10 Days in Vietnam: The Ultimate Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Explorer
Embark on an epic traverse of Vietnam from north to south. This comprehensive 10-day itinerary bridges the country's distinct regions, taking you from the ancient, bustling streets of Hanoi and the limestone spires of Halong Bay, down through the imperial heritage of Hue and the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, before concluding in the high-octane southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta.
What to Expect on This Journey
Embark on an epic traverse of Vietnam from north to south. This comprehensive 10-day itinerary bridges the country's distinct regions, taking you from the ancient, bustling streets of Hanoi and the limestone spires of Halong Bay, down through the imperial heritage of Hue and the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, before concluding in the high-octane southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta.
Trip Highlights & Unmissable Experiences
Arrive in Vietnam's historic, 1000-year-old capital. After checking in, dive straight into the sensory overload of the Old Quarter. Wander its labyrinthine '36 Streets', watch life go by at Hoan Kiem Lake, and experience a traditional water puppet show, followed by a street food introduction.
Travel east from Hanoi to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay. Board a luxury wooden junk boat, enjoy a seafood lunch as you glide past towering limestone islets, kayak through hidden lagoons, and spend the night anchored under the stars.
Begin your morning with a serene Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay. Explore one of the region's massive limestone caves before cruising back to port. Transfer directly to Hanoi's airport for a short flight south to the imperial city of Hue.
Step back in time to the Nguyen Dynasty. Spend the day exploring Hue's majestic historical sites, including the sprawling Imperial Citadel (Forbidden Purple City), the iconic seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, and the incredibly ornate royal tombs.
Embark on one of the world's most scenic coastal drives over the legendary Hai Van Pass, made famous by Top Gear. Stop to admire Lang Co Beach and climb the Marble Mountains in Da Nang before arriving in the atmospheric, lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
Immerse yourself in Hoi An's unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. Take a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class starting with a local market tour, visit world-class tailors, and explore the Japanese Covered Bridge at your own pace.
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Hoi An before transferring north to Da Nang airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Dive straight into the energetic southern metropolis with an evening street food tour on the back of vintage Vespas.
Discover Vietnam's modern history. Head out of the city in the morning to crawl through the historic, underground Cu Chi Tunnels. Return to the city center to visit poignant landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the French-colonial Central Post Office.
Escape the city bustle to the 'Rice Bowl of Vietnam'. Cruise along the Ben Tre River, visit local coconut processing workshops, ride in a traditional rowing sampan through narrow canals shaded by water coconuts, and sample fresh tropical fruits in local orchards.
Spend your final morning souvenir hunting at the iconic Ben Thanh Market or sipping iced condensed-milk coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) at a sidewalk cafe before your private transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home.