10 Days in Vietnam: North-to-South Travel Guide

Imagine waking up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the aroma of pho simmering on a street corner, gliding through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, cycling past golden lantern-lit alleys in Hoi An, and ending your journey with rooftop sunsets in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is a country of contrasts ancient culture blending effortlessly with modern energy, serene landscapes mixed with buzzing city streets. But planning a seamless North-to-South journey can be overwhelming, especially with transport options, timing, and activity overload. That’s where TripPilot, an AI-powered travel planner, becomes your ideal companion organizing your days, syncing transport routes, and ensuring you experience the very best of Vietnam without stress.

Key Takeaways

• A complete 10-day Vietnam itinerary covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta
• Local insights on food, culture, transport, and must-try experiences
• Mid-range travel plan with boutique hotels, short flights, and curated dining
• Daily TripPilot recommendations for planning, navigation & cost-saving
• Practical tips on safety, weather, packing & seasonal travel considerations
  
  

Table of Contents

10 Days in Vietnam: The Complete North-to-South Itinerary.

• Day 1 — Hanoi Arrival & Old Quarter Exploration.
• Day 2 — Hanoi City Tour & Water Puppet Show
• Day 3 — Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise.
• Day 4 — Transfer to Da Nang + Hoi An Lantern Town at Night
• Day 5 — Hoi An Culture, Tailoring & Coconut Boat Tour
• Day 6 — My Son Sanctuary + An Bang Beach.
• Day 7 — Hai Van Pass to Hue + Imperial City Tour
• Day 8 — Fly to Ho Chi Minh City + Rooftop Nightlife.
• Day 9 — Cu Chi Tunnels + Saigon City Tour
• Day 10 — Mekong Delta Day Trip + Departure.

10 Days in Vietnam: The Complete North-to-South Itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi Arrival & Old Quarter Exploration

Why Start in Hanoi?

Hanoi is Vietnam’s cultural heart. With charming colonial buildings, lakeside serenity, and vibrant street life, the city is the perfect beginning to a North-to-South adventure.

What to Do on Day 1:

• Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
• Visit Ngoc Son Temple
• Explore the Old Quarter markets
• Try iconic street foods like bun cha, egg coffee, and banh mi

Travel Tips:

• The best time to explore is early morning or after 5 PM
• Wear comfortable shoes, the Old Quarter’s narrow streets are busy

Let AI travel planner map out walking routes, track food hotspots, and recommend hidden cafés based on your preferences.

Day 2 — Hanoi City Tour & Water Puppet Show

Dive Deep into History & Culture

Spend your day exploring the landmarks that define Vietnam’s identity.

Top Places to Visit:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
• One Pillar Pagoda
• Temple of Literature
• Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Evening Plan:

Watch the traditional Water Puppet Show, a northern Vietnamese art form that dates back centuries.

TripPilot suggests optimal time slots and nearby dining options. If you’re traveling during peak season, it reminds you to pre-book tickets.

Day 3 — Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise

A UNESCO Wonder You Can’t Miss

Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts are among Asia’s most iconic landscapes. A mid-range overnight cruise gives you comfort without breaking the bank.

What’s Included:

• Cabin with a balcony
• Fresh seafood meals
• Kayaking, cave visits, and sundowner decks

Travel Tips:

• Bring swimwear & a light jacket
• If motion-sensitive, choose a larger cruise for stability

Custom travel itinerary gives the option to filter cruises based on amenities, price, and departure times—saving hours of research.

Day 4 — Transfer to Da Nang + Hoi An Lantern Town at Night

Morning Return + Domestic Flight

Return from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, then fly to Da Nang. From Da Nang Airport, it’s a smooth 45-minute drive to Hoi An.

Evening in Hoi An:

• Explore Ancient Town
• Enjoy lantern-lit streets
• Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River

TripPilot syncs your cruise drop-off time with flight schedules to avoid layover stress.

Day 5 — Hoi An Culture, Tailoring & Coconut Boat Tour

Hoi An’s Signature Experiences

Discover Hoi An is famous for custom-tailored clothes, heritage streets, and charming riverside cafés.

Don’t Miss:

• Visit a tailor for custom outfits (ready in 24 hours!)
• Try cao lau noodles
• Explore the Coconut Forest on round basket boats

TripPilot Helps You:

• Track tailor deadlines
• Suggest less-crowded photo spots
• Optimize day plans to avoid heat
  
  

Day 6 — My Son Sanctuary + An Bang Beach

A Day of History & Relaxation

Start with a half-day tour to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO site dating back to the Champa Kingdom.

Afternoon Plan:

Relax at An Bang Beach, known for quieter sands and excellent seafood.

Local Tip:

Arrive at My Son early in the morning for the best light and cooler weather.

Personal Travel Planner plots out transfer options and calculates the time required for each stop to ensure you don’t rush.

Day 7 — Hai Van Pass to Hue + Imperial City Tour

One of the World’s Most Scenic Coastal Drives

Drive or ride a motorbike over the Hai Van Pass—lush green mountains on one side, turquoise sea on the other.

Visit the Imperial City, modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City.

Other Highlights:

• Thien Mu Pagoda
• Perfume River sunset

TripPilot creates a door-to-door transport plan and recommends safe motorbike tour operators.

Day 8 — Fly to Ho Chi Minh City + Rooftop Nightlife

Welcome to Saigon — Vietnam’s Economic Powerhouse

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is dynamic, modern, and full of sensory excitement.

Evening Plan

• Visit Bitexco Tower Skydeck
• Explore Bui Vien Street
• Try Vietnamese craft beer or cocktails

AI Travel Planner suggests the best time to travel in Vietnam.

Day 9 — Cu Chi Tunnels + Saigon City Tour

Step into Vietnam’s Wartime History

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels to understand guerrilla warfare strategies used during the Vietnam War.

Return to HCMC for City Tour

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Saigon Central Post Office
• War Remnants Museum
• Ben Thanh Market

Local Food to Try

• Banh xeo
• Pho saigon
• Com tam (broken rice)

TripPilot optimizes the tour sequence based on distance and helps avoid peak traffic hours.

Day 10 — Mekong Delta Day Trip + Departure

Finish Your Trip with Rustic Charm

Take a day trip to Ben Tre or My Tho for a classic Mekong Delta experience—coconut factories, narrow canals, and local village life.

Depart from HCMC Airport

Leave with memories of landscapes, culture, and warm hospitality.

TripPilot reminds you of check-in times and suggests budget-friendly air fares and eateries at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 10 days enough to explore Vietnam?
Yes—10 days is perfect for a North-to-South highlights tour covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta.

What is the best month to visit Vietnam?
February–April and October–December offer pleasant weather and lower humidity.

Is Vietnam budget-friendly for travelers?
Absolutely. Even mid-range travelers enjoy excellent accommodations, affordable flights, and world-class food at low prices.

Can I travel in Vietnam without a tour guide?
Yes. The country is easy to navigate, and TripPilot helps plan routes, tickets, and daily logistics seamlessly.

Is it safe to travel in Vietnam?
Vietnam is generally very safe for solo and group travelers. Exercise basic precautions in crowded areas.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a destination that captivates every type of traveler—nature lovers, food enthusiasts, culture seekers, and adventure explorers. This Vietnam 10-day itinerary gives you the perfect blend of iconic highlights and hidden gems, all optimized for a smooth North-to-South travel experience. With the help of TripPilot, your journey becomes even simpler, smarter, and more enjoyable—letting you focus on the memories while it handles the planning.