An unforgettable 10-day Vietnam itinerary for first-timers

If you're thinking of visiting Vietnam for the first-time, chances are, deciding how to focus your trip might feel a little daunting. But fear not — that's why we created this unforgettable Vietnam itinerary in 10 days for first-timers. Covering stacks of the best things to do in Vietnam, across many of the most beautiful places in Vietnam, it'll have you experiencing the country in exhilarating style.

Vietnam itinerary for 10 days

Before going into day-by-day detail, here’s an overview of how we suggest spending ten days in Vietnam to give you a flavor of this unforgettable trip.

• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi.
• Day 2: Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter.
• Day 3: Travel from Hanoi to Sapa.
• Day 4: Explore around Sapa.
• Day 5: Explore Sapa's ethnic villages.
• Day 6: Travel from Sapa to Ninh Binh.
• Day 7: Explore Ninh Binh — Tam Coc or Trang An boat tour.
• Day 8: Travel from Ninh Binh to Hoi An.
• Day 9: Explore Hoi An.
• Day 10: Return to Hanoi.

Editor’s tip: as you plan your own trip, read our tips for traveling in Vietnam, and take inspiration from our customizable Vietnam itineraries.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Blending ancient temples, chaotic streets, and cafés in which French and Vietnamese culture meet over a bowl of pho and strong cup of coffee, Hanoi — capital of Vietnam — is quick to make an impression.

With any luck, you’ll have time to do a little exploring right after you land, which is why choosing where to stay is pretty important.

Where to stay in Hanoi

When it comes to deciding where to stay in Hanoi, that all depends on what you most want to do during your stay, and the kind of vibe you’re looking for.

On balance, I recommend first-timers go for accommodation in the Old Quarter. You’ll be in walking distance of many of Hanoi's key attractions — including Hoan Kiem Lake and the Water Puppet Theatre.

Or, for something less touristy than the Old Quarter, research accommodation in Hai Ba Trung — a dynamic district that’s known for its cool, youthful vibe.

If historic and political attractions are top of your list, consider staying in Ba Dinh — an area that’s home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace and Temple of Literature. 

Day 2: Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter

With one full day in Hanoi, we suggest devoting your time to doing a deep dive into its charismatic Old Quarter. 

Things to do

At once chaotic and captivating, here’s how to experience Hanoi’s heady allures from dawn (well, kind of) through to dusk.

Head to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple 

Located on the edge of the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake is a peaceful place to start your morning in the company of residents sipping tea and practicing tai chi.

Sited on a small island on the lake, Ngoc Son Temple — AKA Temple of the Jade Mountain — is an iconic must-visit.

Cross the crimson Huc Bridge (Rising Sun Bridge) to access it and then spend an hour or so taking in its intricate wood carvings, colorful altars and statues.

Editor’s tip: be sure to see the temple’s giant preserved turtle — it's linked to the legend that gave Hoan Kiem Lake its name (it means “Lake of the Returned Sword").

Dive into Dong Xuan Market

The pace picks up on the next leg of your day in the Old Quarter when you head to the Dong Xuan Market — Hanoi’s largest indoor market, no less. 

With vendors selling everything from steaming bowls of street food, to silk scarves, it’ll give you a flavour of local life, and the chance to pick up souvenirs.

Editor’s tip: grab lunch in the market. It’s a great place to tuck into bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), for example.

Explore 36 Streets

After lunch, wander the tangled narrow streets of Hanoi’s "36 Streets" area, so named as a result of each street historically specializing in a specific trade. 

While there are way more than 36 streets here today, old legacies live on — for example, look out for Hang Bac (Silver Street) and Hang Gai (Silk Street) to see artisans at work.

It’s packed and chaotic, but that’s all part of its charm.

Feel folkloric magic at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre 

A highlight of my time in Hanoi was seeing a performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

I’m a sucker for folklore, and this brought several stories to life through the magic of puppets gliding over water, and soul-stirring music.

Day 3: Travel from Hanoi to Sapa

Day three of this 10-day itinerary heralds a move to Sapa, with its spectacular landscapes of rice terraces, misty mountains and ancient rock fields.

