Vietnam in 10 Days: Classic Vietnam Itinerary
10 Days / 9 Nights · From USD 1,155 per person
A concise and well-balanced journey from north to south, created for travelers who want Vietnam's essential landscapes and cultural highlights in a comfortable ten-day route. This itinerary links Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ba Na Hills, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta with a mix of heritage, nature, local life, and relaxed discovery.
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Journey Overview
This ten-day Vietnam itinerary is designed as travel inspiration for guests who want a classic first introduction to the country without feeling overloaded. The journey begins in Hanoi, continues through the limestone scenery of Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay, then moves into Central Vietnam with Hoi An, Ba Na Hills, and Hue before ending in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.
The route combines cultural landmarks, a night on a traditional-style cruise, countryside cycling, the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, imperial Hue, colonial Saigon, and a gentle immersion into river life around Ben Tre. As with all VHT journeys, the final program can be tailored around your pace, dates, interests, and preferred accommodation style.
Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Follow the journey day by day while keeping the complete route in view. The map stays beside the itinerary on larger screens, helping each destination fit naturally into the full Vietnam story.
Day 1 - Hanoi Arrival
Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant thousand-year-old capital. After airport welcome and private transfer to your city-center hotel, the day is adjusted to your arrival time. If schedule allows, begin with Ly Thai To Square, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, the Old Quarter's traditional craft streets, Ma May ancient house, and a cyclo ride through the French Quarter, passing landmarks such as the Opera House, the Metropole, the State Bank, and the Central Post Office.
Day 2 - Hanoi City Tour
Spend the day discovering Hanoi's cultural and historical highlights. Visits may include the Temple of Literature, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and the famous Train Street area, where daily life unfolds close to the railway line. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet performance, one of northern Vietnam's most distinctive cultural arts. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3 - Hanoi - Ninh Binh
Travel to Ninh Binh, a region of limestone peaks, rivers, caves, and rice fields often described as Ha Long Bay on land. Visit Mount Mua and climb the stone steps for sweeping views over Tam Coc. Continue with a relaxed bicycle ride through villages and karst scenery, then take a sampan journey along the Ngo Dong River, passing beneath caves and through peaceful waterways. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 4 - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay
Depart for Ha Long Bay and board a traditional-style cruise. After a welcome from the crew, sail into the limestone seascape of Ha Long or Bai Tu Long Bay, with time to admire islands and islets, visit caves such as Thien Canh Son when included, kayak or swim depending on weather, and relax on deck. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board, with the evening free for rest or optional onboard activities.
Day 5 - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Hoi An
Wake early for sunrise over the bay and, when offered, a Tai Chi session on deck. Continue exploring by boat or kayak, with the possibility of visiting Vung Vieng fishing village and meeting local people. Disembark, return toward Hanoi, and transfer directly to the airport for the flight to Da Nang. On arrival, continue by road to Hoi An for overnight.
Day 6 - Hoi An Free Day
Enjoy a full free day to discover Hoi An at your own pace. You may explore the ancient town, Fujian Assembly Hall, Phuc Thanh Pagoda, the Japanese Covered Bridge, old merchant houses, museums, silk and lantern workshops, or the Precious Heritage Museum. There is also time for tailoring, craft shopping, countryside cycling, or relaxing on nearby beaches such as An Bang or Cua Dai when weather allows.
Day 7 - Hoi An - Ba Na Hills - Hue
Travel to Da Nang and continue to Ba Na Hills, known for its mountain setting, cable car, gardens, Linh Ung Temple, and the Golden Bridge supported by two giant stone hands. After time to enjoy the views and main sights, descend by cable car and continue overland to Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital. Overnight in Hue.
Day 8 - Hue City Tour - Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Discover Hue's imperial heritage, including the Imperial City, the former residence and ceremonial heart of the Nguyen kings. Continue to the Minh Mang Mausoleum, Thien Mu Pagoda or the peaceful Tu Hieu Pagoda, and Dong Ba Market, known for local specialties and traditional goods. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 9 - Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre - Ho Chi Minh City
Travel into the Mekong Delta to Ben Tre, a province known for coconut groves, waterways, and rural river life. Explore by boat through small canals and rivers, visit local workshops such as brick kilns and coconut-product producers, taste seasonal fruit and honey tea, and continue by bicycle or xe loi through shaded village paths. A small rowing boat journey through palm-lined waterways offers a close look at daily life in the delta before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Departure
Begin with an orientation tour of central Ho Chi Minh City, including Ben Thanh Market and the former City Hall area, one of Saigon's notable colonial landmarks. Continue into traditional Saigon with the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, then explore Cho Lon Chinatown and Thien Hau Temple when time allows. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.
Private Tailor-Made Journey
Please note: This itinerary is provided as travel inspiration and illustrates one of the many ways to experience Vietnam. At Vietnam Holiday Tours, we specialize in private, tailor-made journeys rather than fixed, off-the-shelf tour packages. Every itinerary is individually designed around your travel dates, interests, budget, preferred pace, accommodation style, and special requests.
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Start planning with Vietnam Holiday Tours and we will tailor the route, pace, hotels, experiences, and special moments around your travel style.
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