Are you planning to explore Vietnam in 10 days and are looking for an itinerary? You have landed at the right blog! Our 10 days in Vietnam itinerary is sure to save you hassle and time when planning your trip.
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy something, I may earn a teeny-weeny commission (think chai money, not a private jet) at no extra cost to you. It’s a small way to keep this blog running, the words flowing, and the pages free for you to enjoy. I only recommend things I truly love, use, or secretly wish I invented, because trust matters, and so do good recs. Thanks for supporting the little cozy corner of the internet I call my virtual home.
Vietnam Itinerary: An Introduction
Southeast Asia is filled with incredible cultural experiences, and Vietnam, a beautiful country in the region, is no exception.
Vietnam is rich in ancient customs and traditions, with intriguing ancient towns and cities, remote hill tribes, and a number of world heritage sites.
Vietnam has a rich history. The monuments, prison complexes, tunnels, pagodas, and historical ruins narrate the story of its turbulent past. They reflect a dark side of the country that remained under the burden of the Vietnam War for centuries.
In addition, the country offers breathtaking scenery. From picturesque rice-terraced mountains, lush forests, iconic river deltas, and charming villages to dramatic limestone islands, beautiful coastlines, and offbeat central highlands, Vietnam is brilliantly diverse in terms of landscape.
We can’t talk about Vietnam without talking about food. Vietnam boasts a dynamic culinary heritage and culture. Vietnamese cuisine is a fine blend of health and taste.
And did I mention friendly and warm locals?
All in all, a trip to Vietnam promises a beautiful and immersive cultural, historical, scenic, and gastronomic roller coaster ride.
However, you can’t experience it all when you just have 10 days in Vietnam. To be honest, a country as astonishing as Vietnam needs a lifetime to explore.
Anyhow, most of us don’t have time (thanks to the fast-paced competitive world) or, of course, money to spend on one place (because there’s a world waiting to be explored). So, we have crafted this 10-day Vietnam itinerary that allows you to cover the highlights of Vietnam in a short span and is ideal for first-time visitors.
If you have more time (lucky you), you can tweak a bit, add more places of interest like Hoi An, Hue, and Da Nang, or include some hidden gems in Vietnam to extend this 10-day itinerary to a 2-week or 3-week itinerary, and easily customize it whatever way you want. Otherwise, enjoy the same itinerary at a leisurely pace if you love slow travel.
Many travelers visit Vietnam as a part of the Southeast Asia itinerary, but we’d not want to do that with kids. It’s best to let them feel and enjoy one place at a time.
When exploring Vietnam with kids, more planning and thought must go into working out an itinerary. Thus, we have shared a few tips and tricks to make this trip fun for kids!
10 Days in Vietnam Itinerary: An Overview
This is what our Vietnam itinerary for 10 days looks like!
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi | Explore Hanoi
Day 2: Explore Hanoi
Day 3: Day trip to Halong Bay
Day 4: Explore Hanoi
Day 5: Fly to Phu Quoc | Relax at Beaches
Day 6: Explore Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City | Explore HCMC
Day 8: Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta
Day 9: Day trip to the Floating Market
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Tour | Fly Back Home
Detailed 10 Days in Vietnam Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi | Explore Hanoi
The day you begin your vacation is quite overwhelming. You are excited to explore a brand-new destination and want to take it all in.
Hey, relax. After a long journey, give yourself some time to rest. Rest for a few hours, and then head out to explore the bustling ancient city of Hanoi.
The rich history, intriguing culture, characterful old quarter, and amazing architecture of Hanoi make for all the chaos it holds.
Start your exploration with the iconic Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hoàn Kiếm Lake, also known as Sword Lake or Tả Vọng Lake, and Ngoc Son Pagoda, located in its center, offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Old Quarter, located next to Hoan Kiem Lake, is the heart of the city and the commercial hub.
The streets and sidewalks in Hanoi are alive with people, vendors, and motorbikes.
