Vietnam 10-Day Trip: North to South
Ten days down the S-curve: Hanoi's Old Quarter, Ha Long's karsts, Hoi An's lanterns and Ho Chi Minh City's engines — plus the trains between.
Days
10 days
Budget
500 USD
Style
Cultural
Destination
Hanoi
Multi-CityFoodieCulture
Trip overview
- Ha Long's overnight on the water
- Hoi An's lantern evening
- The delta's slow boat finale
Best time to visit
The north is best October–December, the south December–April — February–March splits the difference across the whole country.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Hanoi — Old Quarter
- 🍜08:00Pho breakfast & Hoan Kiem Lake
- 🍺18:00Bun cha & bia hoi
- 🍜
Day 2 · Hanoi — History
- 🛕09:00Temple of Literature & museums
- ☕15:00Egg coffee
- 🛕
Day 3 · Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
- 🛶08:30Cruise into the karsts
- 🦑19:00Squid fishing off the deck
- 🛶
Day 4 · Return & Fly to Da Nang
- 🏖️16:00Da Nang beach evening
- 🏖️
Day 5 · Hoi An — Lantern Town
- 🏮09:00Ancient Town & tailor shops
- 🕯️18:30River lantern boats
- 🏮
Day 6 · My Son or Marble Mountains
- 🗿09:00Cham ruins or cave temples
- 🗿
Day 7 · Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
- 🌆17:00Rooftop over the motorbike rivers
- 🌆
Day 8 · HCMC — History
- 🕳️09:00Cu Chi tunnels (booked)
- 🕊️16:00War Remnants Museum
- 🕳️
Day 9 · Mekong Delta Day
- 🚣08:00Delta boat through the channels
- 🥖18:00Street-food farewell
- 🚣
Day 10 · Departure
- ✈️12:00Last banh mi & airport
- ✈️
Budget
Estimated total cost: 500 USD for 10 days.
Includes accommodation, local transport, food, and activities. International flights not included.
Travel tips
- The north is best October–December, the south December–April — February–March splits the difference across the whole country.
- Carry local currency for small eateries and street food; cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Book popular restaurants in advance during peak season.
- Use public transit where possible — most stops in Hanoi are tourist-friendly.
Recommended restaurants
🍜
Bun Cha Huong Lien
Hanoi legend · $
🥖
Madam Khanh (The Banh Mi Queen)
Hoi An · $
🥢
Anan Saigon
HCMC elevated street · $$
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