The 10-day north-to-south itinerary hits Vietnam's highlights without rushing. Skip the deep north (Sapa) and deep south (Phu Quoc) for a balanced mix of city, nature, and culture. Fly Hanoi→Da Nang to save time and reduce travel days.
Snapshot
- Region
- Southern Vietnam
- Best for
- first-time, couples, solo
- Best season
- Feb-Apr (dry)
- Average cost
- $35-100/day
- Updated
Why 10 days?
The 10-day north-to-south itinerary hits Vietnam’s highlights without rushing. Skip the deep north (Sapa) and deep south (Phu Quoc) for a balanced mix of city, nature, and culture. Fly Hanoi→Da Nang to save time and reduce travel days.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1-2: Hanoi - Explore Ho Chi Minh City, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and water puppet theatre. Overnight city.
- Day 3: Halong Bay - Overnight cruise with sunset, kayaking and morning squid fishing. Return to Hanoi late afternoon.
- Day 4-5: Hue - Imperial City, Royal Tombs, Perfume River cruise. Optional bike to Thien Mu Pagoda.
- Day 6-7: Hoi An - Ancient Town lantern night, cooking class, My Son Sanctuary day trip.
- Day 8: Da Nang - Marble Mountains, Dragon Bridge, beach relaxation. Fly to HCMC evening.
- Day 9-10: Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels (half-day), Ben Thanh Market, nightlife in District 1.
Transport between cities
The fastest way is a combination: Hanoi→Hue by train (13h night), Hue→Hoi An by bus (3h), Hoi An→Da Nang by train (3h), Da Nang→HCMC by flight (1.5h). Book flights via Klook for bundled transport + hotel deals.
Quick facts
- Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
- Budget: $35-80/day mid-range, $25-40 backpacker
- Flights: Hanoi→Da Nang, Da Nang→HCMC ($120-200 total)
- Best time: Feb-Apr, Sep-Nov (dry, mild)
- Book: 12Go for trains, Klook for Halong cruise, Booking for hotels
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Vietnam north to south?
Yes. It scratches the surface but lets you experience the main highlights. Add 4 more days for Sapa, 2 for Phu Quoc or 1 for Hoi An village stay if you want slower travel.
Should I fly or train between Hanoi and Hue?
Train is more scenic but takes 13 hours. Flight (1.5h) saves time for a short stop. A night train with soft sleeper is a compromise: you see countryside, wake up in Hue.
Can I do this itinerary without flying?
Yes, but it adds 1-2 days. Hanoi→Hue train 14h, Hue→Da Nang train 8h, Da Nang→Ninh Binh bus 4h, Ninh Binh→HCMC bus 16h. Better to fly Da Nang→HCMC to end on time.