A tried-and-tested 10 day Vietnam itinerary, for all your planning necessities! This travel itinerary is the perfect introduction to northern Vietnam, and includes a mixture of city exploration, outdoor adventures and a smattering of cultural experiences to make the most out of limited time.
I’m normally more of a slow-travelling kind of a girl, but having travelled this exact 10 day Vietnam itinerary for our trip through north Vietnam- expertly put together by my pals, who are planning geniuses- I’m here to let you know that with only ten days to explore this wonderful pocket of south east Asia, you can actually see a lot. In case you’re not sure what it looks like from above, Vietnam is a skinny but glorious sliver of a nation, so to try and experience the entire country in a mere ten days would be a lot. For a 10 day Vietnam itinerary I’d recommend sticking to either just the south or just the north; and this one, in my opinion, is the perfect north Vietnam itinerary.
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10 day Vietnam itinerary: What you need to know
- If you’re a UK citizen, you won’t need a visa for a 10 days Vietnam itinerary: British nationals can spend up to 15 days in Vietnam without a tourist visa.
- US citizens cannot enter Vietnam without a tourist visa. Find more information here.
- Although cards are used in Vietnam, bring plenty of cash with you! €1 is equivalent to around 26,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND).
- If you’re planning on visiting temples while in Vietnam, bring appropriate clothing; wear long trousers or a long skirt and cover your shoulders.
- I swear by Airalo Sim Cards while I’m travelling, and use them basically wherever I go to save me the trouble of faffing with a physical local sim card. I used this Asia eSIM which works in several countries throughout Asia (as our 10 day Vietnam itinerary was part of a longer trip in south east Asia), but if you’re only travelling to Vietnam you could use this 5gb Vietnam eSIM instead.
- Last but not least, if you’re a western visitor to Vietnam, the toilets might be a surprise. A lot of the bathrooms either don’t have toilet paper, or it’s not possible to flush the paper (dispose of it in the bin instead, Greek-style). If you’re afraid of getting caught short, bring a small stash of tissues in your bag. And don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Day 1: Hoi An by day & Da Nang by night
Arrive in Da Nang airport and hit the ground running by heading straight up to the elegant old town of Hoi An, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its colourful paper lanterns. The only way to reach Hoi An is by road, so either book a transfer in advance or use the Grab app to book a taxi when you arrive at the airport. It should take around 45-90 minutes to get from Da Nang airport to Hoi An depending on traffic, so this is the perfect opportunity to get a bit of sleep after the flight in to Vietnam.
Read my detailed guide on travelling from Da Nang to Hoi An.
Once you reach Hoi An you might need a pick-me-up, so get stuck right in to a coconut coffee to quench your weary traveller thirst. (Just beware, because these things are addictive and you’re definitely going to crave them when the trip’s over.) Check out Uncle Huan Coffee or the Artbook Cafe and Bistro, or for something unique head to the Reaching Out Tea House. This traditional tea house is run entirely by people who are hearing or speech impaired, and the atmosphere inside is completely hushed and peaceful; which is a big old contrast to the chaotic streets of much of Vietnam.
Hoi An is probably the most touristic of destinations on this ten day Vietnam itinerary, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable. In fact, if the idea of staying in Da Nang doesn’t appeal to you, an overnight stay in Hoi An would be well worth it; there’s plenty to see here. The town is tiny but filled with things to look at and has an enchanting atmosphere which makes for a great introduction to Vietnam. If you’re not staying overnight, at least stick around until sunset, and jump in a boat on the river to watch the sun go down from the peace and quiet of the water, with lanterns flickering on all around you. We organised our own boat ride on the day with an owner, but you could book this in advance if you prefer.
How to Spend One Day in Hoi An
If you’re not staying overnight, head back to Da Nang by taxi and enjoy a bit more flight recovery time en route.
