Vietnam 10 Day Itinerary

Vietnam is an incredibly vibrant, beautiful and diverse country, with activities to suit all types of travellers. The perfect Vietnam itinerary includes the city, countryside and coast. In fact, this diversity combined with the relative ease of Vietnam makes the country the ideal place for your first visit to Southeast Asia. Read on to discover how to spend an incredible 10 days in Vietnam!

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Vietnam Itinerary Overview

Ho Chi Minh (2 Days): Start your Vietnam 10 day itinerary in Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh. Here, you’ll marvel at incredible architecture, learn about Vietnamese War history and get your first taste of local food. Stay at Alagon D’Antique Hotel & Spa.

Hoi An (2 Days): Next, head to central Vietnam and visit Hoi An, the most picturesque city in Vietnam. Explore the colourful Old Quarter, cycle around the countryside and relax at the beach. Stay at Villa Orchid Garden Riverside.

Hue (1 Day): From Hoi An, take a short trip to Hue, the imperial capital of Vietnam. Visit Hue Imperial City and hark back to an era when emperors ruled the lands. Stay at Scarlett Boutique Hotel.

Hanoi (2 Days): Visit Hanoi, the bustling and vibrant capital of Vietnam. Hanoi boasts some of Vietnam’s best sightseeing, including temples, museums and more. It’s also the gateway to sparkling Halong Bay. Stay at Hanoi La Siesta Central Hotel.

Ha Long Bay (2 Days): End your 10 day Vietnam itinerary with a junk boat trip around Halong Bay. Halong Bay is the natural gem of Vietnam, with tropical bays, white beaches and soaring limestone formations. Take a cruise with Indochina Junk!

Days 1-2: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

If you haven’t visited a bustling major Asian city before, then your senses could be in for a shock when you land in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh, otherwise known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and is incredibly vibrant and chaotic. But peel away the big city layers and you’ll find gorgeous French colonial architecture, sobering war history and tasty street food.

There’s enough awesome things to do in Ho Chi Minh and the surrounding areas to easily keep you busy for a few days. However, if you only have 10 days in Vietnam, then I recommend dedicating 2 nights to Ho Chi Minh City. This way, you’ll have time to explore the city and do a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Getting to Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place to start your Vietnam itinerary as it’s home to Vietnam’s biggest airport – HCMC Tan Son Nat International Airport. The airport is serviced by many direct domestic, regional and international flights.

Day 1 Itinerary – Ho Chi Minh City

On your first day in Ho Chi Minh (and indeed in Vietnam!), get aquatinted with the country by exploring Ho Chi Minh City. Many of the best things to do in HCM are located in and around District 1, which is very walkable.

Independence Palace: Start at the Saigon Independence Palace (entry around US$2) in District 1. The Independence Palace marks the spot where the Vietnam War ended, when tanks barrelled through the palace gates in 1975. Here, you’ll step back in time to 1975, as the palace is eerily preserved with antique furniture and telecommunications equipment from the Vietnam War.

War Remnants Museum: Just a couple of blocks away, you’ll find the War Remnants Museum (entry around US$2) which houses exhibitions and pieces from the Vietnam War. The museum’s displays are pretty harrowing and graphic, so it may not be for everyone. As well as original military jets and tanks, the exhibitions include the devastating impact of chemical weapons and the massacre of hundreds of unarmed citizens in a small village.

French Colonial Architecture: Continue your historical tour of Saigon with something a little lighter, and take a short walking tour to admire the city’s gorgeous French colonial architecture. Walk past the majestic People’s Committee Building, towering Notre Dame Cathedral, impressive Saigon Central Post Office, and elegant Saigon Opera House Building. Finish your walking tour by taking a stroll down pretty Nguyen Hue walking street.

Street Food Tour: In the evening, take a Saigon Street Food Tour on the back of a motorbike. This takes the hassle out of planning, and means that you can visit some of the best street food stalls that are hidden and scattered throughout the city’s surrounding districts. Come with an empty stomach … there is a ridiculous amount of food involved!

