How to spend 10 days in Vietnam — 5 unique itineraries

Getting ready for your trip to Vietnam? The prospect of exploring this captivating country, with its rich history and delectable cuisine, can be both exciting and daunting. Fear not! We've handcrafted a selection of inspiring 10-day Vietnam itineraries to help you navigate this remarkable Southeast Asian destination.

See our other Vietnam itineraries:  5 days | 14 days

Itinerary #1: Vietnam family adventure

Explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Vietnam with this 10-day itinerary, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Halong Bay, the historic sites of Hoi An and Hue, and the vibrant markets of Ho Chi Minh City, all designed with families in mind.

Itinerary overview

This family-friendly Vietnam trip begins in Hanoi,  offering an exploration of the city and a scenic Halong Bay cruise with activities like cave visits. After an orientation tour in Hanoi, you'll visit Hoi An to learn about silk production and explore historic streets, followed by a boat trip to Hue. 

In Ho Chi Minh City, discover the Cu Chi Tunnel's iconic landmarks, and shopping at Ben Thanh Market. Your journey ends with a serene Mekong Delta boat tour, including a visit to Cai Rang Floating Market. Read more.

Check this overview of the 10 days in Vietnam itinerary.

Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter

• Arrival in Hanoi
• Transfer to the hotel
• Explore the city or opt for optional excursions
• Visit Ngoc Son Temple, a beautiful and sacred place located on a small island in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake. Enjoy the picturesque views, especially during sunset, and learn about its historical significance

Day 2: Start Halong Bay Cruise

• Visit Hong Ngoc Humanitarian Center
• Explore Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with activities like cave visits, swimming, kayaking, and unique culinary experiences
• Enjoy on-board activities at night 

Day 3: Cruise & transfer to Hanoi

• Morning Tai Chi
• Halong Bay sunrise
• Return to Hanoi
• Free time to explore and savor street food

Day 4: Orientation Tour of Hanoi

• Visit sites like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Leisure time for personal exploration

Day 5: Explore Hoi An

• Visit Hoi An Silk Village
• Learn about silk production
• Enjoy lunch at the village

Day 6: Perfume River in Hue

• Morning boat trip on Perfume River
• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
• Explore the Imperial Citadel
• See Dong Ba Market and Tu Duc Royal Tomb

Days 7: Cu Chi Tunnels and Saigon Highlights

• Explore Cu Chi Tunnels
• Take a Saigon walking tour, including visits to Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office
• Visit landmarks
• Enjoy panoramic views
• Shop at Ben Thanh Market

Day 8: Mekong Delta by Boat

• Head to My Tho
• Explore the Mekong Delta by boat
• Witness daily life along the riverbanks
• Drive to Can Tho 

Day 9: Visit Cai Rang Floating Market

• Observe local trade traditions on the water 

Days 9-10: Leisure Time in Ho Chi Minh City

• Enjoy leisure time and optional excursions.
• Transfer to the airport for departure on Day 10

Enjoy the ease of our tailor-made trip service – book this journey without the hassle of planning and booking. 

Itinerary #2: Vietnam culinary discovery

Embark on a gastronomic adventure through the heart of Vietnam with our meticulously crafted 10-day culinary discovery itinerary. From savoring authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Hanoi to mastering the art of crafting iconic dishes, cruising the emerald waters of Halong Bay, and exploring the cultural and historical wonders of Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, every day promises a feast for your senses. 

Itinerary overview

Embark on a Vietnam culinary discovery, starting with hands-on cooking classes in Hanoi where you'll learn to make spring rolls and Pho, then explore cultural gems and enjoy a Water Puppet Show.

Next, cruise through Halong Bay, with cave exploration and seaside dining. In Hue, discover ancient villages, take a river cruise, and visit landmarks. Hoi An offers more culinary delights with cooking classes and exploration of the historic town, while in Ho Chi Minh City, explore Chinatown, markets, and landmarks, concluding your journey with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Discover Vietnam’s diverse flavors, from street food stalls to cooking classes and authentic restaurant dining.

