With 10 days in Vietnam, you can experience several of the country's major highlights without trying to see everything. A well-planned route can take you from the historic streets of Hanoi to the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh, the waters of Ha Long Bay, the heritage of Hoi An and the energy of Ho Chi Minh City. The key is not to add as many destinations as possible — it is to create a route that balances sightseeing, travel time and time to actually enjoy each place.
Yes — for a well-focused first trip. Ten days is enough to experience highlights from Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam, but you will not be able to see every destination. For a first visit, a route such as Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City offers a good mix of:
If you prefer a slower journey, consider focusing on two regions instead of three. If you want to see more of the country, 15 days gives you considerably more flexibility.
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay → Da Nang & Hoi An → Phu Quoc. A detailed, day-by-day sample of what a private 10-day trip can look like.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our private driver. Transfer to your hotel in the city center of Ha Noi. During the drive, enjoy a first glimpse of the capital’s vibrant streets, where ancient traditions blend harmoniously with modern life. Check in at the hotel (after 14:00) and enjoy free time to rest or explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Overnight in Ha Noi.
08:00 – Departure from hotel to meet your friendly guide for a full-day exploration of Hanoi’s historical and cultural highlights.
Notes: dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the itinerary may be adjusted depending on museum closures or other local factors.
Overnight: Hotel in Hanoi.
After breakfast, depart Hanoi for the scenic journey to Ha Long Bay (approximately 2.5–3 hours via expressway). Upon arrival at the cruise port around midday, complete check-in and board your cruise, with a welcome drink and safety briefing.
As the cruise sails through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — enjoy lunch onboard while admiring the panoramic views. In the afternoon, activities may include (depending on the cruise program):
As evening approaches, enjoy sunset on the sundeck, followed by a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and a dinner of local seafood and Vietnamese specialties. After dinner: night squid fishing, relaxing on deck under the stars, or drinks at the bar.
Overnight on cruise in Ha Long Bay.
Note: flight must be scheduled after 17:45.
Wake up early for an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the limestone karsts. After breakfast onboard, continue cruising past dramatic rock formations, with the option of an early-morning cave visit or a short kayaking/bamboo boat experience before returning to the boat.
Disembark around late morning after check-out, then transfer by private driver back to Hanoi via expressway and on to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Da Nang. On arrival in Da Nang, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Da Nang.
In the afternoon, transfer from your hotel in Da Nang to Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Experience a basket boat ride around the coconut forest and learn about the daily life of local fishermen — including a fun basket boat race with cheering and drum music.
Board a boat for a cruise on the Cua Dai River and join local fishermen using a round net or cast net; the coconut forest is a mangrove eco-region home to crabs, shrimp, fish and other wildlife. Local people also teach the basics of paddling the Vietnamese bamboo basket boat.
Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town for a walking exploration, with the option to visit Hoi An Market, a Historical House, the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and craft/art galleries in the old town.
Overnight at hotel in Da Nang.
After breakfast, depart for Ba Na Hills (about 40 minutes from Da Nang city center) and board the cable car system for the ascent above forests and mountains.
The first highlight is the iconic Golden Bridge, supported by two giant stone hands, offering spectacular views and photo opportunities. Continue through Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden, the peaceful Linh Ung Pagoda, and the European-style French Village with its cobblestone streets. Spend time at Fantasy Park, an indoor entertainment center suitable for all ages.
In the afternoon, take the cable car back down and transfer to your hotel in Da Nang.
Overnight in Da Nang.
Free time for last-minute shopping or exploring Da Nang independently (room available until noon), before transferring to Da Nang airport for your flight to Phu Quoc.
On arrival in Phu Quoc, you'll be welcomed by our driver and transferred to your hotel (check-in from 14:00).
Overnight at hotel in Phu Quoc.
Transfer from your hotel to the pier and board a speedboat for island-hopping in the south of Phu Quoc, visiting Mong Tay Island, May Rut Island and Gam Ghi Island — relaxing on white-sand beaches, swimming and snorkeling among coral reefs.
Continue to Hon Thom Island for the Hon Thom Cable Car, the longest oversea cable car in the world, with panoramic ocean views. Free time to enjoy the beach or explore Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park before returning by cable car or speedboat, then transfer back to your hotel.
Depart for Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, the largest semi-wild conservation park in Vietnam, home to hundreds of animal species. Walk the open zoo area to see giraffes, zebras, flamingos, elephants and big cats, then continue with the safari-style tram experience through large open enclosures.
In the afternoon, continue to VinWonders Phu Quoc, a theme park with zones for thrilling rides, family-friendly games, and immersive indoor and outdoor entertainment. Explore at your own pace before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Free time for last-minute shopping or independent exploring (room available until noon), before transferring to Phu Quoc airport for your flight home.
End of services.
The sample itinerary above at a glance — 10 days, 9 nights.
