How many days do you need in Vietnam?

This itinerary covers 10 days in Vietnam, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Vietnam?

Plan your perfect 10 days trip to Vietnam. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

10-Day Vietnam May 2026: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Coastal & Cultural Loop

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 10, 2026

9:00am

Check-in & Freshen Up

Arrive at your Hanoi hotel in the Old Quarter, drop bags and rest briefly to recover from travel before exploring the city.

VND0, 1h0m

10:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island; a peaceful introduction to Hanoi's heart and history. Ideal for photos and light walking.

VND30,000, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try Hanoi's iconic bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) at the famous local spot open daily for authentic flavours.

VND120,000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam's first university and well-preserved Confucian complex; peaceful gardens and historical architecture open 8:00–17:00.

VND30,000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Explore the museum to learn about Vietnam's colonial history and wartime era; open 8:00–17:00.

VND30,000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Street Coffee & Egg Coffee

Sit at a street-side cafe in the Old Quarter and sample egg coffee — a Hanoi specialty — while watching street life.

VND60,000, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Taste cha ca (turmeric fish with dill), a longstanding Hanoi specialty served in a historic restaurant; open evenings.

VND300,000, 1h15m

8:45pm

Water Puppet Show

Attend a traditional Thang Long water puppet performance near Hoan Kiem Lake; shows typically run 20:00 and 21:00. Book ahead.

VND150,000, 0h50m

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 11, 2026

7:00am

Transfer to Halong Bay

Depart Hanoi by shuttle or private car (approx 2.5–3.5h) to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise; aim for early departure to maximize cruise time.

VND600,000, 3h30m

11:30am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a 2-day/1-night cruising package (many departures around midday). Enjoy lunch on board while cruising among limestone karsts.

USD120, 2h0m

3:00pm

Kayaking or Bamboo Boat

Take a guided kayak or small-boat excursion to explore caves and hidden lagoons; activities run in the afternoon during the cruise.

Included/Optional USD10, 1h30m

6:30pm

Sunset & Dinner on Deck

Relax on deck to watch the sunset; dinner served aboard with fresh seafood and regional dishes.

Included, 2h0m

9:00pm

Night Squid Fishing or Relax

Join casual night squid fishing or enjoy the calm of the bay from your cabin; nighttime activities vary by cruise operator.

Included, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 3: Halong → Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 12, 2026

6:30am

Morning Tai Chi & Breakfast

Join a morning tai chi session on deck (many cruises offer) and enjoy breakfast as the boat returns to the harbor.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Disembark & Transfer to Ninh Binh

Return to Hanoi harbor and continue by car/train to Ninh Binh (approx 2.5–3h); travel south into dramatic karst river landscapes.

VND800,000, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant (Ninh Binh)

Enjoy local specialties like goat meat and com chay (crispy rice) at a recommended riverside eatery; many open midday.

VND150,000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Trang An Boat Tour

Take the boat cave tour through the Trang An scenic landscape — UNESCO-listed, runs daily 7:30–17:00 — for rice-plain views and caves.

VND250,000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Cutting Board

Have a Western-Asian fusion dinner or local rice-plate dishes at a popular spot in Tam Coc, open evenings.

VND200,000, 1h15m

Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 4: Ninh Binh Sightseeing

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 13, 2026

7:00am

Mua Cave (Hang Múa) Hike

Climb ~500 steps to the Mua viewpoint for panoramic views over Tam Coc and rice fields; best early morning to avoid heat. Open all day.

VND100,000, 2h0m

9:30am

Biking Through Countryside

Rent a bike and pedal along quiet village lanes and riverbanks for authentic rural scenery; rentals available locally.

VND50,000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trang An Riverside

Eat fresh river fish and vegetable dishes at a riverside restaurant popular with travelers and locals.

VND150,000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Visit the large Bai Dinh complex — Vietnam's biggest Buddhist temple complex; open 7:00–17:30, allocate time for walking and photo stops.

VND30,000, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner & Relax

Return to Tam Coc and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local family-run restaurant; sample local rice wine if desired.

VND180,000, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 5: Transfer to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on May 14, 2026

7:00am

Transfer to Hanoi & Fly to Hue

Drive back to Hanoi (approx 2.5–3h) then catch a mid/late-morning flight to Hue (1h15m); flights frequent — book early for best fares.

VND1,200,000, 4h0m

1:30pm

Check-in & Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Check into a riverside hotel and try Hue royal cuisine (bun bo Hue or com hen) at a well-known local spot open lunchtime.

VND200,000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Imperial Citadel (Hue Royal Palace)

Explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, palaces and gates; open 8:00–17:00 with guided options to explain the Nguyen dynasty history.

VND200,000, 2h0m

5:30pm

Perfume River Boat Ride

Take a short boat trip on the Perfume River at sunset to view riverside pagodas and royal tombs from the water.

VND150,000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Dine on traditional Hue royal dishes in an atmospheric restaurant; many open through the evening.

VND300,000, 1h15m

Find Hotels in Hue

Day 6: Hue to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 15, 2026

8:00am

Drive the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An

Take a scenic private transfer or bus via the Hai Van Pass/Da Nang (approx 3h) with coastal viewpoints; stop at Lang Co beach en route.

