10-Day Vietnam Itinerary: North to South Highlights

Day 1-3: Hanoi – The Capital’s Charm (3 nights)

• • Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Old Quarter Exploration
    
    • • Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi.
    • • After settling in, immerse yourself in the bustling Old Quarter. Wander through its narrow streets, each traditionally specializing in a particular trade.
    • • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese street food tour for dinner. Try Pho, Banh Mi, spring rolls, and the famous Egg Coffee.
    • • Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and see the Ngoc Son Temple.

• • Day 2: Hanoi’s Historical & Cultural Gems
    
    • • Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. See the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.
    • • Afternoon: Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Relic (Hanoi Hilton) for a poignant look into Vietnam’s history.
    • • Evening: Catch a traditional Water Puppet Show for a unique cultural experience.
    • • Optional: Walk along Hanoi Train Street (be mindful of train schedules and safety).

• • Day 3: Day Trip to Ninh Binh (“Halong Bay on Land”)
    
    • • Take an early morning bus or private transfer to Ninh Binh (approx. 2-3 hours drive).
    • • Explore the stunning landscapes of Tam Coc or Trang An, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land” due to the limestone karsts rising from the rice paddies. Enjoy a scenic boat ride through caves and along rivers.
    • • Consider hiking up to Mua Cave viewpoint for panoramic views of the entire region.
    • • Return to Hanoi in the evening.

Day 4-5: Halong Bay – Limestone Karsts & Emerald Waters (1 night on cruise)

• • Day 4: Hanoi to Halong Bay & Overnight Cruise
    
    • • Morning: Be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi for the scenic drive to Halong Bay (approx. 2.5-3.5 hours).
    • • Board an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
    • • Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch as you cruise through the magnificent limestone karsts.
    • • Participate in activities like kayaking, swimming, or visiting a cave (e.g., Sung Sot Cave).
    • • Enjoy dinner and watch the sunset over the bay. Some cruises offer cooking classes or squid fishing.

• • Day 5: Halong Bay & Flight to Da Nang/Hoi An
    
    • • Morning: Wake up to the serene beauty of Halong Bay. You might have an option for a Tai Chi lesson on deck.
    • • Enjoy breakfast and continue cruising, exploring more of the bay.
    • • Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.
    • • From Hanoi, take an evening flight to Da Nang International Airport (DAD).
    • • Upon arrival in Da Nang, take a short taxi ride (approx. 30-45 minutes) to Hoi An Ancient Town. Check into your hotel.

Day 6-7: Hoi An – Ancient Town & Lanterns (2 nights)

• • Day 6: Hoi An Ancient Town Exploration
    
    • • Morning: Explore the Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its well-preserved streets, adorned with yellow buildings and colorful lanterns.
    • • Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and old merchant houses.
    • • Consider getting some tailor-made clothing, for which Hoi An is famous.
    • • Afternoon: Take a basket boat ride in the Cam Thanh Coconut Village. You can also try a cooking class.
    • • Evening: Experience the magic of Hoi An at night, when the lanterns illuminate the streets. Enjoy a delicious dinner by the river.

• • Day 7: Hoi An Free Time / Optional Day Trip
    
    • • Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hoi An.
    • • Optional activities:
        
        • • Relax at An Bang Beach (short taxi or bicycle ride away).
        • • Visit the Marble Mountains near Da Nang (can be combined with a visit to Da Nang’s Dragon Bridge).
        • • Take a trip to My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Hindu temple complex (approx. 1 hour drive).

    • • Late evening: Fly from Da Nang (DAD) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Transfer to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8-10: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta (3 nights)

• • Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – History & Modernity
    
    • • Morning: Explore the historical landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Visit the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office (both French colonial architectural marvels).
    • • Afternoon: Delve into Vietnam’s wartime history at the War Remnants Museum.
    • • Evening: Explore Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and street food. Experience the vibrant nightlife of Bui Vien Walking Street (if interested).

• • Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Day Trip
    
    • • Morning: Take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.
    • • Afternoon: Embark on a Mekong Delta day trip to My Tho or Ben Tre. Enjoy a boat ride along the Mekong River, visit fruit orchards, local villages, and a coconut candy workshop. Experience the rural life of the delta.
    • • Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

• • Day 10: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
    
    • • Enjoy a final Vietnamese breakfast.
    • • Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or revisit a favorite spot.
    • • Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your departure.

This itinerary offers a fantastic blend of culture, history, nature, and urban experiences, providing a memorable 10-day journey through Vietnam.

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