Vietnam 10 Days Itinerary: A "Heritage Route" from North to Central

Why we chose this route (and skipped Ho Chi Minh City)?

You might notice something missing from this itinerary: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

When planning a 10-day trip to Vietnam, the biggest temptation is to try to see "everything" from North to South. However, the reality is that covering Hanoi, Halong, Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta in just 10 days often turns your vacation into a race. You end up spending 30% of your time in airports and checking in/out of hotels.

For this trip, we made a strategic choice: Quality over Quantity.

By skipping the flight to the South, we gained 2 precious days. Instead of rushing, this allowed us to:

• Explore the world-class caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (a UNESCO Heritage site that most rushed tourists have to skip).
• Experience the iconic Overnight Sleeper Train, which became one of our favorite memories of the trip.

We decided to save the South for a future trip so we could truly immerse ourselves in the heritage of the North and Center without exhaustion.

My Vietnam 10 Days Itinerary

What to see in Vietnam in 10 days? From Halong Bay to its inland counterpart, Ninh Binh, from the awesomely spectacular Phong Nha Caves to the picturesque imperial city of Hue and Hoi An harbor, you will be entranced. The most important bits, whose heritage values have been confirmed by UNESCO, will be visited. Travel can be extended toward the south of the country or to Cambodia, where the magnificent temples of Angkor are located.

Below is my 10-day Vietnam itinerary:

• Day 1-2: Hanoi, city tour
• Day 3-4: Junk cruise on Halong Bay
• Day 5: Ninh Binh (terrestrial Halong Bay)
• Day 6: Phong Nha, cave visits
• Day 7: Hue, the ancient imperial capital
• Day 8: My Son, the ancient Cham sanctuary
• Day 9: Hoi An, old port city
• Day 10: Return to Hanoi or continue to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Let's go into detail about what we did during our Vietnam stay in 10 days!

>>>> Embark on a 10-Day Trekking Adventure in North Vietnam: Explore the Unseen! 🌿🏞️⛺

What to see in Vietnam in 10 days? Must-see places

Day 1-2: Hanoi – The Chaotic Capital

Depending on where you fly from, your journey begins in the thousand-year-old capital. We landed in Hanoi and were met by our local guide, who took us straight to our hotel in the heart of the Hoan Kiem district.

First Impressions: The Art of Crossing the Street

After dropping our bags at Hanoi La Siesta (a fantastic boutique hotel in the Old Quarter with amazing service), we headed out to get a feel for the city. The first thing that hits you is the traffic; it is absolutely chaotic!

However, our guide taught us the golden rule immediately: Crossing the street in Hanoi is an art form. The trick is to walk slowly and be predictable. Make eye contact with drivers, keep a steady pace, and never step back. It feels terrifying at first, but once you get into the rhythm, you realize the motorbikes just flow around you like water in a stream.

 

Day 1: Legends, Trains, and "Liquid Tiramisu"

We started with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword). Our guide told us the legend of the giant turtle and the magic sword at Ngoc Son Temple; it was the perfect introduction to Vietnamese folklore.

 

We then wandered through the Hanoi Old Quarter, famous for its "36 Streets." Each street is named after the goods they used to sell, like Hang Duong (Sugar Street) or Hang Ma (Paper Offerings).

At 3:30 PM, we hit the famous Hanoi Train Street. Seeing a massive train squeeze through a narrow residential alley, just inches from coffee shops, is surreal. The vibe here is electric, something you won't find anywhere else in the world.

 

To recharge, we tried the famous Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang. Don’t let the name scare you! I was skeptical, but it doesn't taste like raw egg at all. It tastes like liquid Tiramisu, rich, creamy, aromatic, and absolutely delicious. We ended the night sitting on tiny plastic stools, slurping a hot bowl of Pho on the sidewalk; a must-do experience.

