Perfect 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Most Vietnam itineraries rush through Ha Long Bay, Hội An, and Huế without truly connecting you to the country’s spirit. They skip firsthand insights, real costs, and the thrill of motorbiking over Gia Bắc Pass or enjoying đờn ca tài tử in the Mekong. This 10 day Vietnam itinerary changes that. It’s built from real journeys—phượt, road trips, and deep cultural dives—offering a grounded, unforgettable experience. Expect more than just sights: expect stories.

1. Vietnam in 10 Days: What You Can Truly See Without Rushing

A thoughtful route covering:

• 4 regions (South, Central Highlands, South-Central Coast, Central)
• 8 iconic cities
• 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• 1 French colonial hill town

Quick loop preview:
Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Mui Ne – Da Lat – Nha Trang – Da Nang – Hoi An – Hue

2. Perfect 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Echoes of War and Modern Pulse

Morning

• Land in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Check in near District 1 (budget hotel: $30–$50/night).
• Visit Independence Palace – tip: ask for a guide to show the basement war room (often skipped).
• Walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office—iconic French colonial architecture.

Afternoon

• Guided Saigon War Relics Walk (Cu Chi soldier's stories, hidden bunkers): ~$20/person (2 hrs).
• Street food: Try bánh tráng nướng, cơm tấm (~$2–3/meal).

Evening

• Rooftop drink: Chill Skybar or Secret Garden. Optional nightlife in Bùi Viện.

Day 2: Day Trip to the Mekong Delta – My Tho & Ben Tre

Morning

• Depart 7:30AM for My Tho (1.5h drive).
• Cruise the Tiền River, visit Thới Sơn islet. Paddle sampan boat through nipa palm canals.

Afternoon

• Visit a coconut candy workshop + taste trà mật ong + đờn ca tài tử (UNESCO-recognized).
• Lunch on island (grilled elephant ear fish + cơm chiên trái thơm): ~$7–10.

Evening

• Return to HCMC ~17:00. Rest or light pho dinner.

Day 3: Mui Ne – Sand Dunes, Sea Breeze, Local Life

Morning

• Bus or motorbike to Mui Ne (4.5h via QL1A or Phan Thiết train transfer).
• Check-in seaside guesthouse: ~$20–$40.

Afternoon

• Explore Suối Tiên canyon on foot (free entry), ride to fishing village at sunset.
• Option: Rent a bike (~100,000 VND/day) or join a sunset jeep dune tour (~250,000 VND/person).

Evening

• Dinner at local seafood quán – try grilled scallops with green onion oil (~80,000 VND/plate).

Day 4: Mui Ne to Da Lat – Coastal Curve to Pine Forest

Morning

• Scenic drive via Gia Bắc Pass (~3.5h; 155 km). Stop at lookout points for photos.

Afternoon

• Visit Trúc Lâm Monastery, Tuyền Lâm Lake.
• Explore French villas in Da Lat’s colonial zone.

Evening

• Stay near central market (~$25–$50). Enjoy hotpot with mustard greens at Lẩu gà lá é Tao Ngộ.

Day 5: Da Lat – Mountains, Markets & Minorities

Morning

• Visit Crazy House, Da Lat Railway Station, and Dinh Bảo Đại.
• Optional: Short trek in Langbiang foothills (book local guide: ~300,000 VND).

Afternoon

• Local minority market (if weekend). Coffee at Mê Linh Garden (roastery with valley view).

Evening

• Try Da Lat wine and bánh tráng nướng at the Night Market.

Day 6: Nha Trang – Island Hopping & Ocean Air

Morning

• Depart Da Lat to Nha Trang by private car or shuttle (3.5h).
• Check in near Tran Phu Beach (~$30–$60).

Afternoon

• Join 4-island tour (Hòn Mun, Hòn Một, Floating Raft Lunch, Bãi Tranh): ~$18–25.
• Optional snorkeling (+$10).

Evening

• Explore Night Market, taste nem nướng Ninh Hòa, or fresh sea snails.

Day 7: Da Nang Arrival – Bridges & Mountain Breeze

Morning

• Flight/train to Da Nang (1h flight or 8h train from Nha Trang).
• Visit Linh Ứng Pagoda and the Son Tra Peninsula (monkeys, panoramic views).

Afternoon

• Dip at Mỹ Khê Beach or relax at cafe near Han River.

