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Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days: Real Traveler Routes, Ranked for Ease & Weather
Planning 10 days in Vietnam? Explore 5 smart itineraries—ranked for weather, pace, and ease. From Hanoi to Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, find the route that fits your trip.
Ten days in Vietnam gives you just enough time to taste street food, cruise through limestone landscapes, and spend a day or three on the coast—if you pick the right route. Below are five smart, traveler-tested itineraries, ranked by popularity, practicality, and time of year. Mix and match as needed (or just follow one start to finish for a worry-free trip).
How We Rank Our Itineraries
- Crowd wisdom: Follows top tour agencies, Reddit planners, and what actually works in 10 days.
- No time wasted: Each route uses 1–2 short flights max and keeps bus/train time to a minimum.
- Weather proof: We suggest swaps for storm and festival seasons, so you don’t get stranded.
See: Intrepid 10-day tour, Kimkim 10-day, Rough Guides.
TL;DR: Quick-Choose Table
Rank | Route | Season | Destinations | Flights | Pace |
1 | N→C→S “All Highlights” | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | Hanoi, Ninh Binh/Ha Long, Hoi An, HCMC | 2 | Balanced |
2 | North-Only | Oct–Apr | Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Sapa | 0–1 | Slower |
3 | Central+South Coast | Dec–Aug | HCMC, Hoi An/Da Nang, (Nha Trang) | 1–2 | Relaxed |
4 | North+Hoi An | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Hoi An | 1–2 | Fast |
5 | South-Only | Dec–Apr | HCMC, Mekong, Phu Quoc | 0–1 | Easy |
Month-by-Month: Where to Go, What to Expect
For: First-timers who want the greatest variety
Sample Days:
Validation: Top-rated in Kimkim, Intrepid.
Sample Days:
- D1–2: Hanoi (Old Quarter, food tour)
- D3–4: Ninh Binh or Ha Long (river or bay cruise)
- D5–7: Hoi An/Da Nang (lanterns, beaches)
- D8–10: Ho Chi Minh City (markets and museums) + Mekong Delta daytrip Tip: If Central’s rainy (Oct-Nov), swap for more North or fly to Phu Quoc.
Validation: Top-rated in Kimkim, Intrepid.
Route #2: North-Only “Scenery & Culture Deep Dive” ★★★★☆
For: Those who’d rather soak up local life than rush cross-country
Sample Days:
Sample Days:
- D1–3: Hanoi (temples, lakes, street-life)
- D4: Ha Long Bay cruise (overnight)
- D5–6: Ninh Binh (forest pagodas, paddling)
- D7–9: Sapa (rice terraces, minority villages)
- D10: Back to Hanoi No internal flights if you train it!
Vietnam Weather by City: What Locals Say
For: Sun, sand, and seafood (skip the chilly North in winter)
Sample Days:
Sample Days:
- D1–3: Ho Chi Minh City (walking, markets, rooftop drinks)
- D4–7: Hoi An/Da Nang (beach days, noodle tours)
- D8–10: Nha Trang, Mui Ne, or even Hanoi if you want a city finish Best December–August. Avoid central coast mid-autumn storms!
Route #4: North “Icons” + Hoi An Hop ★★★☆☆
For: Want the lantern magic of Hoi An, but crave classic North
Sample Days:
Sample Days:
- D1–2: Hanoi
- D3: Ha Long
- D4–5: Ninh Binh
- D6–8: Hoi An
- D9–10: HCMC or Hanoi, your call Ambitious—two domestic flights, less downtime, lots of photos.
Route #5: South-Only “Easy Mode” ★★★☆☆
For: Short-distance fans and sun worshippers
Sample Days:
Sample Days:
- D1–3: Ho Chi Minh City (street eats and history)
- D4–5: Mekong Delta (floating markets, coconut islets)
- D6–9: Phu Quoc or Con Dao (island time, snorkeling, hammocks)
- D10: HCMC wrap-up Perfect December–April, when storms are rare and beaches sparkle.
“Maybe, But Think Twice…”
Ha Giang Loop crammed into 10 days? Possible for pros, but most feel it’s rushed and risky. Save for a longer trip if possible. See Reddit caution.
Winner’s Table: Route Overviews
Route | Transfers | Domestic flights | Best months | Signature stop |
#1 N→C→S | 3 big hops | 2 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | Hoi An old town |
#2 North-only | None (or 1) | 0–1 | Oct–Apr | Sapa rice terraces |
#3 C+South | 2 | 1–2 | Dec–Aug | Da Nang/An Bang Beach |
#4 N+Hoi An | 3 | 1–2 | Spring, Fall | Hoi An lanterns |
#5 South | 1–2 | 0–1 | Dec–Apr | Phu Quoc |
FAQ: 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary
Q: Is it realistic to cover North, Central, and South in 10 days?
A: Yes, with two short domestic flights and minimal stops per region—focus on main hubs, not countryside detours.
Q: What’s the fastest way to move between regions?
A: Domestic flights: Hanoi ↔ Da Nang ↔ Ho Chi Minh City (each about 1–1.5 hours; many flights per day).
Q: Are overnight trains worth it?
A: Great for Sapa from Hanoi (saves a hotel night and is part of the experience), but not ideal for long north-south legs on short trips. If you’re based in Hanoi, our Things to Do in Hanoi guide will help you maximize time before or after a train ride.
Q: Should I book tours or travel independently?
A: Both work; tours simplify connections and save time, but Vietnam is easy for DIY travel with good buses/flights and English support. Adventure travelers often book guided treks at Cat Tien National Park as part of their route.
Q: How do I adjust for weather (typhoons, rain, etc)?
A: If the Central region is in rainy season (Sep–Nov), add more time in the North or South, or swap beaches for cities.
A: Yes, with two short domestic flights and minimal stops per region—focus on main hubs, not countryside detours.
Q: What’s the fastest way to move between regions?
A: Domestic flights: Hanoi ↔ Da Nang ↔ Ho Chi Minh City (each about 1–1.5 hours; many flights per day).
Q: Are overnight trains worth it?
A: Great for Sapa from Hanoi (saves a hotel night and is part of the experience), but not ideal for long north-south legs on short trips. If you’re based in Hanoi, our Things to Do in Hanoi guide will help you maximize time before or after a train ride.
Q: Should I book tours or travel independently?
A: Both work; tours simplify connections and save time, but Vietnam is easy for DIY travel with good buses/flights and English support. Adventure travelers often book guided treks at Cat Tien National Park as part of their route.
Q: How do I adjust for weather (typhoons, rain, etc)?
A: If the Central region is in rainy season (Sep–Nov), add more time in the North or South, or swap beaches for cities.