My Vietnam 10 Days Itinerary: Heritage and Nature

My Vietnam 10 Days Itinerary: Heritage and Nature

Best of all, do you want to experience Southeast Asia in its real glory? Sprawled all over the S-shape, this nation is the best for the natural beauty and cultural wonders it has to offer. A 10 days trip of Vietnam would have you soaking up the daily life of the locals amid beautifully isolated monuments and landscapes. When you set your travel plans, many questions will arise in your mind, such as what to do in Vietnam for a good 10 days, what to see and visit?

Via the travel diary of Sofia Gomez, a trip to Vietnam with her husband and friends in April, just after tourism resumed in the country. Find out how your adventure looks, and plan yours with this handy guide.
 

Updated on 07-07-2025
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How many days are necessary for a trip to Vietnam?

"How long do I need for Vietnam?" This was the first question I wrestled with when planning my own trip. Looking back on my travels there, my honest answer is that any amount of time can be perfect. It all comes down to your mindset. Here’s my personal take on it, from one traveler to another:

  • Just 10 Days? Make Them Count.

One thing I learned quickly is that it's better to truly experience one region than to just see three. Don't rush. Dive deep into the mountains and culture of the North, or lose yourself in the historic beach towns of the Central coast. You’ll leave feeling a real connection to the place, not just its airports.

  • The 15-Day Sweet Spot.

This is the trip length I always recommend to friends for their first visit. For me, 15 days was the ideal pace for a classic North-to-South journey. You get to see the country's incredible diversity without the constant feeling of being on the move. It’s the most popular itinerary for a very good reason.

  • Three Weeks or More? Get Lost.

If you're lucky enough to have this much time, you can have the kind of trip that created my most unforgettable memories. This is your chance to go beyond a set itinerary. Follow your curiosity down a hidden alley, take a detour to a village you haven't heard of, and discover the real Vietnam that exists between the famous sights.

Sophie Ardhuin and her husband
Sophie Ardhuin and her husband taking the “Discovering UNESCO heritage” circuit for 10 days

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!

[col-img15] vietnam itinerary 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

3.1. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam

Right after landing in Hanoi, we met up with our guide, a super friendly local who spoke great English. He took us to our hotel in the Hoan Kiem district, right in the historic heart of Vietnam's thousand-year-old capital. After a quick break to drop our bags, we went for a walk to get a feel for the city.

The first thing you notice is the traffic. It's absolutely insane! You really have to watch yourself when crossing the street, so sticking with our guide was definitely a good call. This first stroll, just soaking up the city's charm, felt like the perfect start to our 10-day Vietnam adventure.

  • Day 1 in Hanoi

Our first real taste of Hanoi started at Hoan Kiem Lake, or the "Lake of the Returned Sword." We had fun trying to pronounce it. Our very first words in Vietnamese! We spent a quiet hour there, admiring the charming Ngoc Son Temple on its little island and the iconic Turtle Tower.

Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake or Lake of the Returned Sword

The lake sits right at the edge of the historic Old Quarter, with its 36 streets once famous for their different artisan guilds. Later that afternoon, we made our way to something I'd been really looking forward to: the famous Hanoi Train Street. There's a strange, thrilling energy to that little neighborhood, watching a train pass just feet from people's front doors.

Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi Train Street

To wind down a bit, we tried another Hanoi classic: egg coffee. It has a unique, creamy flavor you just can't miss.

Egg coffee in Hanoi
Egg coffee in Hanoi

For dinner, our guide gave us the perfect local recommendation. We ended our day sitting on small plastic stools on a sidewalk, eating an incredible bowl of phở. It was the perfect way to cap off our first full day in the city.

  • Day 2 in Hanoi

On our second day, our guide (who, by the way, spoke amazing English and French) showed us around Hanoi's most important historical and cultural sites. We started at the Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam's very first university. I wish we'd had more time in the city because I heard they recently started a night tour there with a light show that looks incredible against the ancient buildings.

Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature

From there, we went to the vast Ba Dinh Square, home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his former house. Nearby, we saw the impressive Presidential Palace and other beautiful examples of French colonial architecture, like the St. Joseph's Cathedral and the elegant Opera House.

The Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh
The Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh

Later, our guide took us to the Museum of Ethnology. It was fascinating and gave us a real feel for the diversity of Vietnam's different ethnic groups through all its photos and artifacts. We ended our day with a traditional water puppet show. It was such a unique and charming performance, and a perfect way to wrap up a day full of history.

3.2 Halong Bay

You can't say you've done Vietnam in 10 days until you've done Ha Long Bay! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason, and just a few hours from Hanoi.

The Cruise: Day 1 – Setting Sail & Adventure

We hopped on a traditional junk boat and our adventure began! The afternoon was packed:

Halong Bay
Halong Bay
  • Cave Exploring: We checked out Thien Canh Son cave. The rock formations inside are unreal!
  • Kayaking & Swimming: We paddled around the Cap La area. The water was perfect for a swim.
  • Evening Fun: After chilling on the sundeck with some coconut juice, we had a cooking class (learned to make spring rolls!) and then an awesome seafood feast. We even tried some night fishing off the boat.

