Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary in Vietnam for First-Time Visitors

Vietnam offers an incredible journey through millennia of history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures that will captivate any traveler. A 10-day itinerary in Vietnam is the perfect duration to experience the country's diverse regions, this comprehensive guide covers Vietnam's essential destinations, taking you through natural wonders and authentic cultural experiences that showcase the best of Southeast Asia's most fascinating country.

1. Days 1 - 2: Explore Hanoi – Old Quarter And West Lake

1.1. Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour And Street Food

Start your Vietnamese adventure in the heart of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, where narrow streets buzz with motorbikes, street vendors, and centuries-old traditions. Begin your morning with an authentic pho breakfast at legendary spots like Pho Thin, where locals have been gathering for decades. Take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island.

No Hanoi experience is complete without trying traditional egg coffee at Giang Cafe, the original location where this unique beverage was invented. Spend your afternoon wandering through the Old Quarter's famous 36 streets, each historically dedicated to specific trades and crafts, discovering traditional silk shops, lacquerware artisans, and silver jewelry makers.

A steaming bowl of Pho Thin Bo Ho, featuring clear broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs (Source: Internet)

Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi (Sources: Internet)

The birthplace of Hanoi’s legendary egg coffee, still serving its iconic, frothy delight (Source: Internet)

Many of the quarter’s streets are best enjoyed on foot (Sources: Internet)

As evening approaches, head to Ta Hien beer street for an authentic street food tour experience, where you'll sit on tiny plastic stools and sip fresh Bia Hoi alongside friendly locals. Sample local delicacies like “bun cha” (grilled pork with rice vermicelli), “nem ran” (fried spring rolls), and “banh mi” while experiencing the social dining culture that defines Vietnamese evenings. The energy and chaos of Ta Hien perfectly capture the essence of Hanoi's street life, where food, friendship, and conversation blend together in an unforgettable experience.

Bun Cha Hanoi consists of aromatic grilled pork, fresh vermicelli noodles, herbs, and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce (Source: Internet)

Ta Hien beer street is one of the most lively and accessible areas in Hanoi (Source: Internet)

1.2. Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Sites at West Lake

Begin your second day with a peaceful cycling tour around West Lake, Hanoi's largest freshwater lake, where you'll witness local life doing exercise, fishing, and cycling. Visit the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay respects to Vietnam's beloved leader, followed by the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple that represents Hanoi's spiritual heritage.

Continue to the ancient Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, where archaeological discoveries reveal over 1,000 years of Vietnamese history. Complete your cultural immersion at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture dedicated to Confucius and education.

End your day with a comprehensive Hanoi city bus tour to see areas you might have missed and get oriented for the adventures ahead. The bus tour provides an excellent overview of modern Hanoi's development while connecting the historical sites you've visited throughout the day.

Cycling experience around West Lake not only promotes a slow, mindful pace but also helps visitors appreciate Hanoi's deep-rooted connection to water and nature (Source: Internet)

The architecture of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is greatly influenced by the Soviet influences (Sources: Internet)

Symbolizing spiritual purity and enlightenment, the lotus-inspired design echoes the legendary dream of Emperor Ly Thai Tong (Sources: Internet)

The Hanoi double-decker bus offers a unique way to explore the city, with open-top views, audio guides, and convenient hop-on hop-off stops at major attractions (Source: Internet)

2. Days 3 - 4: Discover Ninh Binh Natural Beauty And Travel to Da Nang

2.1. Day 3: Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex Boat Tour

Depart early morning from Hanoi for the spectacular Ninh Binh province, often called "Ha Long Bay on Land" for its dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald rice paddies. Your destination is the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that combines stunning natural beauty with significant cultural and historical value.

Experience the breathtaking boat trip through Trang An's network of caves, grottos, and waterways, where local rowers guide you through ancient limestone formations sculpted by nature over millions of years. The journey takes you through multiple caves with names like Thuy Dinh Pavilion, Dark Cave and Bright Cave, each offering unique geological formations and mysterious atmospheres.

After your boat adventure, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam's largest Buddhist complex, which houses impressive bronze statues and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The complex showcases Vietnamese Buddhist architecture and provides insight into the country's spiritual traditions, with massive halls containing hundreds of stone and bronze statues.

