Vietnam in 10 Days: The Ultimate Bucket-List Itinerary

Welcome to Vietnam: Where Every Day Is a Story

Every traveler dreams of that one trip that touches the soul — Vietnam is that kind of place. From emerald-green rice terraces to golden sand beaches, floating markets to ancient temples, it’s a country that tells its story through every sight, sound, and taste. Whether you’re planning a romantic trip to Vietnam, a Vietnam family tour, or an adventurous tour to Vietnam, this land offers experiences that feel both grand and intimate.

For many, ten days may seem short. But with the best itinerary for Vietnam, you can touch every corner — from the historic streets of Hanoi to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, from the floating serenity of Ninh Binh to the cultural pulse of Ho Chi Minh City.

This blog is your personal travel guide to Vietnam, helping you plan the ultimate 10-day adventure with the perfect blend of famous landmarks and offbeat places in Vietnam. With the help of BreakBag Holidays and their expertly curated Vietnam tour packages, you won’t miss a beat.

Whether you're eyeing a luxurious trip to Vietnam or seeking pocket-friendly international travel deals, let’s explore a land where every day brings a new discovery.

 

Offbeat Stops That Add Soul to Your Itinerary

Yes, Halong Bay tour, Hanoi city tour, and the Cu Chi Tunnels are iconic, but Vietnam’s true charm lies in its lesser-known gems. If you want a deeper dive into the soul of the country, include these offbeat Vietnam destinations in your 10-day journey:

>      Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Northwest Vietnam)

Swap touristy Sapa for this hidden paradise in Thanh Hoa province. Pu Luong offers terraced rice fields, bamboo forests, and homestays in ethnic Thai villages. It’s a peaceful retreat ideal for hikers and cultural explorers.

 

Also checkout : Off the Grid in Pu Luong: Where Time Slows Down

 

>      Tam Coc – Ninh Binh (aka "Halong Bay on land")

Just 2 hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is breathtaking with karst mountains rising from rice paddies and rivers. Hop into a sampan boat rowed by foot and explore caves, pagodas, and peaceful countryside.

 

Book Now : Ninh Binh Tour

 

>      Lan Ha Bay (Alternative to Halong Bay)

Less crowded but equally scenic, Lan Ha Bay offers kayaking, snorkeling, and floating homestays. A favorite for those on a vacation in Vietnam who want serenity without skipping the bay experience.

 

Suggested package : Spectacular Vietnam Tour in 9 Days

 

>      Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a dream for adventure lovers. Explore the world’s largest caves like Son Doong and Phong Nha while enjoying rural life in central Vietnam. Perfect for an adventure trip to Vietnam.

>      An Bang Beach (Hoi An)

Skip the crowded Cua Dai Beach and cycle to An Bang. It's quiet, boho, and full of beach bars — a relaxing stop between temple-hopping and lantern-lighting in Hoi An.

These places elevate your Vietnam travel itinerary beyond the typical tourist checklist and help you connect with the land, its people, and its rhythms.

Bucket-List Moments You Can’t Miss in Vietnam

While offbeat stops add flavor, Vietnam’s bucket-list experiences are classics for a reason. Here are the must visit places in Vietnam that you should not miss in your 10-day itinerary:

Ø  Hanoi’s Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake

Walk the narrow lanes of Hanoi’s historic core, taste pho at a street-side stall, sip egg coffee, and watch locals dance by the lake in the evening. Include a Hanoi city tour in all Vietnam holiday packages.

 

Book now : Hanoi CIty Tour

 

Ø  Hoi An Ancient Town

Famous for its yellow walls and glowing lanterns. Visit Japanese Covered Bridge, join a lantern-making workshop, and float a candle-lit paper boat on the Thu Bon River.

Ø  Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

No Vietnam tour list is complete without cruising between limestone karsts. Go beyond a day tour — an overnight stay lets you kayak in quiet lagoons and stargaze on deck.

 

Package for Halong Bay Overnight cruise : Book now

 

Ø  Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City)

Explore this vast underground network that played a vital role during the Vietnam War. It’s haunting, humbling, and educational — a must for a complete Vietnam holiday tour.

 

Suggested Tour : Chu Chi Tunnel or Chu Chi Tunnel with Mekong Delta

 

Ø  Hue’s Imperial City

This ancient capital in central Vietnam showcases royal tombs, palaces, and pagodas. Rent a bicycle and soak in the history.

 

You may also read : Hue: A City That Whispers in Poetry and Rain

 

Ø  Street Food Tour in Saigon

Experience the buzzing nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) through a food safari: try banh xeo (sizzling pancakes), goi cuon (spring rolls), and sip local beer in lively alleys.

These moments define a trip to explore Vietnam and should anchor your Vietnam travel packages.

 

Look Into : From Street Food to Sky Bars: Fall in Love with Ho Chi Minh City

 

Day-by-Day Wonder: Your Perfect 10-Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary

Crafting the best itinerary for Vietnam in just 10 days means striking a balance — blending iconic landmarks with peaceful countryside, cultural immersion with scenic wonders. Below is the perfect Vietnam travel itinerary that captures it all — ideal for solo travelers, families, couples, and even group tours.

