Best things to see and do in Vietnam in 10 days. Discover the country’s most famous landmarks and tourist hotspots in our Vietnam 10-day itinerary!
This Vietnam 10-day itinerary is a part of our broader travel guide for the country. We recommend you check it out for the best travel tips and the most accurate information on transportation, hotels, restaurants, beast beaches and safety in Vietnam.
Welcome to Vietnam, the Land of the Blue Dragon! If you’re considering traveling to this outstanding destination in Southeast Asia, we’re here to make sure you get the most out of your experience. While 10 days may only scratch the surface, we believe this timeframe offers the bare minimum for a decent trip around Vietnam (though we promise it will leave you aching for more). With that in mind, we recommend you visit the capital Hanoi, where you can include the classic day trip to Halong Bay, explore the center of the country, hitting the beach in Da Nang, seeing the colonial architecture in Hoi An and witnessing the imperial remains in Hue and My Son, before capping off your adventure down south with a couple of days in the pristine shoreline of Nha Trang.
That being said, whether you have more or less available time in your hands, feel free to explore our alternative routes in Vietnam:
So, without further ado, here are the cities, places and tourist attractions you should visit in a 10-day itinerary through Vietnam:
Fresh off the plane and stepping into Vietnam’s warm, humid air, it’s a great idea to take some extra time to recover from jet lag and ease into this brand-new world filled with loud sounds, unfamiliar smells and vibrant colors. Luckily, and even though Hanoi is indeed the capital, it’s not the country’s largest or busiest city, meaning you can explore it at a relaxed pace in just two days! That being said, start off your adventure in the Old Quarter, considered the historic heart of Hanoi, and a true maze of old buildings, impromptu street vendor carts and tiny shops. With its endless stream of motorbikes, rowdy crowds of backpackers and messy overhead cables, this is probably as close to Southeast Asia’s stereotype as it can get! Immediately to the south of the Old Quarter, and for a way more relaxed atmosphere, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle & bustle. While you0re there, take a moment to check out Ngoc Son Temple, set on a small island connected by a charming red bridge, as well as the Hanoi Opera House (guided tours cost 120.000 VND) and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, two of the city’s best-known architectural remnants from French colonial times. Entry to the cathedral is free, and the interiors really remind you of a classic European church.
Once you find yourself needing a break from Vietnam’s often-intense heat, dive into the other side of colonialism with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison (50.000 VND), originally built by the French to imprison revolutionaries and political dissidents. However, in the West this place is mostly known for housing American POWs during the Vietnam War, including the late John McCain, who later ran for US president in 2008 in a losing effort against Barack Obama. Back on the streets, make your way to Hanoi’s iconic Train Street, where railway tracks cut directly through a narrow lane lined with cafes and bars, whose tables and chairs are swiftly pulled back every time a train is passing by. Back in 2019, local authorities finally grew tired of some inappropriate behaviors from tourists and touts and tried to curb the number of visitors by ordering the closure of many of these establishments. However, the street’s popularity didn’t really dwindle and tourists kept coming, so the government sort of gave up on that idea and things are slowly getting back to “normal”. While the schedules keep on changing, you can expect most trains to come through in the late afternoon, especially between 17h30 and 21h00.
To cap off your first day on a high note, get back to the Old Quarter and watch a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, one of Vietnam’s most celebrated institutions. An ancient cultural practice, these unique shows were originally performed during the monsoon season, when rice paddies were flooded. Nowadays, though, some of the shows are quite detailed and well-produced, bringing to life classic Vietnamese tales with colorful puppets, traditional music and dramatic lighting. In Thang Long, performances are held daily at 13h45, 15h00, 16h10, 17h20, 18h30, 20h00 and 21h15 (which is why we saved it for last). Tickets range from 100.000 to 200.000 VND – depending on your seat category –and can be purchased online or directly at the theater.
