10 Days In Vietnam: Detailed Itinerary & Travel Tips For 2025

Not sure what to do with 10 days in Vietnam? We’ve got you covered with the exact itinerary you need—where to go, what to eat, and how to travel smart from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. No fluff, just practical tips for a seamless Vietnam 10 day travel itinerary. Let's explore in the following post with Vietpower Travel!

1. Essential Overview: Your Vietnam 10 Day Travel Itinerary 2025

Suggested Route: North to South (Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hue → Hoi An → Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta). If you prefer fewer flights, reverse the order or skip internal flights in favor of scenic train routes.

Transport Options:

• Domestic flights for long hauls (e.g., Hanoi to Hue, approx. 1h15m)
• Sleeper buses (Ninh Binh to Ha Long, Hue to Hoi An)
• Scenic train rides between Da Nang and Hue—one of the most beautiful rail routes in Southeast Asia
• Short boat rides and day tours in Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta

Budget Forecast:

• Backpacker (hostel + street food):
  $40–$60 per day → approximately 1,016,000 – 1,524,000 VND/day
• Mid-range (3-star hotels + 1–2 domestic flights):
  $90–$120 per day → approximately 2,286,000 – 3,048,000 VND/day
• Premium (4-star hotels + private guide & transport):
  $160–$250 per day → approximately 4,064,000 – 6,350,000 VND/day

Best Season to Visit Vietnam:

• March–May: Dry season, great for beach days and city walks.
• October–early December: Clear skies in the North, cooler weather in the South.

You can find more useful information in our Vietnam travel tips and review category. Explore detailed guides, helpful advice, and authentic travel experiences to help you plan your trip with confidence.

2. Day 1–2: Hanoi – Where Heritage Meets Heartbeat

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital, where the smell of traditional Vietnamese grilled pork fills the air, ancient banyan trees lean over French-era villas, and motorbikes swirl through the maze-like streets of the Old Quarter.

Top Places to Visit:

• Hoan Kiem Lake – perfect for morning walks and tai chi spotting
• Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070
• The historic Ba Dinh Square with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• The colorful Dong Xuan Market and Train Street for snapshots of daily life

Must-Try Food:

• Bún chả: grilled pork with noodles and herbs
• Egg coffee at a rooftop café near the cathedral
• And of course, pho hanoi, the rich beef noodle soup that defines breakfast here

Best Experiences:

• A cyclo ride around the Old Quarter at dusk (approx. 7.87 USD ~200,000 VND for 45 minutes)
• Water puppet show at Thang Long Theater (tickets 5.91 USD ~150,000 VND)
• Street food tasting tour in the evening—explore dishes like bánh cuốn and nem rán

Expert Tips:

• Avoid peak traffic hours (7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–6:30 PM)
• Use Grab for safe and easy transport
• Currency exchange: The best rates in Hanoi are around Hà Trung Street—not at the airport
• Don’t forget your vietnam plug type is Type A/C, 220V. Pack a universal adapter if needed.

If you're planning to continue your 10 day vietnam itinerary through central Vietnam, don’t skip the food haven in Hoi An. Booking a guided hoi an food tour offers authentic tastings of cao lầu, white rose dumplings, and a peek into local kitchens.

3. Day 3: Ninh Binh – Majestic Landscapes of Vietnam’s Inland Ha Long Bay

On your third day of the 10 days in Vietnam journey, it’s time to trade bustling streets for tranquil river valleys. Just a 2-hour limousine transfer (from reputable providers like Eco Sapa or Ninh Binh Transfer) south of Hanoi, you’ll find Ninh Binh – a cinematic wonderland where limestone karsts, lush rice fields, and ancient temples define every frame.

Top Experiences in Ninh Binh:

• Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: A UNESCO site famous for its boat rides through emerald waters, mysterious caves, and towering cliffs. Choose between 3 routes (2.5–3 hours). Tickets: 9.84 USD ~ 250,000 VND/adult.
• Tam Coc: Often called the “Ha Long Bay on Land,” enjoy a hand-rowed boat trip (~200,000 VND) gliding past rice paddies and karst towers.
• Mua Cave (Hang Múa): Climb nearly 500 stone steps to the iconic dragon statue and panoramic views—ideal around 4:30 PM for golden hour.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda: Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complex, featuring a 13-story stupa and a 10-meter bronze Buddha. Don’t skip the electric buggy ride (30,000 VND).