Travel time: 5.5-8 hours, depending on mode of transport

For ease and comfort, we suggest you take the train to get from Hanoi to Sapa, but we’ll run through all the options so you can make up your own mind.

By mini van

The 317km journey between Hanoi and Sapa typically takes around 5.5 hours if you travel in a private taxi or minivan. As such, this is the fastest way to do this journey.

It’ll come as no surprise that private taxis are more expensive that minivans ($30 versus $17, on average), and note that minivans don’t run overnight. 

By bus

Taking around six hours, buses are a cheap way to travel to Sapa.

You can take your pick from a basic “sleeping bus”, which comes with sleeper bunks and blankets, or "VIP Cabin Buses", which have curtained bunks.

By train

As Sapa doesn’t have its own station, traveling by rail to get from Hanoi to Sapa involves taking a train and a bus, adding to up a journey time of around 7-8 hours.

Several train operators run the service, many of which are night trains on which you can book comfy cabins to rest-up in.

When you reach Lao Cai, you’ll board a bus shuttle service to Sapa. They leave Lao Cai when they’re full, and take around 45 minutes to get to Sapa.

Editor’s tip: if you opt for a night train, you’ll arrive in Sapa early the next morning.

Where to stay in Sapa

From budget-friendly hostels and mid-range hotels, to all-out luxury resorts, there’s Sapa accommodation for all types of traveler.

While many tourists opt to stay in the center of town to be close to shops and restaurants, you could also look to book a homestay with a hill tribe family.

Day 4: Explore Sapa's surroundings

Day four will be devoted to exploring Sapa’s spectacular environs, by which we mean emerald rice terraces, majestic mountains, and deep, deep valleys.

Things to do 

Taking you from one natural icon to another, your first full day in Sapa is loaded with mind-blowing scenery.

Morning visit to Muong Hoa Valley 

Set off early to see the famous terraced fields cascade down the mountains of the Muong Hoa Valley. 

An iconic image of Vietnam, seeing the terraces in real life is something else, both from a distance as you approach, and while walking between them.

Editor’s tip: while the terraces are glorious around the year, if you happen to be here in late September or October, you’ll get to see them radiate golden-yellow hues.

Editor's tip: make sure to check out the most beautiful places in Vietnam

Ride a cable car to the summit of Mount Fansipan

Known as the “Roof of Indochina”, Mount Fansipan is the tallest mountain in Vietnam.

While it plays host to epic multi-day summit treks you won’t have time to tackle during this 10-day itinerary, happily a cable car is on hand to take you there in thrilling style.

The ride up is sublime as a magical landscape of lush valleys, misty peaks and rice fields unfolds. 

On arrival, your view is widened further, especially on clear days when you can see all the way to Laos and China.

Travel the Tram Ton Pass

Next on the agenda is an exhilarating ride along the Tram Ton Pass — the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. 

Try to time your visit to take in the dramatic landscape of deep valleys and towering peaks just before dusk. Then wait to see the sun cast golden light over the mountains as it dips beneath the horizon.

Day 5: Explore Sapa's ethnic villages

Sapa is home to diverse ethnic groups like the Hmong, Red Dao, and Tay, each of which has their own distinct customs and language.

So, on your second day in Sapa, it’s time to turn your attention to local culture.

Book an organized tour

The best way to visit Sapa's ethnic villages is on an organized tour, most of which kick off with a visit to Cat Cat — a Black Hmong village that’s close to Sapa town. 

With a pretty waterfall and small rice terraces, this is a scenic settlement in which to experience traditional Hmong life, including textile weaving and silver crafting.

While hiking between the villages was a little more challenging than expected, I wouldn't have traded it for anything.

Editor’s tip: read all about the best time to visit Vietnam, to make the most out of tour Vietnam itinerary.

Day 6: Travel from Sapa to Ninh Binh

Day six is a transfer day that’ll see you travel from Sapa to Ninh Binh.

Travel time: 7-10 hours, depending on mode of transport 

You have a couple of options when it comes to getting from Sapa to Ninh Binh. 