Check this overview of the 10 days in Vietnam itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

• Check-in at the hotel
• Dine at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant 

Day 2: Hanoi Cooking Class and City Tour

• Learn to make dishes like spring rolls and Pho
• Explore Hanoi's landmarks
• Enjoy a Water Puppet Show

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay - Overnight Cruise

• Head to Halong Bay
• Embark on a traditional junk boat
• Explore caves

Day 4: Halong Cruise and Flight to Hue

• Morning island and cave exploration
• Return to Halong City
• Catch an afternoon flight to Hue

Day 5: Hue Ancient Villages Tour

• Explore ancient villages near Hue, including Thuy Bieu
• Enjoy a river cruise
• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
• Explore the Imperial City
• Visit Dong Ba Market

Day 6: Hue to Hoi An Via Lang Co Beach

• Visit Khai Dinh Mausoleum
• Depart for Hoi An with scenic stops
• Explore Cham Museum
• Visit Non-Nuoc Beach and Marble Mountain 

Day 7: Hoi An Cooking Class and Old Town Tour

• Join a cooking class
• Visit the market
• Cruise the Hoi An River
• Explore Hoi An's historic town in the afternoon 

Day 8: Chinatown and Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing

• Explore Chinatown
• Visit Binh Tay market and Thien Hau Temple
• Discover Ho Chi Minh City's landmarks 

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels and More Sightseeing

• Morning visit to Cu Chi Tunnels
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

• Enjoy your last day at leisure
• Depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport
   

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Itinerary #3: Indochina’s UNESCO treasures

Explore the enchanting landscapes and cultural wonders of Vietnam and beyond with our meticulously crafted 10-day itinerary. From the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the mystical caves of Ninh Binh, the serene waters of Halong Bay, the spiritual city of Luang Prabang, and the awe-inspiring Angkor Temple Complex in Siem Reap, this trip is sure to be a great use of 10 days in Vietnam.

Itinerary overview

Embark on a 10-day journey through Indochina's UNESCO treasures, starting in Hanoi with museum visits and a scenic bike ride around Hoan Kiem Lake. Explore Ninh Binh's ancient capital and Halong Bay's captivating overnight cruise. Continue to Luang Prabang for temple visits and a riverboat journey, then uncover Cambodia's Angkor Temple Complex, in  Siem Reap, concluding with a temple trail and Apsara Dance Show.

Check this overview of the 10 days in Vietnam itinerary.

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival and Exploration

• Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport
• Explore Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi Full Day City Tour

• Explore Hanoi's museums
• Take a bike tour around Hoan Kiem Lake 

Day 3: Ninh Binh and Thien Ha Cave Exploration

• Visit Hoa Lu
• Explore temples
• Experience Thien Ha Cave in northern Vietnam, a region known for its unspoiled natural beauty and outdoor activities like hiking and visiting waterfalls

Day 4: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

• Enjoy a Halong Bay cruise

Day 5: Return to Hanoi

• Start with Tai Chi on the cruise deck
• Return to Hanoi

Day 6: Luang Prabang Discovery

• Explore Luang Prabang
• Visit temples
• Enjoy a sunset visit to Vat Prabaht Tai

Day 7: Mekong River Exploration

• Board a riverboat to Pak Ou Caves
• Explore villages along the Mekong River
• Return to Luang Prabang

Day 8: Transfer to Siem Reap

• Visit museums
• Fly to Siem Reap 

Day 9: Angkor Temple Complex Discovery

• Explore Angkor Thom
• Visit Bayon and Preah Khan temples
• Explore Angkor Wat 

Day 10: Continuing Along the Temple Trail

• Visit various temples in the Angkor area
• Watch an Apsara Dance Show

Simplify your travel with our Vietnam local travel experts.

Looking for ideas for exploring North Vietnam? You'll find it in our North Vietnam itineraries.

Itinerary #4: The Wonders of Vietnam

Explore Vietnam's premier destinations on this comprehensive 10-day tour, spanning from the lively capital Hanoi to the enchanting Halong Bay. Experience serene river cruises along the Perfume River, delve into the rich history of renowned tombs and temples, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City.