Read More: All of these activities and more are covered in more detail in the 20 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2 Itinerary – Day Trip to Cu Chi Tunnels

With 2 days in Ho Chi Minh, you’ll have enough time to get out of the city and explore some of the city’s surrounds. One of the most popular day trips from Ho Chi Minh is to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network of tunnels located roughly 45km (Ben Dinh Tunnels) or 60km (Ben Duoc Tunnels) from central Ho Chi Minh. Allow 1.5-2 hours each way for the drive.

If you want to combine the river, countryside and tunnels and cut out one way of driving, then I highly recommend taking the Cu Chi Tunnels Tour. This tour includes a relaxing 1 hour 20 boat trip down the river, 27km cycle through the flat countryside, tour at the quieter Ben Duoc tunnels, lunch, and return van transfer to Ho Chi Minh.

The Cu Chi Tunnels were built by the communists in the 1940s in the fight for independence against French colonial rule, and were later used during the Vietnam War for living and fighting. As well as learning about the Vietnam War and life in the tunnels, you’ll get the chance to explore the tunnels yourself. I was surprised to find that even though many of the tunnels have been expanded for tourists, they’re still pretty teeny-tiny, home to creepy-crawlies and a little on the claustrophobic side!

In the evening, take it down a notch and relax at one of Saigon’s famous rooftop bars. Rooftop bars are dotted throughout the city, and range from hip party joints to more relaxed venues. My recommendation for the best trendy yet chilled rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh would have to be Hotel Majestic with riverfront views or MGallery Hotel des Arts Saigon with city views.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh

While I was tempted by some of the ultra-luxe Saigon hotels, we opted for a mid-range hotel as we were spending most of our time out sightseeing. Like most Vietnamese cities, Ho Chi Minh has some really reasonably priced mid-range boutique hotels. I recommend staying in or around District 1, for easy access to sightseeing and excellent food.

Luxury $$$: The Reverie Saigon is a luxury hotel with opulent interiors, river / city views and a super central location. If you prefer old world charm, why not try Hotel Majestic Saigon on the riverfront, with its popular rooftop bar. For a classic luxury hotel, check out the French colonial style Park Hyatt Saigon which is located in one of the prettiest spots in the city.

Mid-range $$: We stayed at Alagon D’Antique Hotel & Spa (photos above), which was an excellent choice. The hotel is centrally located in District 1, with funky interiors, a good restaurant and a rooftop pool and bar. Other Alagon hotels share the same facilities and offer an equally reasonable price point. If you prefer river views, check out the Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel which also boasts a rooftop pool.

Budget $: For comfort and location on a budget, two great options are the very well reviewed Chez Mimosa Corner and C Central Hotel.

Days 3-4: Hoi An

Next on your Vietnam itinerary, visit the charming old town of Hoi An, where life takes a slightly slower place than in busy Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. As well as the picturesque and colourful ancient quarter, Hoi An boasts beautiful beaches and lush countryside.

Getting to Hoi An from Ho Chi Minh

If you’ve seen a map of Vietnam, you’ll notice that it’s quite long and skinny, with Ho Chi Minh in the south, Hoi An in the centre and Hanoi in the north. This means that if you want to see the best places in Vietnam in just 10 days, you should consider taking internal flights to minimise travel time.

It’s around 900km from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An. You have three main travel options:

Flight: Hoi An does not have an airport, but Da Nang Airport is only around 30km away. Take a flight from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang Airport (around 1 hour 20 minutes) and then a taxi to Hoi An (around 40 minutes).

Train: Hoi An also doesn’t have its own train station but, again, you can get the train from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang. While the train is a lovely way to explore Vietnam, it’s definitely not a fast way. The train takes around 17 hours, so is best left to those who have spare time up their sleeve. Surprisingly, the train can be even more expensive than flying.

