10-Day Vietnam Itinerary for Vietnam Package Tours (North to South)

Detailed Day-by-Day Activities: 10-Day North to South Vietnam Itinerary Guide

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Take It Slow

• Morning:
  • Arrival in Hanoi, where you are welcomed at the airport by our staff with a smile and a sign.
  • Private transfer to your 4-star central Old Quarter hotel.
• Afternoon:
  • Free time to rest or indulge with a spa massage therapy after your long flight.
  • Optional: Short walk through the area of Hoan Kiem Lake to discover for the first time the French colonial architecture of the city.
• Evening:
  • Enjoying a welcome dinner at a posh Vietnamese restaurant with specialties like grilled fish with turmeric and dill.
  • An early start to begin your 10 days in Vietnam, feeling refreshed.

Hoan Kiem Lake (Source: bestprice)

Day 2: Explore Hanoi – Culture, History & Food

• Morning:
  • Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s ancient university.
  • Discover national heroes’ and ancient philosophers’ legends.
• Afternoon:
  • Walk along the old city’s congested streets, see colonial lanes and clandestine temples.
  • Try legendary street food such as Bun Cha, Egg Coffee, and Banh Cuon.
• Evening
  • See a traditional water puppet performance near Hoan Kiem Lake.
  • Dinner at a boutique restaurant serving Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Source: classychotel)

Day 3: Cruise Through Halong Bay – Sleep on Water

• Morning:
  • Drive ~2.5 hours to Halong Bay – an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Board your luxury cruise and enjoy a welcome drink.

• Afternoon:

• • Walk through Sung Sot Cave, kayak among islets, or swim in emerald waters.
  • Join a cooking class onboard and learn how to roll fresh spring rolls.

• Evening:

• • Sunset cocktail on sundeck.
  • Fine-dining dinner with seafood.
  • Overnight on board the bay—an unforgettable highlight of your 10-day Vietnam itinerary.

Walk through Sung Sot Cave (Sours: lejourneyhalongcruise)

Day 4: Hue Awaits – From Bay to Imperial Capital

• Morning:
  • Tai Chi at dawn on the upper deck.
  • Light brunch as the cruise passes a floating fishing village

• Afternoon:

• • Back to Hanoi, then take a flight to Hue—Vietnam’s imperial heartland.
• Evening:
  • Dine by the Perfume River, with Hue traditional music.
  • Rest in a royal-style hotel room overnight.

Perfume River (Source: vietnamtour)

Day 5: Hue – Royal Palaces & River Serenity

• Morning:
  • Walk around the Imperial Citadel, the last stronghold of Vietnam’s emperors.
  • Feel the pomp of gates, moats, and palaces—a true UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the intricately ornamented Khai Dinh Tomb with French-Vietnamese architecture.
  • Embark on a boat ride on the Perfume River, making stops at peaceful pagodas.
• Evening:
  • Delight in imperial treats: Banh Beo, Nem Lui, and Bun Bo Hue at a garden villa.
  • Optional: Relax with a herbal foot bath at the hotel spa.

Khai Dinh Tomb (Source: wikipedia)

Day 6: Journey to Hoi An via Da Nang

• Morning:
  • Scenic drive along the scenic Hai Van Pass.
  • Stop to admire the panoramic coastline and the shimmering My Khe Beach in Da Nang.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the mysterious Marble Mountains, then lunch in Da Nang.
  • Arrive in Hoi An and check into a peaceful resort.
• Evening:
  • Stroll through the magical lantern-lit Ancient Town.
  • Enjoy riverside dining and traditional folk music under gentle lantern lights.

Hoi An Ancient Town (Source: vietnamvisa)

Day 7: Hoi An – Cooking Class & Ancient Town Exploration

• Morning

• • Join a local cooking class that begins with a guided market walk.
  • Get familiar with Vietnamese herbs, spices, and ingredients while they shop for them with the chef.
  • Take a boat ride to a riverside kitchen and begin preparing renowned dishes like spring rolls and banh xeo

• Afternoon

• • Visit the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge and the 200-year-old Tan Ky Ancient House.
  • Walk the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for shopping or custom tailoring.

• Evening

• • Watch the magnificent “Hoi An Memories" show (optional), an enormous outdoor light, costume, and dance display.
  • Or dine riverside under lantern-lit lights.
  • Another highlight of your 10 days in Vietnam!

Hoi An Cooking Class (Source: hiddenhoian)

Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City – History & Rooftops

• Morning

• • Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City for a short flight.
  • Arrive, check into your hotel, and enjoy a light local lunch.