By train

We took a shuttle back to Lao Cai Station and then connected with the train to Hanoi, which broke up the journey and had us in the city early in the morning.

On arrival, you have a few options for the final leg of the journey – i.e. getting from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

With several services running through the day, and an average a journey time of 2 hours 15 mins, the train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes you through yet more stunning scenery.. 

In all, the train option can take up to 10 hours, depending on how your connections pan out. 

You could also opt to arrange an organized shuttle from Hanoi to Ninh Binh — which takes a little longer than the train — or a bus, which can take up to three hours.

By bus

If you’re looking for a direct way to get from Sapa to Ninh Binh, you could take a bus. 

Several companies operate daily services between these destinations, typically costing around USD$9 to $15 per person, and taking 7-8 hours.

The downside? Buses aren’t as comfortable as trains.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh

Convenient and budget-friendly, with low-cost hostels and a range of mid-price guesthouses, accommodation in Ninh Binh Town is popular with all kinds of tourists, especially if you’re only in the area for a short period

Alternatively, stay in Tam Coc for scenic views, cave adventures, and riverfront homestays.

Meanwhile accommodation in Trang An offers more tranquillity, and a richness of eco-resorts

Day 7: Explore Ninh Binh

On day seven, take your pick from immersing yourself in Tam Coc or Trang An — both of which involve sublime scenery, beautiful boat rides and temples.

Tam Coc or Trang An boat tour

We share more detail below but — in short — Tam Coc is more accessible and invites more active exploration, while tours of Trang An have more of a peaceful vibe that’ll suit nature lovers.

Tam Coc

Start your day by renting a bike — they’re widely available in Tam Coc — for a scenic ride through the rice paddies. 

Be sure to stop by Bich Dong Pagoda — a 15th-century pagoda built into the cliffs — to climb up and explore three pagodas.

After taking time to take in the breath-taking views — and catch your breath — head back down and cycle to Tam Coc pier.

From here, you can take a two-hour boat tour along the Ngo Dong River that’ll have you winding through caves, karsts and rice fields. It's considered one of the best things to do in Vietnam.

That afternoon, you could also visit the Thai Vi Temple — a small temple tucked in a peaceful valley — and later visit the Hang Mua Viewpoint for an extraordinary sunset experience. 

Trang An boat tour plus Bai Dinh Pagoda

Start your morning with taking a magical boat tour in Trang An.

With several routes lasting 2-3 hours, each of them including stops at temples and pagodas tucked into the karsts, it’s a more serene experience than Tam Coc boat tours.

Along the way, while gliding through the bright emerald water, you’ll get up close to the towering cliffs, and also wind through some seriously long caves.

Next, more magic is in store at Bai Dinh Pagoda. Covering over 500 hectares, it’s the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, and home to an awe-inspiring collection of huge bronze Buddha statues.

At once grand and humbling, this is a place you’ll want to linger in for a long time.

That said, wildlife lovers might also want visit Thung Nham Bird Garden. Wander the paths, visit the Buddha Cave, and watch out for hundreds of birds — I adored it here.

Day 8: Travel from Ninh Binh to Hoi An

First, a word of warning — this is a long day of traveling, but it’ll be worth it when you get to Hoi An and start exploring this UNESCO-designated delight.

Travel time: 3 hours minimum

Head back to Hanoi first thing in the morning — perhaps take an early train, or book a shuttle.

From Hanoi, there are a few ways to get to Hoi An, all of which are outlined below, beginning with our recommended mode — flying.

By plane, plus road transfer

With a flight time of 1 hour 20 minutes to Da Nang — plus a 45-90-minute road transfer to Hoi An — traveling by plane is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Hoi An.

Expect shared shuttle bus services from Da Nang airport to Hoi An to cost upwards of $6, and private taxis to cost from $15.

By train

Be warned — traveling by train will take in the region of 17 hours. 

As with the plane option, if you decide to get from Hanoi to Hoi An by rail, you’ll can only get as far as Da Nang. From here, you need to hit the road.

By bus

The only way to travel direct from Hanoi to Hoi An — with no stop in Da Nang — is to travel by bus.  This will take around 18 hours, and much of the ride will be pretty bumpy.

