Vietnam 10 Days Itinerary | North to South Travel Route and Free Plan
Vietnam 10 Days Itinerary: North to South Travel Route & Complete Guide
Explore Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in 10 days with a perfectly balanced itinerary of culture, nature, and local experiences.
Overviews
This Vietnam 10 days itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to explore the country from north to south in a short time. From the cultural capital of Hanoi to the stunning Ha Long Bay, charming Hoi An, and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, this itinerary covers Vietnam’s most iconic highlights.
All itineraries are designed by local experts, this journey offers a perfect mix of guided experiences and free time, making it flexible, efficient, and easy to customize.
Tour highlights
- Discover Hanoi’s Old Quarter & street food
- Overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay
- Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
- Visit Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
- Experience Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta
- Perfect North → Central → South route
Quick Info
- Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Destinations: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Da Nang – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
- Travel Style: Private / Small Group
- Best Time: October to April
- Ideal For: First-time visitors & multi-region explorers
who is this itinerary for?
- First-time travelers wanting full Vietnam experience
- Couples, families & small groups
- Travelers who want North – Central – South in one trip
- Visitors looking for a well-paced itinerary
Recommended 10-Days Itineraries
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Old Quarter & Cultural Welcome
- Private airport transfer & hotel check-in in Hanoi
- Explore Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake
- Experience night market & walking street atmosphere
- Optional Water Puppet Show or cultural performance
- Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Culture, History & Local Life
- Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex & Temple of Literature
- Discover Train Street & hidden local corners
- Join cooking class & Vietnamese coffee experience
- Optional craft villages or Duong Lam ancient village
- Overnight in Hanoi
Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Day Cruise & Natural Wonders
- Transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
- Luxury day cruise through limestone karsts
- Kayaking, cave exploration & swimming
- Relax onboard with sunset views
- Overnight in Hanoi
Day 4: Ninh Binh – Ancient Capital & Scenic Landscapes
- Boat trip in Trang An or Tam Coc
- Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital
- Climb Mua Cave for panoramic views
- Cycling through countryside villages
- Overnight in Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi – Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Transfer to Quang Binh (flight or overnight train)
- Arrival at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Boat trip to Phong Nha Cave
- Relax in peaceful nature surroundings
- Overnight in Phong Nha
Day 6: Cave Adventure – Paradise Cave & Chay River
- Explore Paradise Cave – Asia’s longest dry cave
- Zipline & kayaking on Chay River
- Optional Dark Cave mud bath experience
- Transfer to Hue by train or private car
- Overnight in Hue
Day 7: Hue Imperial City – Royal Heritage Discovery
- Visit Imperial Citadel & Forbidden Purple City
- Explore Thien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River
- Discover royal tombs & historical landmarks
- Optional street food tour or craft villages
- Overnight in Hue
Day 8: Hue – Ba Na Hills – Golden Bridge Experience
- Scenic drive via Hai Van Pass
- Visit Ba Na Hills & iconic Golden Bridge
- Cable car ride & mountain views
- Explore French Village & entertainment complex
- Overnight in Hoi An or Da Nang
Day 9: Hoi An Ancient Town – Culture & Lifestyle
- Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town
- Visit Japanese Covered Bridge & lantern streets
- Optional cooking class or lantern workshop
- Cycling to Tra Que village or coconut forest
- Overnight in Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An – Leisure & Departure
- Free time for shopping & tailor-made clothes
- Optional Marble Mountains visit
- Transfer to Da Nang airport for departure
- End of journey
Day 1: Da Nang Arrival – Coastal Welcome & City Highlights
- Private airport transfer & hotel check-in in Da Nang
- Relax at My Khe Beach & enjoy coastal vibes
- Visit Dragon Bridge & Han River promenade
- Optional seafood dinner or river cruise
- Overnight in Da Nang
Day 2: Ba Na Hills – Golden Bridge & Mountain Escape
- Full-day trip to Ba Na Hills
- Cable car ride & panoramic mountain views
- Walk on the iconic Golden Bridge
- Explore French Village & Fantasy Park
- Overnight in Da Nang
Day 3: Da Nang – Hoi An Ancient Town
- Transfer to Hoi An (UNESCO heritage town)
- Walking tour of lantern streets & Japanese Covered Bridge
- Visit local markets & tailor shops
