10 days
Vietnam in 10 days: North and Centre itinerary
In short
In 10 days, do not try to see the whole country: focus on the North and Centre. Hanoi (2 nights), a Ha Long cruise (1 night), Ninh Binh (2 nights), Hue (1 night) and Hoi An (3 nights), then fly home from Da Nang.
- Who and when
- A first trip, February to May.
The route
Days 1 to 3 · 2 nights
Hanoi
Arrival, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and an evening street food tour. Next day: Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and a water puppet show.
Hanoi: guided food tour with Train Street4.9 · 8,499 reviewsSee and book Days 3 to 4 · 1 night
Ha Long Bay
Getting there: Cruise shuttle from Hanoi, about 2.5 hours on the expressway. Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
2-day / 1-night cruise in Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay: kayaking, a cave, sunset on deck.
Hanoi: 2-day 5-star cruise in Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays with balcony4.8 · 6,215 reviewsSee and book Days 4 to 6 · 2 nights
Ninh Binh
Getting there: Direct transfer by car or limousine van, about 3 hours. Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh
Early-morning boat ride at Trang An or Tam Coc, cycling through rice fields, climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint at sunset.
Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong jungle trek and wildlife day trip4.5 · 590 reviewsSee and book Days 6 to 7 · 1 night
Hue
Getting there: Night train from Ninh Binh (about 11-12 hours), or back to Hanoi and a flight to Hue (about 1h15).
Imperial City in the morning, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh tombs in the afternoon, dinner by the Perfume River.
Hue: private tour of the 3 best royal tombs and the pagoda4.9 · 300 reviewsSee and book Days 7 to 10 · 3 nights
Hoi An
Getting there: Private car over the Hai Van Pass, about 4 hours with stops. Hue to Hoi An
Old town early morning and at night under the lanterns, cooking class with a basket-boat ride, cycling to An Bang beach, half a day at My Son Sanctuary.
Hoi An: boat tour in the coconut forest4.9 · 7,128 reviewsSee and book
End of the trip
Fly home from Da Nang airport, 45 minutes from Hoi An (often with a connection).
Book activities in Vietnam
Cruises, day trips and guided tours — free cancellation up to 24 hours before on most offers.
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