Bus: Similarly, you can take a loooooong bus ride from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An. The benefits of the bus are that it’s a little cheaper than the train, and goes straight to Hoi An. Again, for the reasonable price and precious time savings, I’d be very inclined to catch a flight!

Day 3 Itinerary – Hoi An Old Town

Aim to get a morning flight from Hoi Chi Minh to Da Nang so that you have the afternoon to explore Hoi An. After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon exploring Hoi An Old Town (or Ancient Town), the absolute highlight of a trip to Hoi An.

Hoi An Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with an eclectic mix of brightly coloured historic Chinese, Japanese and French-colonial buildings. A ticket to Hoi An Ancient Town costs 120,000 VND (around US$5), which includes entry to some of the historic buildings. Spend the afternoon getting lost in the narrow streets, visiting the historic buildings, and people watching from one of the riverfront restaurants.

Street food is a highlight of Vietnam, but can be tricky to navigate for first timers. In the evening, join a street food tour to sample some of the best dishes that Hoi An has to offer, including national dishes like banh mi (pork baguette sandwich) and local Hoi An delicacies like white rose dumplings.

I highly recommend taking a Hoi An Street Food Tour by Motorbike. I loved fanging it around the city on the back of a motorbike, and the tour is suitable for all ages (promise, I took my 67 year old mum!). Again, the aim of the game is to stuff as much food in as possible, so stick to a light lunch. You have been warned…

If you’re a night owl, return to Hoi An Old Town after your street food tour. In the evening, the streets are pedestrian only, filled with colourful lanterns and packed with tourists.

Day 4 Itinerary – Hoi An Countryside

On your second day in Hoi An, take to the streets by bicycle to explore beyond the Old Town. Most hotels have bikes available, and once you get out of the Old Town the streets are pretty quiet.

If you’re on a budget, take a self-guided tour around the laid-back nearby Cam Nam island. If you want to explore the true Hoi An countryside, join a cycling tour where you can weave your way through the green rice fields and across rickety bamboo bridges, and witness local village life.

Cycling in the heat and humidity can be a leeeetle bit exhaustipating (yes, that’s a word), so it’s best done in the morning. In the afternoon, take a well deserved break and pop down to one of Hoi An’s beautiful beaches to relax before spending another evening in the Old Town.

There’s plenty of other incredible things to do in Hoi An, so adapt your Hoi An itinerary to suit your preferences.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

The best place to stay in Hoi An is along the river near Hoi An’s bustling Old Town, either in the old town itself (but at least a block or two from the noisy nightlife!) or in nearby quieter Cam Chau. We’ve visited Hoi An a few times, and have loved all of our hotels!

Luxury $$$: If you prefer to stay at the beach, check out Boutique Hoi An Resort. This hotel is a luxury colonial style resort on the beach, with a free shuttle service to the Old Town.

Mid-range $$: Villa Orchid Garden Riverside is possibly my favourite hotel in Hoi An. The hotel is located along the river in Cam Chau just outside of the Old Town, which can easily be reached in a short bike ride or 20 minute walk. The rooms are large and comfortable and there’s even a pool to escape the heat. If you prefer to be right slap bang in the middle of the action, we also really liked Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi An. The hotel is a short walk from the Old Town and has rooms with river views.

Budget $: Banana Garden Villa is a nice boutique hotel on a quiet street in Cam Chau. We stayed at Banana Garden on a recent trip to Hoi An and loved it. The hotel has comfortable rooms, a reasonable breakfast, a great pool area and is exceptional value for money. Banana Garden is a 20 minute walk or short bike ride from the Hoi An Ancient Quarter.

Day 5: Hue

Hue is a small city in central Vietnam located on the Perfume River. Hue was was once upon a time one of the royal capitals of Vietnam. The city has retained its fairytale like charm, with imperial architecture and the tombs of ancient emperors. Some people visit Hue on a (rather long!) day trip from Hoi An, but I recommend staying for the night to make the most of the atmospheric small town.

