Vietnam 10-Day Itinerary: North to South Expedition

Planning a trip to Vietnam is an exciting endeavor, and with 10 days, you have a perfect window to explore the country’s diverse charm, from its bustling cities and serene natural wonders to its rich history and mouth-watering cuisine. This guide provides a meticulously crafted Vietnam itinerary 10 days designed for first-timers, ensuring you capture the essence of this incredible Southeast Asian nation.

Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, this itinerary balances iconic landmarks with authentic local experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the Vietnamese spirit.

Why 10 Days in Vietnam is Your Sweet Spot

Ten days offers an ideal timeframe to experience Vietnam without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It allows for seamless transitions between major regions – the historic North, the picturesque Central, and the vibrant South – providing a comprehensive yet comfortable pace. You’ll have enough time to delve deep into specific locations, savor local delights, and truly appreciate the country’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

The Optimal 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary: North to South Expedition

This itinerary takes you on a classic journey from the ancient capital in the North down to the bustling metropolis of the South, offering a fantastic blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and historical insights.

Day 1-3: Hanoi & The Northern Charms – History, Culture & Limestone Karsts

Your adventure begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital, a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with French colonial architecture.

Hoan Kiem Lake is Hanoi’s peaceful heart, steeped in legend and natural beauty. Photo: vinpearl

Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter & Historical Landmarks
- Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Check-in and soak in the atmosphere.
- Afternoon: Begin exploring the charming Old Quarter on foot. Wander through narrow streets named after the goods historically sold there (e.g., Hang Bac – Silver Street, Hang Gai – Silk Street).
- Late Afternoon: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi, and stroll across the iconic Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show – a unique Vietnamese art form – followed by a delightful street food tour. Don’t miss Phở, Bún Chả, and Egg Coffee.
Day 2: Hanoi’s Legacy & Grand Architecture
- Morning: Immerse yourself in history at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex (check opening times), which includes the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university.
- Afternoon: Explore the thought-provoking Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), offering insights into Vietnam’s wartime past. Consider a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
- Evening: Indulge in more local cuisine or relax at a café overlooking the lake.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay – A UNESCO Natural Wonder

Ha Long Bay dazzles with thousands of limestone islands and emerald waters. Photo: shutterstock

- Full Day: Embark on an unforgettable day trip (or consider an overnight cruise if your schedule allows a slight adjustment) to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the thousands of limestone karsts and islets rising from the emerald waters.
- Activities: Enjoy kayaking, exploring mystical caves like Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), swimming, and savoring fresh seafood on board. For a slightly different experience, consider Lan Ha Bay (adjacent to Ha Long Bay) or the land-based beauty of Ninh Binh (Tam Coc, Trang An) as alternatives if you prefer not to cruise.

Day 4-6: Central Vietnam – Imperial History & Ancient Town Charm

Fly from Hanoi (HAN) to Da Nang International Airport (DAD), your gateway to Central Vietnam’s treasures.

Day 4: Da Nang – Coastal City Charm & Mountain Views

Your day starts with a direct flight to Da Nang, focusing purely on this vibrant coastal city.

Enjoy My Khe Beach, Da Nang’s beautiful sandy haven for swimming. Photo: vietnamtour

Morning: Arrival in Da Nang & Beach Bliss
- Take a short flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (DAD).
- Upon arrival, transfer directly to your hotel in Da Nang.
- Head straight to My Khe Beach, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches. Relax, soak up the sun, or take a refreshing swim in the clear waters.
Afternoon: Linh Ung Pagoda & Son Tra Peninsula
- Visit Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain). This stunning pagoda is home to a towering Lady Buddha statue offering panoramic views of Da Nang city and the coastline.
- Explore the lush peninsula, keeping an eye out for the rare red-shanked douc langurs.
Evening: Dragon Bridge & Han River Delights
- Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant along the Han River.
- Stroll along the riverfront to admire the illuminated bridges. If it’s a Saturday or Sunday evening (9 PM), don’t miss the spectacular Dragon Bridge spitting fire and water – a true Da Nang highlight!

Day 5: Da Nang’s Natural Wonders & Journey to Hoi An

This day combines more natural exploration in Da Nang with the beautiful transfer to Hoi An.

Hoi An is an ancient town, charming with lanterns and rich history. hoiantravel

Morning: Marble Mountains Exploration
- Journey to Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), an impressive group of five limestone and marble formations. Delve into the fascinating caves, make your way up to the pagodas, and soak in the awe-inspiring panoramas from the high points. Huyen Khong Cave is particularly impressive.
- Browse the traditional stone carving village at the base of the mountains.
Afternoon: Scenic Drive to Hoi An Ancient Town
- Embark on a picturesque drive from Da Nang to Hoi An Ancient Town (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour). This shorter drive allows for more time to settle in.
- En route, you’ll still get a glimpse of the coastal scenery. If you’re keen on the full Hai Van Pass experience, you could arrange a private car or motorbike tour that specifically takes this longer, scenic route before heading to Hoi An, but it would add significant travel time.
Evening: Hoi An’s Lantern Magic & Culinary Delights
- Check into your hotel in Hoi An.
- As dusk falls, the ancient town illuminates with thousands of colorful lanterns. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the pedestrian-friendly streets.
- Savor delicious Hoi An street food like Cao Lau, White Rose dumplings, and Banh Mi for dinner.