Whilst Hoi An is a quaint touristic paradise, Da Nang is perhaps at the other end of the scale. This industrial port city remains under-the-radar for western visitors, despite its beautiful beaches which at a glance reminded me of parts of Aruba. If you’re lucky enough to arrive at the weekend, head to the yellow Dragon Bridge which breathes fire every once in a while. (And by once in a while, I mean at 9pm on the dot, on Saturdays and Sundays) It wouldn’t be a true trip to Vietnam if you didn’t explore the hubbub of a night market, so head to the Da Nang night market for dinner, and make sure to try as much as you possibly can. Vietnamese street food is glorious.
Where to stay in Hoi An:
There are hundreds of hotel options in Hoi An. La An Central Boutique Villa or The Nam Villa Hoi An are two highly rated hotels within easy walking distance of the old town; they can also both arrange bike hire for guests, and have swimming pools to cool off in after a long day exploring.
Where to stay in Da Nang:
If you’re looking for more of a relaxing beach stay in Da Nang, book a hotel with a view in My Khe Beach. Minh Boutique has beautiful wood-panelled rooms and a pretty tropical courtyard with a rooftop pool. For serious luxury, book the Golden Lotus Luxury Hotel.
We chose to stay in the city centre, right next to the Dragon Bridge, in an apartment at Benzen Boutique Stays. This was probably the most basic of our accommodation we stayed in during our trip (basic but still completely fine, especially for one night in the city). Between three of us it worked out at just over €4 each for the night. You can’t go wrong for that really, can you?
For something swankier- but still very budget-friendly, check out the Seahorse Tropical Da Nang Hotel, which has a rooftop pool with a stunning view of the river and futuristic city skyline. The Seahorse also has an incredibly popular hostel- the Seahorse Han Market Da Nang– which is a great option for solo travellers. Or, stay at LaDa’s House, which is a unique and beautifully decorated homestay (basically a B&B) in the city.
Day 2: A day in Da Nang & an evening on the sleeper train
I repeat: Da Nang is not the most touristic of cities, despite its sometimes futuristic architecture and coastal location. You won’t see hordes of walking tours patrolling across the city, and this is really the best place on this 10 day Vietnam itinerary to just soak in life like a local. This is the exact reason that I actually kind of loved it.
Read my detailed guide to exploring Da Nang.
Either head to the beach in the morning and enjoy a day by the sea, or explore the city on foot like we did. Coffee culture is hugely important in Vietnam, so make sure you check out one of Da Nang’s exquisite coffee shops. If you feel like trying something other than yesterday’s coconut coffee, try an egg coffee instead; this is a staple drink in Vietnam. Noi Cafe is hidden away down a little alleyway and is so worth a visit; the egg coffee is great. The cafe has a few different spaces plus a peaceful outdoor courtyard, all packed full of old nostalgia, photographs and vintage posters galore. The aesthetic is ornate, shabby, and beautiful, and the coffee is absolutely incredible.
Use some time in Da Nang to stock up on snacks, and then make your way to the train station to board the sleeper train and make your way further north to Hanoi. The sleeper train carries you all the way along some of Vietnam’s most stunning stretches of coastline, however at nighttime you won’t see very much of this. (With only ten days in Vietnam it made sense for us to travel overnight, but with more time on your hands you might want to have more of a view and travel during the day.)
And pals, bear in mind, the sleeper trains are by no means glamorous, but it’s all about the experience and I really do recommend it. The cheapest tickets are for seats only, but the three of us opted for a compartment containing four beds; the fourth bed was occupied at various points by various other passengers, and occasionally the guard burst in for no apparent reason- which is a bit confusing when you’re in the middle of a bizarre dream- but it was weirdly an experience I’ll treasure forever. And I’m not even joking about that.
Riding the Rails in Vietnam: Da Nang to Hanoi by Train
The journey from Da Nang to Hanoi by train takes around 17 hours and 40 minutes. Save faffing at the station by booking train tickets in advance here.
