional wooden sampan rowed by local boatmen along narrow water canals shaded by water coconut fronds. Taste fresh honey tea, seasonal tropical fruits, and artisanal coconut candy.
- Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City by 06:30 PM for a farewell celebratory dinner at a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant such as Cuc Gach Quan or Anan Saigon.
Day 10: Specialty Coffee, Souvenirs & International Departure
Departure Day- Morning: Enjoy your final bowl of southern style Pho Bo with fresh herbs and bean sprouts. Sip a slow dripped Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) at a courtyard cafe.
- Midday: Pick up high quality Vietnamese coffee beans, artisanal Marou chocolate, dried tropical fruits, and lacquerware gifts at Saigon Square or Takashimaya.
- Afternoon: Take a Grab taxi to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) 3 hours prior to your international departure flight home.
Recommended Stays in Ho Chi Minh City (District 1)
Top Rated StaysCaravelle Saigon Hotel
Historic luxury hotel facing the Saigon Opera House, renowned rooftop Saigon Saigon Bar.
Silverland Sakyo Hotel & Spa
Japanese inspired tranquil aesthetics, rooftop mineral jacuzzi pool, and afternoon tea service.
The Hammock Hotel Fine Arts
Playful concept rooms with hanging hammocks, free minibar snacks, steps from Ben Thanh.
5. Internal Flights and Transport Logistics
The secret to executing a smooth 10 day itinerary across Vietnam is minimizing transit fatigue. By combining expressway limousines with two short domestic flights, your total transit time over 10 days is under 7 hours.
| Journey Leg | Transport Mode | Duration | Approx. Cost | Booking Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi to Halong Bay | Expressway Limousine Van | 2.5 hours | $12 to $18 USD | Usually included in boutique cruise package |
| Hanoi to Da Nang | Domestic Flight (VN / VJ) | 1 hour 15 mins | $35 to $65 USD | Book 3 weeks ahead via 12Go Asia |
| Da Nang to Hoi An | Private Car or Taxi | 40 minutes | $12 to $15 USD | Pre book airport pickup or use Grab app |
| Da Nang to Saigon | Domestic Flight (VN / VJ) | 1 hour 20 mins | $35 to $65 USD | Afternoon departures allow relaxing mornings |
Book Vietnam Route Transport on 12Go Asia
Compare domestic flight schedules, book expressway limousine vans, and secure private airport transfers with instant digital tickets.
6. 10 Day Vietnam Trip Cost Breakdown
How much should you realistically budget for 10 days in Vietnam? Excluding international flights to and from Vietnam, here is what travelers spend across three travel styles:
- • Social hostel dorm beds
- • Delicious street food meals
- • Standard Halong Bay cruise
- • Public transport and Grab bikes
- • 3 to 4 star boutique hotels
- • 4 star luxury Halong cruise
- • 2 domestic flights included
- • Sit down restaurants and rooftop drinks
- • 5 star heritage resorts
- • Top tier luxury Halong suite
- • Private driver and private tours
- • Fine dining and spa treatments
Top Rated Activities for This 10 Day Route
Top Seller
Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour with Train Street
Instant Voucher
Cam Thanh Coconut Basket Boat and Cooking Class
Must Do Combo
Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full Day Tour
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 10 days enough time to travel across Vietnam?
Yes, 10 days is the ideal duration for travelers with limited holiday leave. By taking two short domestic flights between Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, you experience northern street food and temples, Halong Bay karsts, romantic Hoi An lanterns, and dynamic Saigon without feeling exhausted.
What is the best 10 day route through Vietnam?
The classic North to South route is best: Days 1 and 2 in Hanoi, Days 3 and 4 on an overnight Halong Bay cruise, Days 5 to 7 in Hoi An and Da Nang, and Days 8 to 10 in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.
How much does a 10 day trip to Vietnam cost?
A budget backpacker can travel for $35 to $45 USD per day ($350 to $450 USD total excluding international flights). A comfortable mid range traveler staying in 3 to 4 star boutique hotels, taking domestic flights, and booking a luxury Halong cruise will spend $75 to $110 USD per day ($750 to $1100 USD total). Luxury travelers spend $200 plus USD daily.
Should I travel North to South or South to North?
North to South starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City is generally recommended. Starting in centuries old Hanoi provides deep cultural immersion, followed by scenic nature in Halong, relaxation in Hoi An, and cosmopolitan energy in Saigon.
Should I choose 10 days or 14 days in Vietnam?
If you have 14 days, you can add Ninh Binh land karsts and the imperial citadel of Hue without adding stress. If your holiday is strictly limited to 9 or 10 days, this 10 day itinerary gives you the highest quality highlights without spending excessive hours on trains or buses.
How do I book domestic flights and transfers in advance?
You can compare and book Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, limousine buses, and airport private transfers through 12Go Asia or official airline websites. Domestic flights should be reserved 3 to 4 weeks ahead for the best fares.
Book Route Transport & Verified Tours Online
Use 12Go Asia to secure domestic flights and expressway transfers, and Viator or Klook for verified boat cruises and guided day tours with instant digital vouchers.
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