Day 6: Hoi An Ancient Town & Beach Bliss
- Morning: Explore the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient houses, and local assembly halls. Consider a Vietnamese cooking class or getting custom-made clothing at one of Hoi An’s renowned tailors.
- Afternoon: Relax at An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, just a short bike ride or taxi away, enjoying the coastal breeze.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Hoi An, perhaps by the river, soaking in the magical atmosphere.

Day 7-10: Southern Vibrancy – Modern Metropolises & Mekong Delta Life

Fly from Da Nang (DAD) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street in HCMC is a vibrant hub for city life. Photo: tuoitre

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City’s History & Energy
- Morning: Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Transfer to your hotel in District 1.
- Afternoon: Immerse yourself in HCMC’s vibrant energy. Visit the War Remnants Museum for a powerful look at the Vietnam War. Then, explore the Reunification Palace (former Presidential Palace).
- Evening: Discover the French colonial architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Enjoy dinner in a rooftop restaurant overlooking the cityscape.
Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels – A Glimpse into the Past

Discover the intricate Cu Chi Tunnels, a wartime marvel. Photo: barbaralicious

- Morning/Afternoon: Take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war. This experience offers a profound understanding of the Vietnamese people’s tenacity and resourcefulness.
- Afternoon/Evening: Return to HCMC. Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and local snacks. Experience HCMC’s lively nightlife.
Day 9: Mekong Delta – Life on the Water
- Full Day: Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Experience life along the “rice bowl” of Vietnam. Take a sampan boat ride through narrow canals, visit local workshops (e.g., coconut candy), and explore fruit orchards.
- Highlight: A visit to a floating market (like Cai Rang if time permits, or a smaller local one) offers a unique glimpse into the bustling trade on the water.
- Evening: Return to HCMC for your final night. Enjoy a celebratory dinner.

The Mekong Delta offers unique river life and fruitful landscapes. Photo: vmtravel

Day 10: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning: Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping, revisit a favorite spot, or simply relax at a local coffee shop.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of Vietnam.

Alternative Itineraries & Special Interests

While the North-to-South journey is highly recommended for a first-timer, you can customize your 10 days in Vietnam:

South to North Itinerary: Simply reverse the flow, starting in Ho Chi Minh City and ending in Hanoi.
Focus on the North: If you prefer more trekking, extend your time in Sapa or explore less-visited areas like Ha Giang.
Central & South: Skip the far North if you’re keen on more beach time (e.g., Nha Trang, Mui Ne) or mountain retreats (Da Lat).
Luxury Itinerary: Opt for high-end resorts, private tours, and fine dining experiences throughout.

Essential Vietnam Travel Tips for Your 10-Day Adventure

Da Nang’s Golden Bridge is an iconic marvel held by giant hands. Danangnews

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, consider these practical tips:

1. Visa Requirements

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. Check the latest requirements for your country well in advance. An e-visa is often the most convenient option, applied for online before your trip.

2. Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam has a diverse climate. Generally, the spring (March-April) and autumn (September-November) months offer pleasant weather across most regions, making them ideal for travel. Summers (May-August) can be hot and humid, while winters (December-February) are cool in the North but warm in the South.

3. Transportation within Vietnam

Domestic Flights: Essential for covering long distances between North, Central, and South (e.g., Hanoi-Da Nang, Da Nang-HCMC). Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways operate frequent routes.
Trains: A scenic, albeit slower, option for inter-city travel (e.g., Hanoi-Hue).
Buses: Cost-effective for shorter distances or overnight travel, but comfort varies.
Local Transport: Use ride-hailing apps like Grab (for motorbikes and cars) for convenient and affordable travel within cities. Taxis are also readily available.

4. Budgeting Your Trip

HCMC’s War Remnants Museum powerfully portrays war’s impact. Photo: vietnamtravel

A 10-day trip to Vietnam can be tailored to various budgets.

Budget Travelers: USD $30-50 per day (hostels, street food, public transport).
Mid-Range Travelers: USD $70-120 per day (comfortable hotels, mix of local and mid-range restaurants, occasional tours).
Luxury Travelers: USD $150+ per day (boutique hotels, fine dining, private transfers, premium tours). Remember to account for flights, visas, and major activities separately. The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

5. Packing Essentials

Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must, especially in the warmer months. Include comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. A light rain jacket is also advisable.

6. Local Culture & Etiquette

Vietnamese people are generally friendly and hospitable.

Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas (shoulders and knees covered).
Remember to always remove your footwear before entering someone’s house or a temple.
Bargaining is common in markets, but do so respectfully.
Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you) – it goes a long way!

This Vietnam itinerary 10 days offers a balanced blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty. It minimizes travel time where possible by utilizing domestic flights, allowing more time for experiencing the destinations. By following this guide, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for Vietnam’s captivating charm, from the bustling street life of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of the Mekong Delta.

Ready to embark on your unforgettable journey? Start planning your 10-day Vietnam adventure today and discover why this vibrant country captures the hearts of travelers worldwide!