Vietnam Itineraries 10 Days: Best Routes for First-Time Travelers

The most classic way to spend 10 days in Vietnam is to travel from north to south—starting in Hanoi, cruising Halong Bay, then heading through Hue and Hoi An before ending in bustling Ho Chi Minh City. This well-rounded route lets first-time visitors experience Vietnam’s top highlights: ancient capitals, stunning bays, historic sites, and vibrant cities.

But depending on who you're traveling with, there are many exciting ways to tailor your 10-day trip. Families might prefer to add beach time in Nha Trang and fun attractions in Da Nang. Couples looking for a romantic escape can include Phu Quoc Island for luxury resorts and sunsets by the sea.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a culture lover, this guide offers the best itinerary ideas for every kind of traveler—plus practical travel tips and even options to extend your tour into Cambodia. Keep reading to find your perfect Vietnam journey.

Most Classical 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary with North to South Highlights

The classic 10-day Vietnam tour itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors. It follows a north-to-south route, giving you a well-rounded glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, explore the Old Quarter
Day 2: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature
Day 3: Travel to Halong Bay, begin overnight cruise
Day 4: Finish Halong Bay cruise, return to Hanoi, fly to Hue
Day 5: Explore Hue Citadel and royal tombs, boat on Perfume River
Day 6: Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass
Day 7: Discover Hoi An Ancient Town, lantern-lit streets
Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, city tour
Day 9: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels or take a Mekong Delta day trip
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City depature

Start in Hanoi, the capital city known for its centuries-old architecture and deep-rooted traditions. Spend two days exploring the Old Quarter, sampling local delicacies like pho and bun cha, and visiting landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. Head to Halong Bay for an overnight Halong Bay cruise where you can marvel at the limestone karsts rising from emerald waters.

Crusing Halong Bay is a must for a Vietnam tour.

Fly south to Hue, the former imperial capital, where you’ll walk the grounds of the ancient Citadel, explore royal tombs, and ride a dragon boat along the Perfume River. A scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass takes you to Hoi An, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town known for its lantern-lit streets, tailors, and riverside cafés. Spend two nights soaking in its relaxed atmosphere, cycling to nearby rice paddies or the beach.

Finally, end your 10 day classic Vietnam tour in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern hub. Modern skyscrapers stand beside French colonial buildings and vibrant markets. Don’t miss the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, or a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

10 Days Classic Vietnam Tour for First Timers

Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City

10 Days Vietnam Tour Itineraries for Families

The perfect 10-day itinerary for families combines fun, comfort, and cultural discovery, with a well-paced itinerary that appeals to all ages.

Day 1: Saigon arrival
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Cooking Class & City Sightseeing
Day 3: Mekong Delta discovery
Day 4: Saigon to Nha Trang
Day 5: Nha Trang – Da Nang
Day 6: Full Day Ba Na Hill & Golden Bridge
Day 7: Hoi An exploration
Day 8: Hoi An - Hanoi
Day 9: Hanoi Half-day city tour
Day 10: Farewell from Hanoi

Start in Ho Chi Minh City, where kids can enjoy the city’s energy while parents appreciate the mix of French colonial landmarks and bustling markets. Visit family-friendly attractions like the Saigon Zoo, the interactive Ao Dai Museum, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, which offer a fascinating and hands-on history lesson.

Fly to Nha Trang, one of the best beach places in Vietnam known for its sandy shores and amusement parks. Spend a few days relaxing on the beach, then continue to Da Nang, a modern coastal city with easy access to family favorites like the Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills, home to the famous Golden Bridge.

Nha Trang is one of the best beach places in Vietnam.

Hoi An is a short drive away. There, your family can enjoy lantern-making workshops, take boat rides along the Thu Bon River, or explore the Ancient Town by bike. End your trip with a Hanoi tour, where the city’s blend of lakes, puppet shows, and street food will delight every generation. The Water Puppet Theater and walking around Hoan Kiem Lake offer great experiences for kids, while parents can enjoy the rich culture and cuisine.

10 Days Vietnam Family Tour for Beach Lovers

Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang – Da Nang – Hoi An - Hanoi

10 Days Vietnam Romantic Tour Itineraries for Couples

Couples looking for a romantic getaway can find stunning scenes of scenic beauty and luxurious escapes for creating unforgettable moments across the country.

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi city tour
Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise
Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise; flight to Da Nang
Day 5: Hoi An exploration
Day 6: Flight to Phu Quoc
Day 7: Phu Quoc free day
Day 8: Phu Quoc free day, flight to Saigon
Day 9: Saigon City tour
Day 10: Saigon departure

Begin your journey in Hanoi, where the nostalgic charm of tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, and cozy cafés helps create a quiet atmosphere. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, share a bowl of steaming pho at a quiet eatery, and explore the city’s elegant Old Quarter. Then, take an overnight cruise through the limestone islets of Halong Bay, where you can relax on a private balcony, watch the sunset from the deck, or kayak through hidden lagoons.

Fly south to Hoi An, known for its lantern-lit nights, riverside dining, and boutique charm. Couples can unwind with a couples’ spa treatment or cycle through the countryside to quiet beaches. Continue to the tropical escape of Phu Quoc Island.

Our guests make beautiful lanterns in Hoi An.

Relax surrounded by white-sand beaches and turquoise waters at a luxurious beachfront resort. Enjoy sunset cocktails, candlelit dinners on the sand, and snorkeling adventures in clear waters. End your 10-day Vietnam tour in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, where you can toast your journey with rooftop views, explore bustling markets, and dive into the city’s exciting culinary scene.

