Itinerary for 10 day trip to Vietnam

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 . It’s a lovely spot to relax and people-watch. Don’t forget to visit on an island in the lake.
Evening: Head to the for dinner. Try some local dishes like Pho or Bun Cha at a cozy restaurant.

Day 2: Explore Hanoi

Morning: Visit the . You can see the mausoleum, the , and the —all within walking distance.
Afternoon: Take a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) tour of the . 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 .

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 and explore the temples.
Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride in , often referred to as “ 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

Morning: Depart for (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:

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 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

Morning: Take a guided tour to , 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 for a poignant look at Vietnam’s history. It’s a low-effort visit with plenty of seating.
Evening: Explore for dinner. Try some street food or dine at a nearby restaurant.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Visit the and take a guided tour. It’s a fascinating place with a lot of history.
Afternoon: Relax at a café or visit the and the , 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! 🌏✈️