10 day itinerary for Vietnam

Itinerary

Vietnam is a beautiful country with so much to offer. Here's an ideal itinerary for 10 days in Vietnam that includes some hikes:

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on foot, visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Old Quarter.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, followed by the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the Old Quarter, where you can sample local street food and shop for souvenirs.

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Depart from Hanoi early in the morning for a scenic drive to Halong Bay. Board a traditional junk boat and cruise through the limestone karsts and emerald waters of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch on board and explore the caves and grottoes before returning to Hanoi in the evening.

Day 4: Mai Chau Trekking

Leave Hanoi early in the morning for a scenic drive to Mai Chau, a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. Take a trek through the rice paddies and villages of the Thai ethnic minority group, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. Return to your homestay in the late afternoon for dinner and cultural activities.

Day 5: Ninh Binh Exploration

After breakfast, drive to Ninh Binh province to explore the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a boat ride through the limestone caves and visit the ancient temples and pagodas in the area.

Day 6: Hue City Tour

Fly from Hanoi to Hue in the morning and start your city tour with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, followed by the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Tu Duc. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Hue-style dinner.

Day 7: Bach Ma National Park Hike

Drive to Bach Ma National Park in the morning for a full-day hike through the lush jungle and waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before returning to Hue in the late afternoon.

Day 8: Hoi An Ancient Town

Drive from Hue to Hoi An, stopping at the Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Beach along the way. Spend the afternoon exploring the ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture and colorful lanterns.

Day 9: My Son Sanctuary Trekking

Take a half-day trek through the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom. Explore the ruins and learn about the history of this fascinating site.

Day 10: Departure

Transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your flight home, or extend your trip to explore more of Vietnam.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Vietnam!