10 Days in Vietnam: A Private Itinerary from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta

Can you see Vietnam in 10 days?

Yes. Ten days are enough to see three of Vietnam’s great regions, as long as you travel smartly: fly between the north, the centre and the south, and use private transfers for the shorter journeys. This itinerary is built around one rule we use in every Sevenway journey: one or two main moments a day, and time to enjoy them.

The route at a glance

• Days 1–2: Hanoi

• Day 3: Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu and Trang An)

• Day 4: Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay, overnight cruise

• Days 5–7: Hoi An, with a day in Hue

• Days 8–9: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta

• Day 10: Departure

You will take two domestic flights, from Hanoi to Da Nang and from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, each about 1 hour 20 minutes in the air.

Days 1–2: Hanoi, the capital

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Hanoi rewards slow wandering, so keep the first afternoon free for a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.

On day 2, explore the Old Quarter’s guild streets, where each street once specialised in a single trade, with a tasting of phở, bún chả and bánh cuốn. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, and stop for egg coffee, a Hanoi invention. In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show or a quiet dinner in the French Quarter.

Where to stay: around Hoan Kiem Lake for walking, or by West Lake for calm.

Day 3: Ninh Binh, the “Ha Long Bay on land”

Drive about two hours south to Ninh Binh. Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s capital in the 10th century, then glide through the rivers and caves of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in a small rowing boat. Go early, before the crowds, when the light on the limestone towers is soft. For a view over the whole valley, climb the steps of Hang Mua at sunset.

Day 4: Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay overnight

Drive to the coast, about three hours from Ninh Binh or Hanoi, and board an overnight cruise. Lan Ha Bay, next to Ha Long, is often quieter. Spend the afternoon kayaking among the karsts, watch the sunset from the deck, and wake up for tai chi on the water.

Tip: an overnight cruise is far more relaxing than a day trip, and the bay is at its most beautiful at dawn.

Days 5–7: Hoi An and Hue

After the cruise, fly from Hanoi to Da Nang and transfer about 45 minutes to Hoi An.

• Day 5: Walk the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, at golden hour, when the lanterns come on along the Thu Bon River.

• Day 6: Spend a day in Hue, the former imperial capital. Drive over the Hai Van Pass (about two and a half to three hours each way with stops), then visit the Imperial City and a royal tomb such as Tu Duc or Khai Dinh.

• Day 7: Slow down. Cycle through the vegetable village of Tra Que, join a cooking class, have clothes made by a local tailor, or simply spend the afternoon at An Bang beach.

Days 8–9: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Day 8: See the city’s French-era landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral (when open), the Central Post Office and the Opera House, then the War Remnants Museum. In the evening, explore the street food of District 4 or the rooftop bars of District 1.

• Day 9: Head into the Mekong Delta, about two hours away. Take a small boat along the canals, visit orchards and local workshops, and share lunch with a family. To see a busy floating market such as Cai Rang, stay overnight in Can Tho and go at dawn.

Day 10: Departure

Fly home from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, or add a few days to your journey (see below).

Two alternative endings

• Beach ending: Replace days 8–9 with Phu Quoc: a private speedboat day among the southern islands, the Hon Thom cable car, and sunsets on the west coast. See The Hidden Island.

• Highlands ending: Replace days 8–9 with Da Lat, with its pine forests, coffee farms and cool air, then continue to the coast at Amanoi. See Da Lat & Amanoi.

Practical tips for a 10-day trip

• Fly between regions: the drive from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is over 1,600 km, so domestic flights save days.

• Travel north to south or south to north: both work. Choose based on the season (see our best time to visit Vietnam guide).

• Leave buffer time: plan international flights home in the evening, and avoid scheduling a long drive right before a flight.

• Go private where it matters: a private car and guide make early starts, quieter timings and changes of plan easy.

If you have more time

• 12 days: add a second night in Ninh Binh or a beach day in Hoi An.

• 14 days: add Phu Quoc or Da Lat at the end. Two weeks let you see the country at a truly unhurried pace.

• Mountains: add Sapa for terraced valleys and the Fansipan cable car. See The Northern Highlands.

FAQ

Is 10 days in Vietnam enough?

Yes, for three regions at a comfortable pace, if you fly between them. For a slower trip, focus on two regions.

North to south or south to north?

Either works. Choose the direction that puts each region in its best season during your dates.

Do I need a guide in Vietnam?

Not always, but a private guide and driver save time, open doors to local experiences and make the journey much more relaxed, especially for first-time visitors.

Can this itinerary be customised?

Every Sevenway journey is private and tailor-made. We can change the pace, the hotels, the experiences and the route.