First day wrap-up:
Although you still have two more nights left in Hanoi, this will essentially be your final day exploring the city, as the remaining time will be dedicated its most popular day trip. That being said, begin your morning at the Temple of Literature (30.000 VND), Hanoi’s most famous religious site. Established in the 11th century as a university, this historical treasure now stands as one of the best tributes to the teachings of Confucius. A bit further to the north, follow that up with a visit to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (70.000 VND), a complex that once served as the seat of various dynasties that ruled Vietnam. Though much of the citadel was destroyed during the French occupation, parts of its ancient structures remain, including some of the gates, a secondary palace (unfortunately, the main palace was demolished), and the iconic Hanoi Flag Tower. However, perhaps no other places in the citadel is as interesting as Building D67, a bunker that functioned as the command center for the North Vietnamese government and military during the Vietnam War. In fact, and since we’re discussing the communists and their National Liberation Front, it’s impossible not to mention Ho Chi Minh. Having led the country for more than 20 years and played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s independence from the French and in the North’s victory in the Vietnam War (though he passed away before the war’s end), he is revered as the Father of the Nation.
To honor his legacy, and in true Soviet fashion, local authorities built the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (25.000 VND) in the nation’s capital, allowing any visitor to enter the monument. Inside, you’ll be able to see the embalmed body of the former leader, an experience often compared to visiting Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow. Bizarre, yet strangely interesting! Around the mausoleum, the whole area works as a memorial complex to Ho Chi Minh, including sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and the Presidential Palace, where the iconic leader hosted important visitors. Also within the complex, take a few minutes to check out the One Pillar Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist temple destroyed during the French occupation and painstakingly rebuilt. Finally, keep heading north until you get to the shores of the West Lake, Hanoi’s largest body of water. Stretching for about 15 km, you’ll want to take a walk just in time to catch the sunset. On the way, be sure to visit Quan Thanh Temple and cross the bridge to Tran Quoc Pagoda, a beautiful and historic temple that stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Second day wrap-up:
Standing out as the most popular day trip from Hanoi, we’ve planned a visit to the iconic Halong Bay, one of the most famous places in all of Vietnam! Keep in mind that a single day is a pretty limited timeframe to fully enjoy everything this breathtaking bay offers, especially when factoring in the 5 hours (round-trip) you’ll have to spend on the road. Therefore, joining an organized tour is definitely the most convenient choice. Most Halong Bay day tours follow a similar schedule: you’ll arrive at around noon and board a cruise boat, setting sail through the mesmerizing landscapes of Halong and stopping at a cave, a fishing village and an islet, where you can relax on the beach, swim or go kayaking. By late afternoon, the tour will return to Hanoi, arriving at 20h30. Lunch on board is usually included. While these tours are incredibly touristy and leave little room for spontaneity, at least you’ll get to experience a scenic journey through one of the world’s most stunning locations. On the other hand, and though you’ll find cheaper deals when approached by agencies and touts in Hanoi, keep in mind the Halong Bay cruise market is notoriously savage, with frequent reports of poorly maintained boats and staggering differences between the ads and reality. By booking through reputable platforms like Viator, at least you can read real reviews and make an informed decision (even if it costs a bit more).
Be that as it may, and since I personally try to stay away from organized tours, it would be pretty hypocritical of me if I didn’t try to come up with a DIY version! So, if you want to visit Halong Bay independently, catch an early bus from Hanoi – departures start at around 07h45, reaching Halong by 10h15. Being 100% honest, if you really want to visit some of the most popular spots, like Sung Sot Cave, Vung Vieng Fishing Village or the beach and viewpoint on Ti Top Island, you’ll have to join a cruise. And if that’s the case, we might as well go all-in and create a budget-friendly itinerary for the day, taking the public ferry between Halong and Cat Ba Island, the bay’s largest island. The public ferry departs from Tuan Chau Terminal, some 15 km outside the city center. The price? A meager 60.000 VND (one-way) to sail along the same waters as those pricey cruises. While it doesn’t stop at the main attractions, you can still take in the views of the bay’s emerald waters and their dramatic limestone karsts. During the high season, ferries leave Tuan Chau at 07h30, 09h00, 11h30, 13h30 and 15h00, returning from Cat Ba at 09h00, 11h30, 13h00, 15h00 and 16h00.