Day 3: One night in Trúc Bach, Hanoi
I love a train journey, and having travelled on several long distance train routes throughout the USA, I was surprised that the sleeper train from Da Nang to Hanoi didn’t feel overly long. (Probably because, on this occasion, I’d slept in an actual bed and not an upright chair. Beds are decidedly more affordable in Vietnam, it turns out.)
Hanoi is the perfect base to travel onwards throughout north Vietnam, and as this itinerary brings you back here several times, it’s a good idea to stay in a different neighbourhood on each visit. Spend evening number one right next to the still waters of Trúc Bach Lake, where US politician John McCain was shot down by anti-aircraft missile during the Vietnam War. This lake is actually a section of the absolutely massive West Lake, and is the place to come for teenagers across the city and beyond. Despite being over the age of thirty we decided it was vital that we, too, partook in the teenage pastime of walking the perimeter of the water with an ice cream (get a durian flavour ice cream if you dare, but I really wouldn’t recommend it. Tastes like spring onions.), and then pedalling across the water in a large plastic swan. Why would you not?
Trúc Bach is a fairly residential area, smattered with some architecture which is just as lovely as the higgledy-piggledy houses of the more popular Old Quarter, but the atmosphere is just that little bit quieter. (Quieter but not quiet; this is Hanoi after all.)
Where to stay in Trúc Bach:
We stayed at The Autumn which occupies an authentic old building containing private bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a communal kitchen and also has a gorgeous rooftop overlooking the lake. The rooms are great value (coming in at around €15-€20 per night), and it’s also in a great location next to some lovely waterfront restaurants and cafes.
If you’re in need of something a bit more upmarket, look at Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel and Spa which is a ten minute walk from the lake.
Day 4: Cruising through Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay
You’ve probably heard of Ha Long Bay, especially if you’ve arrived on this page because you’re trying to plan your own 10 day Vietnam itinerary. But as Ha Long Bay can get super crowded with tourist boats, a visit to Lan Ha Bay- which is really just an extension of Ha Long, slightly further south- is also a great option. I’d also only suggest visiting if you’re going to stay overnight.
We booked a cruise with Venezia Cruises, which included travel from Hanoi to the ship. After one early morning bus ride, followed by a ferry to Cat Ba island, which is the largest of the islands in Ha Long Bay, and then a final bus to the jetty, we boarded our little ship, which had room for a maximum of about twenty passengers.
The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long is truly an arduous one, especially when the humidity is so high like it was for us in late April. For this reason, I would without a shadow of a doubt suggest that if you go on a cruise through Ha Long Bay, it is 100% worth staying for two nights instead of one. You might only be searching for a ten day Vietnam itinerary, but even when you’re short on time it’s a great idea to avoid travel burnout and actually enjoy being still for a bit.
The turquoise-green water and jungle-covered limestone karsts are just as stunning as you might expect- although with a few twists in the tale which I’ll explain in another post- but seeing Ha Long Bay from the water is without a doubt the best way. All meals are provided on the boat, as are all the excursions. After lunch we took kayaks out onto the water and rowed our way through caves and onto little beaches nestled in the rock towers, led by a lovely guide from the ship.
Go for a dip in the water if you dare. I did dare, but there are gargantuan jellyfish all around so do bear that in mind if you’re at all afraid. I also was afraid, and even though I did bear that in mind, it was still a lot when everyone on the top deck of the boat began screaming at me to get out of the water. Still, it was nice to know that everyone had my backs.
In the evening, take part in a cooking class, or try your hand at catching squid. And if you’re all activitied out, just get a few drinks and sit back to watch the sun set over the water.
Day 5: A full day in Ha Long Bay and another night on board
Most visitors to Ha Long Bay stay for only one night. If you book for two, you’re in for a treat.
