10 Days In Vietnam: From North To South

Visiting Vietnam in ten days brings you everything you could ever desire as a traveller. An Intense history? Check. Amazing food? Check. Incredibly diverse landscapes? Check.

The name “Vietnam” has become synonymous with the word “war”. Having been the most affected nation by the Cold War, the Vietnamese people will never forget their tragic history, but they have moved passed it to create on the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. Picturesque landscapes, unique attractions and a peaceful lifestyle are on full display, ensuring travellers leave with a lifetime of precious memories. 

So, on this ten-day tour of Vietnam, you will find yourself surrounded by everything from buzzing metropolitan cities and beautiful sandy beaches, to jade-green paddy fields and soaring limestone peaks – to fully appreciates the country’s staggering collection of adventures.

Summary Of Visiting Vietnam In Ten Days:

Locations: Hanoi (days 1-3), Halong Bay(days 3-4), Hue (days 4-7), Hoi An (days 7-8), Hoi Chi Mihn City (days 8-11)

• Begin your trip by landing at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.
• Take the 2.5 hour drive from Hanoi to explore Halong Bay and spend a night on a boat.
• Drive back to Noi Bai International Airport to catch a flight to Phu Bai International Airport in Hue.
• Take the 3.5 hour drive from Hue to Hoi An and relax by the beach for a night.
• Fly to Tan Son Nhat International Airport to enjoy the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City for last leg of your trip.

Travel and Accommodation In Vietnam

In the age of Skyscanner, Booking.com and TripAdvisor, travel has never been easier – however, when it comes to visiting Vietnam, it’s worth creating a tour with a travel agent because they can offer you incredible packages and ease of travel.  

I booked flights online, and then used a local agent in Vietnam to create a tour that included the cost of hotels, attractions and local transport. 

These are the hotels I stayed at:

• La Siesta (Hanoi)
• Moonlight Hue Hotel (Hue)
• Essence Hoi An Hotel and Spa (Hoi An)
• Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (Ho Chi Minh City)

Figuring Out Your Itinerary For Visiting Vietnam In Ten Days

HANOI (2 nights)

Begin your trip by landing at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh Complex

Includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his Stilt house, this is memorial space for the nation’s revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh – who succeeded in the resistance war against French colonialism. The site is an essential part of Vietnamese long history with foreign interference, and is viewed as a pilgrimage site for locals. The beautiful estate is filled features a traffic-free area of botanical gardens, monuments, memorials and pagodas.

However, due its great importance, the complex is an overcrowded attraction and becomes almost unbearable in the summer. Therefore, I would suggest visiting just as it opens, or in the low season.

Pagodas

Pagodas are Vietnam’s most distinctive architecture and are found all over the country, Mostly used as shrines and temples, there towering structures are known for their intricate carvings and something to admire.

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature has been around for almost a thousand years and has stood the test of time, and multiple wars, as reflected by its original architectural style and character. Housing Vietnam’s first university, The Imperial Academy, it is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in the country and is rightfully a site dedicated to Chinese philosopher Confucius. Other points of interest on the compound include the Lake of Literature, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, Turtle Steles, pavilions and highly maintained courtyards.

Hoan Kiem Lake

The best way to end a day in Hanoi is by the shores of this lake to marvel at the sunset and be calmed by the water. If you are able to, visit the lake between Friday and Sunday as nearby roads are closed in the evening, creating a funfair vibe in the public square. The lake is also the setting of a legend claiming that in the 15^th century, Emperor Ly Tahi To was sent a sword from heaven that he used to drive off the invading Chinese and after the war, a golden turtle emerged, grabbing the sword, and disappearing into the depths of the lake.

The Hanoi Train Street

One of the most fascinating places in Hanoi is the Train Street in the Old Quarter. The narrow alley, flanked by buildings and cafes, has a train track running straight down the middle and is a unique place to find yourself when the train comes through, because it’s like a scene from a movie as people scramble to clear the tracks and avoid being run over. 

If you have the time, I highly recommend a day trip to Ninh Binh, which is only 2 hours from Hanoi and is often often known as ‘Halong Bay on land.’

HALONG BAY (1 night)

Leave the city behind a take the 2.5 hour drive to immerse in the serenity of Halong Bay.

Take A Cruise

Spending time on an eco-friendly boat as you cruise around Halong Bay is one of the best experiences I have every had. There is nothing quite like spending hours marvelling at the natural beauty and rock formations (including Perfume Rock, Fighting Cock, Lonely Rock and Saddle Rock) from the top deck and then jumping into the water for kayaking and swimming to come up close to these dramatic features. The water here is usually calm and cool and provides the perfect escape from society and become in tune with the Earth. 

Vung Viêng Fishing Village 

Nestled among the limestone peaks, the floating village of Vung Vieng is an important cultural landmark in Vietnam for its is one of the four remaining ancient villages of its kind in Quang Ninh province. Make a visit by boat to interact with the locals and fall in love with peaceful, magnificent scenery.

Sung Sot Cave 

Steeped in legends and beauty, this great natural wonder is what most tourists visit Halong Bay for. Only 100 steps to the entrance, the cave is among the 1969 sunken limestone towers submerged in the waters and is worth every minute you spend inside (exploring the entire cave does not take longer than an hour). It became a World Heritage Site in 1992. 

