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The Must-Sees of Vietnam in 10 Days

Vietnam
Northern – Central – Southern Vietnam
10 days

Overview

In 10 days, embark on a journey to discover Vietnam’s unmissable treasures from North to South. From the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the historic alleys of Hoi An, passing through the majestic Bai Tu Long Bay, the imperial city of Hue, and the bustling Mekong Delta, this tour immerses you in the country’s history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

This itinerary is designed to be smooth and efficient, featuring an overnight train from Ninh Binh to Hue—a more authentic and eco-friendly experience that also saves travel time. For Halong Bay, we focus on Bai Tu Long Bay, a more pristine and less crowded area.

A tour full of contrasts, blending bustling cities, natural wonders, and cultural immersion, offering a complete and unforgettable experience of Vietnam.

Practical Information

Duration
10 days
Start / End
Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City
Guide Language
English
Reions Visited
Northern – Central – Southern Vietnam
Best Time To Go
january to may
Ideal For
Couples / Friends / Families / Seniors
Difficulty Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotels / Ecolodges / Homestays / Traditional Junk Boat

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1
Hanoi - Arrival and Discovery of Hanoi (L)

Arrival at Hanoi airport at 06:35. Meet your guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage. You will start the day gently with a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter of Hanoi, followed by a walking tour to explore some of its main streets and the Ngoc Son Temple on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Lunch will be served in a local specialty restaurant where you will taste Bun Cha Nem (a noodle soup with grilled pork and spring rolls). In the early afternoon, you will check into your rooms and enjoy some time to rest.

In the afternoon, you can choose between two visits:

  • The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, now a temple dedicated to Confucius,
    or

  • The Museum of Ethnology, which offers a fascinating insight into the cultural diversity of Vietnam’s ethnic groups.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2
Hanoi - Bai Tu Long Bay (B, L, D)

Your guide will pick you up at your Hanoi hotel and transfer you to Sunworld International Port (if you use our shuttle).

12:15 – Arrival at Sunworld International Port, with a short moment to relax before boarding one of the Tonkin Cruise Junks.
12:30 – Transfer to the Tonkin Cruise Junk by tender (5–10 minutes).
12:45 – Warm welcome with welcome drinks, safety briefing, and check-in to your cabin.
13:00Delicious Vietnamese lunch as the boat sails gently toward the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, in the Cap La area.
15:30Kayak excursion to explore the stunning natural landscapes of limestone islands and islets; swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
17:30Sunset celebration on the upper deck as the boat sails to the Cong Do area to anchor for the night (Happy Hour from 17:30 to 19:30).
18:30Cooking class: learn traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
19:30Barbecue dinner on the upper deck (not available before October).
21:00 – Free time to relax on the upper deck or try squid fishing (board games also available).

Day 3
Bai Tu Long Bay - Ninh Binh (B, L)

06:30 – Early morning wake-up for a Tai Chi session.
07:00Light Western-style breakfast while the boat sails toward the most beautiful fishing village in Ha Long Bay.
07:30 – Transfer by small boat to Vung Vieng fishing village.
08:00Rowboat ride (rowed by local fishermen) to explore the village and learn about local fishing life.
09:30 – Return to the main boat for the cruise back to the port via a different route.
10:30Lunch on board (fusion style).
11:00 – Disembark at Sunworld Port. Your car will take you to Tam Coc, where you will spend the night at your hotel.

Day 4
Ninh Binh - overnight train to Hue (B, L)

Breakfast at your hotel, then depart by car for the Trang An site. You will take a sampan boat ride early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Next, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Return to Tam Coc for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Bich Dong Pagoda and climb to the top of Hang Mua for panoramic views. Enjoy some relaxation at the hotel pool before departing for Ninh Binh train station. Overnight on the sleeper train.

Day 5
Hue Visit (B, L)

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up for a full day of exploration in Hué. Start with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, built between 1805 and 1832 by Emperor Gia Long. Next, discover the “Nha Vuon” or “Garden House,” a distinctive Hue architectural style where the residence is organically connected to its garden, plants, and surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious and spiritual atmosphere.

For lunch, enjoy traditional local cuisine, including the famous Bun Bo Hue—noodles with beef from the ancient imperial city.