Itinerary overview

The 10-day Vietnam Wonders expedition offers an enthralling journey through the country's cultural riches and breathtaking landscapes. Starting in Hanoi, your adventure commences with the enchanting Water Puppet Show, followed by a cultural exploration of the city's landmarks. 

Discover the mystical beauty of Halong Bay, then venture to Hue for historical insights and relaxation at a local spa. Journey through the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, with a stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, before exploring Hoi An's ancient town and market. 

Visit Cai Be's floating market and Cu Chi Tunnels' historical significance, and delve into the vibrant Chinatown and temples of Ho Chi Minh City. Your expedition concludes with leisure time in the city before departure from Tan Son Nhat Airport.

Ready to explore Vietnam? Follow our Vietnam trip planning guide and start planning your perfect trip today.

Check this overview of the 10 days in Vietnam itinerary.

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival and City Tour

• Arrive in Hanoi
• Attend a Water Puppet Show

Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Tour

• Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
• Visit One-Pillar Pagoda
• Explore the Army Museum

Day 3: Discover Halong Bay

• Experience Halong Bay's beauty on a boat cruise
• Return to Hanoi

Day 4-5: Hue Sightseeing

• Explore historic Hue
• Visit royal tombs

Day 5: Hue to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass

• Take a dragon boat ride
• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
• Depart for Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Day 6: Walking Tour of Hoi An

• Explore Hoi An's historic town
• Visit the market
• Explore ancient houses
• Cross the Japanese bridge

Day 7: Cai Be Floating Market

• Travel to Cai Be
• Enjoy a boat ride to the floating market
• Cruise through fruit orchards

Day 8: Cai Rang Floating Market and Mekong Delta Tour

• Visit the Cai Rang floating market
• Explore the Mekong Delta

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels and Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City

• Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
• Explore Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown
• Visit temples and historic sites

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Departure

• Enjoy a leisurely day
• Depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport 

Overwhelmed by the planning and booking process? Let us handle it – book this trip today.

Itinerary #5: Luxury Vietnam

Vietnam offers stunning beaches, lush national parks, historic temples, hill-tribe villages, top-tier museums, private transfers, speedboat excursions, and luxurious hotels, making it a destination that combines surprise and gratification at every turn. Discover this and more on this luxury Vietnam voyage.

Itinerary overview

Indulge in a luxurious Vietnam journey, starting with a lavish stay in Hanoi and exploring its attractions. Cruise through the mesmerizing Halong Bay and discover Hoi An's UNESCO-listed Ancient Town. In Ho Chi Minh City, explore Chinatown and historical sites, including the Cu Chi Tunnels. The adventure concludes with a grand Mekong Delta tour, offering opulence and cultural immersion.

Check this overview of the 10 days in Vietnam itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

• Arrive in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi Highlights

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• One-Pillar Pagoda
• Temple of Literature
• Hoan Kiem Lake

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

• Depart from Hanoi for Halong Bay
• Set sail in Halong Bay
• Explore limestone formations
• Visit Thien Cung Grotto

Day 4: Leisure Day

• Enjoy a free day for relaxation or optional activities in Halong Bay

Days 5-8:

• Depart Halong Bay for Hoi An
• Explore Hoi An's Ancient Town and surroundings

Days 8-10: 

• Depart Hoi An for Ho Chi Minh City
• Saigon City Tour
• Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
• Explore city highlights

Day 10: Mekong Delta

• Depart for the Mekong Delta
• Discover villages, markets, and historical sites on a speed boat tour 

Day 11: Departure

• Head to the airport for your departure flight from Ho Chi Minh City, concluding your journey

Let us plan your trip for you

If you're considering a Vietnam adventure with our Vietnam travel experts. We will craft a customizable itinerary that you can adjust to your liking. Say goodbye to the hassle of planning and booking.

Is your trip to Vietnam just around the corner? Prepare by reading our tips for traveling in Vietnam.

See our other Vietnam itineraries:  5 days | 14 days