On a side note here: I am a singer on a cruise ship, who spends up to six months at a time sleeping in a small cabin with metal walls and no windows or fresh air. I think that most people would appreciate waking up the stunning silent view of the bay at sunrise, but I’m hazarding a guess that somehow I was even more excited about it than your average cruise guest. Especially because my bedroom windows even opened. I mean, can you imagine!?
Ha Long Bay is home to hundreds of fishermen and their families, and although the government is trying to encourage people to move onto land, there are still floating villages, and farms, on the water. Little huts bob along on platforms made of wood and plastic and polystyrene, and grids of floating walkways connect them all. After breakfast on the ship, head to a fish farm, and make sure your sense of balance is on point because these platforms really do bounce. You might need to leave your opinions on fish farming to one side, but it really is intriguing to see this way of life.
Next, head out for a longer kayaking trip, before returning for lunch on the boat. The food I ate here was some of the most delicious on the whole ten day Vietnam trip, and it was all prepared freshly on board for us. Venezia Cruises is a mid-range option for a cruise through Ha Long Bay, and while there are definitely more luxurious vessels around, I actually really appreciated my time on board. I also had the best couple of night’s sleeps on this little boat than I’d had in months of living on a ship in the Caribbean prior to my arrival in Asia.
This two day cruise with Venezia Cruises was the biggest splurge of our entire 10 days in Vietnam, but at around €245 per person for 2 nights on board- including all meals and activities- I actually thought it was great value. Stay for one night only if you’re on a tighter budget, or at the opposite end of the scale, here’s a far more luxurious ship which offers similar activities.
Day 6: A morning in the country and an evening in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Our cruise itinerary was so packed full of activities that it almost blew my mind, but we embraced the whole shebang and it was worth it. On the final morning of two nights on board, the crew will take you to a little harbour where a fleet of bikes await. (To clarify, you are the ones driving the bikes.)
Cycle inland through absolutely stunning landscapes, past water buffalo, winding around mountains and through paddy fields, until you reach a little village. We were taken to a traditional house, tried rice wine, and heard some of the most bizarre bullfrog croaks I’ve ever overheard coming from beneath the lily pads in a little pond. People are given the opportunity to have fish massage- because the shopping mall craze for fish massages began over here in Asia- but I declined and was happy about that when the fish latched on too hard to one man and drew actual blood. Beware the fish massage, pals. Cycle back to the harbour, enjoy your last lunch on the ship, and then start the journey back to Hanoi.
Back in the city, stay close to the Old Quarter to appreciate some of the nightlife this part of the city has to offer. The city is alive regardless of the time of day, but in the evening the pavements are crowded with groups tucking into all manner of delicious meals. When it comes to eating out anywhere in the world, my number one tip is not to restrict yourself to Tripadvisor recommendations- they may be good but they’ll also potentially be overcrowded (and sometimes overhyped.)
And now I’m going to completely contradict myself by recommending Little Bowl to anyone and everyone who reads this. This Vietnamese dessert shop is simply glorious, and is a must-stop on a 10 day Vietnam itinerary.
Where to stay in Ba Dinh, Hanoi
We stayed in this studio apartment on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, which is one of the main streets through the city centre and the Ba Dinh area, within walking distance of the Old Quarter. For a similar location, check out this homestay near Hanoi’s main train station, or Hostel Turbo which has beds for a mere €8 per night. Or treat yourself to a stay at the colonial-style Aira Boutique Hanoi, which is a veritable oasis inside the city’s chaotic streets.
Day 7: A full day in Hanoi
With a whole day to explore Hanoi, get off to a strong start by fuelling up on a hearty breakfast at the Hanoi Social Club. After a week of eating (incredibly delicious) Vietnamese food, you too might be craving a western-style breakfast; I got the french toast and it did not disappoint. On top of this, the aesthetic of this rustic multi-floored restaurant and music venue is beautiful and in keeping with the colonial look of the area.
