Vietnam 10-day tour - Unforgettable flavours of Vietnam

Are you looking for a Vietnam tour in 10 days in 2022-2023?

Ten days to appreciate the flavours and riches of Vietnam, it is quite possible. A trip with a limited duration raises many questions about suitable itineraries.

Here are our few ideas for a successful tour from North to South Vietnam; if not, you can have your stay by the sea on the most beautiful beaches of the country. Itineraries are recommended in Vietnam in 10 days by our field experts, according to your rhythm, after the reopening of the country.

1. Vietnam tour from North to South in 10 days (the whole of Vietnam)

This is a trip from the North to the South of the country for those who want to discover the essentials of Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh in a limited time.

Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh - Halong – Da Nang – Hoi An – Hue – Ho Chi Minh – Mekong
Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Halong Bay on land): Visit Hoa Lu, rowing boat and cycling trip in Tam Coc
Day 4: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay: transfer to Halong, cruise aboard a junk
Day 5: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Da Nang – Hoi An: Continuation of the cruise. Back to Hanoi. Flight to Danang
Day 6: Hoi An – discovery: Bike ride in the countryside villages of Hoi An, boat trip on the Thu Bon River, interaction with the locals
Day 7: Hoi An – Da Nang - Hue: Departure to Hue visiting the Cham sculpture museum and the Hai Van pass, discovering the Thien Mu pagoda and the citadel of Hue
Day 8: Hue – flight to Ho Chi Minh: Saigon city tour
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Can Tho: transfer to the Mekong Delta. Boat trip on Ben Tre river, a bike ride in Nhon Thanh village, experience local life, meet locals
Day 10: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh – departure flight: visit Cai Rang floating market, return to Saigon

Which are the favourite places of this circuit?
- The historic centre of Hanoi
- The rowing boat ride in Tam Coc, nicknamed Halong Bay on land and the magnificent limestone peaks and caves.
- Cruise on Halong Bay and Lan Ha
- The heritages of Vietnam: Citadel of Hue, Hoi An ancient town
- Discovery of Ho Chi Minh City and immersion in the Mekong Delta

This circuit is for whom?

- This 10 days Vietnam tour is ideal for those who like to travel in Vietnam at a gentle pace.
- This tour is still very suitable for a family trip with children or the elderly.
- If you are not in good physical condition for walking or hiking in the mountains, take advantage of it!

2. Tour in North Vietnam only in 10 days

When we go on a trip abroad, we tend to want to visit as many things as possible in a minimum of time to amortize the cost of the plane ticket. However, for your next trip to Vietnam, you only have 10 days, and if you want to discover this endearing country in depth, it is advisable to go there two or more times. Travelling is not only visiting places, it is also meeting the population, immersing yourself in local life and culture and also taking the time to rest. So you should enjoy one or two regions each time! Here are our itinerary ideas by region.

2.1 Northeast Vietnam tour in 10 days

If you like adventures, let yourself be surprised and charmed by a region that has remained authentic over time! Discovery of the Northeast promises you to get off the beaten track to discover the hidden beauty of the most remote places in Vietnam.

Route: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac – Ba Be – Hanoi – Ha Long - Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Giang: trek through the villages of Me, Lup and Tha
Day 4: Ha Giang - hiking: Trek on Tay Con Linh mountain, visit Tha, Na Thac, Khuoi My, Lung Vai and Ha Thanh villages
Day 5: Ha Giang – Dong Van: Dong Van Karst Plateau, Twin Fairy Mountains, Land of Hmong and Bo Y Ethnic Groups, Palace of the Hmong King
Day 6: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac: Depart Dong Van for Bao Lac, Ma Pi Leng pass, special visit of Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups
Day 7: Bao Lac – Ba Be: Meet San Chi ethnic group in a hidden village on the hill, visit Hua Ma cave, overnight at a Tay homestay
Day 8: Ba Be – Hanoi: Relaxing boat trip, beautiful scenery. Back to Hanoi
Day 9: Hanoi – Halong Bay: Cruise in the heart of Halong Bay, night on board
Day 10: Halong – Hanoi – departure flight: Continuation of the cruise. Back to Hanoi

