10 day itinerary for Vietnam

Itinerary

Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. With your preference for low physical effort, I’ll craft a relaxed itinerary that allows you to soak in the sights without too much hustle. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

• Morning: Arrive in Hanoi. Check into your hotel and take some time to rest after your journey.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a lovely spot to relax and people-watch. Don’t forget to visit Ngoc Son Temple on an island in the lake.
• Evening: Head to the Old Quarter for dinner. Try some local dishes like Pho or Bun Cha at a cozy restaurant.

## Day 2: Explore Hanoi

• Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. You can see the mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda—all within walking distance.
• Afternoon: Take a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) tour of the Old Quarter. It’s a fun way to see the bustling streets without too much effort.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form, at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

• Morning: Take a guided day trip to Ninh Binh (about 2 hours from Hanoi). Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and explore the temples.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride in Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.” The scenery is breathtaking, and you can sit back and enjoy the views.
• Evening: Return to Hanoi and have a quiet dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 4: Travel to Halong Bay

• Morning: Depart for Halong Bay (around 4 hours by car). Check into a cruise or a hotel with a bay view.
• Afternoon: If you’re on a cruise, enjoy a leisurely lunch on board. Spend the afternoon cruising around the stunning limestone karsts and islands.
• Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner on the cruise or at your hotel. Relax and take in the beautiful sunset over the bay.

## Day 5: Halong Bay

• Morning: Continue your cruise. You might have the option to visit a cave or a floating village, but you can choose to relax on the deck instead.
• Afternoon: Return to the harbor and head back to Hanoi.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening in Hanoi. Perhaps try a local coffee shop for some Vietnamese egg coffee!

## Day 6: Fly to Da Nang and Hoi An

• Morning: Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang (about 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An (about 30 minutes).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and take a leisurely walk around the ancient town of Hoi An. The lanterns and architecture are enchanting!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant. Don’t miss trying Cao Lau, a local noodle dish.

## Day 7: Hoi An

• Morning: Take a cooking class. Many classes are designed for a relaxed pace, and you’ll get to enjoy the delicious meal you prepare!
• Afternoon: Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and explore some of the local shops. You can also relax at a café with a good book.
• Evening: Stroll through the town as the lanterns light up. It’s magical at night!

## Day 8: Day Trip to My Son

• Morning: Take a guided tour to My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Cham ruins. The tour is usually low-key and involves minimal walking.
• Afternoon: Return to Hoi An and relax at your hotel or explore more of the town at your leisure.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner and perhaps a foot massage to unwind.

## Day 9: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning: Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum for a poignant look at Vietnam’s history. It’s a low-effort visit with plenty of seating.
• Evening: Explore Ben Thanh Market for dinner. Try some street food or dine at a nearby restaurant.

## Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

• Morning: Visit the Reunification Palace and take a guided tour. It’s a fascinating place with a lot of history.
• Afternoon: Relax at a café or visit the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the Central Post Office, both of which are close to each other.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city skyline.

Departure

• Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or a final stroll around the city before heading to the airport.

And there you have it! A lovely 10-day itinerary that balances sightseeing with relaxation. Enjoy your trip to Vietnam! If you have any questions or need adjustments, feel free to ask! 🌏✈️