Comprehensive 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary: From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

Day 1: Explore Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'Usine

Enjoy a delicious breakfast in this chic café offering French-style coffee and pastries, a local favorite known for its cozy ambiance and quality food.
VND150000, 1h

9:30am

War Remnants Museum

Browse through compelling exhibits about the Vietnam War providing deep insight into Vietnamese history and the consequences of the conflict.
VND40000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor authentic Pho, Vietnam’s signature noodle soup, at one of Ho Chi Minh’s most famous and reputable pho restaurants.
VND55000, 1h

1:30pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Visit this iconic red brick cathedral built during French colonization, a beautiful example of neo-Romanesque architecture in the heart of the city.
Free, 30m

2:15pm

Ben Thanh Market

Explore this bustling market filled with local handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and street food stalls offering authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Free to browse, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at a Rooftop Bar

Unwind with a sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar like Chill Skybar, offering panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City skyline.
VND150000+, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine on traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming, rustic setting with excellent service and an authentic feel.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Discover Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Espresso Station

Start your day with rich coffee and a tasty breakfast at this popular spot known for quality beans and a hip vibe.
VND80000, 1h

8:30am

Old Town Walking Tour

Wander the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town with its well-preserved architecture, charming lanterns, and historical temples.
VND120000 (ticket for entry to sites), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Relish regional specialties in a cozy restaurant offering classics like Cao Lau noodles and fresh seafood.
VND150000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Explore this iconic 18th-century bridge symbolizing Hoi An’s history of cultural exchange between East and West.
Included in Old Town ticket, 30m

2:15pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on this beautiful beach nearby with golden sand and gentle waves.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Cargo Club

Enjoy dinner at this elegant restaurant known for its fusion Vietnamese and Western cuisine along the riverfront.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Explore Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cong Caphe

Sip on traditional Vietnamese coffee with a twist at this retro-themed café popular with locals and tourists alike.
VND70000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Marble Mountains

Climb and explore five marble and limestone hills with pagodas, caves, and panoramic views over Da Nang.
VND40000, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Ba Duong

Try Mi Quang, a famous local noodle dish, at this popular casual eatery favored by locals.
VND70000, 1h

1:00pm

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend the afternoon at one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Dragon Bridge

Watch the famous Dragon Bridge light show and fire-breathing display on weekend evenings, a unique city landmark.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Madame Lan

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a charming setting and local flavors, highly rated for seafood dishes.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Adventure Phong Nha

Phong Nha, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start early with a light breakfast at your accommodation or nearby cafe preparing for an active day of cave exploration.
VND50000, 1h

8:00am

Phong Nha Cave Tour

Take a boat ride into the spectacular Phong Nha Cave inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park showcasing limestone formations.
VND200000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chay Garden Restaurant

Enjoy healthy vegetarian dishes with fresh local ingredients in a peaceful garden setting near the park.
VND120000, 1h

1:30pm

Paradise Cave Visit

Explore one of the largest dry caves in Asia featuring mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites on a guided walk.
VND150000, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Dark Cave (optional adventurous activity)

Experience ziplining, swimming, and kayaking inside Dark Cave for an adrenaline rush; open until 5pm.
VND300000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chay Garden or local eatery

Relax with a local Vietnamese meal or continue with vegetarian specialties to end a full day.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Cruise Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick hotel breakfast before heading to Ha Long Bay for a scenic cruise.
VND50000, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Ha Long Bay and Board Cruise

Travel from Hanoi area to Ha Long Bay and board a luxury boat for the famous bay cruise with limestone karsts and islands.
USD90 approx, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch on board

Feast on fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes while cruising through breathtaking natural landscapes.
Included in cruise price, 1h

4:00pm

Kayaking or Cave Visits

Engage in optional activities such as kayaking or explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave on the cruise's itinerary.
Usually included or small fee, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner on board

Enjoy sunset dining with a variety of Vietnamese and international cuisine amidst stunning bay views.
Included in cruise price, 1h30m

Overnight

Stay Overnight on Boat

Experience sleeping on the bay to fully enjoy the serene environment and early morning views.
Included in cruise package, N/A
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Day 6: Explore Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on the boat or local café

Start with breakfast onboard or upon arrival at local café in Ninh Binh.
VND50000, 1h

8:30am

Visit Tam Coc - 'Halong Bay on Land'

Take a scenic sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone karsts at Tam Coc for about 2 hours.
VND150000, 2h

11:00am

Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit this serene pagoda complex built into limestone cliffs nearby Tam Coc with stunning views.
VND20000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese countryside dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients.
VND100000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Trang An Landscape Complex

A UNESCO site with boat tours through beautiful caves and limestone mountains; great for afternoon exploration.
VND200000, 2h30m

5:00pm

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Explore the historic capital of Vietnam with ancient temples and cultural heritage before sunset.
VND20000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Long Restaurant

Dine on regional dishes in a well-reviewed restaurant in the center of Ninh Binh town.
VND120000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel to Sa Pa

Sa Pa, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before departing for Sa Pa via morning train or bus from Hanoi area.
VND50000, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Sa Pa

Take an organized bus or train ride northward crossing mountainous terrain; travel times 5-6 hours.
VND300000, 6h

2:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive at Sa Pa, check into your hotel and rest after the journey preparing for next day’s activities.
Varies, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Sa Pa Market and Town Center

Explore the vibrant market and local shops with cultural handicrafts from ethnic minority groups.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Little View Restaurant

Enjoy local specialties like grilled meats and mountain herbs in a cozy setting with views.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Trek Sa Pa Mountains

Sa Pa, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a day trekking with local guides through valleys and hill tribe villages.
Included or VND50000, 1h

8:00am

Guided Trekking to Cat Cat Village

Explore traditional H'mong village with waterfalls, rice terraces, and cultural experience on scenic trails.
Guide fee VND300000 approx., 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at local mountain restaurant

Taste mountain cuisine with fresh herbs and grilled dishes overlooking pristine landscapes.
VND100000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Silver Waterfall and Tram Ton Pass

Over afternoon visit notable natural attractions with stunning views including the highest pass in Vietnam.
VND30000, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Sa Pa

Head back to town to relax after an active day of trekking and sightseeing.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nature Bar & Grill

Enjoy a laid-back meal with Vietnamese and fusion dishes served in a garden setting.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departing Sa Pa to Hanoi.
VND50000, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Hanoi

Take an early morning bus or train back to Hanoi; approx 6-7 hours travel time.
VND300000, 7h

3:30pm

Check-in hotel and rest

Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel for some well-deserved rest.
Varies, 2h

6:00pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a gentle stroll around the picturesque lake and visit the temple on an island accessible by red bridge.
VND30000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Hanoi dish Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles, popularized worldwide.
VND80000, 1h
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Day 10: Explore Hanoi City

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the original egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty, in one of the city’s oldest cafes.
VND50000, 1h

8:30am

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Tour the monumental site honoring Vietnam’s founding father; opens 8am-11am except Monday and Friday.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Explore Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university and a well-preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
VND30000, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Sample a variety of authentic Vietnamese street food dishes served in a comfortable setting.
VND150000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Old Quarter by Cyclo

Take a traditional cyclo ride exploring winding streets filled with shops, markets, and historic sites.
VND150000, 2h

4:00pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater

Experience the traditional Vietnamese art form of water puppetry in a historic theater; shows run from 3pm and 5pm.
VND100000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Conclude the trip with a signature Hanoi dish of grilled turmeric fish served with herbs and noodles.
VND200000, 1h30m
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