10-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Detailed Guide to Must-See Attractions

Vietnam offers an incredible variety of attractions, from lush natural landscapes to fascinating historical sites. Here’s a detailed guide to the key destinations on your 10-day journey:

Table of Contents

Day 1-2: Hanoi – The Heart of Vietnam

hanoi old quarter (2) — Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a vibrant and historic area known for its narrow streets, colonial architecture, and bustling markets. Each street specializes in a different trade, offering unique goods like silk, herbs, and antiques. The quarter’s lively atmosphere, rich history, and delicious street food make it a must-visit destination.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a vibrant city with a mix of ancient traditions and modern hustle and bustle. Here are the must-see highlights:

Hoan Kiem Lake: Located in the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is a tranquil spot for relaxation. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on an island in the middle of the lake. The iconic Turtle Tower rises in the center, making it an ideal place to take photos, especially at dawn and dusk.
Old Quarter: This historical neighborhood features narrow, winding streets packed with markets, street food, and traditional shops. Each street has its own specialty, such as silk, herbs, or antiques. Be sure to try Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) and Phở (noodle soup) from the street vendors.
Temple of Literature: Known as the first university in Vietnam, this Confucian temple is a serene, historical site. The complex is filled with beautiful courtyards, pavilions, and ponds. It’s a great place to learn about Vietnam’s educational history.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: This is the resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the revolutionary leader who founded modern Vietnam. It’s an important site of national reverence. Nearby is Ho Chi Minh Museum, which tells the story of his life and contributions to the country.
Water Puppet Show: A traditional Vietnamese art form, the Water Puppet Show is an unforgettable cultural experience. It’s performed in a pool of water and tells stories of rural life, often involving mythical creatures and legendary heroes.

Day 3: Halong Bay – Natural Wonder

halong bay vietnam (1) — Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in northeastern Vietnam, famous for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands. Visitors can explore the bay by boat, enjoying scenic views, caves, and floating villages. Its breathtaking beauty and tranquility make it a top destination for nature lovers.

Halong Bay is one of the most famous natural wonders in Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its emerald waters are dotted with over 1,600 limestone islands and islets.

Halong Bay Cruise: The best way to experience the beauty of the bay is by taking a luxury cruise. The boats usually stop at Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), one of the largest and most impressive caves in the area, where you can admire incredible stalactites and stalagmites.
Kayaking: Explore the bay’s hidden lagoons and caves by kayak. Paddle around the floating fishing villages and limestone islands that rise dramatically from the water.
Ti Top Island: For panoramic views of Halong Bay, take a hike up to the top of Ti Top Island. The climb is a bit strenuous, but the view is absolutely worth it.

Day 4-5: Ninh Binh – “Halong Bay on Land”

tam coc ninh binh — Tam Coc, located in Ninh Binh, is known for its stunning limestone karsts and serene river landscapes. Often referred to as “Halong Bay on land,” visitors can enjoy boat rides through caves and rice paddies. The area offers breathtaking views and a peaceful escape into nature, perfect for photography and exploration.

Ninh Binh, located in northern Vietnam, is a peaceful destination with breathtaking landscapes that resemble Halong Bay, but on land. Spend two days exploring this tranquil region.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: Take a boat ride through Trang An’s caves and limestone mountains. This is often referred to as “Halong Bay on land,” and you’ll glide past lush landscapes and through several caves, including Sao Khe Cave.
Tam Coc: Often called the “three caves” because of the caves you pass through while on the boat ride, Tam Coc offers stunning views of limestone karsts and rice paddies. The boat ride is peaceful, and you can take beautiful photos of the serene environment.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties. The historical site includes temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, set against a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs.
Bich Dong Pagoda: This ancient pagoda is nestled on a mountainside, offering a calm and reflective experience. You’ll enjoy walking through tunnels to reach the upper levels, which provide fantastic views of the surrounding area.

Day 6-7: Hue – The Imperial City

Hue City - UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site — The Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was once the capital of Vietnam. It is famous for its ancient citadel, royal tombs, and majestic temples. The city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and serene landscapes make it a must-visit destination for those interested in Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, is home to historical landmarks and royal tombs that date back to the Nguyen Dynasty.

