Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and transfer to your hotel in District 1, where you can freshen up and enjoy a strong Vietnamese coffee at the hotel or a nearby café like The Workshop Coffee. Take a gentle orientation walk to landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Saigon Central Post Office to get your first taste of the city’s French colonial architecture and lively street life.
After lunch, delve into local history with a guided visit to the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace to understand Vietnam’s modern past. Pause for bánh mì or cơm tấm at a beloved street vendor, then stroll down Đồng Khởi Street to browse boutiques and end at Bến Thành Market for an energetic introduction to Vietnamese markets and souvenir shopping.
As dusk falls, head to a rooftop bar like Chill Skybar or Saigon Saigon Rooftop for sunset views and a cocktail before exploring the vibrant Bui Vien backpacker area for street food and live music. If you prefer something more refined, book a table at a riverside restaurant along the Saigon River or catch a traditional water puppet show at Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre for a charming cultural finale to your first night.
Depart early for the Cu Chi Tunnels (about 1.5-2 hours from District 1) to explore the vast underground network used during the Vietnam War; crawl through widened sections, see restored trapdoors and learn from veteran guides about daily life in the tunnels. On the return to the city, stop at a local roadside stall for a comforting bowl of phở or fresh spring rolls to refuel before an afternoon of city sightseeing.
Back in central Saigon, visit the Reunification Palace if you missed it yesterday or take a deeper look inside the War Remnants Museum’s powerful exhibits, then wander through the bustling Bến Thành Market and nearby Nguyen Hue walking street to shop for handicrafts and taste tropical fruit and che (Vietnamese sweet dessert). Pause at a café like L’Usine or The Workshop to rest and people-watch as the city’s frenetic energy rolls on.
As evening falls, enjoy a riverside dinner on the Saigon River at The Deck Saigon or Secret Garden for traditional dishes in a relaxed setting, then take a short cyclo ride through District 1 to experience the neon-lit streets and street-food stalls. If you’re up for more nightlife, return to Bui Vien for live music and late-night snacks, or opt for a quieter rooftop cocktail at SkyXX Garden Lounge to reflect on the day’s history and discoveries.
Take a short domestic flight from Tan Son Nhat to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An (about 45-60 minutes by road), enjoying coastal views as you approach. After checking in, wander into Hoi An Ancient Town to admire the Japanese Covered Bridge and historic Chinese assembly halls, then pause for ca phe sua da and a plate of cao lầu at a beloved local eatery like Morning Glory or Bale Well.
Spend the afternoon exploring Hoi An’s lantern-lit lanes and artisan workshops — visit a tailor such as Yaly Couture for a fitting consultation or watch local craftsmen at the Hoi An Handicraft Workshop. If time allows, rent a bicycle to pedal through the rice paddies to the nearby Thanh Ha Pottery Village to try your hand at traditional ceramics or relax at An Bang Beach for a short seaside break.
Return to the Ancient Town as lanterns begin to glow, releasing a paper lantern on the Thu Bồn River for a memorable sunset moment and photo opportunity. Dine riverside at Mango Mango or Cargo Club for fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties, then linger over coffee or a nightcap while listening to street musicians before retiring to your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang.
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at your Hoi An hotel or at Cargo Club, then wander the quieter morning lanes of the Ancient Town to revisit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the fragrant markets before the crowds arrive. Mid-morning, cycle or take a short drive to Thanh Ha Pottery Village to try a hands-on pottery lesson and watch local artisans at work, deepening your appreciation for Hoi An’s craft traditions.
After lunch at Morning Glory or Banh Mi Phuong, transfer toward Da Nang to explore the Marble Mountains — climb to Thuy Son’s caves and pagodas for sweeping views and visit the stone-carving workshops at the base to see craftsmen shaping marble souvenirs. Reward yourself with beach time at My Khe Beach: relax on the sand, swim in the warm water, or sip a fresh coconut at a beachfront cafe as the afternoon sun softens.
Return to Hoi An for a lantern-lit stroll along the Thu Bồn River, stopping for dinner at Mango Mango or Morning Glory to sample local specialties like cao lầu and white rose dumplings. As night falls, release a paper lantern on the river for a magical photo moment, then enjoy a nightcap at a riverside bar or head back to your Da Nang hotel to rest for the next leg of your journey.
