10 days · updated October 2026
10 Day Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
- The route
- Hanoi (2 nights) → Ninh Binh (1) → Lan Ha Bay cruise (1) → Hoi An (3) → Ho Chi Minh City (2)
- The cost
- For two people, expect roughly $2,400–$4,500 excluding international flights, depending on hotel level, cruise cabin and private transfers.
This 10-day Vietnam itinerary is for a first trip that wants the big contrasts without turning every day into a transfer day. It starts in Hanoi, moves through Ninh Binh and Lan Ha Bay, slows down in Hoi An, then finishes in Ho Chi Minh City.
The route works best as an open-jaw trip: fly into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City. You use one domestic flight from northern Vietnam to Da Nang, then another from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.
It leaves out Sapa, Phong Nha, Ha Giang and Phu Quoc because each needs more time than a 10-day trip can spare. This plan gives you old quarters, limestone landscapes, a bay cruise, central coast food and the south without cramming in too many bases.
Day 1 · Hanoi
DirectionsArrive at Noi Bai International Airport and keep the first day gentle. The drive into Hanoi usually takes 40–60 minutes, so plan for a museum, a lake walk and one proper dinner rather than a full sightseeing day.
Afternoon
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Cau Giay, Hanoi
This is one of Hanoi’s best introductions to Vietnam’s ethnic groups, especially if your trip does not include the northern mountains. Go by taxi from the airport hotel route and skip it if your flight lands late.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
A walk here helps you reset after the flight and puts you right on the edge of the Old Quarter. Visit before dinner when the heat drops and the lakefront is busy with local life.
Tickets & toursEvening
Chả Cá Thăng Long
Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Go for Hanoi’s turmeric fish with dill, cooked at the table and easy to enjoy on a first night. Book or arrive early because tables turn fast at peak dinner time.
Day 2 · Hanoi
DirectionsSpend a full day in Hanoi’s core, mixing the city’s main historic sights with a classic northern lunch and an evening show. Distances are short, but traffic makes taxis slower than they look on a map.
Morning
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
Ba Dinh, Hanoi
This is the city’s most important modern political site and gives useful context for the rest of the trip. Go early, dress modestly and check ahead because access can change for official events.
Tickets & tours
Morning
Temple of Literature
Dong Da, Hanoi
The courtyards and stone steles make this one of Hanoi’s most satisfying historic stops. Visit after the mausoleum and allow time for school groups and graduation photos.
Tickets & tours
Midday
Bún Chả Hương Liên
Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
This is a straightforward place for bún chả, the grilled pork and noodle dish Hanoi does especially well. Lunch is busiest, so go a little before noon or after the main rush.
Evening
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
The short show is touristy but genuinely rooted in northern folk performance. Buy tickets earlier in the day or online, especially for evening shows near the lake.
Tickets & tours
Day 3 · Ninh Binh
DirectionsLeave Hanoi after breakfast for Ninh Binh, about 2–2.5 hours by private car or limousine van. The afternoon focuses on Trang An’s boat route and the viewpoints around Tam Coc, so you get the landscape without rushing.
Morning
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
This former capital gives Ninh Binh historical weight beyond the scenery. Stop here on the way in from Hanoi and bring sun protection, as shade is limited in the open courtyards.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Tràng An Landscape Complex
Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
The rowboat routes pass through caves and between limestone towers, and the scenery feels less cramped than some busier alternatives. Go after lunch or very early, and bring cash for the boat ticket.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Hang Múa Ecolodge
Ninh Xuan, Ninh Binh
The climb above the rice fields is steep but gives the best wide view of Tam Coc’s limestone landscape. Wear shoes with grip and avoid the hottest part of the afternoon if you can.
Tickets & tours
Evening
Chookie's Beer Garden
Tam Coc, Ninh Binh
This relaxed garden restaurant is useful after a long outdoor day and has enough choice for mixed appetites. Book ahead in high season or ask your hotel to call if you want a specific dinner time.
Day 4 · Lan Ha Bay
DirectionsTravel from Ninh Binh to Tuan Chau, usually 3.5–4.5 hours by road, and board your Lan Ha Bay cruise around midday. This is a transfer day, but the afternoon still gives you time on the water.
Midday
Tuan Chau International Marina
Tuan Chau, Ha Long
Most Lan Ha and Ha Long cruises use this marina, so it is the practical gateway for the night on the water. Leave Ninh Binh early because cruise check-in windows are not very forgiving.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Peony Cruises
Lan Ha Bay
A one-night Lan Ha Bay cruise lets you see the karst seascape without taking two full days out of the itinerary. Book a cabin well ahead and confirm transfers, meal inclusions and the exact pier.
Tickets & toursAfternoon
Dark & Bright Cave
Lan Ha Bay
This is a common kayaking or bamboo boat stop with calm water and close-up views of the limestone. Bring a dry bag for your phone and follow the cruise staff’s timing closely.
Tickets & tours
Day 5 · Hoi An
DirectionsFinish the cruise in the morning, transfer back toward Hanoi’s airport, fly to Da Nang, then continue by car to Hoi An. It is the longest travel day of the trip, so keep the evening simple in the old town.