Once you reach Cat Ba, you’ll spend the rest of your day exploring the island, appreciating all the beauty of Halong Bay with only a fraction of the crowds. In fact, the whole island of Cat Ba is a designated national park, filled with lush hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, secluded beaches and sleepy villages. While the port is located up north and the main urban centers in the south, taxis and buses/vans often cover the 20 km distance between them. What you’ll be doing throughout the day is totally up to you, as visitors can choose between hiking through Hidden Valley or Butterfly Valley, enjoying the views from Cat Ba War Memorial or Cannon Fort Peak, renting a scooter to discover the island’s back roads, paddling along the coastline in a kayak or taking a short boat tour around Lan Ha Bay, often regarded as the prettiest subsection of Halong Bay. After catching the ferry back to Halong, and before the bus ride to Hanoi, take some time to go for a swim at Bai Chay Beach and appreciate the landscape. The last bus back to the capital usually leaves at 19h00.
NOTE: If you’d like to spend the night sailing through Halong Bay, consider booking an overnight cruise. In that case, we recommend trying to fit all of Hanoi’s attractions in a single day, freeing up space for an overnight experience at the bay. Alternatively, you may try to get back to the capital the next morning, just in time to hop aboard de 15h30 train to Da Nang (more information down below).
Third day wrap-up:
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Leaving Hanoi behind for good, it’s time to experience one of Vietnam’s iconic long-distance train journeys. Spanning nearly 800 kilometers, the trip from Hanoi to Da Nang takes approximately 16 to 17 hours. Given the alternative is an equally lengthy and less comfortable bus ride, the train is undoubtedly the better option.
Naturally, traveling overnight is the way to go for such a tough journey, allowing you to save some much-needed time, money and energy. As per usual, refer to the transportation section of our main guide for details on ticket prices and class options. Train departures from Hanoi are available at 06h10, 15h30 (our recommendation), 19h20, 19h40 and 20h55. Regardless of your chosen departure time, we suggest keeping the rest of the day free, as the train ride will likely leave you feeling exhausted.
Fourth day wrap-up:
After arriving in Da Nang in the morning (around 08h30 if you took the recommended 15h30 train), we suggest you check into your hotel and take a shower in order to get ready for the day ahead. To make things easier for you, we’ve planned a more relaxed itinerary. In fact, Da Nang isn’t exactly brimming with tourist attractions, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy its many beaches. Additionally, Da Nang serves as the perfect and most convenient base for exploring central Vietnam, offering easy access to destinations like Hue, Hoi An, My Son, the Marble Mountains and Sun World Ba Na Hills. Once you’re settled, head out to explore the city at a slow pace, visiting Han Market and the Da Nang Cathedral, built by the French; appreciating the blend of modern and colonial architecture along Bach Dang Street; and snapping some photos of the quirky Dragon Bridge, which is shaped like its namesake mythical creature. If you happen to be in Da Nang on a Saturday or Sunday night, don’t miss the bridge’s show at 21h00, where you can see the dragon’s head spitting actual fire! Nonetheless, whenever you start feeling tired from the long train journey, it’s time to relax at My Khe Beach. Located in bustling downtown Da Nang, it’s hard to find such a well-cared beach within an urban setting. There may be dozens of other beaches to choose from along the city’s 60 km of coastline, but this one takes the cake!
Once your energy levels are back to normal, make the 40 km journey to the My Son Sanctuary, known as the “Angkor Wat of Vietnam”. While the comparison may be a bit overblown, it does make sense. After all, My Son was once the capital of the Champa Kingdom, a pre-Vietnamese civilization that ruled much of what is now central Vietnam. At its peak, the sanctuary featured over 70 Hindu temples, until the kingdom eventually fell and the site was left abandoned for centuries, with nature reclaiming much of the area. To make matters worse, US forces bombed the place during the Vietnam War, leaving it in ruins. Thankfully, extensive restoration efforts have taken place over the past few decades, helping solidify My Son’s reputation as Vietnam’s most important and impressive archaeological site. Although it’s a long and tiring day, the effort is well worth it! Unfortunately, there are no public transportation options between Da Nang and My Son, so you have to choose between renting a scooter, hiring a taxi (expect to pay about 1.500.000 VND round trip, including waiting time) or relying on a shuttle service (around 400.000 VND per person). Entrance tickets to the My Son Sanctuary cost 150.000 VND.