Getting to Hue from Hoi An

Train: It’s an absolute pleasure to get the train from Hoi An to Hue. I highly recommend getting a taxi from Hoi An to Da Nang (around 40 minutes), and then taking the train from Da Nang to Hue (2-3 hours and around $10, depending on the train). The train ride from Da Nang to Hue is very scenic with sweeping coastal views from the Hai Van Pass mountain route.

Private Car: The express trains from Hoi An to Hue (and return) aren’t always at the most convenient time of the day, sometimes leaving in the middle of the night. If you want convenience, the fastest and most comfortable way to get from Hoi An to Hue is to take a private car. The car journey also goes over the Hai Van Pass, so you won’t miss out on the beautiful views. Your Hoi An hotel will be able to help organise this.

Day 5 Itinerary – Hue Ancient City

The Perfume River and ancient buildings reminiscent of imperial times are the highlight of Hue. Combine both with a day trip exploring the best attractions in Hue.

Thien Mu Pagoda: Start your Hue sightseeing with a boat ride along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. The pagoda is gorgeous and ornate, with lovely views of the river and city. Your boat driver will wait while you explore the pagoda. The pagoda is quite small, so you won’t need long to explore.

Hue Imperial City: Ask your boat to drop you off at the Hue Imperial City river stop. The Imperial City is a massive walled city surrounded by a moat, with ornate gates, beautiful pavilions and pretty gardens. The complex is rather enormous, and you could easily spend a couple of hours here.

Royal Tombs: If you have time in the afternoon, visit one or more of the Royal Tombs of the Ancient Emperors which are dotted around the city and countryside. The tombs are dedicated to the former emperors of Hue, and are highly recommended for history and architecture buffs. If you’re short on time, choose just one or two tombs. We visited the Tomb of Tu Doc, which is exceptionally pretty and only around 6km from central Hue.

Where to Stay in Hue

Luxury $$$: For luxury without the price tag, check out Hotel Saigon Morin or the Vinpearl Hotel Hue where you can snap up a luxe room for less than $100. Hotel Saigon Mori is a restored French colonial hotel with old world charm, while the Vinpearl is a modern hotel with river views.

Mid-range $$: We stayed at the Rosaleen Boutique Hotel, which was an excellent choice. The hotel is centrally located, has lovely rooms, and a swimming pool. If you don’t need a pool, check out the gorgeous looking Scarlett Boutique Hotel, with ultra-pretty rooms.

Budget $: For an absolute bargain, you can’t go past the Hue Serene Palace Hotel. Hue Serene Palace is a new hotel in the heart of Hue, with modern rooms and a restaurant.

Days 6-7: Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam‘s bustling capital city and the gateway to gorgeous Ha Long Bay. While some people quickly pass through Hanoi on their way to Halong Bay, it’s definitely worth staying for a couple of days to wander around the chaotic old town and visit the city’s temples and museums.

Getting to Hanoi from Hue

It’s around 675km from Hue to Hanoi. Again, you can take the a plane, train or bus. However, flying will save you a full day travel time and can even be cheaper than the train.

Flight: A direct flight from Hue to Hanoi takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. Hue Airport is around 15 km / 30 minutes from central Hue. Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport is around 30 km / 45 minutes from central Hanoi.

Train: The train from Hue to Hanoi takes around 14 hours and can be a similar price to flying! Probably best reserved for train buffs and slow travellers.

Bus: The bus from Hue to Hanoi takes around 13 hours. The bus is cheaper than flying or taking the train, so if you’re on a budget the bus could be a good option. Take the overnight bus to save time and money on a hotel.

Day 6 Itinerary – Hanoi Old Quarter

In the morning, take a mid-morning flight from Hue to Hanoi so that you have the afternoon to explore Hanoi. (Note: At the time of writing, there were two direct flights from Hue to Hanoi between 10am and 12pm). I recommend spending your first day in Hanoi wandering the streets, and your second day sightseeing.

