10 Days in Vietnam 2026: Itineraries for First-Time & Returning

How should you spend 10 days in Vietnam? In this article, we present 4 popular itinerary ideas that take you from north to south, suitable for first-time and returning visitors alike. Wherever your interests lie, your Vietnam tour starts here.

Itinerary #1: Best of Vietnam for First-Timers

For first-time visitors who want to cover the main highlights, at least 10 days in Vietnam is recommended. Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, and Ho Chi Minh City form the core of a classic route. If this is your first trip to Vietnam, this itinerary is a reliable choice.

Map of Vietnam Tour

Day	Things to Do	Place
Day 1 - 2	Old Quarter Cyclo, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Water Puppet Show	Hanoi
Day 3 - 4	Leisure Cruise with Scenic Karst Views, Sung Sot Cave	Halong Bay
Day 5 - 6	Hoi An Old Town, Countryside Biking, Eco Tour with Basket Boat	Hoi An
Day 7 - 8	Cu Chi Tunnels, City Tour with Ben Thanh Market	Ho Chi Minh City
Day 9	Mekong Delta Cruise, Local Village Visiting	Mekong Delta
Day 10	Departure	-

In the first two days in Hanoi, the Old Quarter's cyclo rides and bustling local markets set your pace, while the water puppet show lets you in on local legends.

From days three to four, you will transition to the tranquil embrace of Halong Bay. As you drift through the jade waters, there is more than just the captivating scenery. Dive in for a swim, feel the thrill of kayaking, and greet the dawn with a Tai Chi class.

Kayaking on Halong Bay

Hoi An calls next, and over the next three days, you will enjoy its charm. Whether it is cycling through ancient streets, sailing down the Cua Dai River in a basket boat, or just soaking in the ambiance, it promises memories for a lifetime.

By days seven and eight, you will be exploring the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for the Cu Chi Tunnels and is also home to the War Remnants Museum, where visitors can absorb the stories of Vietnam's past.

On the ninth day, explore the Mekong Delta and enjoy its peaceful scenery. Cruise along the waterways, visit local villages, and experience daily life in a way that is uniquely Vietnamese.

And finally, as you wave goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City on the tenth day, you will know that Vietnam has found a place in your heart.

Itinerary #2: South Vietnam Discovery & Beach Holiday

If you are looking for a relaxed Vietnam getaway, why not head south? Spend 10 days unwinding on the Nha Trang beaches, wandering the peaceful streets of Da Lat, exploring the real Mekong Delta around Can Tho, and of course, visiting the must-see Ho Chi Minh City.

Map of Southern Vietnam Tour

Day	Things to Do	Place
Day 1 - 2	Cu Chi Tunnels, Old Saigon Post Office, Ben Thanh Market	Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3 - 4	Mekong River Boat Cruise, Cai Rang Floating Market, Local Market, Fishing Village, Fruit Orchard	Mekong Delta
Day 5	Crazy House, Bao Dai Palace, Da Lat Old Railway Station	Da Lat
Day 6 - 9	Beach Holiday	Nha Trang
Day 10	Departure	-

Kicking off in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be swept into a world of rich history at the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum. Witness the city's vibrant local life at Ben Thanh Market, then take a stroll down Dong Khoi Street to feel the full energy of Ho Chi Minh City.

My Tho, your next stop, is a riverside town filled with fresh fish markets and the enchanting Four Islands of the Mekong Delta. A little further lies Can Tho, where the Cai Rang Floating Market showcases the Mekong's lively trade scene.

Cai Rang Floating Market

Da Lat welcomes you with cool breezes, colonial relics, and the splendid Bao Dai Summer Palace. Relax by the serene Xuan Huong Lake and bask in the city's poetic ambiance.

Finally, Nha Trang. Three days of pure beachside bliss. From the warmth of the golden sands to the soothing mud baths and the enticing undersea world, Nha Trang promises a rejuvenating experience.

Itinerary #3: Northern Trip Including Sapa & Ninh Binh

This 10-day route through Northern Vietnam takes you from Hanoi's historical streets to the mountain trails of Sapa, then south to the peaceful rivers of Ninh Binh and the iconic waters of Halong Bay. Along the way, you will taste local traditions, meet welcoming communities, and experience the diverse beauty that shapes this part of the country.