Trang An Ecotourism Complex is proudly a top stop for both local and international visitors returning to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu (Source: Internet)

Thuy Dinh Pavilion and Phoenix Mountain are a stunning photo spot, best captured while sitting on the boat (Source: Internet)

Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for a pilgrimage, Bai Dinh Pagoda promises a unique and enriching experience (Source: Internet)

2.2. Day 4: Tam Coc Cycling And Travel to Da Nang

Start your morning with a cycling tour around the Tam Coc area, pedaling through endless emerald rice paddies dotted with limestone mountains that create some of Vietnam's most photographed landscapes. The peaceful countryside cycling allows you to interact with local farmers and experience rural Vietnamese life firsthand, observing traditional farming methods that have remained unchanged for centuries.

Next, challenge yourself with a climb to the Hang Mua viewpoint, where a steep staircase with over 500 steps leads to a panoramic vista that rewards your effort with breathtaking 360-degree views. This viewpoint offers some of the most spectacular photography opportunities in northern Vietnam, with limestone karsts stretching endlessly across the horizon like ancient sentinels guarding the countryside.

Tam Coc is renowned for its stunning landscapes of towering limestone peaks, lush rice paddies (Source: Internet)

Mua Caves is a breathtaking viewpoint in Ninh Binh, known for its 500-step stone staircase leading to panoramic views (Source: Internet)

Finally, return to Hanoi in the afternoon, then catch an evening flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, Vietnam's central coastal hub that serves as your gateway to the country's beautiful middle region.

3. Days 5 - 6: Da Nang Beaches And Modern City Life

3.1. Day 5: Da Nang Beach And Dragon Bridge Experience

Awaken to the stunning coastline of central Vietnam and head to My Khe Beach, consistently ranked among Asia's most beautiful beaches with its pristine white sand and clear blue waters. The beach provides perfect conditions for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing under the tropical sun, with gentle waves and clean facilities that cater to both adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts.

Local beachfront restaurants serve the freshest seafood, including grilled fish, prawns, and the famous Da Nang-style pancakes that showcase the region's unique culinary traditions. The famous Dragon Bridge serves as the symbol of modern Da Nang, spanning the Han River with its impressive dragon-shaped design that comes alive every weekend evening. This architectural marvel literally breathes fire and water during spectacular shows that draw crowds of locals and tourists alike, creating an unforgettable spectacle against the city's modern skyline.

Conclude your day at Han Market, where evening shopping reveals local life in full swing as vendors sell everything from handicrafts to modern clothing. Sample regional specialties like “mi quang” (noodles), “banh xeo” (pancakes), and tropical fruits while experiencing the bustling atmosphere that defines central Vietnamese markets.

My Khe Beach in Danang is famous for its blue waters and white sand (Source: Internet)

The Dragon Bridge dazzles at night with its ever-changing colors (Source: Internet)

Banh xeo is crispy and golden with generous fillings and perfectly balanced dipping sauce that delights from the first bite (Source: Internet)

3.2. Day 6: Ba Na Hills And Golden Bridge Day Trip

Embark on an early morning adventure to Ba Na Hills, taking one of the world's longest cable car journeys that transports you from tropical heat to cool mountain air in just 20 minutes. The dramatic elevation change creates a unique microclimate that French colonial administrators once used as their summer retreat, escaping the intense heat of the coastal lowlands.

The highlight of Ba Na Hills is undoubtedly the Golden Bridge, an Instagram-famous architectural marvel that appears to be held up by giant stone hands emerging from the mountainside. This stunning walkway offers incredible photo opportunities and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline, creating surreal images that have made it one of Vietnam's most recognizable landmarks.

Explore the whimsical French Village with its Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, and European-style buildings that create a surreal contrast to the Vietnamese landscape below. The amusement park activities, gardens, and restaurants provide entertainment for all ages, from thrilling rides to peaceful garden walks through meticulously maintained European-style gardens. You can stay one night here to explore the illuminated castles and enjoy the evening shows.

Ba Na Hills cable car currently holds the Guinness World Record as the longest non‑stop, single‑track cable car in the world (Source: Internet)

The Golden Bridge is a symbol of architectural brilliance and breathtaking natural beauty (Source: Internet)

The charming French Village, bathed in the morning sunlight, is surrounded by a vibrant garden of colorful flowers (Source: Internet)

5. Day 7: Hoi An Ancient Town Charm And Lantern Festivals

Travel back to Da Nang city center from Ba Na Hills, then rent a motorbike for a scenic ride to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has preserved its traditional architecture and cultural heritage for over 400 years. Begin your Hoi An experience with a traditional “cao lau” lunch at a local family restaurant, enjoying this signature dish made with thick noodles, pork, and local greens that can only be prepared with water from specific wells in the town.