The Cruise: Day 2 – Magical Sunrise & Local Life

Waking up for sunrise is a MUST DO. Seeing the sun light up the thousands of limestone peaks is just breathtaking. After breakfast, we kayaked over to the Vung Vieng floating village, which was such a cool experience.

The fishing village of Vung Vieng
The fishing village of Vung Vieng

Next Stop: The "Ha Long Bay on Land"

After disembarking, we drove back to Hanoi to get ready for our next stop: Ninh Binh, famous for its river-and-karst landscape that has earned it the nickname "Ha Long Bay on Land".

Kayaking in Halong Bay
Kayaking in Halong Bay

✨ My advice:
If you have more time (and a bigger budget!), you can see Ha Long Bay from above. There are helicopter and seaplane tours available that give you an absolutely epic bird's-eye view of the bay.

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

3.3 Ninh Binh

A short two-hour drive south of Hanoi brought us to the stunning limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh. I can now confirm that the nickname "Ha Long Bay on Land" is spot on. It truly is the same dramatic limestone peaks, but rising from vibrant green rice paddies and rivers instead of the sea.

The breathtaking view from the top of Mount Mua
The breathtaking view from the top of Mount Mua

Our first stop was Mua Cave. We climbed all 486 stone steps to the top, and the effort was worth every second. The panoramic view that greeted us was easily one of the most incredible sights of our entire trip.

After descending, we took a peaceful bike ride through the countryside before lunch, just soaking it all in. That afternoon, we explored by water with a boat ride on the Ngo Dong River. What amazed us was our rower, who expertly steered the boat using just her feet! She navigated us through three low-hanging caves where you could almost touch the ceiling.

Tam Coc boat tour
Tam Coc boat tour

That evening, we boarded an overnight train to continue our journey south. Taking a sleeper train was a surprisingly comfortable and efficient way to cover the long distances on our 10-day schedule.

If you have more time in Ninh Binh, you can explore Bai Dinh Pagoda further. It is a large pagoda complex with many Asian records. It is on the list of: Top 11 Temples and Pagodas in Vietnam to Visit

3.4 Phong Nha

There's nothing quite like waking up on a train in a new country. We timed it perfectly for the 6 AM sunrise, and the view from our window was just incredible. Watching the Vietnamese countryside come to life, with the endless rice paddies, farmers already heading to their fields, and water buffalo grazing, was such a peaceful way to start the day.

On the train route from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha
On the train route from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha

Once we arrived at Dong Hoi station, it was an easy 45-minute drive into the stunning landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Our adventure kicked off with a boat ride on the park's famous underground river. Floating in the quiet of those enormous, ancient caves, with the massive limestone karsts of the Ke Bang forest all around us, felt surreal.

Paradise Cave or Thien Duong Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Paradise Cave or Thien Duong Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

You really can't wrap your head around the sheer scale of this place. To think that this park is home to some of the biggest caves on the planet, like Paradise Cave and the world-record-holding Son Doong, is just mind-blowing. It’s a truly spectacular park. Being there honestly felt like we had discovered another planet.

3.5. Hue

After Phong Nha, we made the four-hour drive south to Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital. First thing we did after checking into our hotel? Headed straight out for food, of course. We had to try the city's signature dish, Bún Bò Huế. It’s this incredible spicy beef noodle soup with lemongrass, pork, and Vietnamese sausage. So, so good.

Imperial City of Hue
Imperial City of Hue

The next morning, we dove into Hue's royal past at the Imperial City, where 13 emperors ruled for over 150 years. Then we visited the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. And you have to hear this. The guy apparently had 142 kids with 43 concubines (This is another must-do activity on a 10-day trip to Vietnam). Just wild. I was also surprised to find out the tombs aren't all in one place, but are actually scattered all over the countryside.

Minh Mang King's Mausoleum
The Mausoleum of King Minh Mang

Later that afternoon, we swung by the Thuy Xuan incense village. Honestly, it was beautiful but felt more like a colorful photo-op than anything else. What I really loved, though, was the peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda and its gorgeous views over the Perfume River. We also stumbled upon the quieter Tu Hieu Pagoda and were lucky enough to catch the monks' evening prayers, which was just a really special moment.

Incense Village in Hue
Incense Village in Hue

We wrapped up the day at the bustling Dong Ba Market, the city's oldest and biggest, where my friends picked up some conical hats and traditional ao dai dresses as souvenirs.

vietnam 10 days itineraries

3.6. Hoi An

  • Day 1 on the way to Hoi An: Visit My Son's Cham Shrine

The next morning, we hit the road for the drive south to the iconic town of Hoi An. The journey itself is an adventure, and we made a few awesome stops along the way. First up was the famous Hai Van Pass, also known as the "Pass of Ocean Clouds". The views of the coastline from the top were just insane. We also chilled for a bit at the beautiful Lang Co Beach.