✈️ Suggested Route: North to South (Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta)
(You may also reverse this for a South-to-North route, depending on flight deals)

📍 Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Welcome to Timeless Vietnam

ü  Land in Hanoi, the cultural capital of Vietnam

ü  Explore the Old Quarter by foot or cyclo

ü  Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the bustling Dong Xuan Market

ü  End your day with a steaming bowl of pho and egg coffee at Café Giảng

📍 Day 2: Hanoi to Ninh Binh – Explore “Halong Bay on Land”

ü  Travel to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh (2 hrs drive)

ü  Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through limestone caves, paddled by locals using their feet!

ü  Visit Bich Dong Pagoda nestled in the hills

ü  Optional hike up Mua Cave viewpoint for epic panoramic shots

📍 Day 3: Return to Hanoi & Overnight Train to Central Vietnam

ü  Return to Hanoi by noon

ü  Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature

ü  Board the overnight train to Da Nang – a classic Vietnamese experience

📍 Day 4: Arrive in Hoi An – Lanterns, History & Beaches

ü  Reach Hoi An in the morning

ü  Check in to a homestay or riverside hotel

ü  Explore the Ancient Town, Japanese Covered Bridge, and Chinese Assembly Halls

ü  Evening: release a lantern on the Thu Bon River

📍 Day 5: Countryside Charm & An Bang Beach

ü  Take a cycling tour through Tra Que Vegetable Village

ü  Join a cooking class with local families

ü  Spend the afternoon unwinding at An Bang Beach

ü  Optional: tailor a custom-made outfit in the evening

      📍 Day 6: Hue – Vietnam’s Imperial Past

ü  Morning drive to Hue via the scenic Hai Van Pass

ü  Visit the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Tomb of Khai Dinh

ü  Enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River

 📍 Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City – From Past to Present

ü  Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (1.5 hr flight)

ü  Visit the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Central Post Office

ü  Enjoy Saigon street food or rooftop cocktails at Bitexco Tower

📍 Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon Local Life

ü  Half-day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels, explore the underground resistance network

ü  Return to Saigon for a motorbike street food tour through local neighborhoods

📍 Day 9: Mekong Delta – Life on the Water

ü  Full-day tour to Ben Tre or Cai Be in the Mekong Delta

ü  Visit floating markets, coconut candy workshops, and cruise the canals by sampan

ü  Return to Saigon by evening

📍 Day 10: Departure or Optional Extension

ü  Enjoy last-minute shopping at Ben Thanh Market

ü  Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight

ü  Optional add-on: extend your Vietnam holiday packages to Phu Quoc Island or Da Lat

 

Checkout our other Vietnam Travel itinerary or Vietnam tour packages : Book now

 

Travel Like a Pro: Budgeting and Booking with BreakBag Holidays

 

Traveling across Vietnam in 10 days sounds like a luxury — but with smart planning, it's surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re looking for a minimum budgeted international trip or a luxurious trip to Vietnam, BreakBag Holidays can customize your experience based on your comfort, pace, and travel style.

 

Suggested read : https://the-shooting-star.com/

 

Here’s how to plan smart:

 

Estimated Budget Breakdown for 10 Days in Vietnam

 

Category	Budget Travelers (INR)	Mid-Range Travelers (INR)	Luxury Travelers (INR)
Flights (RT)	₹28,000 – ₹38,000	₹45,000 – ₹60,000	₹70,000+
Hotels & Homestays	₹10,000 – ₹15,000	₹18,000 – ₹25,000	₹35,000+
Meals & Street Food	₹5,000 – ₹8,000	₹10,000 – ₹14,000	₹20,000+
Local Transport & Trains	₹4,000 – ₹6,000	₹8,000 – ₹12,000	₹15,000+
Activities & Tours	₹8,000 – ₹12,000	₹15,000 – ₹20,000	₹25,000+

 

Pocket-friendly international travel deals are available with BreakBag Holidays — we help you compare flight options, book local guides, and grab seasonal discounts.

 

Visit Vietnam's Official Website : https://vietnam.travel/

 

Why Book Your Vietnam Trip with BreakBag Holidays?

• ✅ Expert-curated Vietnam tour packages
• ✅ Custom itineraries for Vietnam honeymoon packages, family trips, solo travelers, or Vietnam group departures
• ✅ 24/7 support during your trip
• ✅ Visa, SIM card, airport transfers — all covered
• ✅ Handpicked stays near key attractions

🎯 Whether it’s a four-star escape or a backpacking adventure, BreakBag ensures every moment of your trip to Vietnam is smooth, immersive, and unforgettable.

👉 Explore International Holiday Packages with BreakBag Holidays

👉 Go through our website : https://breakbag.com

 

“A journey is not measured in miles, but in memories. Let Vietnam fill your soul, not just your passport.”