Where to stay in Hoi An

Accommodation in Hoi An Ancient Town comes recommended for history lovers, and first-timers, especially if you’re also short on time.

Or, if you’d prefer something quieter but still want to be close to the Ancient Town’s attractions, accommodation in Cam Pho is worth considering.

Alternatively, head outside the city to a beach area. For example, just 4-5 km from the Ancient Town, Cua Dai Beach has a range of mid-range and luxury beach resorts.

Meanwhile, though it’s slightly further from town, places to stay in bohemian An Bang Beach are more varied, with options for budget travelers and romantics alike.

Day 9: Explore Hoi An

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most charming and well-preserved cities. 

While its UNESCO World Heritage site Ancient Town features traditional Vietnamese houses, Chinese temples, Japanese bridges, and French colonial buildings, the city is also famed for its tailors and proximity to beaches.

As such, Ho An is a wonderful place to round off this unforgettable 10-day Vietnam itinerary in (you guessed it) unforgettable style. 

Things to do 

Setting out capture the essence of the city's history, culinary culture and lantern-lit magic, here's a one-day Hoi An itinerary.

Explore the Ancient Town

Start your day by exploring Hoi An’s Ancient Town, stopping off at icons like its arched, temple-topped Japanese Covered Bridge, and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, an elaborate Chinese temple that’s dedicated to the goddess of the sea. 

You can buy a ticket that gives entry to several Ancient Town heritage sites, among them the ancient merchant houses that define it.

Editor’s tip: if you’ve been thinking of having something made by one of Ho An’s famous tailors, the time to order something is as soon as you set off. 

Though they can create custom-made clothing within 24 hours, and many off rush services, it's best to get your order in early.

Take a Vietnamese cooking class

Killing two birds with one stone, taking a late-morning cooking class will give you a fun and informative introduction to the delights of Vietnamese food, and fill your belly at lunchtime. 

How's that for a win-win situation?

Cruise the Thu Bon River at sunset

In the late afternoon, head to the Thu Bon River to take a very special sunset boat ride — many of the boats are decorated with lanterns.

You can either rent a traditional wooden boat, often with a local rower, or join a small-group river cruise. 

Explore Hoi An’s Night Market and lantern-Lit streets

Undeniably beautiful by day, Hoi An’s Ancient Town becomes yet more magical at night, when lanterns illuminate its streets, and the night market on Nguyen Hoang Street comes alive with vendors selling handmade crafts and street food.

Once you’ve visited the night market, head to the river to see small paper lanterns floating on the water — especially magical when the moon is full and the city hosts a Full Moon Lantern Festival

Day 10: Head back to Hanoi or continue

On day, ten, it’s time to head back to Hanoi ready for your flight home. 

Alternatively, you may be tempted to extend your stay in Vietnam, perhaps spending time on some of the beautiful beaches close to Hoi An.

How to visit Vietnam in 10 days

Now you’re armed with detail on what you’ll see and do during this 10-day Vietnam itinerary, we’ll cover a few key practical matters, many of which are informed by a Rough Guides editor’s experience of planning a trip to Vietnam.

Editor’s tip: before finalizing your plans, check out ways to experience Vietnam beyond the tourist trail.

When to visit Vietnam

Figuring out when to visit Vietnam depends on which parts of the country you’re planning to visit. 

This is because the country has a tropical monsoon climate — the south or southwest monsoon dominate from May to September, and the northeast monsoons come into play from October to April. 

As a general rule, if you intend to cover a lot of ground, fall and winter (September - December) and spring (March and April) are the most favorable times to visit.

If you’re worried about when not to visit different areas, note that North Vietnam sees heavy rainfall and high humidity from May-September.

Meanwhile, the central region (including Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An) and the south (including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta) are best avoided in the late-May to November monsoon season.

How to get around Vietnam

Getting around Vietnam is relatively easy, though we advise doing your research in advance to get to grips with your budget, and to be able to cover all the ground on your itinerary.

