Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting destinations, a place where every moment feels like a postcard — but real. From lush mountain ranges to vibrant urban centers, from sacred temples to street food alleys bursting with flavor, this country delivers layers of culture, beauty, and connection.
Planning a Vietnam 10 day travel plan doesn’t mean rushing through cities. It means choosing smartly, exploring deeply, and savoring experiences that blend history, nature, and authenticity. This itinerary skips the tourist traps and takes you into Vietnam’s soul — one thoughtful destination at a time.
At Indochina Today Travel, we believe in journeys that inspire. Our curated 10-day plan is perfect for travelers who want more than snapshots. You’ll explore ancient citadels in Hue, wander tea hills in Thai Nguyen, trek along waterfalls in Da Lat, and feel the pulse of Vietnam’s most iconic cities. This route is made for explorers who like to move smart, think deeper, and travel with purpose.
Let’s begin the journey, one unforgettable day at a time.
Hanoi: Where Stories Begin (Day 1–2)
Start your journey in Hanoi, a city of layered history and living culture. Step outside your hotel and you’re instantly surrounded by French colonial buildings, motorbike-packed streets, and street vendors offering dishes that carry generations of family secrets.
On your first day, walk the Old Quarter and watch the past and present dance in harmony. You’ll hear loudspeakers playing patriotic songs, smell fresh bánh mì baking in alleys, and pass shops selling everything from traditional medicine to tech gadgets. Visit the Temple of Literature — Vietnam’s first university — and wander the tranquil grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Complex.
As the sun sets, grab a seat at a streetside café and try the famous egg coffee. If you’re the kind of traveler who values authenticity, Hanoi will speak your language. The city isn’t curated; it’s alive.
On your second day, venture beyond the tourist core. Consider exploring Long Bien Bridge on foot — a living relic of colonial engineering — or take a half-day visit to the Museum of Ethnology. If you’re into contemporary culture, Hanoi has a growing art scene: check out Manzi or the Factory Arts Centre.
With Indochina Today Travel, you can book a tailored walking tour that goes deeper into Hanoi’s local life. Meet artisans in hidden alleys, chat with historians, or join a local for breakfast at their favorite pho stall. The smart traveler knows: don’t just see a city — understand it.
Ninh Binh: Limestone Valleys and Ancient Capitals (Day 3)
Just two hours south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh offers one of Vietnam’s most dramatic landscapes. Often referred to as “the inland Halong Bay”, this area is dotted with towering karsts, winding rivers, and peaceful rice paddies.
What sets Ninh Binh apart isn’t just the scenery — it’s the feeling of serenity you get from paddling past lotus ponds while birds chirp above limestone cliffs. A day here can include a boat ride through Tam Coc’s cave system or Trang An’s quiet waterways, both surrounded by surreal nature.
Beyond nature, Ninh Binh is also home to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital. The remaining temples, built in honor of the Dinh and Le dynasties, are simple but powerful — a quiet tribute to an empire long gone.
For those who prefer a bit of a challenge, a climb to the top of Mua Cave offers panoramic views of the valley below. It’s the kind of spot where photos don’t do justice, and the view becomes a memory stitched into your travel story.
Indochina Today Travel can arrange a local guide who knows the myths behind each temple and cave, and who’ll show you places not listed in brochures. A smart Vietnam 10 day travel plan includes this kind of immersion — natural and cultural, effortless yet unforgettable.
Thai Nguyen: Vietnam’s Tea Country (Day 4)
While many travelers head straight south from Hanoi, those in the know take a northern detour to Thai Nguyen — the heart of Vietnam’s tea culture. Often overlooked, this province is home to vast hillsides of green tea, peaceful villages, and a slower, more intentional rhythm of life.
Start your day by visiting a family-run tea farm. You’ll learn how tea leaves are handpicked, dried, and brewed — not just for flavor, but for connection. Locals here don’t rush. They’ll sit down with you for a pot, share stories about generations of growers, and explain why tea is more than a drink — it’s a tradition.
After tea tasting, visit the Museum of Cultures of Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups. This underrated museum showcases the heritage of over 50 ethnic minorities through textiles, tools, and multimedia. It gives real context to Vietnam’s cultural diversity, especially if you’re headed to mountainous regions later in your trip.
End your day with a walk through rolling tea hills at sunset, where the light dances over leaves like a watercolor painting.
Smart travelers know that Thai Nguyen isn’t flashy. But it offers a kind of grounding experience that’s becoming rare in today’s fast-paced world. With Indochina Today Travel, you can connect with locals in meaningful ways — over tea, storytelling, and slow moments that last.
Da Nang: Mountains, Bridges, and Modern Energy (Day 5–6)
Fly into Da Nang and you’ll feel it immediately: ocean air, open streets, and a youthful vibe that’s uniquely Vietnamese. Often seen as just a gateway to other destinations, Da Nang is a city that deserves your attention — especially if you like a mix of nature and modern comfort.
Spend your first day visiting the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone hills with caves, temples, and breathtaking viewpoints. Each mountain is named after an element — water, fire, wood, metal, and earth — and has its own spiritual significance.
Then head to Son Tra Peninsula, home to the towering Lady Buddha statue and lush jungle landscapes. If you’re lucky, you might spot endangered red-shanked douc langurs, one of Vietnam’s rarest primates.