In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amid frangipani and pine trees according to the emperor’s own design. This exquisite tomb is one of Hué’s most beautiful sites, exuding tranquility and showcasing traditional Vietnamese art. Continue to the Tu Hieu Pagoda, near Tu Duc’s tomb, known for its serene atmosphere and active monastic community. The pagoda gardens also contain the tombs of some royal mandarins.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6
Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (B, L)

After breakfast, depart with your guide for Danang, passing through the Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass), which offers stunning panoramic views of the central coastline. Upon arrival in Danang, visit the Champa Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of sculptures from the now-extinct Champa Kingdom.

Enjoy lunch in Danang before continuing your journey to Hoi An. Check in at your hotel, then take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the ancient town. Discover highlights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in 1593, the Folk Museum, the Tan Ky House, the Tran Family Chapel, and charming old merchant houses over two centuries old. Explore the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, built in 1690, which houses a pagoda dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the sea goddess and protector of sailors.

Dinner is at leisure, and overnight stay at your hotel in Hoi An.

Day 7
Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a free morning. Depart in the early afternoon after lunch for your flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines at 15:20. Arrival in HCM City at 17:05, where you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Day 8
Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel, then depart with your guide. First stop at Notre-Dame Cathedral (outside) and the Old Central Post Office, located in the center of a square, highlighting its architecture, followed by a walk along Dong Khoi Street(formerly Catinat) with its luxury shops and lively atmosphere. Opposite the cathedral, you will pass by the Saigon Central Post Office, whose iron structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel. Inside, you can see a map of Saigon and a telephone network map of Cochinchina from the early 1930s. Lunch in the city.

In the afternoon, visit the Reunification Palace, the Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in Saigon. Stroll through the heart of the old Chinese quarter of Cho Lon and visit the Soai Kinh Lam fabric market, full of colorful stalls and vibrant life. Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9
Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B, L, D)

At 7:30 AM, depart with your guide and driver toward My Tho (70 km – approximately 2 hours) to begin your discovery of the Mekong Delta, formed by the nine distributaries of the lifeblood river. Upon arrival in the My Tho area, you will first visit Vinh Trang Pagoda.

Next, continue to the Hàm Luông pier, where you will embark on a cruise along the Bến Tre River. Along the way, observe the lively river activities such as fishing, water transport, and traditional brick-making techniques. You will also visit one of the many coconut processing workshops along the canal, followed by a visit to a family-run workshop producing mats by traditional methods.

Late in the morning, enjoy a ride on a motorized cart (xe lôi) or by bicycle along shaded paths, passing through lush rice fields and vegetable plains. Lunch will be served at Hai Hồ’s home.

In the afternoon, take a sampan ride along the canals before returning to the pier at Hàm Luông. Then, transfer to Can Tho (100 km – approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy a bicycle ride around the village near your guesthouse. Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Can Tho.

Day 10
Can Tho - Xeo Quyt - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

In the morning, take a motorboat ride to visit the Cai Rang floating market. You will be able to admire the wide variety of products sold at the market, from familiar fruits like mangoes and bananas to more exotic ones such as mangosteens, custard apples, sweet longans, and fragrant durians. Immerse yourself in the sweet aromas and fruity flavors of the market.

Next, visit the Le Binh covered market, a bustling fish and vegetable market along the Mekong River. Then depart for Xeo Quyt, a historical site in Dong Thap Province, which marks an important battle during the Vietnam War from 1960 to 1975. Today, the area serves as both a nature park and a museum recounting the history of the battle. You can explore the site on foot (2 km) along a path built above the mangrove, or take a 20-minute boat ride. This excursion allows you to discover a rich virgin forest while also experiencing the living conditions of Vietnamese soldiers of that era.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to the airport or your hotel.

FAQ

All our tours are private. You will travel with your own vehicle, driver, and guide, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility throughout your journey.

Private tours for solo travelers are significantly more expensive, and most guides are unwilling to lead one-person tours. Therefore, this itinerary is available starting from 2 travelers.

If you’re traveling alone, we can offer day trips or short excursions instead.

No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.

However, we’re happy to assist you in booking your international flights if needed.

You’ll find the ideal travel period in the “Practical Info” section, based on the climate in the regions visited.

That said, this tour is available year-round, with a few adjustments depending on the season.

This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking cultural discovery and immersion in nature.

It can be adapted for couples, families, or groups of friends of all ages.

Absolutely! All our tours are fully customizable.

You can modify the duration, change accommodations, add activities, or adjust the pace according to your preferences.

Simply send us a request using the contact form on this page.

One of our travel advisors will get back to you quickly to finalize your itinerary and provide a personalized quote.

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By phone

+84 9 66 59 98 05

By email

info@parfumdautomne.fr

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