During the day, head to one of Hanoi’s many museums. We explored the Fine Arts Museum, which I found intriguing as much for the beauty of the art it contains as for the subject matter of those pieces, many of which depict life at war and often verge on the propaganda-esque. This is very close to the Temple of Literature, which was built in 1070 to honour the philosopher Confucius and became Vietnam’s first national university. The temple and its tranquil courtyards are a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture, and as well as the obvious draw for tourists, students continue to visit today to pray for good grades.
Next up head over to Hoan Kiem Lake, which isn’t just the touristic heart of the city; it also plays a vital role in Vietnamese legend. Emperor Le Loi returned his sword to a Turtle God in the lake, after he used it to defeat the Chinese; Turtle Tower sits on an island in the middle of the water. (Has a similar ring to Trump Tower, but is definitely way prettier.)
Then explore the Old Quarter and its array of streets categorised by trade, this time during the day. The vibe here is chaotic, with motorbikes whizzing all around you, but these streets are also filled with life at all times of day; it’s normal to see families preparing meals on pavements, and it’s often impossible to walk in full down the pavement because they’re so crowded with parked bikes and people. Make sure you don’t leave without trying Pho in Hanoi; this famous noodle soup is said to have originated in the city. Or try Bun Cha, another Hanoi speciality: grilled pork and pork balls in broth, with a hearty helping of vermicelli noodles.
In the evening, visit the Thang Long Theatre to see a traditional performance of water puppetry. The art of water puppetry originated in the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam; when rice fields flooded, villagers would tell folk tales using lacquered wooden puppets on bamboo rods. The Thang Long Theatre has a purpose-built pool where puppeteers tell the same stories, accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra of traditional instruments and chèo singers. The 50 minute show tells the tale of fishermen, fire-breathing dragons, and phoenixes, and despite it being (obviously) entirely in Vietnamese, it’s just as mesmerising for children to watch as adults. I sat next to two tiny girls and their mum, who were captivated and found parts of the show hilarious.
The queue for the Thang Long Theatre can be lengthy, and although there are several shows a day they can sell out quickly. If you don’t feel like waiting, or want to guarantee a certain performance, book your ticket in advance here.
Day 8: Homestay and hiking in SaPa
Catch an absolute crack-of-dawn-timed bus to stunning Sa Pa, right in the very north of Vietnam. The bus journey from Hanoi takes about six hours plus a few scheduled rest stops, and I’m being completely honest here when I say the journeys there and back may well be as much of an adventure as your time in the mountains.
Of all the things on this 10 day Vietnam itinerary, hiking in Sa Pa was undoubtedly my favourite. We booked the trip with Get Your Guide, and I’d book something similar with them again as the experience was so great.
Read the full story and find more photo inspiration from our trek through the Sapa region here.
Sa Pa is a small mountain town very close to the border of China, but in this case the name Sa Pa really refers to the whole area, including its carpet of paddy fields built in steps on the slopes, and the tiny villages which are dotted amongst them. The region is largely home to the Hmong people who migrated from China hundreds of years ago; our hike was led by a lovely lady from the Black Hmong tribe named Sua. The Hmong people are characterised by their colourful clothing and strong importance of being part of the ‘clan,’ with each clan having their own style of traditional clothing, and Sua was an incredible guide to her way of life. (As well as being absolutely hilarious.)
After several hours walking and chatting with Sua and a group of Hmong women, we ended at a simple but lovely homestay in the Ta Vhan village.
This is the exact 2 day trip we booked, which cost €84 each for one night and two days, including 2 lunches, one dinner and one breakfast, and for this 10 day Vietnam itinerary I’d say this is the most important part, which you cannot miss!
Day 9: An early morning hike and a return to Hanoi
Wake up to the morning mist rolling across the valley and after breakfast in the homestay, start out on another longer hike. This one is harder because a lot of it is uphill, and it’ll take you along the edge of the valley and up through a bamboo forest, before working your way back downhill to the village of Giang Ta Chai. Thanks to its higher altitude the weather in Sa Pa can be a lot cooler and wetter than in the rest of Vietnam, but in very early May the region was experiencing some of its hottest weather yet. Despite the heat I was secretly glad as I’d decided against packing a waterproof poncho.