Leave Da Nang/Hoi An early and take your flight or train to Hanoi, then continue by private car or shuttle (approx. 2-2.5 hours) to Ninh Binh; enjoy the changing landscape as low limestone karsts emerge from patchwork rice fields. Check into a riverside homestay or boutique hotel such as Tam Coc Garden or Emeralda Resort, freshen up, and grab a hearty Vietnamese breakfast of xôi or phở before setting out to explore.
Board a traditional sampan at Tam Coc for the iconic boat ride through winding waterways and beneath three limestone caves, guided by local rowers who will point out rice terraces, birdlife and ancient grottoes — don’t forget your camera for the reflections and dramatic karst scenery. After the cruise, visit Bich Dong Pagoda tucked into the hillside for a short climb and peaceful views, then stop at a roadside stall for chè or a bowl of cơm cháy (crispy rice) to refuel.
As dusk falls, return to your accommodation and stroll the quiet village lanes to watch farmers and water buffalo settle in for the evening, absorbing the tranquil rural rhythm that contrasts with the cities you’ve left behind. Dine on regional specialties like goat meat (de núi) or freshwater fish at a local restaurant or your homestay — finish with a cold local beer while planning tomorrow’s trip to Hoa Lu or the next day’s transfer to Ha Long Bay.
Leave Ninh Binh after an early breakfast and enjoy the scenic 3.5-4 hour transfer to Ha Long Bay, watching the rice fields give way to coastal plains; many transfers include a comfort stop and bottled water. Arrive at Tuan Chau or Ha Long International Cruise Port and board your chosen junk or modern cruise (for example, Bhaya Classic, Paradise, or a boutique wooden junk), settle into your cabin and join the crew for a safety briefing before lunch on board.
Cruise into the heart of Ha Long Bay after a leisurely onboard lunch, threading between towering limestone karsts to visit highlights such as Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or Luon Cave by rowing boat; take in dramatic panoramas from the sundeck and keep an eye out for floating fishing villages. Many cruises offer an afternoon option to kayak through hidden lagoons, swim at a sheltered bay like Ti Top or Soi Sim, or hike up Ti Top Island for a sweeping postcard view of the bay.
As the sun sets, relax with sunset cocktails and a fresh seafood dinner served on deck or in the cruise dining room, sampling local specialties like grilled squid and Vietnamese-style fish. After dinner, join night activities — squid fishing, a cooking class to learn how to make spring rolls, or simply stargaze from the sundeck — then retire to your cabin for the gentle rock of the boat as it anchors for an overnight stay in the bay.
Wake to the soft lapping of water and enjoy a sunrise tai chi session on the sundeck before a hearty breakfast on board as the junk threads between karsts toward the bay’s quieter corners. After breakfast, disembark for a visit to Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or paddle a kayak through Luon Cave’s emerald lagoons, then climb Ti Top Island’s viewpoint for a panoramic farewell to Ha Long Bay.
Return to the cruise for a light lunch while the crew navigates back to Tuan Chau or Ha Long International Cruise Port; disembark mid-afternoon and begin the scenic 2.5-4 hour transfer to Hanoi, stopping if desired for a comfort break or to stretch your legs at a coastal viewpoint. On arrival in Hanoi, check in to your Old Quarter hotel and take a short walk around Hoan Kiem Lake to reacquaint yourself with the city’s rhythms and street vendors.
For dinner, savor classic Hanoi dishes at a nearby restaurant such as Cha Ca Thang Long or Bun Cha Huong Lien, then wander the atmospheric lantern-lit streets of the Old Quarter, sampling egg coffee at Cafe Giang or watching life unfold at Ta Hien beer street. If you have energy, catch a traditional performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for a charming cultural cap to the day before turning in for the night.
Begin with a leisurely breakfast near Hoan Kiem Lake, then join a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter to wander its maze of streets—visit Dong Xuan Market, sample a bowl of bun rieu or bánh cuốn from a street vendor, and stop at St. Joseph’s Cathedral for a touch of colonial history. Continue to the Temple of Literature to stroll peaceful courtyards and learn about Vietnam’s Confucian past, connecting the rural calm of Ninh Binh and Ha Long’s natural beauty to the country’s long cultural traditions.
After a light lunch of bún chả at a local eatery such as Bun Cha Huong Lien, head to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex to view the mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda, gaining perspective on modern Vietnamese history following your earlier museums in Ho Chi Minh City. Finish the afternoon with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the Fine Arts Museum to explore hill-tribe costumes and artifacts that foreshadow your upcoming trip to Sapa.