- Optional lantern making or cooking class
- Overnight in Hoi An
Day 4: Hoi An – Culture, Villages & Countryside Life
- Cycling to Tra Que vegetable village
- Visit Thanh Ha pottery village
- Explore coconut forest by basket boat (optional)
- Free time for beach or Old Town exploration
- Overnight in Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An – Hue via Hai Van Pass
- Scenic drive through Hai Van Pass
- Stop at Lang Co Beach & viewpoints
- Visit Marble Mountains en route
- Arrival in Hue & relax
- Overnight in Hue
Day 6: Hue Imperial City – Royal Heritage Discovery
- Explore Imperial Citadel & Forbidden Purple City
- Visit Thien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River
- Discover royal tombs & cultural landmarks
- Optional Hue street food experience
- Overnight in Hue
Day 7: Hue – Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Transfer to Quang Binh Province
- Arrival at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Boat trip to Phong Nha Cave
- Relax in tranquil natural surroundings
- Overnight in Phong Nha
Day 8: Cave Adventure – Paradise Cave & Jungle Experience
- Explore Paradise Cave – one of Asia’s most impressive caves
- Optional Dark Cave (zipline, mud bath, kayaking)
- Jungle trekking & eco-adventure activities
- Free time to enjoy nature
- Overnight in Phong Nha
Day 9: Phong Nha – Return to Da Nang / Hoi An
- Morning relaxation or countryside cycling
- Transfer back to central coast (flight/train)
- Leisure time in Da Nang or Hoi An
- Optional spa or beach relaxation
- Overnight in Da Nang / Hoi An
Day 10: Leisure & Departure
- Free time for shopping or tailor-made clothes
- Optional Cham Museum or beach relaxation
- Private transfer to airport
- End of journey
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival – Urban Exploration
- Private airport pickup & hotel check-in
- Free time to explore District 1 & Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Visit Ben Thanh Market & local cafés
- Optional street food tour or Saigon by night experience
- Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels
- Visit War Remnants Museum & Notre Dame Cathedral
- Explore Central Post Office & historical landmarks
- Transfer to Cu Chi Tunnels & underground exploration
- Learn about Vietnam War history & local life
- Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh & Ba Den Mountain
- Drive to Tay Ninh province
- Visit Cao Dai Holy See temple
- Cable car ride to Ba Den Mountain – highest peak in Southern Vietnam
- Panoramic views & spiritual landmarks
- Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 4: Mekong Delta Discovery – Ben Tre / My Tho
- Transfer to Mekong Delta region
- Boat trip along Mekong River & coconut canals
- Visit local workshops (coconut candy, handicrafts)
- Cycling through villages & tropical gardens
- Overnight in Mekong Delta
Day 5: Mekong Delta – Can Tho City
- Continue exploring rural Mekong lifestyle
- Transfer to Can Tho – capital of the Mekong Delta
- Riverside walk & night market experience
- Optional local food tour
- Overnight in Can Tho
Day 6: Cai Rang Floating Market – Return to Ho Chi Minh City
- Early morning boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market
- Experience authentic river trading culture
- Visit local noodle workshop
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City
- Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City – Mui Ne Coastal Escape
- Transfer to Mui Ne beach (approx. 3–4 hours)
- Hotel check-in & relax by the beach
- Enjoy seaside atmosphere & fresh seafood
- Overnight in Mui Ne
Day 8: Mui Ne Sand Dunes & Fishing Village
- Sunrise or sunset at White & Red Sand Dunes
- Visit Fairy Stream & unique landscapes
- Explore Mui Ne fishing village
- Free time for beach relaxation or water sports
- Overnight in Mui Ne
Day 9: Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh City Return
- Leisure morning at resort
- Return transfer to Ho Chi Minh City
- Free time for shopping & café hopping
- Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10: Departure – End of Southern Vietnam Journey
- Free time depending on flight schedule
- Last-minute shopping or relaxing
- Private airport transfer
- End of journey
Want to Customize This Itinerary?
All our itineraries are 100% flexible. You can adjust destinations, hotels, duration, and activities to match your travel style.
Explore More Vietnam Itineraries
Popular Vietnam Itineraries
3 Days Ha Long Bay Cruise Experience
$180 / person
Relax on a scenic cruise through the iconic Ha Long Bay.
- Overnight luxury cruise
- Kayaking & cave exploration
- All meals included onboard
4 Days Sapa Trekking Adventure
$250 / person
Discover stunning rice terraces and ethnic villages in Sapa.
- Guided trekking experience
- Visit local minority villages
- Flexible private options
5 Days Northern Vietnam – Sapa & Ha Long Bay
$350 / person
Explore Hanoi, Sapa & Ha Long Bay in one unforgettable journey.
- Sapa trekking & Fansipan peak
- Overnight Ha Long Bay cruise
- Private & customizable itinerary
7 Days Northern Vietnam Highlights
$550 / person
Experience the best of Northern Vietnam in one complete itinerary.