In the city center, take a sunset stroll along the Han River and watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire at night — yes, literally. This is where Da Nang shines: a place that blends high-energy with authenticity.
On your second day, relax at My Khe Beach or take a cable car to Ba Na Hills, a mountaintop resort known for its Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands. While popular, it’s worth the early start to beat the crowds and enjoy the surreal scenery.
Indochina Today Travel offers curated city tours that blend history and fun, including local seafood tastings or even Vespa rides through Da Nang’s neighborhoods. It’s the kind of city that rewards curiosity — and a good guide makes all the difference.
Da Lat – The City of Eternal Spring (Day 7–8)
As your journey continues north to south, it’s time to embrace the cool mountain air and poetic charm of Da Lat, Vietnam’s romantic highland retreat. Nestled in the Central Highlands, this city offers a welcome escape from the tropical heat and bustling cities.
Da Lat’s landscape is dotted with pine forests, misty hills, French colonial villas, and blooming flower gardens. Start your first morning with a walk around Xuan Huong Lake, followed by a visit to Da Lat Flower Garden or the quirky Crazy House, an architectural wonder that feels like something out of a fairytale. For nature lovers, Datanla Waterfalls and Langbiang Mountain are just a short drive away and offer scenic hiking trails and panoramic views.
On Day 8, dive deeper into Da Lat’s serene rhythm. Explore the local markets for fresh produce and handmade goods, or enjoy a cup of artichoke tea in one of the town’s cozy hillside cafes. The temperate climate and slow pace provide a completely different perspective of Vietnam.
What makes Da Lat a must-see in your Vietnam 10 day travel plan is its blend of natural beauty and cultural quirks. Whether you’re into photography, history, or just taking it slow, Da Lat gives you space to breathe and reflect before returning to the urban pace.
Ho Chi Minh City – The Pulse of the South (Day 9)
From the mountains to the metropolis, your adventure heads to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. As Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, this southern hub offers dynamic street life, modern skyscrapers, and remnants of a dramatic history.
Begin your day by visiting landmarks like the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum, where you can gain insights into Vietnam’s turbulent past. Then, admire the French colonial architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Saigon Central Post Office. These icons add a touch of old-world charm to the buzzing motorbike-lined streets.
In the afternoon, explore Ben Thanh Market or indulge in Vietnamese coffee culture at a rooftop café in District 1. Foodies should not miss the chance to sample southern-style dishes like bánh xèo or hu tieu. If time allows, you can opt for a short Vespa food tour or a traditional water puppet show to round out your experience.
What’s special about Ho Chi Minh City in any Vietnam 10 day travel plan is how it fuses tradition and innovation. There’s always something new to explore—be it in a trendy alleyway bar or a hidden pagoda surrounded by incense smoke.
Departure or Optional Extension (Day 10)
Your final day in Vietnam can be a soft goodbye or the beginning of something more. Depending on your flight schedule, you can squeeze in some light shopping, a local massage, or even a peaceful walk in Tao Dan Park before heading to the airport.
For travelers who wish to extend their journey, Indochina Today Travel offers optional add-ons to nearby destinations such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, Vung Tau beach getaway, or even a Cambodia cross-border extension via the Mekong route.
When planning your Vietnam 10 day travel plan, remember that flexibility is a smart traveler’s best friend. Build your last day around your energy levels and interests, and let the final impression of Vietnam be as personal as the journey itself.
Smart Travel Tips for Vietnam
Traveling through Vietnam in 10 days means balancing logistics and spontaneity. Here are a few smart traveler tips curated by Indochina Today Travel to help make the most of your itinerary:
Use Domestic Flights Wisely: Save time by flying between Hanoi, Da Nang, Da Lat, and Ho Chi Minh City. Airlines like VietJet and Bamboo Airways offer multiple daily options.
Local Sim Card: Grab a local sim card (Viettel or Mobifone) for reliable GPS, Grab bookings, and communication with local guides.
Currency Notes: Vietnamese Dong can be confusing due to the high denominations. Always double-check notes when making purchases.
Travel Apps: Use Google Maps, Grab for transport, and Google Translate for easier communication in rural areas.
Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples, always remove shoes before entering someone’s home, and show respect with a slight bow or smile.
Weather Readiness: Vietnam’s climate varies dramatically. Pack for both humid south and cooler highlands if your Vietnam 10 day travel plan spans the entire length.
Planning with Indochina Today Travel ensures your itinerary blends freedom with expert recommendations, giving you a journey that’s immersive yet hassle-free.
FAQs: Vietnam 10 Day Travel Plan
What is the best way to organize a Vietnam 10 day travel plan for first-time visitors?
Start from either the north or south and move linearly through the country. Include a mix of cities, mountains, and cultural spots. Using domestic flights for long distances helps maximize your time.
Can I follow a Vietnam 10 day travel plan without booking a full tour?
Yes, but it’s highly recommended to work with experts like Indochina Today Travel who can provide custom, semi-guided plans. This allows flexibility while ensuring logistics and local insights are covered.
How much can I realistically see in 10 days in Vietnam?
You can experience major highlights across Vietnam—urban culture, nature, history, and food—without feeling rushed. The key is smart planning, efficient transport, and a balanced itinerary.
If you’re searching for the best Vietnam tours that combine natural beauty, cultural depth, and true relaxation, this is the one.
Let Indochina Today Travel guide you through a coastal journey that will stay with you long after the Travel vietnam ends.
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