“Oh the places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

Being someone who loves hand-picking destinations, every Vietnam Travel Itinerary I got online missed a thing or two I wanted to visit. It’s true that it’s difficult to cover all the popular destinations in Vietnam in such a short span. However, after going through hundreds of reviews and dozens of locations, I prepared this 10-day Vietnam Travel Itinerary.

Vietnam, where each state promises a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure, three states stand out; Ho Chi Minh (locally known as Saigon as well), Da Nang (along with Hoi An) and Hanoi (the capital city). Let’s break it down, state by state, and inject some personal flair into the journey!

Ho Chi Minh (Saigon): Vietnam’s Vibrant Streets

Although many people prefer going from North to South, it was Ho Chi Minh (South) where we spent the first 3 days. Ho Chi Minh is the bustling heart of Vietnam! Earlier known as Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, pulses with energy and history.

Naming some of Ho Chi Minh attractions, start your adventure by stepping back in time at the Saigon Central Post Office. As you send postcards to loved ones or pick up souvenirs, you’ll feel the city’s rich past come alive. Next, head to Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning piece of French colonial architecture. It’s like stepping into a time machine! Don’t miss the Jade Emperor Pagoda, where my mumma, my sister and I sought blessings for good luck (and maybe a dozen or two videos!). And of course, no visit is complete without a trip to the War Remnants Museum, where the stories of the American-Vietnamese War unfold in vivid detail. Moreover, you can also visit the popular markets such as Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Central Market, and Bui Vien Walking Street to see the bustling side of this city.

Out of 3 days, keep 1 to venture deep into history at the Cu Chi Tunnels, where we crawled through the underground network and learned about the resilience of the Vietnamese people. And Finally, escape the city heat with a trip to the Mekong Delta, where we cruised along winding waterways, explored floating markets, and sampled fresh local cuisine. It was a whirlwind of adventure and culture that left us speechless! So, don’t forget to put these in your Vietnam Travel Itinerary.

Da Nang: Adding Coastal Beauty to your Vietnam Itinerary

A beach-lover? Da Nang is your city. An adventure lover? Yup, Da Nang got you covered still.

After taking the flight on Day 4, we had 2 more days in the city. (Pro tip: Keep these days in hand, as the flight delay is quite common, we reached almost at the end of evening.)

Because we were staying right across the street from the My Khe Beach, our first visit was dedicated to it. After having dinner, we hit the beach straight.

Next day was dedicated to Da Nang explorations, starting from Ba Na Hills. The Golden Hand Bridge, the Sun World full of adventure and fun rides, and everything else were just perfect to enjoy. (Another pro tip: Don’t forget to carry an umbrella or a raincoat.) In the evening, it was the Dragon Bridge that stole the show with its fiery weekend displays, and the Son Tra Peninsula offered breathtaking views that left us speechless.

On the third day, we ventured to the Marble Mountains, where we explored hidden caves and admired intricate sculptures. By night, we made our way to Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a magical place straight out of a storybook. Lantern-lit streets, historic buildings, and mouthwatering cuisine awaited us at every turn. And who could forget the Hoi An coconut boat ride through the forest? It should definitely, most certainly if I must say, be on your Hoi An day tour!

Hanoi: Must for Vietnam Travel Itinerary

Day 7 started with our flight from Da Nang to Hanoi, and the capital city’s charm awaited our presence(although the weather and temperature change took us by surprise)! After staying in after the (delayed)flight again, we saved our Hanoi city tour for the next day.

Hoan Kiem Lake became our peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, where we soaked up the legend of the returned sword and snapped countless selfies and videos for Instagram. The Old Quarter stole our hearts with its maze of alleyways and bustling markets. Next, we visited the Temple of Literature, feeling like scholars ourselves among the ancient courtyards. And of course, we paid our respects to Uncle Ho at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, taking in the solemn atmosphere and reflecting on his legacy.

But it wasn’t all history and culture – we found time to explore the quirky side of Hanoi too! Beer Street became our go-to spot for late-night fun, the Train Street Hanoi became our first in the lifetime kind of experience and the Weekend Market was a treasure trove of souvenirs and street food delights.

While Day 8 was dedicated to the city tour, Day 9 was reserved for the Halong Bay cruise adventures. You can take up an overnight stay (we went along with the morning to evening slot.) Whether you love hiking, kayaking, relaxing, or easting… the cruise will accommodate everything.

Explore Vietnam Head on…

This blog has come to an end, but the travel adventures should never. Hope this has helped you or at least refine your itinerary. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, I am sure this will add on to your incredible experiences and memories. Vietnam has woven its magic around us, leaving us hungry for more adventures. Hope it does the same for you. To make you don’t miss out anything on your international trip, check out how to pack your bag. So until next time, keep exploring and keep dreaming!