- Hanoi, Sapa & Ha Long Bay
- Cultural & nature experiences
- Ideal for first-time visitors
4 Days Central Vietnam – Da Nang & Hoi An
$280 / person
Explore beaches, culture, and the charming lantern town of Hoi An.
- Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
- Hoi An ancient town
- Relaxed and easy itinerary
2 Days Mekong Delta Experience
$120 / person
Discover floating markets and authentic life in the Mekong Delta.
- Boat trips & local villages
- Floating market experience
- Perfect short getaway
Destinations You’ll Visit
Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Hanoi Capital
The vibrant capital of Vietnam, rich in history, culture, and famous for its bustling Old Quarter and street food scene
Highlights:
- Hanoi Old Quarter & street food
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & historical sites
- Train Street & local lifestyle
- Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university
- Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
- Traditional water puppet show
Halong Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald waters & thousands of limestone islands rising from the sea
Highlights:
- Overnight luxury cruise experience
- Kayaking through limestone caves & lagoons
- Swimming & relaxing on secluded beaches
- Sunset party & cooking class onboard
- Sung Sot Cave & Ti Top Island
- Stunning sunrise over the bay
Da Nang
A vibrant coastal hub blending stunning beaches, modern lifestyle, and iconic landmarks in Central Vietnam
Highlights:
- Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills Complex
- My Khe Beach – one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches
- Marble Mountains & panoramic viewpoints
- Dragon Bridge & night city views
- Gateway to Hoi An & Hue
- Modern city with great food & cafes
Hoi An Old Town
A UNESCO-listed ancient town famous for its lantern-lit streets, rich cultural heritage, and romantic riverside atmosphere
Highlights:
- Release flower lanterns & night walking street and market
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Ancient houses & heritage architecture
- Tailor-made clothing or lanterns making experience
- Local cuisine & street food or cycling
- Boat ride on Thu Bon River
Important Notes Before You Book
- Flights between regions are recommended
- Book Ha Long cruise in advance
- Weather differs between regions
What you’ll get?
What’s Included?
- Hotels with breakfast
- Private transfers
- Tour guide
- Ha Long cruise
What’s Excluded?
- Flights
- Visa
- Personal expenses
Vietnam Xplorer
Why Travelers Choose This itinerary?
Carefully designed by local experts
Crafted by experienced local travel specialists with deep destination knowledge.
Private tour options available
Enjoy a personalized experience with your own guide and flexible timing.
Flexible and customizable itinerary
Adjust the schedule, activities, and pace to match your travel style.
Best value for money
Well-balanced itinerary with quality services at a competitive price.
Why This Tour Stands Out?
Imagine starting your morning in Hanoi with a cup of rich Vietnamese coffee, watching the city slowly come to life. A few days later, you’re cruising through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, surrounded by limestone islands under a golden sunset. Then, you find yourself wandering through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An before ending your journey in the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City.
This isn’t just a trip — it’s a carefully crafted journey where every detail is designed to give you the best of Vietnam without the stress of planning. All you need to do is enjoy the experience, while everything else is taken care of.
Unlike generic travel plans, this Vietnam 10 days itinerary is thoughtfully designed to help you experience the country from north to south in the most efficient and enjoyable way. Instead of rushing between destinations, you’ll enjoy a well-paced journey with curated highlights, local experiences, and seamless travel arrangements.
From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of comfort, authenticity, and flexibility.
- No planning stress – everything is carefully arranged
- Balanced experience: culture – nature – local lifestyle
- Optimized North → Central → South route to save time
- Flexible and customizable based on your travel style
People Also Ask
Is 10 days enough for Vietnam?
Yes, 10 days is ideal to explore Vietnam from north to south, covering major highlights and local experiences.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes, this itinerary is fully customizable based on your preferences.
What destinations are included in this itinerary?
This itinerary includes Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Central Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam can be visited year-round, but October to April offers the most comfortable weather across regions.
What Our Travelers Say?
Rated highly by international travelers for well-organized itineraries and local experiences.
“
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Sapa was stunning and Ha Long Bay cruise was unforgettable!”
Kirstin W. Everton
Graphic Designer, Apple
“
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Well-organized, smooth transfers, great guide.”
Kimberly Mason
Customer Service, Google
“
Leo is a fantastic tour guide. I had the opportunity to spend time with him once in November 2024 and then now again in January 2026.I strongly recommend him without any reservations, and I love his attitude, helpfulness and sincerity with which he conducts the tours! Highly recommended.
Jack Johnson
Developer, Uber
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