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No.1 Classic Vietnam 10 Days Itinerary: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh
For first-time visitors to Vietnam, planning an itinerary for this captivating country can pose some challenges. However, it is possible to explore the essence of Vietnam from south to north and immerse yourself in its stunning landscapes, tantalizing cuisine, and rich history within 10 days.
Typically, 10 days is sufficient to visit the most popular destinations in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, each showcasing a unique facet of the Vietnamese soul.
From the enchanting capital city with its emerald waters embracing majestic limestone pillars to the time-frozen charm of Hoi An Ancient Town, the vibrant metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, and the mesmerizing Mekong Delta, a 10-day classic Vietnam itinerary seamlessly combines must-see attractions, cultural experiences, and local flavors.
Vietnam 10 Days Classic Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi city tour (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, cyclo tour around Old Quarter)
Day 3: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 4: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi & Flight to Da Nang
Day 5: Hoi An Tour (basket boat trip, Hoi An Ancient Town)
Day 6: Hue (Hai Van Pass Tunnel, Hue Imperial City, Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, Thien Mu Pagoda)
Day 7: Da Nang & Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8: Ho Chi Min city tour (Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Nha Tho Tan Dinh, Central Post Office, Cu Chi Tunnels)
Day 9: Mekong Delta cruise
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh Departure
Day 1-2: Hanoi City Tour
Embark on a full day of exploring Hanoi's top attractions. Visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam. Continue your tour with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay homage to the revered leader of Vietnam. Explore the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, a unique architectural gem that dates back to the 11th century.
Head to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam and a symbol of intellectual and cultural heritage. Take a stroll along the infamous Hanoi Train Street, where you can witness the unique sight of a train passing through a narrow residential street.
Go to Hoan Kiem Lake, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Cross the iconic red bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake. Enjoy a cyclo tour around the charming Old Quarter.
Day 3-4: Embark on a Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise Journey
From Hanoi to Halong Bay, the most popular destination of Vietnam, and hop on an overnight cruise. Spend a day cruising through the majestic limestone karsts, basking in the emerald waters, and marveling at the stunning beauty of over 1,000 limestone islands rising from the sea.
Explore fascinating attractions, from grand caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites to floating villages that preserve traditional ways of life, and panoramic viewpoints offering breathtaking bay vistas.
Plus, exciting activities await you, like kayaking, swimming, squid fishing, and board games. Spend the night on the cruise, soaking in the captivating scenery of Halong Bay.
Day 4-5 Experience the Highlights of Hoi An Ancient Town
Enjoy a day of leisure to further explore Hoi An. Take a basket boat trip through the tranquil waterways, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional fishing villages. Immerse yourself in the local way of life and learn about traditional fishing techniques.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An Ancient Town, known for its narrow streets, ancient houses, and colorful lanterns. Visit historical sites, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Community, and the Tan Ky Old House. Take your time to wander through the charming streets, browse local shops, and sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 6: Head to Imperial Capital Hue
Embark on a scenic drive along the Hai Van Pass Tunnel to the imperial city of Hue. Visit the Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Vietnam. Explore the grand palaces, temples, and gardens within its fortified walls, and learn about the country's rich history and royal heritage.
Continue your journey to the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, a majestic tomb blending traditional Vietnamese and European architectural styles. End the day with a visit to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue located on the banks of the Perfume River. Enjoy the panoramic views and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 7-8: Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s Top Attractions
Discover the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City on a comprehensive city tour. Start with a visit to the Reunification Palace, a historic landmark and witness to the end of the Vietnam War. Explore its fascinating rooms and learn about its significance in Vietnamese history.
Visit the War Remnants Museum, which provides a sobering insight into the Vietnam War. Then, marvel at the French colonial architecture of Nha Tho Tan Dinh (Tan Dinh Church) and the iconic Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Delve into the history of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground passages used during the Vietnam War. Gain a firsthand experience of the tunnels and learn about the guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the Viet Cong.
Day 9-10: Mekong Delta Boat Trip
An enchanting journey to the Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Travel by boat along the mighty Mekong River (My Tho and Brn Tre), witnessing the picturesque landscapes and bustling river life. Visit local villages and observe the traditional cottage industries, such as coconut candy making and rice paper production.
No.2 10 Days Vietnam Itinerary for Family
Vietnam is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia! If you're looking for ideas for a 10-day Vietnam itinerary designed for families, why not start from Ho Chi Minh City in the south and make your way to destinations in central and northern Vietnam, incorporating some family fun activities like lantern-making or cooking classes along the way?
Make sure to create a comprehensive experience for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, combining must-see attractions with family-friendly experiences, to have a wonderful time exploring Vietnam together.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Day Tour
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang to Hoi An; free time this afternoon;
Day 5: Hoi An Basket Boat Trip & Cooking Class
Day 6: Hoi An Ancient Town & Lantern Making Class ;
Day 7: Hoi An to Da Nang & Flight to Hanoi
Day 8: Hanoi City Tour
Day 9: Hanoi to Halong Bay
Day 10: Halong Bay to Hanoi, Departure
Day 1-2: Ho Chi Minh City Explore
Get ready for a full day of exploring Ho Chi Minh City! Your adventure begins with a visit to the Reunification Palace, a symbolic landmark that served as the presidential palace during the Vietnam War. Proceed to the War Remnants Museum to learn about the past of Vietnam. Take your children to the Central Post Office, where they can send a postcard from afar to friends or family.