VND800,000, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Hoi An Old Town

Arrive in Hoi An and enjoy Cao Lau or white rose dumplings at a popular Old Town restaurant; many open at midday.

VND120,000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hoi An Walking Tour

Wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town streets: Japanese Covered Bridge, assembly halls and riverside merchants; open all day though shops may close late evening.

VND80,000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Tailor Visit or Lantern Workshop

Get measured at a reputable tailor for next-day pickup or join a lantern-making workshop to craft a souvenir; many tailors and studios open till evening.

VND400,000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Enjoy refined central-Vietnam dishes and Hoi An specialties in a well-regarded restaurant in Old Town; reservations recommended.

VND300,000, 1h15m

8:30pm

Evening Lanterns on Thu Bon River

Release a paper lantern (optional) and watch the river glow — a quintessential Hoi An experience; best after sunset around 19:00–21:00.

VND50,000, 0h45m

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An Beach Day

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 16, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Reaching Out Teahouse

Enjoy a calm, sustainable breakfast served by a social-enterprise teahouse in the Old Town; open mornings.

VND250,000, 1h0m

9:30am

An Bang Beach Relaxation

Head to nearby An Bang Beach (10–15min drive) for sun, swimming and beachside cafes; beaches accessible all day.

VND0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Soul Kitchen (Beachside)

Have fresh seafood or salads by the sea with relaxed service; beach restaurants open through lunch.

VND200,000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Cooking Class (Optional)

Return for an afternoon cooking class focusing on Hoi An cuisine — most classes run 3–4 hours and include market visits.

VND800,000, 4h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Dine with a view of the river and creative Vietnamese dishes; popular spot open evenings.

VND350,000, 1h15m

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 8: Fly to Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam on May 17, 2026

8:30am

Transfer to Da Nang Airport & Fly

Short drive to Da Nang (30–45min) then fly to Nha Trang (Cam Ranh) ~1h10m; morning flights frequent—book ahead.

VND1,000,000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and coastal Vietnamese fare near Nha Trang beach; open for lunch.

VND200,000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax on Tran Phu Beach

Walk or sunbathe along the main beach promenade, swim, or take a short boat trip to nearby islands; beach accessible all day.

VND0, 2h30m

5:00pm

Po Nagar Cham Towers

Visit the historic Cham temple complex overlooking the river; open typically until sunset and offers cultural insight and photo ops.

VND22,000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Nha Trang Sailing Club

Dine seaside with international and Vietnamese dishes in a popular beachfront venue; open evenings and lively atmosphere.

VND400,000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Nha Trang

Day 9: Nha Trang → Dalat

Dalat, Vietnam on May 18, 2026

8:00am

Drive to Dalat

Take a scenic 3–4 hour drive up into the Central Highlands to Dalat (approx 3.5h); cooler climate offers a contrast to coastal heat.

VND600,000, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Chalet Dalat

Enjoy European-influenced dishes and local vegetables in Dalat's mild climate; open midday.

VND250,000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Crazy House & Dalat City Walk

Visit the whimsical architectonic 'Crazy House' and stroll Xuan Huong Lake and the flower park; most sites open till late afternoon.

VND60,000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Dalat Cable Car to Truc Lam Pagoda

Ride the cable car for panoramic valley views and visit the peaceful Truc Lam Zen Monastery; cable car runs until early evening.

VND100,000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nhà Hàng An Cafe

Try local mountain cuisine including grilled dishes and fresh produce in a cozy setting; open evenings.

VND200,000, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Dalat

Day 10: Dalat → Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 19, 2026

8:30am

Morning Market Visit (Dalat)

Visit Dalat's bustling central market for flowers, coffee and local handicrafts before departure; markets open early morning.

VND0, 1h0m

10:30am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short flight (approx 1h) to Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat); arrive midday and check into your district 1 hotel.

VND900,000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa Pasteur

Enjoy a classic bowl of pho at one of Saigon's famed vendors open for lunch and dinner.

VND150,000, 1h0m

2:30pm

War Remnants Museum & Reunification Palace

Visit the War Remnants Museum (open 7:30–18:00) then the Reunification Palace (open 7:30–16:00) for modern history context.

VND90,000, 2h30m

5:30pm

Saigon Notre-Dame & Central Post Office

See iconic French-colonial landmarks in central Saigon for photos; both sites open during daytime and accessible before evening.

VND0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cục Gạch Quán

Dine on traditional southern Vietnamese dishes in a charming, rustic restaurant popular with visitors; open evenings, reserve if possible.

VND350,000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Step 1 Outline Preview:

10-Day Vietnam May 2026: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Coastal & Cultural Loop

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

9:00am

10:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

8:45pm

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

7:00am

11:30am

3:00pm

6:30pm

9:00pm

Day 3: Halong → Ninh Binh

6:30am

9:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 4: Ninh Binh Sightseeing

7:00am

9:30am

12:30pm

2:30pm

6:30pm

Day 5: Transfer to Hue

7:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:30pm

7:30pm

Day 6: Hue to Hoi An

8:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

8:30pm

Day 7: Hoi An Beach Day

8:00am

9:30am

1:00pm

3:30pm

8:00pm

Day 8: Fly to Nha Trang

8:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 9: Nha Trang → Dalat

8:00am

12:00pm

2:00pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

Day 10: Dalat → Ho Chi Minh

8:30am

10:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

5:30pm

7:30pm

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