Which are the favourite places of this circuit?
- A beautiful immersion in Ha Giang with nights with locals and moments of sharing with the people who will welcome you with open arms.
- Hiking through the villages of ethnic minorities, located in the heart of beautiful valleys or suspended from the vertiginous sides of the mountains 
- Discovery of colourful markets in Dong Van, Bao Lac
- A boat trip to Ba Be Lake
- A magical cruise in Halong Bay and Lan Ha.

This circuit is for whom?

For those who are in good shape and are thirsty for discoveries, adventures are a sign of authenticity.

>>> Read more: Loop in the North-West of Vietnam, what to see and what to do?

2.2 Northwest Vietnam Tour in 10 days: the journey along the photographers' route

Focused on the beauties of the cities and provinces of North-western Vietnam, this route offers you activities combining a visit to the capital, hiking in the hilly and mountainous lands and relaxation on the open sea.

Brief program: Hanoi – Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai – Sapa – Bac Ha – Halong – Tam Coc - Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – Hanoi city tour: Famous 1st University of Vietnam or Van Mieu, Ethnography Museum, Ho Chi Minh Complex, Water Puppet Show
Day 3: Hanoi – Nghia Lo: Road to Nghia Lo, visiting tea plantations in Thanh Son, discovering the ethnic villages of Muong and Thai
Day 4: Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai: Trek through the best rice terraces in the world in Tu Le, Mu Cang Chai and La Pan Tan, immersion in Dao, Dzay, Thai and Hmong culture
Day 5: Mu Cang Chai - Sapa: Gentle trek to Na Tam, interaction with Lao & Lu people, transfer to Sapa via the highest pass in Vietnam – Hoang Lien Son pass
Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha: Trek through rice terraces and ethnic villages in Muong Hoa Valley, visit Hmong and Dzay minority groups, transfer to Bac Ha
Day 7: Bac Ha – Hanoi: drive back to Hanoi
Day 8: Hanoi – Ninh Binh: Discovery of Tam Coc, Halong Bay on land, beautiful bike rides, visit of Bich Dong pagoda and Thai Vi temple
Day 9: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay: transfer to Halong. Cruise aboard a junk in Halong Bay
Day 10: Halong – Hanoi - departure: Continuation of the cruise, return to Hanoi for your departure flight

Which are the favourite places of this circuit?

- Hanoi city, the capital, abounds in historical vestiges imbued with the traces of its thousand-year-old history.
- An excursion by bike or on foot in the valley of Nghia Lo and Tu Le
- An impeccable view of the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, reputed to be among the most beautiful in the country. Classified as a national natural heritage, at its harvest, these sparkling scenes, as far as the eye can see, constitute a masterpiece not to be missed in its lifetime.
  - Moments of sharing and conviviality with the colourful inhabitants in the villages of the Hmong, Dao, Giay, Thai...
- Participation in ethnic markets in Bac Ha to immerse yourself in their cultures attached to ancestral traditions
- A unique cruise aboard a traditional junk in Halong Bay or Lan Ha is worth your detour
- A day of immersion in the postcard landscapes of Ninh Binh, Halong Bay on land. The beauty of Tam Coc can be admired peacefully by bike or rowing boat along the water along the fields of undulating rice fields.

This circuit is for whom?

This region is a precious gift for photography fans and all those who want to seek serenity, breathtaking landscapes and authenticity.

3. Combined North and Centre tour in 10 days

This tour will make you discover the varied cultures and the breathtaking landscapes while enjoying a getaway rich in discoveries from the North to the Centre of Vietnam.