As you walk around, you’ll notice the old buildings and crowded streets. This walking tour of the Old Quarter is the best way to learn more about its history and relish its local cuisine.
Some streets still carry the old names of businesses dating back over a thousand years. Here, you can shop for Vietnamese silk and other handicrafts.
The Hop-on, Hop-off bus is also a great way to explore the city and see all the major attractions if you have limited time or to get an idea of the city before you decide which attractions to visit.
You can even take a full-day guided city tour, which eliminates guesswork and allows you to easily visit all the popular attractions of Hanoi.
Witnessing a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a perfect activity for kids in Vietnam.
A water puppet is an art form that has been a part of Vietnamese culture since the 11th century. It is incredible to experience how the artists bring the lifeless wooden puppets to life through a musical drama in the water.
Book the tickets in advance as they sell out fast. Book them in advance and skip the line by choosing from these options:
Where to Stay in Hanoi: The Oriental Jade Hotel, Solaria Hanoi Hotel, Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa, and Golden Legend Diamond Hotel are some of the best accommodations in Hanoi.
Day 2: Explore Hanoi
Another day in the lively city of Hanoi!
After having a healthy breakfast of Pho, a clear soup with meat, rice noodles, and herbs, head out to explore more of Hanoi.
If you are a vegetarian, you can follow our guide to Vegetarian food in Vietnam.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex is one of the most visited historical attractions in Hanoi. It is vast and home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh House, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and One Pillar Pagoda.
Ho Chi Minh was a revered leader who fought for the country’s independence and was adored by all citizens. It is great to know that, in spite of being so popular, he believed in simple living and loved his countrymen.
The Temple of Literature is Vietnam’s first university, built in the 11th century. Students still visit it to receive blessings, especially during exams.
Spend your evening exploring West Lake and the ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda from the 6th century.
The tall red Buddhist pagoda sitting on West Lake is so beautiful and impressive that you won’t want to leave.
Since it was our first time and we faced a language problem, we took a guided tour. A tour effortlessly teaches you about the history and interesting facts about the place.
This half-day city tour with a small group or this full-day Hanoi city tour comes highly recommended.
Day 3: Day Trip to Halong Bay
The trip to Hanoi is incomplete without visiting Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The thousands of small islands of limestone standing tall in the emerald-blue waters—a sight that is so beautiful and inviting.
Halong Bay is explored in a junk boat, a type of Chinese sailboat. Multiple tour operators offer budget, mid-range, and luxury cruises.
The cruise traverses the small islands and lets you explore the limestone caves from the inside by kayak.
We chose to do a one-day cruise at Ha Long Bay, which included a pick-up and drop-off facility, a limestone cave experience, and bamboo boat rides.
It was hectic but enjoyable. We chose a one-day cruise because we weren’t sure if the kids would be OK staying on water for a night. This is also light on the pocket.
We’d recommend you book the cruise in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment. They fill out fast.
But if you want to enjoy the beauty at your own pace, then opt for 1 night or 2 night Halong Bay cruises to get the most. Choose from the following budget cruises or the luxury options suiting your budget:
Day 4: Half-Day Trip to Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex | Explore Hanoi
Take a day trip to Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh. It’s about 2 hours from the capital city of Hanoi.
The complex contains the cultural and natural heritage of Ninh Binh province and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the most beautiful karst landscapes in the world, it looks other-worldly. This gorgeous landscape of limestone karst peaks is home to intriguing grottoes and caves, historical relics, and bluish-green valleys.
You can join a boat tour to explore the unique ecosystems and landscapes of the complex.
Alternatively, you can explore Hanoi more. Check out some of the exciting museums of Hanoi.
The Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi is a perfect place to learn more about the culture of Vietnam. It features interesting exhibits on 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, their rituals, food, clothing, and houses.
The museum’s highlight is the replicas of different types of houses, including the stilt dwellings.
We recommend taking the kids here, as it’s a great way to make them respect and understand cultural diversity.
Read our blog about the top attractions in Hanoi to customize your Hanoi itinerary.
