10 Day Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hue & Hoi An
Matt - July 31, 2026
Vietnam is a rewarding country to plan by region. Hanoi gives you historic neighborhoods, street food, and cultural sights; Ninh Binh adds karst scenery and river landscapes; Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay brings an overnight cruise; and central Vietnam combines the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An with the history of Hue.
This 10-day Vietnam itinerary follows that north-to-central route. It is a good fit for a first trip that wants a mix of cities, landscapes, food, and heritage without trying to include both the north and the entire southern half of the country. The itinerary is also available as a free 10-day Vietnam itinerary Google Sheets template, so you can adapt the bases, flights, hotels, activities, and costs to your own dates.
Itinerary Outline
This is the route at a glance:
- Days 1-2: Hanoi, with the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ba Dinh Square, the Temple of Literature, and time for local food
- Days 3-4: Ninh Binh, with a Trang An boat ride, Mua Cave viewpoint, Hoa Lu, and Bich Dong Pagoda
- Day 5: Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, with an overnight cruise and time on the water
- Days 6-8: Hoi An, with the Ancient Town, markets, Cam Thanh, An Bang Beach, and an optional My Son visit
- Days 9-10: Hue, reached by the Hai Van Pass or a train-and-transfer combination, with the Imperial City, Dong Ba Market, and Thien Mu Pagoda
The route works because each move changes the experience. Hanoi and Hue are city and history bases, Ninh Binh is a landscape stay, the bay is an overnight water-based stop, and Hoi An gives you several slower days before the final move to Hue.
How this 10-day Vietnam route fits together
Vietnam is long enough that a 10-day trip needs a clear regional focus. This plan stays in the north and center, using ground transfers where the scenery and stop are part of the experience and a domestic flight where it saves a full day of travel.
The most important planning choice is the bay transfer. A two-day, one-night cruise normally needs to connect with a transfer back toward Hanoi before the flight to Da Nang. Check the cruise operator's pickup, disembarkation, and airport-transfer schedule before booking the flight. If you would rather keep the trip entirely on land, use the extra night for Hanoi or Hoi An instead.
The route also leaves room to choose between a fuller cultural schedule and a slower trip. You can spend the second Ninh Binh day on more viewpoints and temples, or make it an easy countryside day. In Hoi An, the same three-night base can support an Ancient Town day, a countryside or beach day, and an optional My Son visit without moving hotels.
Vietnam Tourism's own 10-day highlights route also connects Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, while UNESCO lists Trang An, Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Complex of Hue Monuments among Vietnam's World Heritage properties. Those are useful reference points when deciding which stops deserve space in a first itinerary.
Best time for this Vietnam itinerary
Vietnam's weather varies between the north and central coast, so there is no single month that guarantees the same conditions everywhere on this route. Hanoi and Ninh Binh have a more seasonal north, while Hoi An and Hue have their own coastal rain and heat patterns. Check current regional forecasts before choosing dates, especially if a bay cruise or outdoor viewpoints are central to your plans.
Spring and autumn can be comfortable periods for a route that combines northern cities, countryside, and central Vietnam, but conditions vary by year. Summer can bring heat and rain, while winter can feel cool or cloudy in Hanoi and Ninh Binh even when central Vietnam is warmer. A flexible day around the cruise and a little room in the Ninh Binh and Hoi An plans make the itinerary easier to enjoy in changing conditions.
For any date, check current visa and entry requirements, attraction hours, cruise schedules, and local weather before finalizing the details. The official Vietnam Tourism site is a useful starting point for destination context, while the Vietnam Immigration Department is the place to confirm current e-visa information.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and settle into the Old Quarter
Hanoi's Old Quarter is a practical first base because it puts Hoan Kiem Lake, markets, restaurants, and historic streets within easy reach. The area is busy and atmospheric, with narrow streets organized around traditional trades, small cafes, and a broad range of food from casual noodle shops to more polished restaurants.
After checking in, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple if you have enough time and energy. The lake is a central gathering place, and the red Huc Bridge creates a memorable approach to the temple on the island. Continue through the lanes near the lake for dinner, or choose a quieter meal in the French Quarter if you want a more spacious evening.
If your arrival is early, add Trang Tien Street and the Hanoi Opera House area. This gives the first afternoon a natural east-to-west shape without crossing the city for a single attraction.