Morning
Tra Bau Area
Lan Ha Bay
Many cruises use this quiet water area for a short morning kayak or swim before returning to port. Pack swimwear where you can reach it, not in luggage already stored for checkout.
Tickets & toursEvening
Madame Khánh - The Banh Mi Queen
Hoi An
After the flight and road transfer, this is an easy, satisfying first meal in Hoi An. Go slightly outside peak dinner time if you do not want to queue.
Evening
Japanese Covered Bridge
Hoi An Ancient Town
The bridge is Hoi An’s best-known old town landmark and works well as a short first walk after dinner. Visit at night for atmosphere, then return another day only if you want interior details.
Tickets & tours
Evening
Hoi An Night Market
An Hoi, Hoi An
The market is busy and commercial, but it is a simple way to orient yourself on the riverfront. Keep small notes handy and agree prices before buying souvenirs.
Tickets & tours
Day 6 · Hoi An
DirectionsUse this day to properly enjoy Hoi An rather than treating it as a photo stop. The plan mixes the old town, a quiet museum, a tea break and one of the town’s dependable restaurants.
Morning
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An
Spend the morning inside the heritage streets while temperatures are kinder and tour groups are thinner. Buy the old town ticket if you plan to enter the assembly halls and preserved houses.
Tickets & toursMorning
Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
Hoi An
Réhahn’s portraits and costumes give a thoughtful look at communities across Vietnam. It is free to enter, but allow time to read rather than treating it as a quick gallery stop.
Tickets & toursAfternoon
Reaching Out Teahouse
Hoi An
This calm teahouse is run as a social enterprise and is a good break from the old town crowds. Speak softly, as the service style is intentionally quiet.
Evening
Morning Glory Original
Hoi An
This long-running restaurant is a reliable place to try central Vietnamese dishes without gambling on a random riverside menu. Reserve for dinner during busy months.
Day 7 · Hoi An and My Son
DirectionsTake a half-day trip to My Son Sanctuary before returning to Hoi An for beach time and an easy dinner. Driving is about 1–1.25 hours each way to My Son and 15–20 minutes from Hoi An to An Bang Beach.
Morning
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
Duy Phu, Quang Nam
These Cham temple ruins add a very different layer of history to central Vietnam. Start early from Hoi An, both for cooler weather and to arrive before larger groups.
Tickets & toursMidday
Mót Hội An
Hoi An
Stop here for the herbal drink that has become a Hoi An staple and a quick reset after the drive back. The queue moves quickly, but do not block the narrow street while waiting.
Afternoon
An Bang Beach
Cam An, Hoi An
An Bang is the easiest beach break from Hoi An and gives the trip some unstructured time. Go later in the afternoon and bring cash for loungers or drinks.
Tickets & tours
Evening
The DeckHouse An Bang Beach
An Bang, Hoi An
This is a convenient dinner spot by the sand after swimming or walking the beach. Book ahead if you want a front table around sunset.
Day 8 · Ho Chi Minh City
DirectionsFly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, a flight of about 1.5 hours, then spend the afternoon in District 1. The day is designed around indoor sights and central stops so flight delays do not ruin it.
Afternoon
War Remnants Museum
District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
The exhibits are direct and difficult, but they are important for understanding the American War from a Vietnamese perspective. Go with enough time and avoid rushing straight into another heavy stop.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Independence Palace
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The preserved rooms and command bunker make this one of the city’s most useful historical visits. Check current access before you go, as official functions can affect parts of the building.
Tickets & tours
Afternoon
Ben Thanh Market
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
It is central, busy and tourist-oriented, but still handy for a first look at southern produce, snacks and souvenirs. Bargain politely and watch your bag in the aisles.
Tickets & tours
Evening
Pizza 4P's Ben Thanh
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
After several days of travel, this local-born restaurant group is a comfortable, high-quality dinner choice near the market. Reserve online because central branches fill up.
Day 9 · Mekong Delta
DirectionsMake a long but rewarding day trip to the Mekong Delta around My Tho and Ben Tre. Expect roughly two hours each way by road from Ho Chi Minh City, more if traffic is heavy.
Morning
Vinh Trang Pagoda
My Tho, Tien Giang
This ornate pagoda is a good first stop before crossing deeper into the delta. Arrive in the morning and dress respectfully, with shoulders and knees covered.
Tickets & toursMorning
Ben Tre Market
Ben Tre
The market gives you a practical look at a delta town rather than only a boat ride. Go with a guide if you want to understand the produce and avoid getting in the way of vendors.
Tickets & toursMidday
Mango Home Riverside Restaurant
Ben Tre
This riverside stop works well for lunch on a Ben Tre day trip and keeps the day moving without returning to My Tho. Ask your driver or guide to confirm timing before you set out.
Afternoon
Ben Tre River
Ben Tre
A small-boat ride here shows the coconut groves, canals and daily traffic that make the delta worth the long drive. Book a private or small-group tour rather than trying to piece it together from Ho Chi Minh City on the day.