We highly recommend taking free tours from the enthusiastic students of Hanoikids.org.
Day 5: Fly to Phu Quoc Island | Relax at a Beach
A 2-hour flight from Hanoi takes you to the breathtaking island in South Vietnam, Phu Quoc.
There are multiple budget operators plying this route, such as Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and VietJet Air.
Phu Quoc, Pearl Island, is famous for its pristine white sand beaches, ideal for a relaxed vacation.
Relax at the resort beach or explore the other mesmerizing beaches like Bai Truong and Ganh Dau. Here are some recommended tours for adventure lovers:
Where to Stay in Phu Quoc: Check out our blog about the best hotels and resorts in Phu Quoc.
Day 6: Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc
When traveling with kids, a visit to Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc Amusement Park is a must. It’s one of the best things to do in Phu Quoc.
With ample rides, aquariums, dolphin shows, and a full-blown water park, it’s a win-win for everyone.
There is a free shuttle service available to and from all major hotels in the park.
Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City | Explore HCMC
With fond memories of Phu Quoc, it was time to bid adieu and arrive at the economic hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City.
Formerly known as Saigon, this city has transformed into a significant business hub. Among lofty skyscrapers, it has delicately preserved its culture and history.
Spend half a day touring the heart of the city and exploring its major attractions, such as the Saigon Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Independence Palace.
Erected in the late 19th century during the French reign, the Saigon Post Office still managed to preserve its rich history.
Exploring the historical gems of HCMC with a guide comes highly recommended. A guide makes learning the history behind these monuments fun for kids with interesting anecdotes and backstories.
Enthusiastic college students from Saigon Hotpot take you on a free walking tour of Saigon, and the effort they put into making the exploration fascinating is commendable.
You can choose to take a half-day guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City in a mini-van or relish the scrumptious street food with the local street food tour.
If you are vegan, join the private vegan food tour for an unforgettable experience.
Read our guide to the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City to explore HCMC like a local.
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City: We recommend Fusion Original Saigon Centre, Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection, Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, Leiden Homestay, and Fusion Suites Saigon.
Book hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8: Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta
Cu Chi Tunnels are a vast network of underground tunnels spread across cities, built during the Vietnam War as hiding spots for soldiers.
It is an experience to see how the soldiers lived in those dark and narrow tunnels for days.
Cu Chi tunnels are about an hour away from Ho Chi Minh City and can be easily visited on a half-day trip or as part of a day trip to the Mekong Delta.
Cu Chi tunnels are all about history, facts, and stories, and without them, they are just a maze of tunnels. So, choose a tour and let the guide take you back to the Vietnam War times.
Next, head to the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam’s rice bowl. Stay for a night and take an early morning cruise.
Day 9: Half-Day Trip to Floating Market
The Mekong River Delta is a beautiful maze of rivers, swamps, and islands.
The Mekong is one of the largest rivers in the world. A cruise through it lets you explore floating markets, Khmer pagodas, and villages and towns encircled by rice paddies.
Mekong Delta serves as a lifeline for the people of Southeast Asia. Running through 6 different Southeast Asian countries, it has become an inevitable part of the lives of millions of people.
The floating markets are the high point of the Mekong Delta.
Vendors sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other local products from their boats. Small boats (sampans) serve as mobile cafés where you can get yourself a drink or soup.
Cai Be and Cai Rang are the most popular floating markets. Cai Be is the closest to Ho Chi Minh City.
You can book a tour of the Cai Rang floating market or a private tour of the Cai Be floating market from Ho Chi Minh City.
Note: The floating markets are in full swing early in the morning, so plan to arrive early; otherwise, it would be a waste of time.
Day 10: Explore Ho Chi Minh City | Fly Back Home
Spend your last day exploring the neighborhoods of the vivacious city of Ho Chi Minh.
If you have older kids, you can plan a visit to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, which houses exhibits from the first Indochina War and the Vietnam War.
Remember to indulge in some Vietnamese delicacies, especially street food and a variety of coffee, before you leave. Explore the dynamic street food and cafe culture in Ho Chi Minh City!