Day 2: Hanoi history, architecture, and food
Start around Ba Dinh Square, where the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the Presidential Palace grounds, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, and the One Pillar Pagoda are grouped together. Check current visitor hours and closure days before setting an exact schedule because the complex has specific entry arrangements.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's historic center of learning. Its courtyards, gardens, gates, and stone stelae make it a good stop for understanding Hanoi's scholarly and architectural history, and it is more spacious than many of the Old Quarter's streets.
Use the afternoon for the Old Quarter, a cooking class, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, or a slower cafe and food tour. A water-puppet performance is another good evening option if the schedule lines up. Hanoi is a city where a few carefully chosen neighborhoods usually make for a better day than a long list of cross-town stops.
Day 3: Travel to Ninh Binh and explore Trang An
Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh or the nearby Tam Coc area. The best base depends on the feel you want: Ninh Binh city is useful for transport connections and local restaurants, while Tam Coc is closer to the limestone scenery and cycling routes.
Spend the afternoon at the Trang An Landscape Complex. The area is known for boat journeys through a network of rivers, caves, and limestone karst formations. The boat ride is the main experience, with the landscape changing as the route passes beneath low cave ceilings and into open waterways surrounded by steep green cliffs. Allow time for the boarding process and for a relaxed pace on the water rather than trying to fit several distant sites into the same afternoon.
After the boat trip, have dinner near your base and keep the evening easy. Ninh Binh is most enjoyable when the landscape gets a little room around the fixed activities.
Day 4: Mua Cave, Hoa Lu, and Bich Dong
Begin at Mua Cave viewpoint if you want a panoramic view across the rice fields and karst peaks. The climb is made up of many steps and is exposed, so go early for cooler conditions and bring water. The reward is a wide view over the Tam Coc area that helps you see why Ninh Binh is often described as a land-based version of the bay landscape.
Continue to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Đại Cồ Việt. The site is known for its temple compounds, wooded setting, and connection to Vietnam's early dynastic history. It is a quieter cultural stop than Hanoi's major sites, and it works well after the more physical viewpoint visit.
Bich Dong Pagoda is a useful final stop when you want a smaller temple complex and a scenic approach. The pagoda is built into the side of a limestone mountain, with a series of spaces reached by steps and a rural setting around the entrance. If the heat is high, choose either Hoa Lu or Bich Dong rather than treating both as mandatory.
Other good Ninh Binh choices include a cycling loop through the rice fields, Van Long Nature Reserve, or a more relaxed afternoon around Tam Coc. The best option depends on your energy after the viewpoint and on current weather.
Day 5: Overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay
Transfer toward the cruise port and board an overnight boat in Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay. The landscape is known for limestone islands, calm coves, floating communities, and water-level views that change throughout the day. A cruise may include a cave, beach, kayak or small-boat excursion, and time on deck, but the exact program depends on the operator and current conditions.
Read the operator's current itinerary carefully before booking. Compare the port, transfer time, cabin type, included excursions, weather policy, and disembarkation schedule. The bay is best treated as an overnight destination rather than a quick photo stop because the early morning and late afternoon light are part of the experience.
Keep the next day's flight from Da Nang separate from the cruise decision. Many travelers return to Hanoi after disembarkation and continue to the airport, but the timing can vary. Leave a practical buffer for road traffic and changes to the cruise schedule.
Day 6: Finish the cruise, fly to Da Nang, and settle into Hoi An
After the morning cruise activities and breakfast, disembark and transfer to Hanoi or directly toward the airport according to the operator's plan. Fly to Da Nang, then continue to Hoi An by car or transfer.
Hoi An is known for its preserved trading-town architecture, riverside streets, lanterns, tailor shops, cafes, and food. Stay in or near the Ancient Town if you want to walk to evening activities, or choose a riverside, beach, or countryside base for more space and a quieter setting.
Use the evening for a first walk through the Ancient Town and along the Thu Bon River. The old streets are especially atmospheric after dark, but the area is also worthwhile in daylight when you can see the wooden houses, assembly halls, courtyards, and small shops more clearly.
Day 7: Hoi An Ancient Town, market, and riverside evening
Spend the morning exploring the Ancient Town while the streets are relatively calm. The Hoi An Ancient Town is known for its mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and later commercial influences. Look for old merchant houses, assembly halls, the Japanese Covered Bridge area, and the smaller lanes that connect the main streets.
Visit Hoi An Central Market for fruit, herbs, noodles, snacks, and household goods. It is a useful place to see the town's everyday food culture, and it gives you options for a casual lunch before returning to the historic center.
