How should you spend 10 days in Vietnam? In this article, we present 4 popular itinerary ideas that take you from north to south, suitable for first-time and returning visitors alike. Wherever your interests lie, your Vietnam tour starts here.
Itinerary #1: Best of Vietnam for First-Timers
For first-time visitors who want to cover the main highlights, at least 10 days in Vietnam is recommended. Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, and Ho Chi Minh City form the core of a classic route. If this is your first trip to Vietnam, this itinerary is a reliable choice.
| Day | Things to Do | Place |
| Day 1 – 2 | Old Quarter Cyclo, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Water Puppet Show | Hanoi |
| Day 3 – 4 | Leisure Cruise with Scenic Karst Views, Sung Sot Cave | Halong Bay |
| Day 5 – 6 | Hoi An Old Town, Countryside Biking, Eco Tour with Basket Boat | Hoi An |
| Day 7 – 8 | Cu Chi Tunnels, City Tour with Ben Thanh Market | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 9 | Mekong Delta Cruise, Local Village Visiting | Mekong Delta |
| Day 10 | Departure | – |
From days three to four, you will transition to the tranquil embrace of Halong Bay. As you drift through the jade waters, there is more than just the captivating scenery. Dive in for a swim, feel the thrill of kayaking, and greet the dawn with a Tai Chi class.
Itinerary #2: South Vietnam Discovery & Beach Holiday
If you are looking for a relaxed Vietnam getaway, why not head south? Spend 10 days unwinding on the Nha Trang beaches, wandering the peaceful streets of Da Lat, exploring the real Mekong Delta around Can Tho, and of course, visiting the must-see Ho Chi Minh City.
| Day | Things to Do | Place |
| Day 1 – 2 | Cu Chi Tunnels, Old Saigon Post Office, Ben Thanh Market | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 3 – 4 | Mekong River Boat Cruise, Cai Rang Floating Market, Local Market, Fishing Village, Fruit Orchard | Mekong Delta |
| Day 5 | Crazy House, Bao Dai Palace, Da Lat Old Railway Station | Da Lat |
| Day 6 – 9 | Beach Holiday | Nha Trang |
| Day 10 | Departure | – |
Kicking off in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be swept into a world of rich history at the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum. Witness the city’s vibrant local life at Ben Thanh Market, then take a stroll down Dong Khoi Street to feel the full energy of Ho Chi Minh City.
My Tho, your next stop, is a riverside town filled with fresh fish markets and the enchanting Four Islands of the Mekong Delta. A little further lies Can Tho, where the Cai Rang Floating Market showcases the Mekong’s lively trade scene.
Itinerary #3: Northern Trip Including Sapa & Ninh Binh
This 10-day route through Northern Vietnam takes you from Hanoi’s historical streets to the mountain trails of Sapa, then south to the peaceful rivers of Ninh Binh and the iconic waters of Halong Bay. Along the way, you will taste local traditions, meet welcoming communities, and experience the diverse beauty that shapes this part of the country.
| Day | Things to Do | Overnight |
| Day 1 – 2 | Old Quarter Cyclo, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum | Hanoi |
| Day 3 – 5 | Sapa Hiking Tour, Heaven Gate, Minority Villages | Sapa |
| Day 6 – 7 | Hoa Lu, Trang An River Sampan Boat Trip | Ninh Binh |
| Day 8 – 9 | Sunset View on Deck, Tai Chi Practice | Halong Bay Cruise |
| Day 10 | Departure | – |
Your journey begins in Hanoi, a city where old and new blend seamlessly. As you explore landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, you will sense the depth of Vietnam’s cultural roots. A cyclo ride through the Old Quarter adds a lively start. You will pass busy markets, traditional shops, and narrow alleys full of character. In the evening, the water puppet show offers a light and charming introduction to local storytelling.
Leaving the city behind, your trip moves into the cool mountain air of Sapa. Terraced fields and ethnic minority villages bring a different rhythm. You will trek through Lao Chai and Ta Van, meeting the Black H’Mong and Giay communities and seeing their daily life up close. On another day, trails to Ma Tra and Ta Phin offer new scenery and more chances to interact with local families, giving you a deeper appreciation of mountain culture.
Itinerary #4: Vietnam Local Experience With Sleeper Train & Golden Bridge
Experience Vietnam like never before with this 10-day trip, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the mesmerizing landscapes of Da Nang, followed by the historical Ho Chi Minh City. This journey is uniquely crafted for travelers looking for a comprehensive taste of Vietnam’s rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes.
| Day | Things to Do | Overnight |
| Day 1 – 2 | Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, Old Quarter by Cyclo | Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Karsts Seascape, Tai Chi Class, Cave Exploration | Halong Bay Cruise |
| Day 4 | Walking Food Tour, Overnight Train to Da Nang | Hanoi |
| Day 5 – 7 | Hands Bridge, Hoi An with Basket Boat Fishing, Cooking Class | Da Nang & Hoi An |
| Day 8 – 9 | Independence Palace, Old Saigon Post Office, Mekong Delta | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 10 | Departure | – |
Your Vietnamese journey starts in Hanoi, where you will immerse yourself in its rich history by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and get a glimpse of its lively street life at the Old Quarter.
Next, embrace nature’s beauty in Halong Bay. Cruise through its crystal waters, explore stunning caves and learn the art of Vietnamese cooking onboard.
The forth day is a break. Disbark the cruise and have a leisure time in Hanoi. As the sun sets, you will have the opportunity to join a sleeper train to Da Nang for an authentic native experience. Witness the allure of Vietnam’s coastline, and let the pristine views, unfolding along your journey, narrate tales of nature’s splendor, offering you a different, yet equally enchanting taste of Vietnam.