Evening

• Dinner cruise or watch Dragon Bridge show (weekends, 9PM). Stay near river (~$40–70).

Day 8: Ba Na Hills & Hội An – Fairy Tales and Lanterns

Morning

• Depart early to Ba Na Hills. Round-trip cable car ticket: ~850,000 VND.
• Visit Golden Bridge, French village, gardens.

Afternoon

• Travel to Hội An (~1.5h). Stroll through lantern-lit Old Town.
• Visit Japanese Bridge, Phúc Kiến Assembly Hall.

Evening

• Dinner with Cao Lầu, white rose dumplings, and bánh đập at quán locals love.
• Stay in Hội An Ancient Town (~$30–$70).

Day 9: Hue – Imperial Glory and River Stories

Morning

• Drive over Hải Vân Pass (~3.5h Hội An to Hue).
• Visit Đại Nội (Imperial City), Hiển Lâm Các, Cửu Đỉnh.

Afternoon

• Lunch with bún bò Huế. Explore Thiên Mụ Pagoda, then Khải Định Mausoleum.

Evening

• Optional: Night cruise with Ca Huế live performance (~100,000 VND).
• Stay near Perfume River (~$30–$50).

Day 10: Departure or Bonus Extension

Morning

• Fly from Hue or Da Nang.
• Or extend 3–4 days to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng – a UNESCO world heritage site featuring Hang Sơn Đoòng, world’s largest cave.

3. Packing for 10 Days: What You’ll Regret Not Bringing

After years of cross-country travel—by sleeper bus, train, motorbike, and Grab—we’ve compiled this must-pack gear list:

Essentials for All Travelers

• Hydration tablets (Dai Viet summer is brutal)
• Offline Google Maps (download per region before you go)
• Power bank (10,000 mAh min)
• Travel Insurance PDF (on phone)
• Raincoat or poncho (especially in Tam Coc season—check Tam Coc weather before you go)

Overlooked but Crucial

• Sarong: temple visits (e.g., Thien Mu Pagoda) or beach lounging
• Padlock: hostel lockers vary
• Basic Vietnamese phrases printed or saved:
  "Bao nhiêu tiền?" (How much?), "Không lấy túi nhựa" (No plastic bag), "Cảm ơn"

4. Customizing This Vietnam Itinerary for Different Travelers

For Students on Holiday

• Focus: Street food, cultural walks, night markets
• Skip: Expensive islands or Ba Na Hills
• Bonus: Add a local volunteering day in Da Nang (e.g., Teach English, beach cleanups)

For Expats in Asia on Short Leave

• Focus: Wellness + comfort
• Hotels: 3-star+ with rooftop pools (Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City)
• Add: Cooking class, hot spring spa (Hue or Quang Binh)

For Families with Teens

• Balance: Museums + beaches + fun
• Add: Cable car to Ba Na Hills, Hội An lantern making
• Tip: Book Hue’s Imperial City + River Tour as a day trip for ease

For Adventure Travelers

• Extension: From Hue to Phong Nha caves or Ha Giang loop
• Add-on: Guided trekking in Pu Luong or motorbike loop in Northern Vietnam in 8 days
• Best months: March–May and Sept–Nov for cool, dry Tam Coc weather

5. Final Tips Before You Go

Transit Tools

• Grab works in all major cities—cash or Momo/ZaloPay
• 12Go.Asia for intercity transport booking
• E-wallets (Momo, ZaloPay): Preload in HCMC or Hanoi with local help

Connectivity

• SIM card: Viettel or MobiFone (~150,000 VND for 10GB)
• Power: 220V, Type A/C outlets

Etiquette Basics

• Always remove shoes indoors (especially homestays)
• Dress modestly in temples
• Avoid political conversations, especially about the war

6. Conclusion

If you're planning your first 10 day Vietnam itinerary, don’t settle for cookie-cutter tours. Go beyond postcard views and dive into real encounters—from the misty peaks of Đà Lạt to the lantern-lit charm of Hội An. Whether you're on a student budget or a comfort-seeking traveler, this Vietnam 10 day travel itinerary gives you the tools, stories, and routes to make your journey unforgettable. Ready to turn your ten days in Vietnam into something truly personal? Your deeper adventure starts now—see more with our Vietnam travel itinerary, or explore Seven Days of Central Vietnam and Northern Vietnam in 8 days for your next trip.