Day 2: A Deep Dive into History

The next day was packed with history. We started at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university (Open 8:00 - 17:00). Tip: If you have time, try to catch the new night tour here; the lighting on the ancient architecture is magical.

We then visited Ba Dinh Square, home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Note that security here is tight, like at an airport, and there is a strict dress code (knees and shoulders must be covered). Nearby, we admired the French colonial architecture of the Presidential Palace, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and the Opera House, which gave the city a unique "Indochine" vibe.

In the afternoon, we visited the Museum of Ethnology. It gave us a fascinating look into the lives of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, which was essential context before we headed to the countryside. We wrapped up the day with a traditional Water Puppet Show, a charming art form that originated in the Red River Delta.

For all nights in Hanoi, we stayed at Hanoi La Siesta. For me, it's a great option in the Old Quarter. The staff is friendly, the rooms are clean and nicely decorated, and the location is very convenient, close to many attractions. The breakfast is delicious, and the service is excellent. It's perfect for a comfortable and authentic stay in Hanoi!

3.2 Halong Bay

You cannot say you've done Vietnam in 10 days until you've visited Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We reached the coast easily after a few hours' drive from Hanoi. Once there, we boarded a traditional-style Boutique Cruise, welcomed by an incredibly attentive crew.

A Magical Experience on the Bay: 

This cruise etched the most striking images of our trip into our memories. Seeing the bay bathed in beautiful, peaceful light was an experience we valued deeply.

Our exploration included visiting splendid caves like Thien Canh Son, filled with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. We continued cruising to the Cap La area, where we spent the afternoon kayaking and swimming in the gorgeous emerald waters.

Evening & Morning on the Boat:

In the late afternoon, we opted to relax on the sundeck, sipping fresh coconut juice and watching the sunset. Afterward, we joined a cooking class to learn how to make local egg rolls, followed by a feast of fresh local seafood. Before heading to our comfortable beds, we even tried our luck at night squid fishing from the boat!

We woke up at dawn to catch the first rays of sunlight. Watching the sun emerge from behind thousands of "sugar loaf" limestone peaks was one of the most magical moments of our entire journey. Before lunch on board, we took one last kayak ride to explore the floating Vung Vieng fishing village.

We then returned to Hanoi (our driver was perfectly on time) to prepare for our next adventure in Ninh Binh.

>>>> For more information about: 11 Best Halong Bay Cruises

3.3 Ninh Binh

We left Hanoi heading south, arriving in less than two hours at the limestone region surrounding Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. I could see with my own eyes that the nickname is spot on: the "sugar loaf" mountains look just like Halong Bay, but with rivers and green rice paddies replacing the sea.

The Climb: Mua Cave

Our first stop was Mua Cave, where we climbed 486 white stone steps to reach the top. I won't lie, we sweated buckets climbing up there (haha), but we didn't regret the effort for a second. The panoramic view that awaited us was probably the most impressive sight of our entire ten-day trip. (Note: Mua Cave is open from 6:00 to 19:00).

Cycling Through the "Real" Vietnam

Tam Coc is not just about the views; it's about the feeling. We took a beautiful, bucolic bike ride through the countryside before lunch. Cycling along these rural paths brought a special sense of peace. The country breeze carried the scent of young rice, the joyful singing of birds, and the kind smiles of the locals made me feel like I wasn't just a tourist, but part of the life here.

The "Magic" Boat Ride

In the afternoon, we explored by water on the Ngo Dong River. I felt like I had entered a fantasy world, with bright green rice fields on the banks and majestic limestone mountains towering above. As we passed through the dark caves, the rhythmic sound of the oars hitting the water sounded magical, as if all our worries had disappeared.

What amazed us most was our rower. She propelled our boat using her feet! She expertly navigated us through three low-hanging tunnels where we could almost touch the ceiling.

• Optional: If you have more time in Ninh Binh, you can explore the Bai Dinh Pagoda, a massive complex holding many Asian records.