• Afternoon

• • Stroll around the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office with their stunning French colonial architecture.
  • Explore the Independence Palace and the somber War Remnants Museum to learn more about the Vietnam War.
• Evening
• • Relax over a cocktail at a rooftop bar or indulge in a dinner cruise on the Saigon River.
  • Gaze out over the city sparkle from the air—what a means of adding another 10 days to your Vietnam travel!

War Remnants Museum (Source: laodong)

Day 9: Mekong Delta Day Trip – Life on the River

• Morning

• • Early morning departure for the Mekong Delta, visiting Ben Tre or Cai Be.
  • Take boat rides along winding canals lined with coconut trees.
  • Visit a typical fishing village, watch villagers produce coconut candy and rice paper.

• Afternoon

• • Enjoy a local lunch in garden settings with dishes like elephant ear fish and fruits.
  • Listen to traditional Southern folk songs performed by villagers—a true cultural heritage.
  • Travel by sampan boats along shaded water coconut groves.

• Evening

• • Back to Ho Chi Minh City for dinner or an evening of relaxation.
  • Reflect on how rich and beautiful your 10-day stay in Vietnam has been.

Ben Tre Sampan Boats (Source: fisheyetravel)

Day 10: Departure – Last Tastes and Goodbyes

• Morning

• • Do some last-minute shopping at Ben Thanh Market or upscale Takashimaya Mall.
  • Buy souvenirs, street food treats, or Vietnamese coffee to bring home.

• Afternoon

• • Back to your hotel and pack, and freshen up.
  • Make arrangements for airport transfer based on the flight time.

• Before You Go

• • Have your travel documents in check and memories backed up!
  • For visitors who want to be free to customize their experience or add days to their visit, we encourage you to explore our full range of tour packages to Vietnam.

Ben Thanh Market (Source: vnexpress)

Best Time to Travel to Vietnam by Season

What to Pack for a 10-Day Vietnam Trip

Clothes: Dress by Region, Travel Like a Pro

The climate in Vietnam varies considerably as you go from North to South.

• For the cool North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay):
  Pack light layers—long-sleeve shirts, a foggy dawn jacket, and sturdy walking shoes for strolling through ancient temples and crowded streets.
• For the warm Central & South (Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta):
  Breathable fabrics like linen or cotton are ideal. Bring shorts, t-shirts, a sun hat, and a swimsuit for beach stops and day trips to places like Ba Na Hills or the delta canals.
• One dressy outfit for rooftop dining or cultural shows like “Hoi An Memories”.

Travel Essentials You’ll Thank Yourself For

• Mosquito repellent: Great for use in the Mekong Delta and on evening walks.
• Dry bag: Perfect for kayaking in Halong Bay or random tropical downpours.
• Comfortable shoes: For lengthy city walks and rural day trips.
• Personal meds and basic first aid: Pharmacies are everywhere, but it’s worth bringing your essentials.
• Power adapter (Vietnam uses Type A, C, and D plugs).
• Travel poncho or umbrella: Light and useful, especially traveling, Aug–Oct.

Travel Documents & Safety

To enjoy your Vietnam 10-day holiday package with utmost peace of mind, don’t miss these must-haves:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.
• Visa (subject to your nationality – check earlier).
• Travel insurance: An absolute necessity for all travelers—health, cancellations, adventure sports coverage.
• Cash & cards: Cards are accepted at all but the smallest in cities, but smaller outfits and local restaurants still prefer cash.
• Photocopies or digital copies: Passport, visa, insurance, and reservations.

Why Book Your 10 Days in Vietnam with Impress Travel?

Planning your perfect 10 days in Vietnam? Leave it all to the experts at Impress Travel—from your first email to the last goodbye at the airport.

With over 15 years of experience, we specialize in customized tours beyond the tourist sites. Whether you need to cruise Ha Long Bay, explore ancient temples, indulge in the finest street food, or day-trip to the Mekong Delta, we’ll design the ultimate 10-day Vietnam itinerary for you.

Our locals refer to the area as home. We know the seasons, the best spots, the real flavors, and the safest routes. You’ll never miss a beat—and you’ll always be cared for.

• Hanoi Office: 125 Hoang Ngan, Trung Hoa
• (+84) 912 379 189
• info@impresstravel.com

Conclusion

Your 10-day Vietnam fantasy is a click away. Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay, street food to ancient temples, this 10-day Vietnam tour has the perfect blend of nature, culture, and discovery. Wish for a hassle-free, well-planned vacation? Check out our best Vietnam holiday packages, and we will take care of the rest while you enjoy every moment.