One of the most surprising things we saw were the elaborate cemeteries along the highway. They looked like whole miniature villages of ornate, temple-like tombs. Really incredible. The main event of our drive, though, was the My Son Sanctuary. Exploring its mysterious brick towers tucked away in a green valley really did feel like stepping back in time. It was hands down one of the most beautiful and unexpected highlights of our trip.

Champa ruins of My Son Shrine near Hoi An
Champa ruins of My Son Shrine near Hoi An

We finally rolled into Hoi An late that afternoon. We knew it was a huge tourist town, but it still completely blew us away. As soon as night fell, the ancient town just came alive, glowing with hundreds of colorful lanterns. Down on the Hoai River, the water was filled with little boats covered in lights.

Lantern-strewn streets in Hoi An
Lantern-strewn streets in Hoi An

Of course, we had to try some local treats while we were wandering around, like the refreshing MOT herbal tea and a sweet dessert called chè. We ended the night perfectly, sitting at a quiet rooftop café and taking in the magical view of the lantern-lit town below.

  • Day 2 in Hoi An: A Round of the Old Town and Its Surroundings

So, we spent our next morning just getting lost in the charming streets of Hoi An's Old Town. You can really feel the history there, thinking about all the merchants who traded from that port centuries ago. We just kind of wandered around, checking out the Fujian Assembly Hall and the iconic Japanese Bridge, which has this little pagoda inside. It’s so cool. The whole town just has such a warm, friendly vibe.

Hoi An Old Town
Hoi An Old Town

That afternoon, we did the basket boat tour out in the Cam Thanh coconut forest. We were supposed to bike there, but it was way too hot, so we just grabbed a car instead. Yeah, definitely a good call. After the boat ride, we stumbled upon this real hidden gem, a workshop called Taboo Bamboo. I mean, we were totally blown away. The artist, Mr. Tân, makes these giant, incredible animal sculptures completely out of bamboo. It's one of those amazing spots you almost want to keep secret, but it's just too good not to share.

Taboo Bamboo Workshop
Taboo Bamboo Workshop

For our last morning, we decided to just take it easy and do a little last-minute souvenir shopping. And just like that, the whole trip was coming to an end. That afternoon, our group had to split up. I headed for the airport to fly home to the USA, and my friends kept going, on to Ho Chi Minh City. It was the perfect, bittersweet end to an absolutely unforgettable ten days in Vietnam.

hoi an lanterns
The Lanterns, Emblem of Hoi An's Old Town

💡Detail of the Kampa Tour itinerary I booked: Discovery of the UNESCO heritage in Vietnam for 10 days. The itinerary has been slightly modified according to our wishes

Suggested 10-day tours of Vietnam:

 

4. Accommodations on the 10-day trip

Hanoi:

  • We stayed at the Hanoi La Siesta Hotel and would totally recommend it. Awesome location, right in the heart of the action. 
  • Overnight Train (Ninh Binh to Phong Nha):

Okay, so about the sleeper train. It was such a cool experience and a super smart way to travel. The cabins have four beds, bunk-bed style. The staff was friendly, and everything was surprisingly clean, even the sheets. There are basic restrooms at the end of each car, but here’s a big heads-up: no showers. Still, we loved it. You cover a huge distance while you sleep and get to see the countryside at sunrise.

  • Hue:

Our spot here was the White Lotus Hotel Hue. Nice, comfortable, and in a great location for exploring. 

  • Hoi An:

We stayed at the Vinh Hung Riverside Resort and loved being right on the water. 

5. Things to Know About Vietnam Before You Go

  • Hanoi is the historical, political, and intellectual capital, while Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, is the economic metropolis of Vietnam.
  • Ho Chi Minh City speaks Vietnamese, while having a few other dialects of one of the 54 ethnic groups in the country. Almost the entire population is made up of the Vietnamese (or Kinh, as they are called too).
  • Vietnam is a safe traveling country; just be aware of pickpockets at some tourist destinations and motorbikes when you cross a busy city.
  • About the weather, it's nice most of the time. In the northern area, it gets quite cool in winter. For hot weather, hotels are equipped with air conditioning and fans most of the time.
  • The landscape of Vietnam can be appreciated by all, whether visiting the beach in the south, trekking in the northwestern mountains, or going to learn about the culture and history from north to south. Food and lodging will offer anything from economy to luxuriously high-end options. The traveler should be as specific with their needs as possible to the advisor to get the best itineraries.
  • Well, if you are a solo traveler, do good research on the weather in Vietnam, the visa to travel to Vietnam, flights to Vietnam, transportation, or how to get around Vietnam, etc. Travel agencies are the most time-effective and cost-effective with their services.

- Sofia Gomez -

vietnam ethinicity

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:

vietnam 10 days

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:

 

Quiz: What do you know about Vietnam?

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2/5.What is the first animal of the Vietnamese zodiac?
3/5.What is the iconic dish of Hoi An, a culinary specialty recognized in Vietnam?
4/5.What is the largest city in Vietnam?
5/5.What is the meaning of the word “Xin chao” in English?
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