Map of Northern Vietnam Tour

Day	Things to Do	Overnight
Day 1 - 2	Old Quarter Cyclo, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum	Hanoi
Day 3 - 5	Sapa Hiking Tour, Heaven Gate, Minority Villages	Sapa
Day 6 - 7	Hoa Lu, Trang An River Sampan Boat Trip	Ninh Binh
Day 8 - 9	Sunset View on Deck, Tai Chi Practice	Halong Bay Cruise
Day 10	Departure	-

Your journey begins in Hanoi, a city where old and new blend seamlessly. As you explore landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, you will sense the depth of Vietnam's cultural roots. A cyclo ride through the Old Quarter adds a lively start. You will pass busy markets, traditional shops, and narrow alleys full of character. In the evening, the water puppet show offers a light and charming introduction to local storytelling.

Leaving the city behind, your trip moves into the cool mountain air of Sapa. Terraced fields and ethnic minority villages bring a different rhythm. You will trek through Lao Chai and Ta Van, meeting the Black H'Mong and Giay communities and seeing their daily life up close. On another day, trails to Ma Tra and Ta Phin offer new scenery and more chances to interact with local families, giving you a deeper appreciation of mountain culture.

From the mountains, the journey shifts into the calm landscapes of Ninh Binh, often called "the Halong Bay on land." Here you will explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu before taking a leisurely sampan cruise through Trang An. As the boat glides beneath limestone cliffs and through natural caves, the scenery slows everything down. it is a peaceful pause in the middle of your adventure.

Your trip concludes in Halong Bay, where you will board a cruise to explore one of Vietnam's most iconic natural wonders. Sailing past towering karst islands, you can join tai chi on the deck, visit hidden caves, or simply relax with the sea breeze as the sun sets. it is a fitting finale that lets you unwind and reflect on the diverse landscapes and experiences you've encountered over the past nine days.

Itinerary #4: Vietnam Local Experience With Sleeper Train & Golden Bridge

Experience Vietnam like never before with this 10-day trip, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the mesmerizing landscapes of Da Nang, followed by the historical Ho Chi Minh City. This journey is uniquely crafted for travelers looking for a comprehensive taste of Vietnam's rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes.

Map of Vietnam Tour With Overnight Train

Day	Things to Do	Overnight
Day 1 - 2	Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, Old Quarter by Cyclo	Hanoi
Day 3	Karsts Seascape, Tai Chi Class, Cave Exploration	Halong Bay Cruise
Day 4	Walking Food Tour, Overnight Train to Da Nang	Hanoi
Day 5 - 7	Hands Bridge, Hoi An with Basket Boat Fishing, Cooking Class	Da Nang & Hoi An
Day 8 - 9	Independence Palace, Old Saigon Post Office, Mekong Delta	Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10	Departure	-

Your Vietnamese journey starts in Hanoi, where you will immerse yourself in its rich history by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and get a glimpse of its lively street life at the Old Quarter.

Next, embrace nature's beauty in Halong Bay. Cruise through its crystal waters, explore stunning caves and learn the art of Vietnamese cooking onboard.

The forth day is a break. Disbark the cruise and have a leisure time in Hanoi. As the sun sets, you will have the opportunity to join a sleeper train to Da Nang for an authentic native experience. Witness the allure of Vietnam's coastline, and let the pristine views, unfolding along your journey, narrate tales of nature's splendor, offering you a different, yet equally enchanting taste of Vietnam.

Your adventure continues in Da Nang. Upon arriving from an overnight train journey, you are greeted with relaxing beaches, the marvel of the Golden Bridge (also called Hands Bridge) held up by stone hands at Bana Hills, and the historic charm of Hoi An, where traditions come alive.

Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills

The trip culminates in Ho Chi Minh City. Dive deep into its history with visits to the Independence Palace and Old Saigon Post Office. Finally, bask in the rustic charm of the Mekong Delta before bidding goodbye to this vibrant country.

Travel With Odynovo

Whether it's your first visit to Vietnam or a return trip for a deeper exploration, 10 days is a perfect amount of time. But, don't just take our word for it. Experience the magnificence yourself. Contact us at [email protected] , and create your own timeless 10 day Vietnam memories.