Route: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich – Ninh Binh – Halong – Hue – Danang – Hoi An - Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – Hanoi city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich: Visit the Muong village, panoramic view from the Thung Khe pass, the discovery of Thai culture in Mai Hich, a night at the inhabitant's house
Day 4: Mai Chau – Ninh Binh (Halong Bay on land): Boat trip to Tam Coc, visit Hoa Lu ancient capital, Bich Dong pagoda, Mua cave
Day 5: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay: Cruise on Lan Ha Bay, swimming & kayaking, cooking class
Day 6: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Hue: Continuation of the cruise, return to Hanoi, flight to Hue
Day 7: Hue - city tour: Boat trip on the Perfume River, bike ride in traditional handicraft villages, visit Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue Citadel
Day 8: Hue – Hoi An – city tour: Visit Khai Dinh tomb, depart to Hoi An admire Hai Van pass and Cham museum, half-day excursion in Hoi An old town
Day 9: Hoi An – discovery of villages: Bike ride in the countryside villages of Hoi An, boat trip on the Thu Bon river, interaction with the locals
Day 10: Hoi An – return to Hanoi – departure flight

Which are the favourite places of this circuit?

- Hanoi, the ancient capital of Vietnam. This city seduces visitors with its typical identity, its unique bustle and its fascinating history.
- Mai Chau – a land of the Thai ethnic group. Here you will be warmly welcomed with open arms. And spending a night with the locals is a great way to immerse yourself in the life of the people. It will surely be an exceptional experience to tell during your stay in Vietnam.
- A journey by rowing boat and bicycle in Ninh Binh, nicknamed “Halong Bay on land.”
- An incredible 2-days, 1-night cruise aboard a junk in the magical Halong Bay
- The treasures of the Centre, listed as World Heritage in Hue, Hoi An.

This circuit is for whom?

This stay is carefully designed to satisfy those who wish to visit the essentials of North and Central Vietnam and discover regions of full authenticity when time is a little limited. The pace of this journey is suitable for all ages.

4. South Vietnam tour only in 10 days

The South of the country reveals so many beautiful surprises that you can enjoy them at your own pace for 10 days. A city in full swing, lush vegetation in the countryside, boats filled with exotic flavours, and also heavenly beaches, everything is on the program to concoct a stay rich in discoveries.

Program in brief: Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Tra Vinh – Long Xuyen – Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh – City, arrival
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh – City, city tours: City tour of Ho Chi Minh City on foot: Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Chinatown, Fito Museum
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi – Ho Chi Minh
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre - Tra Vinh: Boat trip on Ben Tre river, a bike ride in Nhon Thanh village, experience local life, meet locals, overnight in Tra Vinh.
Day 5: Tra Vinh – Sa Dec - Long Xuyen: bike ride in Tra Vinh, transfer to Long Xuyen visiting Sa Dec: Kien An Cung pagoda, Huynh Thuy Le house, local market, Caodaism temple, crocodile farm.
Day 6: Long Xuyen – Rach Gia – boat to Phu Quoc: Exploration of Long Xuyen floating market, speed boat trip to Phu Quoc
Day 7: Phu Quoc Island – Beach stay
Day 8: Phu Quoc Island – Beach stay
Day 9: Phu Quoc Island – Beach stay
Day 10: Phu Quoc – flight to Ho Chi Minh – departure

Which are the favourite places of this circuit?

- Ho Chi Minh with its bustling pedestrian streets, bustling markets, old temples and museums steeped in history.
- Discovery of the villages embraced by the sumptuous orchards and the artisanal factories of Ben Tre, the kingdom of the coconut palms. A boat trip or a bike ride through the countless arroyos and peaceful paths will fill you with unforgettable moments.
- The multi-coloured floating markets of the Mekong Delta await you early for an emotional sampan ride between a hundred boats. Authentic and impressive, the Long Xuyen floating market stands out as a stop to do without hesitation.
- A seaside stays on the pearl island of Phu Quoc with paradisiacal beaches, lush vegetation, abundant and very affordable seafood, welcoming population. You can have disconnect time on this oasis of wonders.

This circuit is for whom?