The biggest challenge with a 10-day Vietnam trip is trying to do too much. The classic highlights route below works because each region has a clear purpose.
Hanoi + Ninh Binh + Ha Long Bay
You get:
Hoi An
You get:
Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta
You get:
The route above is ideal for many first-time visitors, but it isn't the only option.
Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Sapa
Best for travellers who prefer:
Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Da Nang
Best for travellers who want a slower journey without flying all the way south.
Da Nang → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → Phu Quoc
Best for travellers who prefer:
Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Phu Quoc
Fewer destinations, more time to relax. Particularly suitable for:
For the classic first-time route, we recommend approximately:
| Destination | Nights |
|---|---|
| Hanoi | 2 |
| Ninh Binh | 1 |
| Ha Long Bay | 1 |
| Hoi An | 2 |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 3 |
| Total | 9 nights |
This gives you 10 days / 9 nights. However, the exact distribution can be changed depending on flight times and your interests.
Add Hue.
Replace part of the route with Sapa.
Add Phu Quoc or extend your Hoi An/Da Nang stay.
Remove one destination.
Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City
Best for first-time visitors.
View TourTravel with private transportation and local guides while keeping your itinerary flexible.
View Private TourA slower itinerary with family-friendly activities, comfortable accommodation and flexible sightseeing.
View Family TourCombine premium hotels, private services, luxury cruises and curated experiences.
View Luxury TourCombine romantic experiences, premium accommodation, beautiful scenery and relaxation.
View Honeymoon TourVietnam is a long country, so transportation matters.
Private car or other ground transportation. Approximate travel time: around 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic and route.
Private vehicle is generally the most practical option.
Return transfer from the cruise port to Hanoi.
Domestic flight.
Private transfer.
Domestic flight.
Private vehicle or organized day trip depending on the itinerary.
With only 10 days, time becomes valuable. For a north-to-south itinerary, domestic flights can significantly reduce travel time.
For a 10-day itinerary, we generally recommend prioritizing destination time over long overland transfers.
There isn't one universal price for a 10-day Vietnam trip. Your total cost depends on:
Hostels, local transportation and independent travel.
Comfortable hotels, selected private transfers and organized activities.
Premium hotels, private transportation, luxury cruises, private guides and curated experiences.
Instead of an artificial "starting from" price, tell us your dates, number of travellers and preferred hotel level, and we'll send a personalized quotation.
Because this itinerary crosses three regions, weather can vary considerably during the same month. Your travel dates should be considered alongside:
There is therefore no single month that is automatically perfect for the entire route.
You can experience several of Vietnam's major highlights in one trip.
The itinerary combines cities, scenery, food and romantic destinations.
A private itinerary makes it easier to adjust travel times and activities.
Explore Private Vietnam ToursUpgrade accommodation, cruise, transportation and dining.
Explore Luxury Vietnam ToursFor a 10-day itinerary, we recommend planning the major components before arrival.
Especially if travelling during peak periods.
Popular premium cruises can sell out during busy travel periods.
Particularly if you want specific properties or room types.
Important when connecting Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
If you want specific language or guide preferences.
Cooking classes, premium dining and other limited-capacity activities may require advance arrangements.
What you need depends on the season and route. Generally consider:
If your itinerary includes Sapa or mountain areas, pack additional layers. If travelling through Central and Southern Vietnam during hot weather, lightweight clothing will be more comfortable.
You don't have to figure out every hotel, transfer, cruise and activity yourself. Tell us:
Our local team can turn your answers into a practical 10-day Vietnam itinerary.
Yes. Ten days is enough for a well-planned first trip covering several major destinations, although you won't be able to see the whole country.
For first-time visitors, a popular route is Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. The best route depends on your interests and travel dates.
Yes, but you'll need to use domestic flights and keep the itinerary relatively focused.
No. Ten days is a useful length for combining multiple regions. If you prefer slow travel, you can focus on fewer destinations.
Two nights works well for many first-time visitors, although travellers interested in food and culture may prefer three nights.
Two or three nights is a useful starting point, especially if you want time for both the Ancient Town and countryside experiences.
If you prefer mountains and trekking, consider Sapa. If you prefer limestone landscapes, boat trips and easier access from Hanoi, Ninh Binh may be a better fit.
Yes, but adding Phu Quoc usually means removing or shortening another destination because of the additional flight and travel time.
Yes. You can change destinations, hotels, activities, travel pace and the number of nights in each location.
A private tour can make a 10-day itinerary much easier to customize, especially when travelling with family, as a couple or with a private group.
It depends on accommodation, group size, transportation, cruise, activities and travel dates. A customized quotation gives a more accurate price than a generic estimate.
Whether you follow the classic Northern-Central-Southern route or a more relaxed alternative, our local team can turn it into a practical, fully-booked itinerary.