The Night Train Adventure Begins

In the evening, we boarded a Night Train near Tam Coc to continue our journey south (about a 10-hour trip). Doing Vietnam in 10 days would have been almost impossible without this efficient overnight travel.

• The Cabin: Each cabin has 4 beds (bunk style). The staff was friendly, the environment was clean, and there are restrooms at the end of each car (no showers, of course).
• The Experience: I really enjoyed this trip because it gave me a new, exciting sensation and the chance to admire the beauty of Vietnam by night.

Here, we said goodbye to Oliver Phung, our guide who accompanied us through the North, promising to meet again in the future.

Day 6: Phong Nha – The Cave Kingdom (The Highlight)

On our train journey to Phong Nha, we woke up early, right around 6:00 AM, just in time to catch the sunrise. The views from the window were impressive: endless rice fields, farmers already working the land, and animals grazing in the peaceful rural landscapes. (This train ride was a highlight, saving us travel time while letting us see the countryside wake up.)

Upon our arrival at Dong Hoi station, we were welcomed by our guide for the Central region, named Ngoc Doan. She was a woman with tanned skin, strong yet kind, and had a very professional attitude. We really valued the quality of all the Kampá Tour guides we met.

We then headed to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, located about 45 km northwest of the station (a 45-minute drive by private car). This UNESCO World Heritage site was a crucial stop on our 10-day itinerary.

We started with a boat ride on its famous underground river, one of the longest in the world, exploring its majestic caves and enjoying a brief tour through the limestone mountains of Ke Bang. The park is known not only for its underground river but also for its impressive caverns, such as the Paradise Cave (Thien Duong) and Son Doong Cave, the largest in the world. It is a truly spectacular place that you cannot miss.

We explored Paradise Cave calmly; it is quite beautiful. However, if you plan to do a small trekking route around the area in the afternoon (if permitted and safe), keep in mind that the path can become very slippery after rain. There were moments when I almost slipped while crossing streams with stones.

And always wear good non-slip hiking shoes and be mentally prepared to move slowly and carefully if the weather is not favorable.

3.5. Hue

Hue, the former capital of Vietnam, is about 200 km northwest of Phong Nha, which took us about 4 to 4.5 hours by car. Upon arrival, our guide Ngoc Doan took us to a lovely hotel located opposite the city post office in a quiet, noise-free area.

We feasted on a bowl of "cylindrical" rice noodles with beef. This was the famous local dish Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup), served with pork shank and Vietnamese bologna, deliciously flavored with plenty of fresh local herbs. Must-eat!

In the afternoon, we explored the Imperial City of Hue, home to the 13 kings of the Nguyen Dynasty. They ruled here for a century and a half, from the Napoleonic era right up until World War II.

We also visited the Mausoleum of Minh Mang. This emperor is famous not just for his architecture, but for having 142 children with 43 concubines. (Yes, you read that right, 142!) This is definitely one of the essential visits in a 10-day Vietnam trip.

I was surprised to discover that the tombs in Hue are scattered across the countryside, unlike the clustered temples we saw in Ninh Binh. Note: The tombs are open from 7:00 to 17:30. Also, be prepared, we were surprised by the heat in Hue, especially while walking around the tombs!

We made a brief stop at the Thuy Xuan Incense Village (near the Tu Duc Mausoleum, about 6.5 km from the city center). Along the road, incense shops are lined up side by side.

I felt this place was ideal just for taking photos. There wasn't much to "discover" in terms of culture, and it felt quite commercial. We believe this place can be visited or skipped; it is not essential.

On the other hand, I loved the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is very picturesque with its views over the Perfume River. We also visited the more discreet Tu Hieu Pagoda. Here, we saw the tombs of the eunuchs of the Nguyen Dynasty and were lucky enough to be present during the monks' evening prayers, a truly special moment.

Our discovery of Hue ended at Dong Ba Market, the largest and oldest in the city, where some of my travel companions bought local handicrafts, conical hats, and Vietnamese "Ao Dai" dresses.