Should You Stay Overnight?
Absolutely—if time allows. Ninh Binh comes alive at dawn, and homestays like Tam Coc Garden or Chez Loan offer authentic, peaceful nights.

4. Day 4–5: Ha Long Bay – Cruise Through the World’s Natural Wonder

Day 4 of your 10 day Vietnam itinerary brings you to the famed Ha Long Bay, a masterpiece of emerald waters and nearly 2,000 limestone islands. Skip the generic tours—opt for an overnight cruise that includes kayaking, cooking classes, and a sunrise you’ll never forget.

Recommended Cruise Types:

• Luxury (Paradise Elegance, Orchid Cruises):
  ~$220–$280 per person → approximately 5,588,000 – 7,112,000 VND
• Mid-range (La Pandora, Syrena Cruises):
  ~$140–$170 → approximately 3,556,000 – 4,318,000 VND
• Backpacker-friendly (Cozy Bay, Apricot Cruises):
  ~$90–$120 → approximately 2,286,000 – 3,048,000 VND

Activities Onboard:

• Kayaking through floating fishing villages like Vung Vieng
• Cooking classes onboard: learn how to roll fresh gỏi cuốn (spring rolls)
• Morning tai chi on deck with the rising sun
• Squid fishing in the evening (seasonal)

Logistics Tip:
Depart early from Hanoi (7:00–8:00 AM), check-in at Tuan Chau Marina, and return around 3:00 PM the next day. Then transfer directly to Hanoi airport or opt for a night in Ha Long City before flying to Hue.

Discover more posts on the same topic to gain valuable insights, useful advice, and reviews that make your Vietnam journey smoother and more enjoyable:

• How Many Days Is Enough For Ho Chi Minh City 2025?
• What to Do in 3 Days in Hanoi Vietnam? A Local Plan

5. Day 6: Hue – A Journey into Imperial Grandeur

Fly from Hanoi or Cat Bi Airport to Hue (flight time: ~1h10m). Welcome to the former imperial capital of Vietnam—where ancient dynasties, imperial tombs, and palatial citadels transport you back centuries.

Must-See Sights in Hue:

• Imperial City (Đại Nội): Walk through the UNESCO-listed royal compound with towering gates, temples, and the Forbidden Purple City.
• Tomb of Khai Dinh: A surreal fusion of Vietnamese architecture and European Gothic influences. Entry: 5.91 USD  ≈ 150,000 VND.
• Thien Mu Pagoda: Set along the Perfume River, this serene Buddhist site is perfect for sunset photos.

Local Delights:

• Try bun bo Hue, a spicy lemongrass beef noodle soup richer than pho hanoi
• Banh beo and che cung dinh (imperial sweet soup) at Hanh Restaurant or Dong Ba Market

Getting Around:

• Renting a motorbike 3.94–5.91 USD/day (100,000–150,000 VND/day) is fun if you're experienced. For comfort and safety, GrabCar or taxis are recommended—especially under the intense midday sun.

6. Day 7–8: Hoi An – Ancient Town Charm Meets Beachside Bliss

As your 10 days in Vietnam journey continues southward, welcome to Hoi An—a magical blend of ancient lantern-lit streets, traditional tailors, peaceful countryside, and sun-kissed beaches. Travel from Hue to Hoi An by either train to Da Nang (a scenic 2.5-hour ride hugging the coastline) followed by a 45-minute transfer, or book a private car for added flexibility.

