Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days for First-Timers
For those considering their first visit to Vietnam, the abundance of sights and experiences can be overwhelming. To make the most of your time, a Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days for First-Timers serves as an invaluable resource. This itinerary not only guides you through must-see destinations like the Mekong Delta and Sapa but also introduces you to the delicious cuisine and warm hospitality that Vietnam is known for. By following this plan, you can enjoy a seamless travel experience, ensuring that you witness the best of what Vietnam has to offer in just ten days.
Why This Itinerary is the Best for First-Timers?
✔️ No rushed travel – enough time to enjoy each place.
✔️ Covers all major attractions across North, Central, and South Vietnam.
✔️ Mix of adventure, culture, history, and beaches.
✔️ Includes unique experiences (Lantern making, Ha Long cruise, Cu Chi Tunnels).
This is the perfect first-time trip to experience the best of Vietnam!
📅 Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Explore the Old Quarter
Ride a Cyclo Through Old Quarter of Hanoi
✈️ Morning: Land at Noi Bai International Airport. Private transfer to hotel.
🏛 Afternoon:
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple.
- Explore Hanoi Old Quarter (a must-see!).
- Try Vietnamese egg coffee.
🌙 Evening:
- Water Puppet Show (traditional Vietnamese art).
- Dinner: Bun Cha or Pho at a local eatery.
🏨 Stay: Hanoi Old Quarter (mid-range hotel).
📅 Day 2: Hanoi City Tour & Cultural Highlights
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi
🍽 Morning: Breakfast with Vietnamese Banh Mi.
🏛 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace.
- One Pillar Pagoda (symbolic Buddhist site).
- Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university).
🍜 Lunch: Try Hanoi-style Cha Ca (Turmeric Fish).
🎡 Afternoon:
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (great for understanding Vietnam’s diverse cultures).
- Walk around West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda.
🌙 Evening:
- Dinner: Lakeside dining at West Lake.
- Optional: Beer at Bia Hoi Junction (local draft beer hub).
🏨 Stay: Hanoi.
📅 Day 3: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay (Overnight Luxury Cruise)
Halong Bay, Vietnam
🚗 Morning: Private transfer to Ha Long Bay (3.5–4 hours drive).
🛳 12:30 PM – Check-in on Cruise:
- Welcome drinks & safety briefing.
- Settle into a private cabin with sea view.
🏞 Afternoon:
- Visit Sung Sot Cave (Amazing Cave).
- Kayaking or bamboo boat ride in Luon Cave.
- Relax on Titop Island (beach & viewpoint).
🌅 Evening:
- Sunset party on the cruise deck.
- Seafood dinner onboard.
- Squid fishing or movie night on the cruise.
🛳 Overnight: Ha Long Bay (on a cruise).
📅 Day 4: Ha Long Bay → Da Nang
Kayaking – Ha Long bay
🌅 Morning:
- Tai Chi session on deck.
- Light breakfast & cruise through more karst islands.
- Visit a floating fishing village.
🚗 11:30 AM: Return to the harbor & private transfer to Hanoi Airport.
✈️ Afternoon: Fly to Da Nang (1h 15m flight).
🌙 Evening:
- Check in to a beachfront hotel.
- Relax & enjoy seafood dinner at My Khe Beach.
🏨 Stay: Da Nang.
📅 Day 5: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge, Bana Hill, Danang
🚗 Morning (8:00 AM): Private transfer to Ba Na Hills (45 min drive).
🎢 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM:
- Ride the Ba Na Hills cable car (one of the world’s longest).
- Walk on the Golden Bridge (Giant Hands Bridge).
- Explore the French Village & Fantasy Park.
🚗 Evening: Return to Da Nang & relax.
🌙 Dinner: Try Mi Quang (Central Vietnam noodles).
🏨 Stay: Da Nang.
📅 Day 6: Hoi An – Ancient Town & Lantern Experience
Hoi An, Vietnam
🚗 Morning: Private transfer to Hoi An (45 min drive).
🏛 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM:
- Visit Japanese Covered Bridge & Old Houses.
- Take a Lantern-Making Workshop.
🍜 Lunch: Try Cao Lau noodles (Hoi An’s signature dish).
🚲 Afternoon:
- Countryside cycling tour or ride a basket boat in Cam Thanh village.
🌙 Evening:
- Boat ride with floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River.
🏨 Stay: Hoi An (boutique riverside hotel).
📅 Day 7: Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon
✈️ Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (1h 20m flight).
🚗 Afternoon:
- Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office.
- Explore the War Remnants Museum (for history lovers).
🌙 Evening:
- Saigon River Dinner Cruise – enjoy the skyline view!