Hanoi Old Quarter: In the afternoon, get acquainted with Hanoi’s lovely Old Quarter. Meander around the narrow streets, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, sample street food and attempt to cross the road with 10,000 motorbikes. (Hint: Just walk with purpose, and the traffic will magically open up around you).

Hoan Kiem Lake: From the Old Quarter, walk a little way south to nearby Hoan Kiem Lake for a breather. Stroll around the top of the lake, and admire the picturesque red bridge (The Huc) which leads to a small temple (Den Ngoc Son).

Hanoi French Quarter: Next, explore the French Quarter which is just east of Hoan Kiem Lake. As you’d expect, the French Quarter has some lovely French colonial architecture, including the elegant Hanoi Opera House.

In the evening, return to the Old Quarter and pull up a pew at Ta Hien Beer Street. The street is full of bars and restaurants, and hundreds of people sit outside on teensy plastic stools sipping ice cold beer, socialising and people watching.

Day 7 Itinerary – Hanoi City Sightseeing

On your second day in Hanoi, take a tour of some of the best Hanoi attractions. It’s easy enough to get around with a combination of walking and taxis, or you can join a tour if you prefer.

St Joseph’s Cathedral: Walk past the impressive St Joseph’s Cathedral, just west of Hoan Kiem Lake. St Joseph’s is a Neo-Gothic cathedral in French colonial style, and wouldn’t look out of place in central Europe.

Hoa Lo Prison (the ‘Hanoi Hilton’): Hoa Lo Prison was originally used by the French to house Vietnamese political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for US prisoners of war during the Vietnamese War. While it’s perhaps most famous for the Vietnamese War era, where it earned the moniker the ‘Hanoi Hilton’, the prison’s exhibits focus on the suffering of the Vietnamese in their struggle for independence against the French. It’s impossible to miss the different depictions of the Vietnamese prisoners (extremely grim and horrific) and the American POWs (well-treated and comfortable). History can be in the eye of the beholder, and it’s certainly fascinating to see the Vietnamese perspective.

Train Street: Train Street (photo above) is an Instagram-famous street where a narrow train track winds around local homes and cafes. While unique, it gets totally overrun with tourists, particularly during train passing times.

Temple of Literature: The Temple of Literature was built way back when in 1070. The site was dedicated to the teachings of Confucius and was Vietnam’s first university. The Temple of Literature is a fine example of beautifully preserved Vietnamese architecture, with ornate gates, beautiful halls and five courtyards. It’s surprisingly tranquil despite being located in the city.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the resting place of President Ho Chi Minh, regarded as the founding father of modern Vietnam. Despite the President’s wishes to be cremated, his body was embalmed and memorialised at the mausoleum. The mausoleum is open to visitors. Note that it is closed on Friday and in October / November when the body undergoes ‘maintenance’.

In the evening, head over to West Lake and have a drink at the Intercontinental Westlake Hanoi. The sunset views over the lake are gorgeous, and it’s incredibly tranquil compared to the city.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

In Hanoi, pick a central location near the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. The Old Quarter is walking distance from the main attractions, has excellent food and nightlife and is very atmospheric.

Luxury $$$: For a little luxury, the Hanoi La Siesta Central Hotel is a gorgeous boutique hotel with less than 30 rooms and the perfect location. The hotel has the Old Quarter on one side and Hoan Kiem Lake on the other. The other La Siesta properties look equally dreamy. La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel also has elegant furnishings and a great location near the lake.

Mid-range $$: You’re spoilt for choice with mid-range hotels in Hanoi. A great option is the Acoustic Hotel and Spa, located a short walk from the Old Quarter and French Quarter, and very close to Train Street. The hotel has stylish rooms and a rooftop bar.

Budget $: If you’re saving your pennies for Halong Bay, opt for a comfortable budget hotel in the Old Quarter like Lavendar Central Hotel or Hanoi Golden Moon Hotel.

Days 8-10: Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s natural wonders. The bay contains sparkling turquoise water, limestone pillars that jut out of the water and tiny islets covered in forest. At the end of your Vietnam trip, join a junk boat tour and spend a couple of days relaxing in Ha Long Bay.