Hoi An Highlights You Can’t Miss:

• Wander the ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage site glowing with yellow-washed merchant houses and colorful silk lanterns
• Release a floating lantern on the Thu Bon River in the evening (10,000–20,000 VND per lantern)
• Take a bicycle through Tra Que vegetable village, just 3km from the old quarter, to see traditional fishing villages and even join a farming class
• Design your own ao dai or suit with 24-hour tailoring at shops like Bebe, Yaly, or Lana

For beach lovers:

• Head to An Bang Beach—rent a sunbed for 1.97 USD~50,000 VND, sip a coconut, and enjoy fresh seafood by the waves
• For ultimate relaxation, consider beach resorts like Victoria Hoi An or the boutique Hoi An Chic Hotel

Pro Tip:
Plan a boat ride just before sunset and have dinner on the riverside with views of the lit-up lantern bridge. If you’re hungry for deeper cultural flavors, book a cooking class or an authentic hoi an food tour with local guides who’ll take you straight into the kitchens of Hoi An’s best food artisans.

7. Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – The Pulse of Modern Vietnam

Get ready to switch gears. Day 9 brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, the nation’s economic powerhouse where skyscrapers soar over French colonial buildings, and history meets hustle.

Must-Visit Sites in Saigon:

• Independence Palace: Learn about the end of the Vietnam War through this preserved time capsule
• Central Post Office & Notre-Dame Cathedral: Iconic remnants of colonial architecture built in the late 1800s
• Ben Thanh Market: Ideal for souvenirs, bargaining, and bold flavors

Evening Experiences:

• Enjoy a drink at Bitexco Tower’s rooftop bar with panoramic skyline views
• Explore Bui Vien Street (known as Saigon’s backpacker hub) for live music, BBQ skewers, and lively street scenes

Street Food to Try:

• Banh mi Huynh Hoa 1.57–2.36 USD (40,000–60,000 VND for a stuffed sandwich)
• Hu tieu Nam Vang – southern-style pork noodle soup
• Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk—thick, bold, and unforgettable

For a deeper dive, take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a haunting yet fascinating network of underground hideouts used during the war.

Continue exploring similar posts to learn more about Vietnam travel tips, recommendations, and firsthand experiences from travelers:

• Vietnam Itinerary: How Many Days in Vietnam?
• Perfect 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

8. Day 10: Mekong Delta or Cultural Deep Dive?

The final day of your Vietnam 10 day travel itinerary offers two incredible options, depending on your style of exploration.

Option 1: Mekong Delta Day Tour

• Depart early (6:30–7:00 AM) on a guided boat trip to Cai Rang floating market
• Visit lush fruit orchards, sample tropical delights, and have lunch with a local family—try cá lóc nướng trui (grilled snakehead fish)
• Cost: 25.59–37.40 USD~650,000–950,000 VND per person for a full-day group tour

Option 2: Cultural Extension in Ho Chi Minh City

• Visit traditional Vietnamese craft villages
• Explore the War Remnants Museum for a sobering perspective
• Or join a motorbike street food tour with young locals who know the best hidden gems

9. Travel Tips to Maximize Your 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary

How to Move Efficiently Across Regions:
Use domestic flights for major jumps (e.g., Hanoi → Hue), and trains for da nang to hue or scenic coastline routes. Bus apps like Vexere or 12Go help book seats in advance.

Booking Budget Transport in Vietnam

• Train tickets:
  ~200,000–1,000,000 VND → approximately 7.87–39.37 USD, depending on class and route
• Flights (Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways):
  ~40–70 USD per leg → approximately 1,016,000 – 1,778,000 VND if booked early
• Sleeper buses (long-distance routes):
  ~250,000–350,000 VND → approximately 9.84–13.78 USD

Must-Have Apps for Your Trip to Vietnam

• Google Maps (with offline areas downloaded)
• Grab for rides and food delivery
• Booking.com and Agoda for hotel deals
• Translate apps for quick communication

Cultural Know-How for First Timers

• Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or temple
• Avoid touching anyone’s head—it’s considered sacred
• Bargaining is expected in markets, but do so politely
• Tipping is not required but appreciated (10–15% in nicer restaurants)

10. Conclusion

This ten days in Vietnam guide is just a starting point—customizable, expandable, and enriched with local wisdom. Whether you're here for the street food, the history, or the peaceful countrysides, we hope your 10 day Vietnam itinerary delivers moments you’ll carry forever. You can find more practical guides and honest experiences in our Vietnam travel tips and review category. Learn from real travelers, prepare for your adventure, and let Vietpower Travel help you turn your plans into a seamless and memorable tour.