Fifth day wrap-up:
As previously mentioned, Da Nang is an excellent base for exploring central Vietnam, which is why the rest of your time here will be spent going on day trips. Without further ado, we’ll begin with the inevitable visit to Hue, considered the imperial capital of Vietnam. Located just 90 km away from Da Nang, you can travel between the two cities by train in just 2h30. Despite suffering extensive damage during the Vietnam War and losing much of its historical legacy, Hue still hosts some of the country’s most impressive palaces, temples and imperial tombs, securing its place as a highly popular destination. To make the most of your trip, starting early is essential, as you’ll need to keep up the pace to fit every single one of our suggestions into such a short timeframe. Once you get off the train, take a taxi to the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang (150.000 VND), located about 12 km from the city center. As the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is surrounded by magnificent tombs of former emperors pertaining to this royal house. This mausoleum is the farthest from the city center, but on your way back you can stop at the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc (150.000 VND) and at the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh (150.000 VND). Interestingly, despite being the most impressive of the three, Khai Dinh was actually deeply despised by his people, often regarded as a puppet of French colonial rule and a traitor to national interests.
Plus, you might also want to take a detour to the Ho Thuy Tien Abandoned Water Park! Though it probably caters to a niche crowd, this spot became absurdly popular thanks to social media, with numerous videos and photos showcasing its rusting, semi-decayed structures. Once you’ve explored the southern bank of the Perfume River, cross over to the north to visit the Citadel, also known as the Hue Imperial City (200.000 VND). Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Citadel is surrounded by a 10 km wall and a moat designed to deter enemy troops, as this was the very center of the empire. In its heyday, historians estimate the citadel contained more than 160 historic buildings, though only a little over a dozen remain today, as well as a restricted area exclusive for the emperors modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Current highlights include the Meridian Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace (the citadel’s most important building), the To Mieu Temple Complex, dedicated to past emperors, and the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater, perhaps the best surviving example of a traditional Vietnamese theater. Still within the citadel walls, make sure to check out the Royal Library (Thai Binh Lau), the Kien Trung Palace and the Tho Palace.
Lastly, and before making it back to the train station for the return-trip to your base in Da Nang, we recommend making one last stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most important worshiping sites in Hue. Beyond its striking architecture, immaculate gardens and scenic location on the banks of the Perfume River, the temple is seen as a beacon of religious freedom in Vietnam. Back in the 1960s, when South Vietnam – supported by the US – was ruled by the Catholic regime of Ngo Dinh Diem, the Buddhist community was subject to violence, persecution and discrimination, sparking massive protests across the territory. In one of those protests, the monk Quang Duc self-immolated in Saigon, with the moment caught on camera by Malcolm Browne. In addition to earning him the World Press Photo of the Year award, the image became the stuff of legend, as is nowadays regarded as one of the best photos of all time, as well as the visual representation of one of the most shocking acts of rebellion ever recorded. Well, turns out this famous monk was from Hue and frequently practiced his faith at this very temple, which now dedicates an entire exhibit in his honor. As a final note for the day, it’s worth mentioning that there’s a combo ticket for 4 sites which includes the three imperial mausoleums and the Hue Imperial City for 530.000 VND (vs 650.000 VND if you buy each ticket separately). A great way to save a few bucks!
Sixth day wrap-up:
Let’s keep the routine going with another exciting day trip! This time, you’ll be heading to captivating Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and photogenic destinations. Since this charming colonial town isn’t served by the railways, the best way to travel between Da Nang and Hoi An is by bus, which will drop you at your destination in just 60 minutes! Surrounded by rice paddies, gentle streams and idyllic beaches, and featuring an old town brimming with picturesque alleys, quaint shops and classic yellow façades, falling for Hoi An is effortlessly easy. Interestingly, despite its small size, the town was once one of Asia’s key trading posts, bridging goods between China/Japan and the rest of Asia. However, today Hoi An survives through tourism, hosting millions of visitors every year! Needless to say, most of your time will be spent around the Ancient Town of Hoi An, a stunning historic quarter known for its ancient houses, pedestrian-only streets and slightly decrepit charm that – for some reason – works quite well.