At night, we stayed at the White Lotus Hotel Hue. I was very surprised by this hotel as soon as I entered, the space is stylish and tastefully decorated. My room had a beautiful view of the Truong Tien Bridge over the Perfume River. With its central location, pool, gym, and good breakfast, it’s an excellent choice for a comfortable stay.

Day 8-9: Hoi An – Lanterns & Ancient Vibes

Day 8: The Scenic Road to Heritage

The next morning, we headed to Hoi An, an iconic destination about 150 km south of Hue. Our 10-day itinerary allowed us, actually demanded us, to make several stops along the way. First, we stopped at the Hai Van Pass ("Pass of Ocean Clouds") with its views of the splendid coastline. We also visited Lang Co Beach and the peaceful Lap An Lagoon at the foot of the mountains.

• A Unique Observation: The picturesque cemeteries along the highway left us speechless. They look like "villages" of tombs, built like finely carved Asian miniature architecture.

Next, we visited My Son, the ancient religious center of the Champa Kingdom (located about 100 km south of Hue and 50 km west of Hoi An; open 06:00 - 17:00). During our visit, we discovered impressive brick towers and temples still standing at the bottom of a small valley surrounded by mountains. This archaeological site, dating back to a medieval civilization, turned out to be one of the most beautiful and unexpected moments of our 10-day stay in Vietnam.

We arrived in Hoi An in the late afternoon. Although it is a well-known tourist spot, it exceeded our expectations. After dinner, we decided to take a free walk through the Old Town. Along the streets, the Hoai River glowed with the lights of boats floating gently. The streets were adorned with colorful Hoi An lanterns. We enjoyed several drinks and desserts that caught our eye, such as the MOT herbal tea and the famous Chè (sweet soup), before taking a break at a rooftop café. There, we rested while admiring the panoramic view of the ancient town from above.

Day 9: The "Golden Hour" & Hidden Gems Morning

Before our guided tour began, my husband and I woke up very early, around 6:00 to 7:00 AM, to explore the Old Town on our own. At that time, the town was still quiet, vendors were just starting to set up their stalls, and the soft sunrise light created a magical, unforgettable scene. This is the "Golden Moment" to take beautiful, bright photos without worrying about too many people!

At the agreed time, we met our guide Ngoc Doan and walked through the historic river district. European merchants settled here starting in the 15th century and built some of its most striking buildings. From the Fujian Assembly Hall to the Phuc Thanh Pagoda and the Japanese Bridge (which houses a pagoda inside) to the narrow, beautifully decorated alleys, there was so much to see. All of this in a welcoming atmosphere, because traveling 10 days in Vietnam also involves pleasant contact with the local population.

In the afternoon, we toured the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest in a traditional bamboo basket boat (about 6 km from the Old Town).

• Note: Although we initially planned to go by bicycle, we opted to take the company car due to the intense heat. We had a peaceful experience in the basket boat with a very kind and funny rower who took charge of taking photos of us.

At the end of the tour, we visited Taboo Bamboo, a workshop specializing in bamboo and wood crafts. The meticulously crafted products surprised us, especially the giant animal figures that the artisan, Mr. Tân, had created: a giant Koi fish, huge dragonflies, and more. This place, which I initially wanted to keep as a secret, really deserves to be discovered by travelers who appreciate craftsmanship. It is a hidden spot you won't find in other articles.

Instead of just buying lanterns in the big, abundant shops, Ngoc Doan suggested a small lantern workshop hidden in an alley. We loved it! Not only was I able to buy unique handmade lanterns at a better price, but I also chatted (in English) with the artisans and learned more about the tradition. It was a much more authentic and meaningful experience than simply going shopping.

For our nights in Hoi An, we stayed at the Vinh Hung Riverside Resort. My impression is that it is very close to the Old Town and located right next to the picturesque Thu Bon River. We spent wonderful evenings enjoying the sunset there. The staff is very kind, and the rooms are comfortable (many with river or garden views). The resort has two pools and offers free activities like sunset boat rides and local food tastings.