🏨 Stay: Ho Chi Minh City (District 1).
📅 Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Adventure
A famous tourist destination is Ben Tre village in Mekong delta , Vietnam. Mekong Delta is home of people who live along the many channels.
🚗 Morning: Private tour to Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Explore the underground war tunnels.
🚗 Afternoon: Transfer to Ben Tre (Mekong Delta).
- Take a boat ride through coconut canals.
- Visit a honey bee farm & coconut candy workshop.
🚗 Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
🏨 Stay: Ho Chi Minh City.
📅 Day 9: Free & Easy in Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh
🏛 Morning: Visit Binh Tay Market & Chinatown (Cho Lon).
🛍 Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at Ben Thanh Market or Saigon Square.
🌙 Evening:
- Enjoy a rooftop bar experience at Chill Skybar.
- OR relax with a Vietnamese massage/spa.
🏨 Stay: Ho Chi Minh City.
📅 Day 10: Departure – Goodbye Vietnam!
☀️ Morning: Relax or do last-minute shopping.
✈️ Afternoon: Fly home with unforgettable memories!
Estimated Budget Breakdown (Per Person):
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (Mid-Range Hotels) | $300–$500 |
| Food (Local & Restaurants) | $150–$250 |
| Domestic Transport (Flights, Transfers) | $250–$400 |
| Entrance Fees & Tours | $250–$350 |
| Miscellaneous (Shopping, Snacks) | $100–$200 |
| Total Estimate (Per Person) | $1,000–$1,700 |
Practical Tips for First-Time Travelers to Vietnam
📌 Pre-Trip Preparation
✅ Visa Requirements: Most travelers need a visa. Apply for an e-visa online ($25) at Vietnam’s official site. Processing takes 4–6 days.
✅ Currency: Vietnam uses Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is preferred for small transactions. Exchange at banks or ATMs for the best rates.
✅ Best Time to Visit: March–April & September–November (cooler, less rain). Avoid summer (too hot) & Tet holiday (crowds & closures).
✅ Packing Essentials: Lightweight clothes, sunscreen, hat, mosquito repellent, rain poncho (if visiting during rainy season).
✅ Travel Insurance: Highly recommended! Covers health, theft, and trip cancellations.
🚗 Getting Around Vietnam
🛬 Airport Transfers: Use Grab (cheaper than taxis) or pre-book a shuttle.
🚕 Local Transport: Grab app for taxis/bikes, public buses for budget travel, and sleeper trains/buses for intercity travel.
🚆 Domestic Flights: Budget airlines like VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines offer cheap flights between cities.
🚲 Hoi An & Da Nang: Rent a bicycle or scooter ($5/day) for easy exploring.
💲 Money & Budgeting
💵 Cash vs. Card: Cash is king in Vietnam! Use ATMs or exchange USD to VND. Cards accepted in big hotels/malls.
🔢 Exchange Rate: ~$1 USD = 25,000–26,000 VND (check latest rates).
📉 Bargaining: Always negotiate at markets! Start at 50% of the asking price.
🍜 Food & Drinks
✅ Must-Try Dishes:
- Hanoi: Pho (beef noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork noodles).
- Hoi An: Cao Lau (pork noodles), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich).
- Ho Chi Minh City: Banh Xeo (crispy pancake), Com Tam (broken rice).
💧 Water Safety: Drink only bottled water (avoid tap water).
🥢 Street Food Tips: Look for busy stalls with locals (fresher food, safe to eat).
⚠️ Safety & Scams
🚨 Common Scams:
- Taxi Overcharging: Use Grab or ask for a metered taxi (Vinasun, Mai Linh).
- Overpriced Souvenirs: Bargain at markets to get the right price.
- Fake Tours: Book tours from reputable agencies or online platforms like Klook/Viator.
👛 Pickpockets: Be cautious in crowded places like Ben Thanh Market & Hanoi Old Quarter.
📶 Internet & SIM Cards
📱 Best SIM Cards: Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone (buy at airport or local shops).
🌐 WiFi Everywhere: Free in hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
🛍️ Shopping Tips
🛍️ Best Souvenirs: Vietnamese coffee, silk, lanterns, ceramics, conical hats.
💰 Markets to Visit: Ben Thanh Market (HCMC), Night Market (Hoi An), Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi).
💡 Extra Travel Hacks
✔️ Wake up early to enjoy attractions before crowds arrive.
✔️ Use Google Translate for language help.
✔️ Carry small VND notes (many places won’t break big bills).
✔️ Learn basic Vietnamese phrases (locals appreciate it!):
Essential Vietnamese words and phrases for travelers
Vietnam is an amazing destination for first-timers! Follow these tips, and you’ll have an unforgettable trip.