After that, visitors should visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, a 400-year-old architectural gem symbolizing Hoi An's multicultural heritage. Explore Chinese assembly halls where different communities gathered, each decorated with intricate carvings and colorful facades. Participate in traditional lantern-making workshops learning the craft that made Hoi An famous for its colorful evening displays. As evening falls, enjoy “com ga Hoi An” (Hoi An rice chicken) before witnessing thousands of colorful lanterns illuminating ancient streets creating a magical atmosphere.

Hoi An Ancient Town rests along the Thu Bon River, showcasing timeless architecture (Source: Internet)

Strolling through Hoi An’s streets, you’ll be captivated by the yellow-walled houses, and centuries-old tile roofs that reflect Vietnamese, and Japanese architecture (Source: Internet)

A flavorful bowl of Hoi An's iconic cao lau, where smoky pork meets crispy toppings and fresh herbs (Source: Internet)

Hoi An chicken rice is a best-selling dish at Com Linh Restaurant (Source: Internet)

Stroll through a softly lit river where colorful lanterns create a calm and magical atmosphere (Source: Internet)

6. Days 8 - 9 - 10: Ho Chi Minh City Urban Energy, Cu Chi Tunnels And Mekong Delta

6.1. Day 8: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam's largest city and economic powerhouse that pulses with entrepreneurial energy and modern ambition while maintaining its historical significance. Begin your afternoon with an orientation walk through District 1, the city's central business and tourist district, visiting the Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a stunning example of French colonial architecture. Dive into the organized chaos of Ben Thanh Market, where aggressive vendors sell everything from handicrafts to street food, creating an authentic Vietnamese market experience that showcases the city's commercial spirit. The market's food court offers excellent opportunities to sample southern Vietnamese specialties that tend to be sweeter and more influenced by Cambodian and Thai flavors than northern cuisine.

Evening brings the vibrant atmosphere of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a pedestrian-only boulevard where locals gather to socialize, exercise, and enjoy street performances that reflect the city's youthful energy.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is a timeless icon in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Internet)

Ben Thanh Market is a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, located in the most crowded and convenient area (Source: Internet)

Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Vietnam and a modern icon of Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Internet)

6.2. Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels And War History

Dedicate your morning and afternoon to exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War and demonstrates the ingenuity and determination of Vietnamese fighters. This extensive tunnel system, stretching over 250 kilometers, provided living quarters, storage areas, hospitals, and schools for thousands of people who lived and fought in these confined spaces for years.

The Cu Chi Tunnels experience provides profound insight into recent Vietnamese history and the resilience of its people, offering visitors the opportunity to crawl through widened sections of actual tunnels. The experience includes opportunities to see preserved tunnel sections, sample the simple foods that sustained tunnel dwellers, and understand the strategic importance of this underground city.

The speedboat is a popular choice among visitors traveling to the Cu Chi Tunnels, offering a scenic and unique way to reach the site (Source: Internet)

As the war intensified, the Viet Minh expanded the tunnel network to 250km, transforming it into a strategic command center for resistance operations (Source: Internet)

Return to Ho Chi Minh City to try rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views, where you can reflect on your Vietnamese journey while enjoying contemporary Vietnamese cuisine that represents the country's dynamic evolution. The contrast between the underground tunnels and the gleaming city skyline perfectly illustrates Vietnam's remarkable transformation from a war-torn nation to a thriving modern country.

Everyone was immersed in the most vibrant music and enjoyed the most bustling moment (Source: Internet)

6.3. Day 10: Saigon River Tour And Farewell Shopping

Begin your final day with shopping at modern centers like Vincom Center Dong Khoi, which offers everything from international brands to local souvenirs in air-conditioned comfort that provides relief from the tropical heat. These shopping destinations provide excellent opportunities to purchase high-quality Vietnamese products like coffee, silk items, and handicrafts to take home as lasting memories of your journey.

Take an afternoon bus tour or cruise along the Saigon River, which offers unique perspectives of the city's skyline and development while providing a peaceful contrast to the city's intense energy. The river journey showcases Ho Chi Minh City's role as Vietnam's major port and commercial center, with busy waterways that connect the city to the Mekong Delta and international shipping routes.

Enjoy shopping at Vincom Center Dong Khoi, where you can indulge in a curated selection of world-renowned fashion brands and luxury boutiques (Source: Internet)

Experience the charm of Saigon from a different perspective with a scenic cruise along the Saigon River, offering stunning views of the city skyline at night (Source: Internet)

The 10-day itinerary in Vietnam provides the perfect balance of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and historical education that showcases why Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations.. Visit Vietnam Airlines Travel Guide to discover more insider travel tips that will make your Vietnamese journey an extraordinary experience.