Day 10: Departure from Da Nang

On the eve and beginning of this final day, we spent our time exactly as we pleased, hovering between relaxation and last-minute shopping. What else is there to do at the end of ten days in Vietnam but think about the memories (and gifts) to bring back?

In the late afternoon, our group had to split up.

• I took a private transfer to Da Nang Airport (about 45 minutes from Hoi An) to catch a short domestic flight back to Hanoi, connecting to my international flight home to The United States.
• Meanwhile, my other travel companions continued their journey south to Ho Chi Minh City.

It was the perfect, bittersweet end to an absolutely unforgettable ten days.

Suggested 10-day tours of Vietnam:

Estimated Cost for this 10-Day Trip

One of the hardest things to plan is the budget. To help you prepare, here is the breakdown of costs based on a "Comfort Style" trip (4-star boutique hotels, private transfers, and high-quality guides) similar to what we experienced.

💡 Why book with an agency? You might think doing it yourself (DIY) is cheaper, but we found that booking through a local operator like Kampá Tour was actually optimized. They get contract rates for 4-star hotels and cruises that are lower than what you see on Booking.com. Plus, having a private driver and guide takes all the stress out of logistics!

Alternative Route: If you MUST see Ho Chi Minh City

I know, skipping the South is a tough choice. If you feel your Vietnam trip isn't complete without the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the Mekong Delta, here is how to adjust the plan:

The "Classic" 10-Day Route (South to North):

• Days 1-2: Ho Chi Minh City & War Remnants Museum

• Day 3: Mekong Delta Day Trip -> Fly to Da Nang/Hoi An in the evening

• Day 4: Hoi An Ancient Town

• Day 5: Hoi An -> Fly to Hanoi

• Day 6: Hanoi City Tour

• Day 7: Hanoi - Ninh Binh (Day trip)

• Day 8-9: Halong Bay Cruise (Overnight)

• Day 10: Hanoi Departure

To fit the South in, you will have to sacrifice the Phong Nha Caves and the Overnight Train experience. You will also spend more time in airports.

So, choose the Heritage Route (our trip) for nature and culture. Choose the Classic Route if you want to see the biggest cities.

- Sofia Gomez -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is 10 days really enough for Vietnam?

Yes, but only if you focus on specific regions. As you can see from our itinerary, 10 days is perfect for a deep dive into the North and Central regions. If you try to do North, Central, AND South, you will spend 30% of your trip in transit.

2. What is the best time for this specific route?

For this Hanoi - Phong Nha - Hoi An route, the best months are February to April. The weather is cool and dry in the North, and pleasant in Central Vietnam. Avoid October-November in Central Vietnam due to the rainy season.

3. Is it safe to travel to Vietnam?

Vietnam is incredibly safe. Violent crime is rare. However, in big cities like Hanoi or tourist hubs, watch out for petty theft (pickpocketing) and taxi scams. Using a reputable tour company eliminates most of these risks.

Conclusion

What to do in Vietnam in 10 days? You have just read the essentials of what you need to know and are ready (or almost!) to discover this country. Do not hesitate, you must know it for its landscapes, its monuments, its cuisine, and also for its very kind inhabitants.

Click below to check other 10-day Vietnam itineraries:

Don't forget to leave a comment below if you're interested in Sofia's trip to Vietnam!

If you find it difficult to plan your own trip to Vietnam, a country on the other side of the globe, do not hesitate to contact our team of advisors. Contact us!

>>> Keep reading other related articles to prepare your trip:

• Top 10 Museums in Hanoi: Discover Vietnam Through Its History and Culture
• What to Do in Mekong Delta? Your Complete Guide 
• Vietnam in September: Experience the Breathtaking Beauty of Autumn
• Vietnam in August: Weather, Attractions, and Travel Tips