Getting to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi

Don’t be fooled into thinking that Halong Bay is just on the doorstep of Hanoi. Nope, it’s actually around 170km from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, and the journey typically takes 3-4 hours. Again, you have a few options:

Car or Van Transfer: The most popular way to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is to take a private or shared transfer. The trip will take around 2.5-3.5 hours an can be organised by your Halong Bay boat operator.

Train / Bus: If you’re on a budget, you can get the bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay in around 3.5 to 4.5 hours or the train in a whooping 7 hours.

Flight: Halong Bay doesn’t have a commercial airport. However, if you’re short on time and cashed up, you can get a super scenic seaplane flight or helicopter ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay in around 45 minutes. Note that luggage weight will be restricted.

Days 8-10 Itinerary – Halong Bay Cruise

Due to the long travel time between Hanoi and Halong Bay, I recommend staying in Halong Bay for 2 nights. Your first and final days in Halong Bay will involve a lot of travel, and staying for 2 nights allows you to spend a full day relaxing on your boat in Halong Bay.

Halong Bay is all about the relaxation. While the precise itinerary will depend on your junk boat operator, you’ll typically cruise around the bay, relax on the deck of the boat, enjoy some incredible local cuisine and do some activities on the bay. Activities vary by tour operator, but can include kayaking off your boat, exploring caves, visiting floating villages on little bamboo boats and hiking. Our Halong Bay boat cruise even involved dinner in a cave!

On your final day in Vietnam, check out from your Halong Bay boat trip and transfer back to Hanoi for your departing flight.

Ha Long Bay Cruise Options

Researching Halong Bay junk boat options can be a little overwhelming, as there’s so many providers. There’s a few factors to consider to help whittle down your options to choose the tour that is right for you.

Duration: The main Halong Bay boat tours are day trips, 2 day 1 night cruises, 3 day 2 night cruises and 4 day 3 night cruises. However, a 2 day 1 night cruise really only means 24 hours on the boat. Unless you’re tight on time (or maybe hate relaxing?), I recommend a longer cruise to get a full day out on Halong Bay.

Location: Halong Bay is actually made up of three different bays – Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long and La Han Bay. The bays are all exquisitely beautiful, but Halong Bay can be VERY crowded and a little dirtier, as this is where most junk boats go. You can also visit stunning Cat Ba Island and even overnight at a resort there.

Boat Quality: The quality of the boats can vary a lot, and when researching you’ll hear some horror stories of dirty boats, terrible service and awful food. Since you’ll be stuck no the boat with literally nowhere to go, now is not the time to skimp on quality. When researching, consider the boat quality, number of guests, rooms and outdoor deck space.

Inclusions & Activities: Consider what is included in the price and what activities are available. Most Halong Bay boat trips are all inclusive, with accommodation, food, activities and sometimes drinks. The activities on offer vary by boat, and can include kayaking, floating villages, caves and more.

Budget: The cost of a Halong Bay boat tour can vary massively, depending on the tour operator, inclusions and boat quality. I recommend finding some reputable and well-reviewed operators, and then researching a variety of options and prices. Check out Booking.com to compare prices, and filter by ‘cruises’.

We took our Halong Bay boat trip with Indochina Junk and were soooooooo happy with our choice. The main reason we chose Indochina Junk is because they have a license to explore the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay. Do not underestimate how crowded bays can impact your experience. In addition, the boats are modern, with a nice number of guests (we had around 20), incredible Vietnamese cuisine and great activities. We spent our days relaxing on the top deck, kayaking in the glimmering bays and visiting a floating village. The main downside of Indochina Junk? All this quality doesn’t come cheap, but is well worth it for a splurge at the end of your Vietnam trip!

This 10 day Vietnam itinerary has been compiled taking the very best from multiple trips to Vietnam over the years. If you’re looking for inspiration for your trip to Southeast Asia, why not check out some other awesome short trips in Asia!

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