With some fond memories to cherish, it’s time to bid adieu and catch your flight back home.
Read More: Unique Coffee Culture Around the World
Other Best Places in Vietnam You Can Add to Your Itinerary for Vietnam
The other notable places that can be included in the Vietnam itinerary if you extend it to 2 or 3 weeks include Sapa and Ninh Binh in North Vietnam.
You can add Hoi An, Hue, and Da Nang in Central Vietnam.
And Nha Trang in South Vietnam.
Trip to Vietnam: How to Plan
It’s vital to know the travel essentials for Vietnam, like visa requirements, when to go, how to get there, how to get around, where to stay, and more, before you set off. Here are the essential things to know before visiting Vietnam!
Vietnam Visa
Before you plan your trip, you must check if you need a visa for Vietnam. Citizens of around 24 countries don’t need a visa if their travel duration is between 14 and 30 days.
Applying for a visa is quick and easy. Three different ways are available, with an e-visa being the smoothest. For more information, read our complete guide about how to get a visa for Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
On the world map, Vietnam is a long and thin country divided into three regions: the North, the Central, and the South.
The ideal time depends on the region you plan to visit in Vietnam, as the weather varies greatly as you travel from the north to the central to the south.
South Vietnam has more tropical weather with wet and dry seasons. It remains dry from November to April and gets warm and wet from May to October. The region receives the highest rainfall from June to August.
With subtropical weather, North Vietnam experiences cold winters and hot summers. May to October is hot and humid with rainfall, while November to April is cooler and dry. The wild and rugged far north of Vietnam, which features ethnic minority hill tribes like Cao Bằng and Hà Giang, gets very cold during December and January.
Central Vietnam enjoys a tropical wet climate. It experiences dry and hot weather from January to August and wet and a bit cooler weather from September to December. The months of September, October, and November are known to receive the highest rainfall.
By and large, February to April is a good time to explore Vietnam.
Vietnamese Currency
The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
The notes come in denominations of VND 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000, 100000, 200000, and 500000.
As of now, 1000 VND is equal to 0.042 USD or 0.039 Euro or 3.49 INR
Be Careful: The 10,000 and 100,000 notes are very similar, and there is a chance of getting mixed up, especially for first-timers.
Pro Tip: It is better to carry cash with you all the time, as many museums and eateries only take cash.
Getting to Vietnam
The three major airports in Vietnam – Noi Bai in Hanoi, Da Nang in Da Nang, and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City serve the maximum number of international flights.
Direct international flights also serve the famous places of Nha Trang (Cam Ranh International Airport) and Phu Quoc (Phu Quoc International Airport).
Vietnam Airlines remains the major airline operating here.
If you are exploring several countries in Southeast Asia, you can cross into Vietnam via a land border from China, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. However, make sure you have a valid visa for Vietnam.
This 10-day trip to Vietnam starts in Hanoi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City. So, you’ll be flying into Noi Bai International Airport and flying out from Tan Son Nhat International Airport. You can do the opposite, too.
Getting Around Vietnam
With an extensive air, road, and train network, Vietnam is easy to get around. No wonder it is a popular backpacker destination.
If you are short on time, flying between the cities and towns can save you plenty of time. Airfares are affordable, too.
Navigating Vietnam by train is a unique and beautiful experience. The main train line in Vietnam runs along the coast from Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon to Hanoi, stopping at almost every city or town (Hue, Hội An, Da Nang, and more) en route. It affords gorgeous coastal scenery and is one of the best ways to explore the famous cities and towns in Vietnam.
Another popular train route is from Hanoi to Lao Cai for tourists who want to explore Sapa.
Train fares depend upon the route, class, and train type you choose.
You can book train tickets at railway stations or online at the official Vietnam Railways website (which only accepts Vietnamese credit cards). We recommend you use 12Go, as it’s easy, reliable, and accepts various modes of payment.