Imperial City (The Citadel): A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Imperial City is a vast complex with impressive gates, temples, and palaces. Don’t miss The Forbidden Purple City, the former royal residence, which offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past.
Thien Mu Pagoda: Located on the banks of the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. It’s an iconic structure with a beautiful view of the river and a perfect spot for photos.
Royal Tombs: The Nguyen emperors built magnificent tombs in the surrounding hills. Visit Tomb of Khai Dinh (known for its intricate architecture) and Tomb of Tu Duc (a peaceful, scenic site with beautiful gardens and lakes).
Perfume River Cruise: Take a boat ride along the Perfume River and enjoy views of the historic city and lush landscapes. The boat trip also includes stops at smaller pagodas and temples along the riverbanks.

Day 8-9: Hoi An – A Timeless Town

Hoi An Old Town in Central Vietnam — Hoi An is a charming ancient town in central Vietnam, known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant lantern-lit streets. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it blends influences from Chinese, Japanese, and French cultures. Famous for its delicious cuisine, tailor-made clothes, and historic ambiance, Hoi An offers a peaceful, timeless experience.

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Vietnam’s most charming towns, known for its well-preserved ancient streets, vibrant markets, and delicious food.

Hoi An Ancient Town: Wander through the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town, filled with colorful buildings that reflect a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and French architecture. Stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge, a famous landmark that symbolizes the town’s cultural diversity.
Cooking Class: Hoi An is known for its incredible food, such as Cao Lau (a noodle dish) and White Rose Dumplings. Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare these local delicacies and enjoy a hands-on experience.
My Son Sanctuary: Take a day trip to My Son, a cluster of Hindu temples built by the Cham civilization between the 4th and 14th centuries. The site is set in a lush valley surrounded by mountains and provides an insight into the ancient Cham culture.
An Bang Beach: Just outside of the town, An Bang Beach is the perfect spot for a day of relaxation. Enjoy the soft sand and crystal-clear water, and if you’re feeling active, try surfing or take a bike ride along the coastline.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta – The Dynamic South

On your final day in Vietnam, explore both the bustling Ho Chi Minh City and the peaceful Mekong Delta, which offers a completely different side of Vietnam with its serene rivers, floating markets, and traditional rural life.

vietnam ho chi minh city Saigon Opera House — Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam’s bustling economic hub. Known for its mix of modern skyscrapers and colonial-era buildings, it offers vibrant street markets, delicious cuisine, and rich history. Key attractions include the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, making it a dynamic, diverse destination.

Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ben Thanh Market: Start your day with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest and most famous markets in the city. Wander through the stalls offering local handicrafts, fresh produce, and street food. It’s a great spot to pick up souvenirs such as Vietnamese coffee, silk products, and lacquerware.
War Remnants Museum: Head to the War Remnants Museum for an educational and sobering look at the Vietnam War. The museum houses exhibits of photographs, military equipment, and poignant personal stories, giving you a deeper understanding of the country’s recent history.
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica & Central Post Office: Visit the iconic Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, built by the French in the 19th century, and the nearby Central Post Office, an impressive example of French colonial architecture.

Mekong Delta Adventure

Mekong Delta Vietnam Traditional Villages — The Mekong Delta, also known as the “Cuu Long River Delta,” is a vast network of rivers, swamps, and islands in southern Vietnam. Famous for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional rural life, it offers a unique experience of Vietnamese culture, agriculture, and vibrant waterways, perfect for eco-tourism.

Boat Ride through the Mekong Delta: Once you arrive, embark on a boat cruise along the Mekong River. The river is the lifeblood of the delta, and you’ll pass through lush landscapes, small islands, and floating villages. You may stop to visit local villages that produce coconut candy, rice paper, and fresh fruits.
Visit to a Floating Market: If you’re in the Mekong Delta early enough, you’ll get a chance to visit one of its famous floating markets, such as Cai Be or Cai Rang. Here, you’ll witness vendors selling goods directly from their boats, with everything from fresh produce to handcrafted items.
Traditional Villages: Visit a traditional Mekong Delta village, where you can experience rural life in Vietnam. See how local families live, and learn about their fishing and farming practices. You may also have the chance to interact with the locals and try their homemade specialties.

An Bang Beach in Hoi An Vietnam — Vietnam boasts stunning beaches along its coastline, including Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang. With crystal-clear waters, white sand, and vibrant coral reefs, these beaches offer ideal spots for relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Vietnam’s beaches are perfect for those seeking both tranquility and adventure in nature.

Your 10-day Vietnam itinerary now perfectly balances the energetic urban life of Ho Chi Minh City with the tranquil beauty of the Mekong Delta. This final day offers a mix of history, culture, and nature, giving you a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s charm. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and welcoming people. Safe travels!

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