Vietnam is an incredible destination for travellers who want to experience a mix of culture, history, delicious food, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable adventures.
From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the peaceful waters of Ha Long Bay and the colourful lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, Vietnam offers something special at every stop. It's a country where you can spend the morning exploring ancient landmarks, enjoy a delicious local meal for lunch, and finish the day watching the sunset over the water.
But if you're planning your first trip, you might be wondering how to fit everything into a limited amount of time.
The good news is that 10 days in Vietnam is enough to experience several of the country's highlights, provided you plan your route carefully and allow time for travel between destinations.
I believe the best itineraries balance sightseeing with time to enjoy each destination. Here's how I would approach a 10-day Vietnam adventure.
Days 1–2: Hanoi
Begin your trip in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city. Known for its lively streets, historic architecture, lakes, markets, and incredible food, Hanoi is a wonderful introduction to the country.
Spend your first day settling in and exploring the Old Quarter. The narrow streets are filled with small shops, cafés, street-food vendors, and local businesses. It's a great place to wander, take photographs, and start getting a feel for everyday life in Vietnam.
Some highlights to consider include:
Hoan Kiem Lake: A beautiful place for a walk, especially in the morning or evening.
The Old Quarter: Explore its busy streets, shops, and traditional neighbourhoods.
Temple of Literature: Visit one of Hanoi's most notable historic sites.
Vietnamese street food: Try local favourites such as pho, bun cha, and banh mi.
A traditional coffee shop: Experience Vietnamese coffee, including the popular egg coffee.
On your second day, continue exploring Hanoi or join a guided food tour to discover local dishes and neighbourhoods you might otherwise miss.
My travel tip: Traffic in Hanoi can feel overwhelming at first, particularly if you're not used to the city's motorbike culture. Allow yourself time to adjust, use reputable transportation options, and be cautious when crossing busy streets.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay
No trip to Vietnam would be complete without experiencing its extraordinary limestone landscapes, and Ha Long Bay is one of the country's most famous natural attractions.
Located northeast of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands rising dramatically from the sea.
For a memorable experience, consider an overnight cruise. Depending on the itinerary, you may have opportunities to kayak, visit caves, enjoy meals onboard, and take in the scenery from the deck.
With only 10 days in Vietnam, an overnight cruise can be an efficient way to experience the bay without needing to organize every activity independently.
My travel tip: Look carefully at the cruise itinerary, departure point, and transfer arrangements before booking. Some cruises operate in nearby Lan Ha Bay or other parts of the region, and the scenery and activities can vary. If your schedule allows, an overnight experience is often more rewarding than a rushed day trip.
Day 4: Return to Hanoi and Travel to Central Vietnam
After your time on the water, return to Hanoi and travel to Da Nang, the main gateway for visiting Hoi An.
A domestic flight is usually the most practical choice when you're working with a 10-day itinerary. Make sure to account for airport transfers, check-in time, and potential schedule changes when planning your day.
Once you arrive, transfer to your accommodation in Hoi An or Da Nang.
If you arrive early enough, spend the evening relaxing, enjoying a local meal, or taking a first stroll through Hoi An's historic streets.
My travel tip: I would generally recommend staying in Hoi An if you're most interested in its old town and atmosphere, or Da Nang if you prefer a larger coastal city with a long beach and more urban amenities.
Days 5–6: Hoi An
Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most charming destinations. Its historic architecture, colourful lanterns, riverside restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere make it a wonderful place to slow down after the busy streets of Hanoi.
Spend your first day exploring the Ancient Town, where you can visit historic houses, browse local shops, enjoy Vietnamese cuisine, and take in the atmosphere along the river.
In the evening, watch the town light up with lanterns. It's one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Hoi An.
On your second day, choose an activity that suits your interests. You could:
Relax at An Bang Beach.
Take a Vietnamese cooking class.
Visit the countryside by bicycle.
Explore local markets.
Learn about traditional crafts.
Enjoy a tailor-made clothing experience.
Hoi An is also a great destination for travellers who enjoy food. From cao lau noodles to fresh spring rolls and banh mi, there are plenty of local dishes worth trying.
My travel tip: Leave some unscheduled time in Hoi An. It's the kind of place where part of the experience is simply wandering, stopping for coffee, and discovering little streets you didn't plan to visit.
Day 7: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City
On day seven, travel from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon.
A domestic flight is generally the most time-efficient option for this route. Once you've arrived and checked into your hotel, spend the rest of the day getting acquainted with the city.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a very different atmosphere from Hanoi. It's energetic, modern, and full of restaurants, markets, cafés, and historical landmarks.