Here’s an overview of the how to navigate some of the country’s popular routes

By plane 

Vietnam’s long, narrow shape makes domestic flights the fastest way to travel between major cities, with several airlines operating frequent flights connecting Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City in a couple of hours.

By train 

Train travel in Vietnam is generally comfortable and affordable, and often incredibly scenic, too.

They can be slow, though, and schedules can be irregular, but the fact they make frequent stop-offs can also come in very handy.

By bus

Long-distance buses are a budget-friendly option, with many routes running to and from popular tourist spots, including Hanoi to Sapa, and Da Nang to Hoi An.

While sleeper buses are widely available, they can be crowded and less comfortable for long rides. 

For shorter routes, consider using local buses or shared shuttle minibuses.

By motorbike

For adventurous travelers, motorbiking is a popular way to get around, especially along the iconic Hai Van Pass between Hue and Da Nang. 

Be cautious, though — the traffic can be intense, and many roads are challenging in rural areas.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps

In cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps make getting around easy and inexpensive. 

Cyclo rides are a unique option in tourist areas, though best reserved for short trips.

Read more about getting around Vietnam, and how to get to Vietnam in the first place.

Cost of a 10-day trip

The cost of a 10-day trio to Vietnam will entirely depend on the kind of places you stay, how you to choose to get around, and the types of trips and tours you take.

So, here’s a ballpark overview of costs for a mid-range 10-day trip, excluding flights to and from Vietnam

• Accommodation: expect to pay $200–$400 across ten days to stay in mid-range hotels or boutique guesthouses
• Food: Vietnam has some of the best street food in the world, which keeps food costs low. Expect to enjoy a mix of local eateries, street food, and mid-range restaurants for $100–$150 across 10 days.
• Transport: budget $150–$250 to cover trains and buses, in-city transport, plus one or two domestic flights. 
• Activities and tours: budget $200–$300 to cover several trips, like boat trips and cooking classes 
• Miscellaneous: budget a little extra ($50–$100) for souvenirs and tips.

Estimated total cost: $900–$1,500 

Do you need a visa?

Traveling from the US? You need apply for a Vietnam e-visa online ahead of travel through completing a form and submitting your passport details, including a scanned image of your passport.

E-visas are issued for stays of up to 90 days, and are valid for multiple entries.

Note that use of the e-visa is limited to certain entry/exit points, which must be selected and specified at the time of application. 

Good news if you hold a British, French, Italian, German or Spanish passport — as of 15th August 2023, you can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days without needing a visa. 

Read more on Vietnam visas.

Is 10 days enough?

With any luck, this unforgettable 10-day Vietnam itinerary will have demonstrated that you can see stacks of top attractions in that timeframe.

That said, whether you feel it's enough time is likely to depend on how many other places you wanted to visit. In which case, keep reading for our 14-day itinerary. 

Conversely, if you’re really short on time — or are thinking of stopping by Vietnam as part of a bigger trip around the region — we’ve also devised a rewarding 5-day itinerary.

Vietnam in 5 days

Our experts have come up with three fabulous 5-day Vietnam itineraries that offer short-trip travelers pretty special tastes of the country.

You could, for example, focus on South Vietnam and cover  Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

Or, if you’ve always hankered after heading to Hanoi and Halong Bay, you could combine these two top attractions of Northern Vietnam on a 5-day trip.

Vietnam in 14 days

If you have a fortnight, we suggest you explore our suggested 14-day itineraries for Vietnam.

Take your pick from romantic trips of a lifetime, family-oriented vacations, and (pretty much) everything in-between.

Vietnam in 3 weeks

If you have the luxury of time, a 3-week itinerary allows for a deeper dive into Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and hidden gems. You’ll have time to explore lesser-visited regions, trek through mountains, and soak in Vietnam’s quieter, more authentic side.

North Vietnam Itineraries

If you’re drawn to Vietnam’s northern landscapes and cultures, consider dedicating your trip to North Vietnam. The region has a rugged, mountainous beauty and is rich with local traditions.

For more itinerary ideas — and to be freed from the hassle of planning and booking — browse our customizable Vietnam itineraries. They can be tailored to any duration, and to your interests.