As dusk falls, return to the Old Quarter to enjoy the lively street-food scene—try egg coffee at Cafe Giang and stroll to Ta Hien beer street for a casual drink and people-watching. Cap the night with a traditional water puppet performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for a charming cultural finale that ties together the day’s historical and artistic discoveries before turning in for the Sapa journey ahead.
If you chose the overnight train, enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Hanoi and spend the morning packing last-minute items, then transfer to Hanoi Railway Station where you can board a comfortable soft-sleeper cabin for the scenic overnight ride; pick up snacks and a strong Vietnamese coffee at the station café and settle in for the journey. If you opted to drive, depart Hanoi after an early breakfast for the 5-6 hour mountain road transfer, stopping en route in Lao Cai for a short stretch and photo break as lowland vistas give way to terraced slopes.
Arrive in Sapa mid- to late-afternoon and check into your boutique hotel or homestay such as Sapa Clay House or Topas Ecolodge — freshen up and stroll the town to orient yourself around the market and the stone church on the central square. Take a short guided walk to Cat Cat Village or the nearby Muong Hoa Valley to meet Hmong and Red Dao villagers, view rice-terrace panoramas, and learn about traditional weaving at local family-run workshops before returning to town.
As dusk settles, warm up with a bowl of hot thang co or a steaming hotpot at a well-regarded local eatery like Little SaPa Restaurant, then browse the night market for hand-embroidered textiles and silver jewelry made by hill-tribe artisans. Spend the rest of the night relaxing at your hotel — enjoy panoramic mountain views if weather permits, or plan tomorrow’s full-day trek with your guide over a cup of herbal tea in the cozy lounge.
Rise early for a hearty breakfast at your Sapa hotel or homestay, then set out with your guide for a half-day trek through the Muong Hoa Valley to visit terraced rice fields and hill-tribe villages such as Lao Chai and Ta Van. Meet Hmong and Giay families, see traditional weaving demonstrations, and pause at panoramic viewpoints near Cat Cat or the Love Waterfall for photos and fresh mountain air.
After a local lunch—try a warming hotpot or thang co at Little SaPa or a village homestay—return to Sapa town to collect your luggage and transfer to Lao Cai station or begin the scenic drive back to Hanoi; if taking the day train/transfer, expect 5-6 hours on the road or the comfortable overnight train timetable you booked. Use the journey time to relax, reflect on tribal encounters, and sort luggage and documents for your onward flight from Hanoi the next day.
If you arrive in Hanoi in the evening, check back into your Old Quarter hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a classic spot like Bun Cha Huong Lien or Cha Ca Thang Long to celebrate the end of your journey. Finish with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or an egg coffee at Cafe Giang while packing and confirming transfers for your departure, allowing a calm, familiar end to a bustling 10-day Vietnam adventure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tan Son Nhat International Airport transfer to District 1 hotel | VND 150,000-350,000 (metered taxi/Vinasun/GrabCar) or VND 60,000-120,000 (airport shuttle) |
| The Workshop Coffee (coffee) | VND 40,000-80,000 per person |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon | Free |
| Saigon Central Post Office | Free (small cost for postcards/stamps: VND 5,000-15,000) |
| War Remnants Museum | VND 40,000-60,000 (adult ticket) |
| Reunification Palace | VND 40,000-90,000 (standard ticket + optional guide) |
| Bánh mì / cơm tấm street vendor (meal) | VND 25,000-60,000 per person |
| Đồng Khởi Street / Boutiques browsing | Free to browse (shopping budget variable) |
| Bến Thành Market | Free entry (shopping cost variable; souvenirs VND 50,000-500,000+) |
| Chill Skybar / Saigon Saigon Rooftop (cocktail & sunset) | VND 200,000-450,000 per person (cocktails and cover may apply) |
| Bui Vien backpacker area (street food / live music) | VND 50,000-300,000 per person depending on food/drinks |
| Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre | VND 100,000-200,000 per ticket |
| Cu Chi Tunnels (day trip from HCMC) | VND 300,000-800,000 per person (coach tour) or VND 700,000-1,500,000 for private/guide transfers) |