If you have already discovered the North and the Centre of Vietnam, think of an in-depth discovery of South Vietnam this time and moments of relaxation in Phu Quoc!
The pace of this circuit is perfect for both the elderly and children.

5. Extensions to extend the stay in Vietnam

In case you could extend your trip to Vietnam, find our extension itinerary suggestions here.
Please consider the 10-day North to South tour (item 1) as a basic program to add extensions according to your wish and time.

5.1 Extension 2 or 3 days to Mai Chau – Pu Luong (departing from Hanoi)

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich: Arrival in Mai Chau, land of the Thais. Walk or bike ride in the valley. Night at the inhabitant’s house.
Day 2: Mai Chau – Pu Luong: Hike in the valley of Eo Ken – Ban Hang and meet with the Muong and the Thai.
Day 3: Pu Luong discovery: Hike in the Pu Luong valley through terraced rice fields and villages – return to Hanoi (or continue the road to Ninh Binh, it is quite possible)

5.2 Discovery of landscapes and meeting of ethnic groups in the North-East (5-9 days) (departing from Hanoi)

Day 1: Hanoi - Ha Giang
Day 2: Ha Giang – hiking in the villages at the foot of the Tay Con Linh mountain (optional, weather permitting)
Day 3: Ha Giang – Dong Van
Day 4: Dong Van: trekking through villages on the Sino-Vietnamese border (optional)
Day 5: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac
Day 6: Bao Lac – Cao Bang
Day 7: Cao Bang: Discover Nguom Ngao Cave and Ban Gioc Waterfall
Day 8: Cao Bang – Ba Be: boat trip, overnight homestay
Day 9: Ba Be - Hanoi

5.3 Travel along the Northwest Photographer's Route (4-7 days) (starting from Hanoi)

Day 1: Hanoi – Nghia Lo
Day 2: Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai
Day 3: Mu Cang Chai: hiking through the villages (optional)
Day 4: Mu Cang Chai – Sapa
Day 5: Sapa discovery (optional)
Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha
Day 7: Bac Ha - Hanoi

5.4. In-depth discovery of the Mekong Delta, far from mass tourism (3-5 days) (departing from Ho Chi Minh City)

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Tra Vinh
Day 2: Tra Vinh – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen
Day 3: Long Xuyen – Tra Su – Chau Doc
Day 4: Chau Doc – take a speedboat to Cambodia or return to Ho Chi Minh City

5.5 Beach holiday in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang or Con Dao

With its coastline stretching over more than 3000 km, Vietnam has a large number of beaches, each one is more beautiful than the other, scattering from North to South... If the weather allows you, think of a few days to spend moments of relaxation at one of the resorts to suit your itinerary and season.

Please find in this link the necessary information to prepare for your seaside stay: Top 10 dream beaches in Vietnam

6. 6 mistakes to avoid while travelling in Vietnam

- Forgetting to copy identity documents: Making copies of your identity documents is very useful for redoing your papers on the spot in the event of theft or loss.
- Forgetting to check the expiration dates of your passport: It is mandatory to present a valid passport 6 months after the planned exit from the country to avoid any setbacks at entry or departure.
- Not having travel insurance: During a trip abroad, you may be faced with unforeseen events (theft of luggage, accident, etc.). Taking out a travel insurance policy can protect you against these circumstances.
- Take your house in your suitcase: Don't worry and take the minimum! In case of trouble, you can easily find clothes and shops in all cities. In addition, you have to leave room to bring back some souvenirs from your trip to Vietnam!
- Bring valuable equipment: Do not travel with valuables. Although some countries, such as Vietnam, are known to be safe.
- Have a lot of money on you: Don't keep too much money on you. You can always withdraw at ATMs or the bank.

You have the advice and tips you need to plan your Vietnam tour in 10 days. If you want to have a tailor-made quote, please click here to send us your requests. Our travel consultant will send you as soon as possible a quote that suits your wishes and your budget.

We wish you to have a good discovery!

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