Make a stop at the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground tunnel network used by the Viet Cong during the war. Crawling through the tunnels and learning about their historical significance is a fascinating experience that will ignite your children's imagination.
Day 3: A Day Trip to Mekong Delta Cruise
Get ready for a captivating journey to the Mekong Delta! Embark on a scenic cruise along the Mekong River, witnessing the vibrant life that unfolds along its banks.
Head to My Tho, a bustling town where we can explore local markets overflowing with fresh produce and handcrafted souvenirs. Continue to Ben Tre, a serene region known for its coconut groves and traditional villages.
Hop on a smaller boat and navigate through narrow canals, getting a glimpse into the local way of life. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with fresh Mekong Delta ingredients before cruising back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 4-6: Discover Hoi An Ancient Town’s Highlights & Family Fun
Spend 2 fun-filled days in Hoi An! Delve into the enchanting world of Hoi An's Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along narrow streets lined with colorful shops
Take a basket boat trip in Cam Thanh. These unique boats, traditionally used by local fishermen, offer a truly unforgettable experience. Work together as a family to navigate the canals and learn about the history and ecology of the Thu Bon River.
Unleash your inner chef with a fun and interactive cooking class. Learn to prepare some of the most famous dishes of Hoi An, like cao lau (noodles with pork and rice crackers) and white rose dumplings. Enjoy the fruits of your labor by savoring a delicious family dinner you helped create!
Participate in a fun and interactive lantern-making class. Learn the traditional techniques of crafting these beautiful lanterns and unleash your creativity to design your glowing masterpiece
Day 7-8: Hanoi City Tour
Discover the highlights of Hanoi. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can introduce your family to Vietnamese history, and explore the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and home to the first university of Vietnam. Take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter, an exciting and unique way to see the city, and end the day with a captivating water puppet show.
Day 9-10: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Embark on an enchanting adventure to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. Cruise through the picturesque bay, exploring hidden caves and enjoying activities such as kayaking and swimming. Indulge in delicious seafood aboard your traditional junk boat and spend the night surrounded by the bay's magical beauty.
No.3 Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days (Central Vietnam Itinerary)
Day 1-2 Da Nang Tour(Ba Na Hill, Golden Bridge): A tour of charming Da Nang. Visit Ba Na Hill, a mountain resort known for its stunning views and unique attractions. Ride the cable car to the summit and explore Fantasy Park, where you can enjoy thrilling rides and games. Don't miss the famous Golden Bridge, an architectural marvel.
Day 3: Explore Hue’s Highlights: Travel to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hue Citadel, where you can visit the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. Discover the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue, and take a boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Day 4-5: Discover Hoi An Ancient Town: Hoi An is a charming ancient town that has preserved its traditional architecture and way of life. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with well-preserved merchant houses, temples, and colorful lanterns. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, and experience the iconic Hoi An basket boat.
Day 6-7: Nha Trang: Nha Trang is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant underwater world. Relax on the pristine sandy beaches, take a boat trip to nearby islands, or indulge in water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, a historical site dedicated to the Cham civilization, and explore the vibrant local markets. Nha Trang offers a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.
Day 8-9: Mui Ne & Dalat: Head to Mui Ne, a coastal resort town famous for its stunning dunes and beautiful beaches. Enjoy water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, or simply relax and soak up the sun. Visit the Fairy Stream, a unique natural attraction with colorful rock formations and a gentle stream to walk along.
From Mui Ne, continue to Dalat, a charming city nestled in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," Dalat offers pleasant weather, beautiful landscapes, and a tranquil atmosphere. Explore the French colonial architecture, visit the Dalat Flower Park, and take a scenic cable car ride to the Truc Lam Zen Monastery. Enjoy the cool climate and serene surroundings of this picturesque city.
Day 10: Departure
How Much Does it Cost for 10 Days in Vietnam?
Before you book your flight, you might be wondering: how much will my 10-day Vietnamese adventure cost?
Sample Budget Breakdown (Per Day):
Budget Backpacker: $40-50
Mid-Range Traveler: $60-100
Luxury Seeker: $150+
Remember: This is just a general estimate, and your actual costs may vary depending on your travel style and choices.
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Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Explore Vietnam
Travel to Vietnam with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty and rich culture of Vietnam. As a trusted travel partner with over a decade of experience in the region, AOT offers a wide range of customizable Vietnam tour packages to cater to the preferences of every traveler. Whether you're seeking a family adventure, a romantic getaway, or a deep dive into Vietnam's history and cuisine, AOT has the expertise to create the perfect itinerary for you.
Useful Vietnam Travel Guide & Vietnam Travel Tips:
Best Time to Visit North Vietnam, How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam
Hanoi to Halong Bay Transportation, Vietnam Food,
Most Beautiful Places in Vietnam, Vietnam Itinerary
Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days, Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days
Ho Chi Minh City Attractions, Hanoi Attractions, Vietnam Attractions
Tour Packages:
Hanoi Tours, Halong Bay Tours, Hoi An Tours
Ho Chi Minh City Tours, Mekong Delta Tours
Northern Vietnam Tour, Southern Vietnam Tour, Central Vietnam Tour
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Asia Odyssey Travel and explore the beauty, culture, and warm hospitality of Vietnam. Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation.
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