10 Days Romantic Honeymoon Vietnam Itinerary for Couples

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An – Phu Quoc - Saigon

Regional 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary Plans for Different Interests

10-Day itineraries can also be designed to focus on special interests. Take a deep dive into Vietnam’s heritage, enjoy the beaches and bustle of the south, and explore the mountains and major cities of the north in these regional Vietnam tour plans.

Option 1: Heritage & Scenery (North + Central Vietnam)
Northern and Central Vietnam have a special appeal for culture and nature lovers. Begin in Hanoi with its centuries-old temples and colonial charm, then cruise through the ethereal limestone karsts of Halong Bay. Continue south to Hue to explore imperial tombs and ancient citadels, then wind down in Hoi An, a beautifully preserved trading port rich in history and romance.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Old Quarter
Day 3: Travel to Halong Bay
Day 4: Cruise ends, fly to Hue
Day 5: Explore Hue Imperial Citadel, royal tombs
Day 6: Transfer to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass
Day 7: Visit Hoi An Ancient Town
Day 8: Bike ride to countryside or beach
Day 9: Cooking class or lantern workshop
Day 10: Fly out from Da Nang

The Golden Bridge is a landmark when touring Da Nang.

Option 2: Beaches & Bustle (Center + South)
You can find some of the best beaches and most vibrant cities on a tour of Central Vietnam and Southern Vietnam. Start in Da Nang for seaside relaxation, explore the quaint beauty of Hoi An, then head to Nha Trang or Phu Quoc for a tropical escape. Finish in bustling Ho Chi Minh City with its lively nightlife, markets, and culinary scene.

Day 1: Arrive in Da Nang, beach relaxation
Day 2: Explore Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach
Day 3: Transfer to Hoi An, riverside dinner
Day 4: Visit Ancient Town and local markets
Day 5: Fly to Nha Trang or Phu Quoc
Day 6: Beach day or island-hopping tour
Day 7: Continue beach leisure or water sports
Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 9: Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral and War Museum
Day 10: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels or enjoy shopping

My Khe beach is the most famous beach in Da Nang.

Option 3: Mountains & Metropolis (North + South)

Enjoy the contrast of stunning mountains and bustling metropolises on a tour of Northern and Southern Vietnam. The misty highlands of Sapa in the north are perfect for trekking and cultural encounters with ethnic minorities in rural villages. Then, explore the modern dynamism of Ho Chi Minh City, where rooftop bars, war history, and contemporary art come together. Each of these routes offers a distinctive experience of Vietnam, shaped by region and tailored to your travel interests.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, street food tour
Day 2: Travel to Sapa by train or van
Day 3: Trekking in ethnic minority villages
Day 4: Continue trekking, return to Hanoi
Day 5: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 6: Explore District 1, rooftop dinner
Day 7: Mekong Delta day trip
Day 8: Visit museums, art cafes
Day 9: Relax in local parks or spas
Day 10: Departure

Sapa is one of the best places in northern Vietnam for trekking.

10 Days Best of Vietnam Tour with Can Tho

Saigon - Can Tho - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi

Budget & Practical Travel Tips for 10 Days in Vietnam

For a 10-day trip to Vietnam, your daily expenses can vary greatly depending on your travel style. Those who want to travel Vietnam on a budget can expect to spend around 30–50 USD per day, which covers dorm-style accommodations, street food, and public transportation. Mid-range travelers should budget about 70–120 USD daily, allowing for comfortable hotels, domestic flights or trains, and meals at nicer restaurants.

For those seeking a luxury experience, daily costs can range from 200–400 USD or more, including stays at high-end resorts, private tours, and fine dining. No matter your budget, Vietnam offers excellent value with its affordable services, especially when booking transportation and accommodations in advance.

Flights are one of the best ways to get around Vietnam. Regular domestic flights are a quick and affordable option for traveling between cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Buses and trains offer a slower but more authentic way to travel, giving a local experience and a deeper look at the countryside.

The best times to visit Vietnam are during the spring, from March to April, and autumn, from September to November. The weather is generally mild, dry, and pleasant across most of the country. During these months, you’ll avoid the intense summer heat of the south, the monsoon rains of the central coast, and the chilly winter fog in the northern highlands.

Apply for an e‑Visa online. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entries, processed within 3–5 working days, and costs approximately 25 USD for single-entry or 50 USD for multiple-entry visas.

10 Days Impression of Vietnam Highlights Tour

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong Delta – Saigon

Want More Time? Easy 3-Day Extension to Cambodia

If you have a little more time available, add three days to your Vietnam and Cambodia tour to take in Siem Reap and some of the top sights in Cambodia. It’s a quick flight from anywhere in Vietnam, and a great way to have a deeper experience of the region.

Fly to Siem Reap and have a half-day tour with a splendid dinner and an Apsara’s traditional dance show. Then, explore the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom and the world's largest religious monument- Angkor Wat. You can also take an excursion to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. You can take a boat tour to admire the mangrove forests and discover the unique life of the Kompong Phluk Floating Village.

Or, go to Phnom Penh to see the blend of old and new in Cambodia’s capital. Visit the Royal Palace and see the beautiful Silver Pagoda. Learn about Cambodian history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and visit the somber Killing Fields.

Cambodia’s convenient e-visa system makes it easy to enter the country. Apply in advance through the official portal, and sail through immigration to continue your trip. A visa on arrival is another option, but wait times can be a little long during peak periods.

12 Days Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour Package

Siem Reap - Saigon - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi

Conclusion: Find the Right Itinerary for You

There are 10 day Vietnam tour itineraries for all kinds of travelers to choose from. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore beautiful natural scenery, or take in the main highlights across the country, these expertly planned tours have helped thousands of travelers have the experience of a lifetime. If you’re still not sure, contact us anytime, and we can personalize a plan to meet your expectations.