Vietnam 10 Days Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Hanoi Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Hanoi and check into your accommodation. Start your day with a stroll around the Old Quarter, soaking in the bustling street life.

Afternoon: Visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater and dine on authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Sites

Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, including the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, then visit the nearby Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Evening: Wander around Ta Hien Street for street food and local nightlife.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay

Morning: Depart early for Ha Long Bay (4-hour drive). Board your cruise and start exploring the stunning limestone karsts.

Afternoon: Enjoy kayaking or visiting caves like Surprise Cave while cruising.

Evening: Relax on the boat, have dinner on deck, and enjoy the night on the bay.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi and Fly to Hue

Morning: Continue the Ha Long Bay cruise with visits to fishing villages and sunrise views.

Afternoon: Return to Hanoi and catch a flight to Hue, the former imperial capital.

Evening: Explore the Purple Forbidden City and have a royal-style dinner by the Perfume River.

Day 5: Hue Imperial City & Tombs

Morning: Visit the Imperial Citadel and the To Mieu Temple.

Afternoon: Explore the tombs of emperors such as Tomb of Tu Duc and Tomb of Khai Dinh.

Evening: Take a relaxing boat ride on the Perfume River and enjoy local Hue cuisine.

Day 6: Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Morning: Drive along the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, stopping for photos along the way.

Afternoon: Arrive in Hoi An Ancient Town and explore the lantern-lit streets and shops.

Evening: Dine riverside with the colorful lanterns reflecting on the water.

Day 7: Hoi An Cultural Experience

Morning: Take a cooking class to learn traditional Vietnamese dishes, then visit the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Afternoon: Relax at An Bang Beach or explore the local markets.

Evening: Join the lantern release event on the river (if scheduled) or enjoy a peaceful dinner in the old town.

Day 8: My Son Sanctuary & Return to Hoi An

Morning: Take an excursion to the My Son Sanctuary, the ancient Champa ruins surrounded by jungle.

Afternoon: Return to Hoi An for free time to shop or visit art galleries.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring central Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 9: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.

Evening: Explore Bui Vien Street for nightlife and street food.

Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels & Departure

Morning: Take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about Vietnam War history.

Afternoon: Return to Ho Chi Minh City for last-minute shopping at Ben Thanh Market.

Evening: Transfer to the airport for your departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake (Day 1): 3 hours, $0
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theater (Day 1): 1.5 hours, $10
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex (Day 2): 2 hours, $0
• Temple of Literature & Ethnology Museum (Day 2): 4 hours, $8
• Ha Long Bay Cruise (Days 3-4): 2 days, $120
• Hue Imperial City & Tombs (Day 5): 5 hours, $12
• Hai Van Pass Drive (Day 6): 3 hours, included in transport
• Hoi An Ancient Town & Cooking Class (Days 6-7): 2 days, $50
• My Son Sanctuary Tour (Day 8): 4 hours, $20
• Ho Chi Minh City Museums & Cu Chi Tunnels (Days 9-10): 2 days, $25
• Domestic Flights (Hanoi-Hue, Da Nang-Ho Chi Minh City): 2 flights, approx. $80

Total Estimated Cost: $325

Tips

For travelers wanting a shorter trip, consider skipping Ha Long Bay and reducing time in Hue to focus on Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City over 7 days. For those looking to extend the journey, add a 2-3 day trek in Sapa in northern Vietnam or explore the Mekong Delta region with an overnight stay to experience rural life and floating markets.