Last checked: 21 September 2026. Travel times are typical.
Ten days is enough to see the best of Vietnam, as long as you resist the urge to see all of it. The classic first-timer plan covers the north and the centre: Hanoi’s old streets, a night on Ha Long Bay, the karst landscapes of Ninh Binh, the imperial city of Hue and lantern-lit Hoi An. You get three very different worlds with just one domestic flight.
The short answer
- Route: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Hue → Hoi An
- Flights: arrive in Hanoi, fly out of Da Nang (or connect via Ho Chi Minh City)
- Domestic flights: one, Hanoi to Hue
- Best months: February to May for both regions; September to November is excellent in the north but stormy in the centre
The 10-day plan
| Day | Where | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanoi | Arrive; evening walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and dinner in the Old Quarter |
| 2 | Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Train Street, water puppets |
| 3 | Ha Long Bay | About 2.5–3 hours by road; board an overnight cruise, kayak among the islands |
| 4 | Ha Long → Ninh Binh | Sunrise on deck, brunch on board; transfer to Ninh Binh (about 3 hours) |
| 5 | Ninh Binh | Boat ride at Trang An or Tam Coc, climb Hang Mua viewpoint, cycle through rice fields |
| 6 | Hanoi → Hue | Back to Hanoi (about 2 hours), fly to Hue (about 1 hour 15) |
| 7 | Hue | Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda, Perfume River |
| 8 | Hue → Hoi An | Over the Hai Van Pass by road, about 3 hours with stops |
| 9 | Hoi An | Old town by day and lantern-lit by night; tailor, cooking class or basket boats |
| 10 | Depart | Beach morning; Da Nang airport is about 45 minutes away |
Why this route works
- No backtracking except the short hop from Ninh Binh to Hanoi’s airport.
- Balanced pace: cities, sea, countryside, history and beach, with no more than one long transfer on any day.
- Weather logic: in spring, both regions are pleasant at the same time.
Want the south instead?
Swap Ha Long and Ninh Binh for Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta:
Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights) → Mekong Delta (1 night) → fly to Da Nang → Hoi An (3 nights) → Hue (1 night) → fly to Hanoi (2 nights).
This version suits travellers visiting between November and April, when the south is dry.
Things to adjust
- Travelling September to December? Central Vietnam can be hit by storms. Keep a flexible day, or shift more time to the north.
- Love mountains more than beaches? Replace Hoi An with two nights in Sapa, and fly home from Hanoi.
- Travelling with young children? Drop Hue and add a second night in Hoi An for a slower pace.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Vietnam?
Enough for two regions done well. To cover north, centre and south, allow two weeks.
Can I see Ha Long Bay as a day trip?
Yes, but you spend about six hours on the road for four on the water. An overnight cruise is far more relaxing.
How much will 10 days cost?
See our daily budget guide for realistic ranges by travel style.
See this route as a detailed itinerary: 9-Day Northern and Central Vietnam: Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Hue. Want the full country? Read the classic North to South route.