HUE (3 nights)

Drive back to Hanoi and catch a plane from Noi Bai International Airport to Phu Bai International Airport near Hue.

The Imperial City 

Possibly one of the most historically relevant attractions, the Imperial City is the home of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty – Nguyen Dynasty – and its leader, emperor Gai Long, is the man behind what we know as modern Vietnam. Unfortunately, most of the city was destroyed by a series of natural disasters, and the mostly dramatically, by the Vietnam War. Still, its beautiful insight into what once a great empire as reflected by the remaining temples, palaces, gardens, offices and residences.

Within this complex, you will also find the wooden Thanh Town bridge, which charms visitors with its beautiful arched style, and is the most ancient bridge in Vietnam.

Thien Mu Pagoda (Fairy Lady Pagoda) and Minh Mang Tomb

These traditional pieces of architecture are considered as some of the most beautiful of their kind in this region. The tomb in particular, is one the most majestic royal tombs but its elaborate nature still allows it to harmoniously blend into the natural surroundings. 

Dragon Boat Cruise

In a unique way of exploring Vietnam’s waterways, taking a dragon boat cruise allows you to enjoy a stunning sunset while interacting with the locals who work and sleep on the boats. Some of these people are also amazing artists and sculptors, so it is a great place to buy a unique souvenir and support local talent.

Bach Ma National Park

One of Vietnam’s most famous natural features is a flooded evergreen forest on limestone mountains found between Hue and Hoi An that displays some of the most stunning natural wonders the country has to offer. It is a paradise of lush trails and colourful lakes, all of which eventually lead to the captivating Five Lakes and Do Quyen Waterfall, and is perfect for the adrenaline junkies and hiking enthusiasts.

The park is breathtaking in every way, but DO NOT take on the trek if you are afraid of heights or are not used to hiking, it is not the easiest trail. 

HOI AN (1 night)

Take the 2.5 hour drive from Hue to Hoi An to enjoy 24 hours of doing absolutely nothing.

After a week of non-stop hiking, sightseeing and exciting watersports, everyone needs some time to take a breath and relax. That’s what Hoi An is for. The coastal city is wonderful place to break up your trip and spend time rejuvenating by the pool or sunbathing on the beach. This would also be a good place to book a hotel with a spa and one that is near the beach. We LOVED the Essence Hoi An Hotel and Spa.

Of course you might not want to spend all your time in a hotel or on the beach, so wander out to its well-preserved Ancient Town, which is cut through with canals, for great food and lively atmosphere.

HO CHI MINH CITY (3 nights)

Leave the beach behind and fly from Da Nang International Airport to Tan Son Nhat International Airport to arrive in the country’s capital.

Mekong Delta Tour

Driving south for an hour from Ho Chi Ming City will let you pass through green rice paddy fields and arrive at the famous Mekong Delta. Jump aboard a motorboat to explore the various islands in the region before getting off at Unicorn Island where you can enjoy natural honey tea, honey wine (YUM) and tropical fruits, while listening to Southern Vietnamese folk music.

As you explore this iconic part of Vietnam, don’t forget to discover the Ben Tre Province. Take a rowing boat through narrow, natural water coconut canals to see the local lifestyle in the Mekong Delta and visit the handmade coconut candy workshop.

War Remnant Museum 

The War Remnant Museum is a graphic but also empowering reflection of Vietnam’s violent history, focusing greatly on the war crimes induced by the Americans upon the Vietnamese during the Cold War. The most talked-about exhibits are the ‘tiger cages’, which the South Vietnamese government used to keep their political prisoners and the grim photos of victims of ‘Agent Orange’. It is place that’s going to flood you with emotion, but do not miss it. 

Cu Chi Tunnels 

These monuments are a network of underground tunnels that were initially used for the war against the French and then by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War as they provided meeting rooms, sleeping quarters, commanding rooms, hospitals, and other social spaces. A visit to the Cu Chi tunnels offers a better understanding of the resistance of the Vietnamese people. There are two sets of tunnels tourists can explore, but do not do this if you are claustrophobic or have breathing difficulties. (every few meters the caves get narrower and shorter)

The Central Post Office

The Central Post Office is a classic French-era landmark designed by Marie-Alfred Foulhoux (though often credited to Gustave Eiffel) and built between 1886 and 1891. Its bright yellow exterior makes it hard to miss, and as you walk in, be prepared to be blown away by its grand beauty highlighted by a tiled floor and walls painted with the historical maps of South Vietnam.

Binh Tay Market

As the lesser known sister of Ben Thang Market, Binh Tay is a place that’s been bursting with colour and noise since the 1800s. Wander around hundreds of stalls selling everything from fruits and vegetables to bags and shoes to get a real feel of the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Truthfully, exploring a Vietnamese market, no matter in which city, is as essential as exploring the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul.

Average Cost For Ten Days In Vietnam Per Person

Transport (flights from Nairobi + local travel): £1500

Accommodation: £600 (£1200 per double)

Attractions: £500

Food and amenities: £600

Practical Information About Vietnam

Location: South East Asia

National Languages: Vietnamese (English is an increasingly favoured second language)

Currency: Vietnamese dong

Neighbouring Countries: China, Laos and Cambodia