I like to live dangerously, clearly.
Following on from the sweatiest hike in the history of life, you can catch a bus back into SaPa town to have lunch at a hotel and maybe grab another coconut coffee before starting the long bus journey back to Hanoi.
For your final two nights in Hanoi, stay in the French Quarter, which is home to the Hanoi Opera House and is considered the most luxurious pocket of the city. The architecture around here is quite European in style, and the streets are much wider boulevards than the narrow maze of the Old Quarter.
You’ll understandably be pretty tired from all the hiking and kayaking and cycling you’ve been doing, so use the evening to eat and relax, ready to enjoy your last full day on this 10 day Vietnam itinerary.
Where to stay in the French Quarter
We stayed in this incredible Airbnb, which is a beautifully decorated loft apartment with a quiet foliage-filled terrace and gorgeous artwork from the owner’s sister, who is an illustrator. This was my favourite accomodation in Hanoi, because as well as having an owner who had thought of everything, the apartment is a family home with real character.
If Airbnb isn’t your thing, look at the Trang Tien Hostel for budget accomodation, or the Acoustic Hotel and Spa which is a great value 4-star option with a gorgeous rooftop bar. For something more special and far more modern, try the La Siesta Classic Hang Thung.
Day 10: Train street, bridges and murals oh my!
With one day left on your 10 day Vietnam itinerary, set off to make the most of your last day in Hanoi.
If you fancy another museum (as much to escape the heat as to learn something new), try the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, which tells the stories of women in the country. (Clue’s in the name.) There are tonnes of exhibits here focusing on all aspects of women’s roles in Vietnam, from the part they had to play in wars, to family life, fashion, and the traditions of different clans like the Black Hmong which we had just stayed with. I actually found this to be one of the more interesting museums I’ve visited across the world. (With Cité du Vin in Bordeaux coming a close second, because it is entirely focused on wine, after all.)
We then headed off on our own very much self-guided walk through the city streets, taking in the tromp l’oeile murals on Phung Hong Street and then continuing onwards to the iconic Long Bien Bridge which crosses the wide Red River. The rusting iron bridge was repaired several times after it was bombed by the USA, and these days it’s only accessible for pedestrians, mopeds and trains. We didn’t cross all the way over, partly because there was nothing we needed to get to on the other side, and partly because there’s great big holes in the actual pavement beneath your feet which I’m sure is nothing to worry about; but still, you can never be too sure, can you?
From one iconic landmark to another; officially ‘Train Street’ is not a place that anybody is supposed to go any more. (Not that we realised until we got there, it’s not very well-publicised). Having checked the timetable, and decided which cafe we wanted to sip a coffee at whilst waiting for the train to pass through, we did in fact manage to get onto the street. Although I’m not sure I’m supposed to tell you that. If you’re curious about the absolute chaos of being smuggled into a coffee shop, read on over here!
After dinner at Hanoi Social Club, walk back along the Ho An Kiem Lake to see the city alive at night. Musicians play along the street and locals dance with each other, spotlit by street lamps with zero inhibitions.
Whilst some might argue that ten days is nowhere near long enough to appreciate the magic of this stunning country, I think that with this 10 day Vietnam itinerary you can see so, so much and learn so much as well. From exploring the bustling cities of Hanoi and Da Nang and the elegant colonial beauty of Hoi An, to being wowed by the incredible landscapes of Sa Pa’s mountainous rice fields and Ha Long Bay’s otherworldly jungle-topped karsts, this country has a seemingly infinite amount to offer.
(Plus, some of the friendliest people you could ever hope to meet, and the most delicious, freshest food.)
Any questions? Ask away! And let me know if this 10 day Vietnam itinerary has inspired you, or if there’s somewhere you think I should visit next time.