Buses come in handy if you want to cover more ground as they reach even the remotest corners of the country. It’s also one of the cheapest modes of transport. There are multiple bus routes connecting the most famous cities and towns.
You can buy bus tickets at bus stations, directly from bus companies or ground travel agencies, or online using reliable booking sites like 12Go.
If you are like us who love to enjoy freedom while exploring, a private transport option seems the best. As much as we want to hire a rental car and self-drive, it’s not feasible in Vietnam owing to chaotic and rough traffic and road conditions.
However, hiring a car with a driver is a great option, especially for families with kids. Having a private driver in Vietnam offers huge flexibility and eliminates the hassle of driving on busy roads. There are a plethora of travel agencies in Vietnam where you can rent a private vehicle with a driver.
Vietnam Travel FAQs
How Many Days Are Sufficient for Vietnam?
The number of days you need for a trip to Vietnam can vary depending on your travel style and preferences, time on hand, and the specific places you plan to visit. Still, I’d suggest you commit to a minimum of 10 days to feel the vibe of the country. Ten days in Vietnam will allow you to visit some of the major highlights and experience the diverse culture, history, and natural beauty of Vietnam.
What’s the Best Itinerary for Vietnam?
The best itinerary for Vietnam is the one that includes a little bit of everything the country has to offer to get acquainted with it—from nature to history to culture to architecture. If you are a first-timer, your Vietnam itinerary is incomplete without Hanoi, Halong Bay, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Hoi An.
Is the Vietnam Trip Expensive?
Vietnam is quite an affordable destination, and you can easily explore it on a budget—the reason why it tops the list of the best destinations for backpackers. Accommodations, transportation, tours and activities, and food are reasonably priced. Overall, while prices can vary depending on your travel style and choices, Vietnam offers a wide range of options that can suit different budgets.
Which Month is Best for the Vietnam Trip?
With a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, the climate of Vietnam varies from region to region, so the best month to visit can depend on the specific region you plan to explore. March and September are the best months to visit Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa), February and March are the best months to explore Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang), and December and January are considered the best months to travel to Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta).
What is the Prettiest Place in Vietnam?
Vietnam is full of beautiful places, so it’s difficult to choose one. Our favorites are SaPa, Hanoi, Yen Bai, and Phu Quoc.
______ ______ ______
That’s the wrap! Hope this Vietnam itinerary helps you craft yours.
Vietnam Travel Essentials
Here are the essential resources that I personally use and recommend while planning a trip to Vietnam.
Visa for Vietnam: iVisa works great for applying for a fast e-visa online. Also, OneWayFly is great if you need to show proof of onward travel (flight itinerary) or hotel reservation.
For travel insurance, Heymondo is the most affordable travel insurance with maximum coverage. If you use my link, you’ll get 5% off.
For Connectivity: Airalo. It’s the first-ever eSIM global website where you can buy an eSIM at affordable prices and stay connected while traveling.
For booking flights: Skyscanner and WayAway. They are the best search/comparison flight booking sites that help you find the best and cheapest flight deals. And with the WayAway membership plan, you’ll get cashback for every booking. Plus, with the special promo code “MELODIES,” a 10% discount is activated.
International money transfer & currency exchange: Wise. With competitive exchange rates, fast transfers, and a 9.1/10 rating on TrustPilot, it’s the only service you should use every time you transfer and exchange internationally.
For finding accommodations, Booking.com and Agoda. They are the pioneers among hotel booking websites, and their huge selection of properties reviewed by travelers gives you many choices,
For rental car: Discover Cars. It’s the best international car rental platform for all your car rental needs.
For ground transport, 12Go is one of the most popular sites for booking bus and train tickets in Southeast Asia.
For tours and day trips, Viator, Get Your Guide, and Klook offer the best city tours and day excursions in India.
For guidance on the go, a Lonely Planet Guidebook for Vietnam comes in handy here.
Save Vietnam Itinerary to Pinterest
Sharing is nice. 🙂 If you liked our post, please share it with your friends and family, and feel free to subscribe to our mailing list. You can also follow our stories on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.