Hoi An isn’t the kind of place where you rush around, but rather a destination to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, soaking in the colonial beauty of its streets, the thousands of lanterns on display and the chill atmosphere of the countryside. While exploring, you’re bound to stumble upon some of its most iconic landmarks, like the Japanese Bridge, the Old House of Tan Ky, regarded as a prime example of an historic city residence, the Phuc Kien, an assembly hall used by the migrant community hailing from the Chinese region of Fujian, the Quan Cong Temple, Ba Mu Temple or the Hoi An Market. It’s worth noting that, at least officially, entering the old town requires paying 120.000 VND for a ticket, though it’s not entirely clear how this is enforced. Nonetheless, if you want to actually enter any of the sites above, you’ll need to show that specific ticket. On the other hand, if you just want to wander around the Ancient Town, no one will be chasing after you to check if you have a ticket. After exploring the city center, and once you start feeling the need to escape the region’s typically scorching heat, head over to Cua Dai Beach. Located just 5 km away from Vietnam’s most beautiful town, it stands as one of the country’s most popular beaches.
Now that your daily dose of Vitamin D is in order, you can return to the city center and bid farewell to magical Hoi An with a brief boat ride. These trips usually last about an hour and routes depend on the time of year and on your preferences. If you’re lucky enough to visit Hoi An during the Lantern Festival (takes place once a month), you’ll get to witness the mesmerizing display of glowing lanterns illuminating the night as the sun sets. At other times, you can choose between a tour along the Thu Bon River, passing through rural villages and rice paddies located near the city, or board a basket boat (yes, you read that right) and navigate the lush canals of the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Regardless of your choice, the cost of a boat/basket ride ranges between 150.000 and 200.000 VND, though you can negotiate with local operators at Bach Dang Wharf. If you prefer not to waste any time, you can find tours online at similar prices. At the end of the day, just get back to Da Nang for your last night in the city. Buses and vans run frequently until 23h00.
Seventh day wrap-up:
Now that the time has finally come to leave central Vietnam, you’ll continue your journey and explore the south of the country. Unfortunately, as was the case when you left Hanoi, the journey from Da Nang to Nha Trang, your next stop, is quite long, requiring you to spend almost an entire day (or night) traveling.
In total, the train ride takes a little over 10 hours, which is why we decided not to plan anything else for this day, even if you choose to take an overnight train.
Eighth day wrap-up:
Since the itinerary so far has been quite busy and action-packed, we thought it would be nice to reward you with two days of pure relaxation before bidding farewell to this amazing country. After all, Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s premier beach destinations, and home to some of the country’s finest beaches. To give you some much-needed flexibility, plan these couple of days as you see fit, meaning you can simply unwind, disconnect from the world and spend countless hours enjoying the sandy shores of Nha Trang, visiting Bai Bien Beach, Bai Dai Beach and Hon Tre Beach. The latter is located on an island just off the coast, accessible via the spectacular Vinpearl Cable Car (200.000 VND round trip). If you prefer a mix of beach and cultural experiences, you can alternate between basking under the sun and exploring local attractions such as Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang Cathedral, Dam Market, or the extraordinary Ponagar Temple (30.000 VND), an archaeological site featuring several Hindu shrines built in the 7th century by the Champa Kingdom (the same empire that erected My Son). Another cool activity is to take a boat tour of Nha Trang Bay, which can include snorkeling, visiting nearby islands or exploring local fishing villages.
On a side note, and if beaches aren’t really your thing, you can spend one of these days exploring Nha Trang’s coastline and use the other for a day trip to Da Lat, one of the most popular hill stations in Vietnam. During colonial times, this was the go-to destination for French officials and affluent natives seeking to escape the coastal heat. Today, Da Lat offers colonial architecture, waterfalls, lakes, ancient temples and huge, ornate gardens. A charming place whose atmosphere is completely different from anything else you’ve experienced so far in Vietnam. To get to Da Lat from Nha Trang, you can take a bus or van (4 hours each way; 350.000 VND round trip) or book a private tour from the seaside. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in Nha Trang, remember to savor every single moment, as these will be your last days in the country before the long flight back home.
While Nha Trang is a fantastic seaside resort and much more convenient to visit, the best beach destination in Vietnam is arguably Phu Quoc Island. Due to its location further south, along the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is known for its pristine beaches, warm waters and idyllic tropical setting, offering the quintessential beach experience most people think of when planning a trip to Southeast Asia.
Unfortunately, though, reaching Phu Quoc requires an additional flight (from either Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong or Can Tho) or a ferry from Hà Tiên, in the southernmost part of the country, which makes visiting the island a lot less practical. That said, if you’d like to adapt our itinerary, this is an option you might want to consider!
Ninth and Tenth-days wrap-up:
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