Tickets & tours
Day 10 · Ho Chi Minh City
DirectionsKeep your last day in Ho Chi Minh City flexible for packing and departure. Cholon, the city’s Chinatown, works well in the morning, followed by lunch and a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
Morning
Binh Tay Market
Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City
This wholesale market is a better Chinatown stop than another souvenir circuit. Go in the morning when trade is active and keep valuables secure in the crowded aisles.
Tickets & tours
Morning
Thien Hau Temple
Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City
The incense coils, carved roof details and courtyard make this one of Cholon’s most atmospheric temples. Visit quietly and avoid standing in the way of worshippers taking photos.
Tickets & toursMidday
Cục Gạch Quán
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
This is a good final lunch for home-style Vietnamese dishes in a restored house setting. Book ahead and leave plenty of time afterward for the airport transfer.
Where to stay
La Siesta Classic Ma May
Hanoi
A polished Old Quarter base that keeps Day 1 and Day 2 sights close without needing long evening transfers.
Check availabilityTam Coc Garden Resort
Ninh Binh
A calm countryside stay near Tam Coc and Trang An, useful when you only have one night and want the landscape at your door.
Check availabilityPeony Cruises
Lan Ha Bay
A comfortable one-night cruise option using the Lan Ha Bay route, which fits neatly between Ninh Binh and the flight south.
Check availabilityLittle Riverside Hoi An . A Luxury Hotel & Spa
Hoi An
A riverside hotel close enough to walk into the old town while still feeling calmer than staying in the busiest lanes.
Check availability
Fusion Original Saigon Centre
Ho Chi Minh City
A central District 1 base above Saigon Centre, convenient for short taxi rides, shopping, restaurants and the final airport transfer.
Check availability
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Make it yours
Open this 10-day plan in the planner with every stop already on your board, then change anything: your dates, your pace, your budget.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
March to April is the best overall window for this exact route, with generally warm weather in the north, good conditions in central Vietnam and less intense rain in the south. November to February can also work well, though Hanoi and Ninh Binh may feel cool and gray. May to August is hotter and more humid, while September to October can bring heavier rain and storm risk around central Vietnam, so build in flexibility for Hoi An and bay cruises.
How do you get around Vietnam on this trip?
Use a mix of private transfers, one-night cruise transfers and domestic flights. Trains are useful in Vietnam, but on this 10-day route they cost too much time between the north, central coast and south. A private car or limousine van is best for Hanoi to Ninh Binh and Ninh Binh to Tuan Chau; fly from Hanoi to Da Nang and from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City; use taxis or ride-hailing apps in the cities.
How much does a 10-day trip to Vietnam cost?
For two people, expect roughly $2,400–$4,500 excluding international flights, depending on hotel level, cruise cabin and private transfers.
| Hotels, per night | $60–$220 |
|---|---|
| Food, per day for two | $35–$100 |
| Domestic flights, per person | $90–$220 |
| Private cars, vans and airport transfers | $250–$500 total |
| Lan Ha Bay cruise, per cabin | $250–$550 |
| Tickets, tours and activities for two | $180–$450 |
Tips for 10 days in Vietnam
- Book the Lan Ha Bay cruise before arranging flights, because cruise departure and return times affect the rest of the route.
- Choose an open-jaw international ticket into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City to avoid wasting a day backtracking.
- Carry some cash in Vietnamese dong for markets, boat tickets, small restaurants and countryside stops.
- Pack one small overnight bag for the cruise so you do not have to unpack large luggage in a compact cabin.
- Check visa rules before booking; many travelers can use Vietnam’s e-visa system, but processing time and eligibility can change.
- Do not schedule a same-day international departure immediately after the Mekong Delta day trip; traffic back to the city is too unpredictable.
- If a storm affects Lan Ha Bay cruises, have your hotel or cruise company help rebook the night in Hanoi or Ha Long rather than trying to solve it at the pier.
Questions people ask
Is 10 days enough for Vietnam?
Ten days is enough for a strong first trip if you accept that you cannot see every region. This itinerary covers the north, central coast and south, but it deliberately skips places like Sapa, Ha Giang and Phong Nha.
Should I start in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
For this route, start in Hanoi and finish in Ho Chi Minh City. It makes the pacing feel more natural, with the landscapes of Ninh Binh and Lan Ha Bay early and the faster southern city at the end.
Is Lan Ha Bay better than Ha Long Bay for a short trip?
Lan Ha Bay uses the same kind of limestone scenery but often feels a little less crowded than the busiest Ha Long Bay routes. The practical choice depends on the cruise company, pier logistics and weather more than the name of the bay.
Can I do this Vietnam itinerary by train instead of flying?
You can replace some flights with trains if you have more time, especially on the north-to-central route. In only 10 days, the long train journeys would force you to cut Ninh Binh, the bay cruise or Ho Chi Minh City.
Do I need a guide in Vietnam?
You do not need a guide in Hanoi, Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City if you are comfortable using taxis and maps. A guide or organized tour is useful for the Mekong Delta, My Son Sanctuary and cruise transfers because logistics are harder to arrange independently.