10 Days In Vietnam: Top 3 Itinerary Recommendations
One of the top travel destinations in Asia, Vietnam offers many experiences at exceptionally affordable prices, making it an ideal choice for an enthralling 10-day adventure. Although 10 days in Vietnam is just about enough to cover its popular highlights, including sightseeing pagodas in Hanoi and enthralling basket boat rides in Hoi An, you also have the liberty to slow down and immerse yourself in one particular region, more popularly, Northern Vietnam.
Spend your time trekking through minority villages in Sapa, cruising the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, or enjoying the bustling street food culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Want some inspiration for your 10-day Vietnam trip? Below are our top 3 recommended itineraries.
- Harry Davies
- From Canada
1. Guided Trip to Northern Vietnam: 9 days in Vietnam
| Day 1 | Start your trip in Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Take a boat ride in Ba Be Lake, then head to Na Hang |
| Day 3 | Embark on a trekking adventure in Ha Giang |
| Day 4 | Visit the Hmong King's Palace, then cross the dramatic passes to Dong Van |
| Day 5 | Stroll through Dong Van market, visit the French fortress Pu Lo, and spend a night in Cao Bang |
| Day 6 | Marvel at the cascading Ban Gioc Waterfall and the Nguom Ngao cave |
| Day 7 | Sail past mainland Ha Long Bay to reach the Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave |
| Day 8 | Explore the Cat Ba Island attractions, including Cat Ba National Park and Cat Ong Beach |
| Day 9 | End your trip in Hanoi |
If you want to spend about 10 days in Northern Vietnam, this active 9-day guided trip from Hanoi, covering the natural wonders and cultural heritage sites, is for you. Immerse yourself in the remote beauty of Ba Be National Park, trekking through ethnic minority villages and taking a boat ride on the serene Ba Be Lake. Venture into the rugged, mountainous province of Ha Giang, crossing dramatic high-altitude passes that offer stunning vistas of rice terraces and valleys. Visit historic sites like the Hmong King's Palace and French colonial forts. Marvel at natural attractions, including the powerful Ban Gioc Waterfall straddling the China-Vietnam border and the incredible karst scenery of Ha Long Bay with its towering limestone islands. Explore Cat Ba Island, discovering its national park, caves, beaches, and the floating village of Cai Beo.
With guided treks, cultural interactions, boat cruises, and some free time at places like Cat Ong Beach, this trip allows you to experience the great outdoors of Northern Vietnam while learning about the region's ethnic diversity and history. See all 9-day tours in Vietnam.
2. Traversing Central and Southern Vietnam: 10 Days in Vietnam
| Day 1 | Ho Chi Minh City Arrival |
| Day 2 | Sightsee the World War era Chu Chi Tunnels, then return to sightsee Ho Chi Minh landmarks |
| Day 3 | Spend some time in the floating market of Cai Be, then board the Mekong Delta Cruise |
| Day 4 | Fly to Nha Trang |
| Day 5 | Admire the cultural heritages of Nha Trang, including the Vietnam Oceanographic Institute and Long Son Pagoda |
| Day 6 | Enjoy a breezy island retreat in Nha Trang Bay |
| Day 7 | Fly to Danang for a Hoi An tour |
| Day 8 | Visit My Son Sanctuary, the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization |
| Day 9 | Enjoy a free day in Hoi An |
| Day 10 | Bid farewell to Vietnam from Hoi An |
This well-rounded 10-day Central and South Vietnam tour package captures the essence of these frequently-paired regions' natural, urban, and heritage appeals. Begin in Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the wartime Cu Chi Tunnels and French colonial landmarks. Then, hop on a Mekong Delta cruise and explore floating markets and fruit orchards. Fly to the beloved beach town of Nha Trang to bask in the sun, sand, and turquoise waters. Discover its cultural side via the Oceanographic Institute, Long Son Pagoda, and island hopping excursions. Continue to the Unesco-listed ancient trading port of Hoi An. Meander its charming lanes lined with Chinese temples and merchant homes. Opt for a Vietnamese cooking class on your final days in Hoi An or get lost in the town's enthralling ambiance before departing. See all 10-day tours in Vietnam.
3. Highlights of Vietnam: 11 Days in Vietnam
| Day 1 | Touch down at Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Catch an express train to Hue |
| Day 3 | Sightseeing tour of popular landmarks in Hue, including Thien Mu Pagoda and Dong Ba Market |
| Day 4 | Ride a bus to reach Hoi An |
| Day 5 | Cycle in Cam Kim Island to stop and mingle with locals in the Kim Bong carpentry village |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Nha Trang via bus |
| Day 7 | Snorkel and sunbathe at Mun Island (Ebony Island) |
| Day 8 | Head to Dalat |
| Day 9 | Take a motorcycle ride with your guide to the Truc Lam meditation center and see the beautiful Paradise Lake, Elephant Waterfall, and Linh An Pagoda |
| Day 10 | Explore Ho Chi Minh City and stop at food markets riding a scooter |
| Day 11 | Farewell Vietnam |
This 11-day itinerary covers all the must-see destinations for a first-time Vietnam trip. Arrive in Hanoi and join a cooking class and market tour to experience local culinary traditions. Board an overnight train to Hue and tour the Imperial Citadel, pagodas, and royal tombs. Continue by public bus to charming Hoi An, cycling through the countryside to Cam Kim Island and carpentry villages. From Hoi An, an overnight bus transports you to the coastal resort town of Nha Trang for a snorkeling excursion amid the islands and marine life of Nha Trang Bay. Travel overland by bus into the highlands to Dalat, exploring the scenic lakes, waterfalls, and pagodas by motorcycle with a guide. Cap off your journey in Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling economic capital. Taste your way through the city's famed street food scene by scooter, visiting markets and local haunts.
With a mix of trains, public buses, and two-wheelers, this well-rounded itinerary covers Vietnam's urban and natural attractions. Immerse yourself in the country's rich heritage, flavors, and landscapes from north to south. See all 11-day tours in Vietnam.
If you want to spend around 10 days in Vietnam, our three unique itineraries can be great choices. Alternatively, you can customize your dream Vietnam trip itinerary, and our travel experts will make it happen. For more ideas and information, read our Vietnam guide.
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