| Roadside phở / spring rolls (meal) | VND 40,000-80,000 per person |
| Nguyen Hue walking street | Free |
| Riverside dinner (The Deck Saigon / Secret Garden) | VND 300,000-700,000 per person (mid to higher-end restaurants) |
| SkyXX Garden Lounge (rooftop cocktail) | VND 150,000-350,000 per person |
| Domestic flight SGN → DAD (Tan Son Nhat to Da Nang) | VND 700,000-2,000,000 one-way per person (depends on carrier and advance booking) |
| Transfer Da Nang → Hoi An | VND 200,000-450,000 per car (private car/shuttle) or VND 50,000-120,000 per person (shuttle) |
| Hoi An Ancient Town (Japanese Covered Bridge, assembly halls) | VND 80,000-120,000 for a combined ancient town ticket (some sites included; ticket required for major attractions) |
| Cao lầu at Morning Glory / Bale Well (meal) | VND 80,000-200,000 per person |
| Tailor fitting (Yaly Couture initial consultation) | VND 300,000-5,000,000+ depending on garment and fabric (deposit typically required) |
| Thanh Ha Pottery Village (visit and pottery try) | VND 30,000-150,000 (small entrance/participation fee; pottery purchase extra) |
| An Bang Beach (relax/short break) | Free (beach chairs/umbrella VND 50,000-150,000; food/drinks extra) |
| Lantern release on Thu Bồn River | VND 10,000-50,000 per lantern |
| Mango Mango / Cargo Club (riverside dinner) | VND 200,000-600,000 per person |
| Marble Mountains (Thuy Son caves & pagodas) | VND 40,000-100,000 per person (entrance + elevator optional) |
| My Khe Beach (beach time) | Free (amenities/food extra) |
| Flight / train Da Nang → Hanoi | Flight: VND 700,000-2,000,000 one-way; Train: VND 300,000-1,200,000 (seated/soft sleeper) depending on class |
| Transfer Hanoi → Ninh Binh (private car / shuttle) | VND 200,000-700,000 per car (shared shuttle VND 120,000-200,000 per person) |
| Tam Coc boat ride (sampan) | VND 150,000-300,000 per boat (price often per boat for up to 2-4 people; rowing fee included) |
| Bich Dong Pagoda | VND 20,000-50,000 (small entrance/donation) |
| Tam Coc Garden / Homestay (accommodation) | VND 400,000-2,000,000 per night depending on basic homestay vs boutique resort |
| Transfer Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay (to Tuan Chau / Ha Long Port) | VND 300,000-800,000 per person (shuttle/private car) |
| Ha Long Bay overnight cruise (mid-range) | VND 1,200,000-3,500,000 per person (mid-range to high-end; includes cabin, most meals, activities) |
| Activities on Ha Long (kayak, Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island) | Often included in cruise price; independent kayak rental VND 200,000-400,000 per hour if off-boat |
| Transfer Ha Long → Hanoi | VND 200,000-600,000 per person (shuttle/private car) |
| Hoan Kiem Lake walk / Old Quarter stroll | Free |
| Cha Ca Thang Long / Bun Cha Huong Lien (dinner) | VND 120,000-350,000 per person |
| Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre | VND 100,000-200,000 per ticket |
| Dong Xuan Market / Old Quarter guided walking tour | VND 200,000-600,000 per person for a small-group guided tour; self-guided free |
| Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (Mausoleum, stilt house, One Pillar Pagoda) | Free for the stilt house and grounds; mausoleum entry free but strict rules (donation optional); guided tours VND 200,000-400,000 |
| Vietnam Museum of Ethnology / Fine Arts Museum | VND 40,000-80,000 per person |
| Overnight train to Sapa (soft sleeper cabin) | VND 350,000-900,000 per person (soft sleeper / tourist sleeper; private cabins higher) |
| Private car transfer Hanoi → Sapa (via Lao Cai) | VND 1,600,000-3,500,000 per car (depending on vehicle type) |
| Sapa boutique hotel / homestay (per night) | VND 300,000-2,500,000 depending on homestay vs higher-end lodges (Topas Ecolodge at premium end) |
| Cat Cat Village / Muong Hoa Valley short trek | VND 150,000-600,000 per person (local guide fee and small entrance/donation; group rates lower) |
| Hill-tribe full/half-day trek (Lao Chai / Ta Van) | VND 300,000-1,000,000+ per person depending on guide, group size and inclusions |
| Thang co / hotpot meal in Sapa | VND 80,000-250,000 per person |
| Return transfer Sapa → Hanoi (day transfer) | VND 300,000-1,000,000 per person (shared shuttle to VND 1,800,000+ for private car) |
| Airport transfer in Hanoi (to Noi Bai) | VND 300,000-500,000 by taxi/Grab; airport shuttle cheaper VND 40,000-100,000 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | VND 18,000,000-48,000,000 per person (approx.) |