Vietnam in 10 Days: North to South
Vietnam is long and narrow, so the smart way to see it in ten days is to travel one direction — north to south — and let cheap domestic flights skip the long gaps. This route strings together the country's greatest hits: Hanoi's frantic Old Quarter, an overnight cruise on Halong Bay, the lantern-lit old town of Hoi An, and a beach finish near Da Nang. It's also one of the best-value trips anywhere — your money goes a remarkably long way.
Ten days gives you time to actually slow down in Hoi An rather than tick boxes. You can extend south to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta if you have more time, but the north-and-central loop below is the most rewarding for a first visit. Here's the day-by-day, plus when to go and what to budget.
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Your day-by-day Vietnam plan
Days 1–3 — Hanoi
Dive into the Old Quarter — motorbike chaos, egg coffee, bun cha and pho on tiny plastic stools. Walk Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, see the Temple of Literature, and use the third day for a Ninh Binh day trip ('Halong on land', with boat rides through caves and rice paddies). It's the most intense, atmospheric part of the trip.
Days 4–5 — Halong Bay
Book an overnight cruise (not a rushed day tour) so you wake up among the limestone islands. A good boat includes kayaking, a cave visit, a cooking demo and sunset on the top deck. It's the postcard everyone comes for, and worth doing properly with one night aboard.
Days 6–8 — Hoi An
Fly to Da Nang and base in Hoi An, the highlight for many travellers. The UNESCO old town glows with lanterns at night; by day get clothes tailor-made, cycle to the beach, take a cooking class, and float a candle on the river. Three nights here is the relaxed heart of the trip.
Days 9–10 — Da Nang & home
End on the coast: My Khe beach, the Marble Mountains, and the Insta-famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands at Ba Na Hills. Da Nang's airport makes the departure easy. Got more days? Continue south to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.
What to budget for
- ✓Days 1–3 — Hanoi: the Old Quarter, street food, the lake, day-trip options.
- ✓Days 4–5 — Halong Bay: an overnight cruise through the limestone karsts.
- ✓Days 6–8 — Hoi An: the lantern old town, tailors, beaches and cooking classes.
- ✓Days 9–10 — Da Nang: beaches and the Marble Mountains before flying home.
Figures are realistic ballparks and vary with season, dates and how early you book. Use the planner for live prices.
Best time to visit
Vietnam's length means the weather varies by region, but for this north-and-central route the best overall windows are spring (February–April) and autumn (August–October), when both Hanoi and Hoi An are mild and mostly dry. The north is cool and can be misty December–February; central Vietnam's rain and the risk of storms peak October–November, so Hoi An is best earlier. Summer (May–July) is hot and humid but fine for the beaches and brings lower prices. Book the Halong cruise and domestic flights ahead in the peak spring and autumn weeks.
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🎯 Build My Vietnam TripGood to know before you go
- ›Indian passport holders need a Vietnam e-visa, applied for online before travel — it's quick and inexpensive, but arrange it well ahead of your dates.
- ›Domestic flights (Hanoi→Da Nang) on Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo and VietJet are cheap and save a punishing overland journey — book early.
- ›Vietnam is very cash-friendly; carry dong for street food, markets and taxis. Use Grab (the local ride app) to avoid taxi haggling.
- ›Hoi An's tailors need 1–2 days to make clothes, so order on arrival, not on your last day. Quality varies — pick a well-reviewed shop.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Vietnam?
For the north and centre, yes — ten days covers Hanoi, an overnight Halong Bay cruise, Hoi An and Da Nang at a comfortable pace. To add Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the south, you'd want 12–14 days.
How much does a 10-day Vietnam trip cost from India?
Roughly ₹80,000–1,20,000 per person including flights, good stays, a Halong cruise, domestic flights and food. Vietnam's low on-the-ground costs mean the budget stretches further here than almost anywhere else in the region.
What is the best Vietnam route for 10 days?
Travel north to south: Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hoi An → Da Nang, using a cheap domestic flight to skip the long middle. It covers the country's signature sights without endless overland travel.
Is Halong Bay worth an overnight cruise?
Yes — an overnight cruise lets you experience the karst seascape at sunrise and sunset, away from the day-tripper crowds, and usually includes kayaking and a cave visit. It's the single most memorable part of most Vietnam trips.