Depending on your arrival time, you could explore a central neighbourhood, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, or visit a rooftop venue for views of the skyline.
My travel tip: Choose accommodation in a convenient area for the sights you want to visit. This can make a big difference when you only have a couple of days in the city.
Day 8: Explore Ho Chi Minh City's History and Culture
Use your full day in Ho Chi Minh City to explore some of its most notable landmarks.
Places to consider include:
War Remnants Museum: An important museum documenting the Vietnam War and its impacts.
Independence Palace: A historic landmark connected to a defining moment in modern Vietnamese history.
Ben Thanh Market: A popular place to browse souvenirs, food, and local products.
Saigon Central Post Office: A striking historic building in the city centre.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: A well-known landmark; check current access and any renovation restrictions before visiting.
You can also join a guided food tour to experience more of the city's culinary scene or explore the cafés and shops around the central districts.
If you're especially interested in history, consider a guided excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Keep in mind that this can take much of the day, so you'll likely need to choose between the excursion and a more relaxed city itinerary.
My travel tip: Don't try to fit every attraction into one day. Pick the experiences that interest you most and leave room for meals, breaks, and getting around.
Day 9: A Day Trip or a Slower Day in Ho Chi Minh City
For your second full day in southern Vietnam, decide whether you'd prefer to explore beyond the city or enjoy a slower pace.
One option is a guided excursion to the Mekong Delta, a region known for its waterways, rural landscapes, and local communities. Tours vary, so check what is included and how much time you'll spend travelling.
Alternatively, stay in Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy a relaxed day of shopping, food, cafés, and exploring neighbourhoods you haven't seen yet.
After several destinations in a short period, a less structured day can be a welcome change.
My travel tip: Choose a day trip based on your interests rather than booking every available excursion. The best itinerary isn't necessarily the one with the most activities; it's the one that gives you time to enjoy the experiences that matter to you.
Day 10: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final Vietnamese breakfast, pick up any last-minute souvenirs, or take one last walk before heading to the airport.
When booking your international departure, allow plenty of time to reach the airport and check in.
If your international flight leaves from a different city than your final destination, you'll need to adjust this itinerary or arrange additional travel time.
With only 10 days, transportation is an important part of your planning.
For this itinerary, I would generally consider:
Domestic flights between Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City to save time.
Organized transfers for Ha Long Bay and airport journeys where convenient.
Walking and local transportation within cities.
Guided tours for experiences that benefit from local knowledge, such as food tours or excursions into the countryside.
Vietnam also has an extensive railway network, and travelling by train can be a memorable experience. However, train journeys may take significantly longer than flights on some routes, so you'll want to weigh the experience against the time available.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?
Vietnam stretches across different climate zones, so weather can vary considerably between the north, central coast, and south.
In general:
Northern Vietnam: Autumn and spring can offer pleasant conditions for exploring Hanoi and the surrounding region.
Central Vietnam: Weather patterns differ from the north and south, and some months can bring heavy rain or storms.
Southern Vietnam: The dry season is generally a popular time to visit, while the wet season often brings short, heavy showers.
There isn't one perfect month for the entire country, so it's important to check the seasonal conditions for each stop on your itinerary before booking.
What Should You Budget for 10 Days in Vietnam?
Vietnam offers a range of travel styles, from budget-friendly adventures to luxurious hotels and private experiences.
Your overall cost will depend on your flights from Canada, accommodation preferences, domestic transportation, tours, meals, and travel dates.
When planning your budget, remember to include:
International and domestic flights
Accommodation
Airport transfers and local transportation
Ha Long Bay cruise costs
Guided tours and attraction tickets
Meals and drinks
Travel insurance
Entry requirements and any applicable visa fees
I recommend comparing the total cost of the trip rather than focusing only on hotel prices. A well-located hotel or a convenient flight can sometimes be worth the extra cost if it saves time and makes your itinerary easier.
Vietnam is a destination that rewards thoughtful planning. With so much to see and experience, it's important to create an itinerary that balances sightseeing, transportation, and time to enjoy each place.
At Go Further Vacations, I can help you explore your options, choose destinations that suit your travel style, and organize a trip that works with your schedule and budget. Whether you're dreaming of a 10-day Vietnam adventure or hoping to combine Vietnam with another destination in Southeast Asia, I'd love to help you bring your plans together.
Ready to explore Vietnam? Book a call with me today to start planning a trip filled with incredible food, beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and unforgettable experiences.