Keep the afternoon open for a tailor appointment, a cooking class, a cafe, or a rest at the hotel. In the evening, walk back toward the river and choose a restaurant or street-food stop. Lanterns and reflections make the riverfront visually distinctive, while the best meal may be a few lanes away from the busiest stretch.
Day 8: Cam Thanh, An Bang Beach, or My Son
Cam Thanh is a countryside and waterway area outside the Ancient Town, known for coconut palms, small canals, gardens, and activities that show a different side of the Hoi An area. Choose a current local tour or self-guided visit that matches your interests, and allow time for the transfer from the old center.
An Bang Beach is an easy alternative for a slower day. It offers a broad stretch of sand, casual restaurants, and a change of pace from the historic streets. Beach conditions and the feel of the shoreline vary with the season, so use it as a flexible choice rather than the sole reason to book the trip.
If you prefer a longer cultural excursion, visit My Son Sanctuary, a complex of Hindu temple towers associated with the Champa civilization. The site is inland and best visited with enough time for transport, walking, and heat breaks. It is a stronger choice for travelers interested in archaeology and history than for a quick checklist stop.
Day 9: Travel from Hoi An to Hue via the Hai Van Pass
Travel from Hoi An to Hue by private car, shared transfer, or a train from Da Nang combined with a local transfer. A car is the most flexible option if you want to stop at the Hai Van Pass, while the train provides a scenic coastal journey when the schedule works for you.
The Hai Van Pass is known for its mountain road, ocean views, and dramatic change in landscape between Da Nang and Hue. Weather can affect visibility, so treat the pass as a scenic part of the transfer rather than a fixed viewpoint with guaranteed conditions.
After arriving in Hue, explore the Imperial City if you still have the energy. The Complex of Hue Monuments reflects the Nguyen dynasty's former capital, with citadel walls, gates, courtyards, palaces, and gardens. The site is large enough to deserve a real block of time, so do not compress it into the last hour before dinner.
Day 10: Hue's river, market, and departure
Start with Thien Mu Pagoda on the Perfume River. The seven-story tower and riverside setting make it one of Hue's best-known landmarks, while the surrounding temple grounds offer a quieter visit than the Imperial City. Combine it with a short boat trip or a car transfer if your departure time allows.
Dong Ba Market is useful for a final look at Hue's food and local shopping. Try regional dishes such as bun bo Hue if you have not already, and leave enough time to return to the hotel for luggage before heading to the airport or onward train.
If you have a late departure, consider one of Hue's royal tombs instead of the market. The tombs of Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, and Minh Mang each have a different setting and architectural style, but they are spread outside the center. Choose one based on your available time rather than trying to visit all three before leaving.
Where to stay along the route
Hanoi
Stay in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake for walkable access to food, markets, and first-time sightseeing. The French Quarter is a good choice for wider streets, historic buildings, and more spacious restaurants. A hotel near a major road or transit connection can make the airport and Ninh Binh transfer easier.
Ninh Binh
Choose Ninh Binh city for transport convenience or Tam Coc for closer access to the karst scenery, boat docks, cycling roads, and countryside restaurants. A countryside lodge can be relaxing, but check the transfer distance before choosing it for a short two-night stay.
Hoi An
The Ancient Town is best for evening walks and first-time convenience. The riverside and Cam Chau areas give you more space while remaining close to the center. An Bang Beach is better for a beach-led stay, but it adds a transfer whenever you want the historic town.
Hue
Stay near the Imperial City or along the south side of the Perfume River depending on whether you prefer historic access, restaurants, or a quieter hotel area. Hue is compact enough for short rides between the main areas, but the royal tombs and some countryside stops need more planning.
Transport and booking logistics
- Book the bay cruise before the flight from Hanoi or the cruise port area to Da Nang. Confirm the cruise's current pickup and disembarkation times before choosing the flight.
- Use a private car or organized transfer when you want to combine Hoi An, Da Nang, Hai Van Pass, and Hue in one move. Use the train when the departure time and luggage plan work better for your trip.
- Keep the Ninh Binh and Hoi An days grouped by area. Trang An, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu, and Bich Dong are not one compact city-center walk, while Hoi An's Ancient Town, market, river, and nearby countryside have different transfer needs.
- Check the current opening hours and ticket arrangements for the Grand Palace, Temple of Literature, UNESCO sites, and Hue monuments. Some sites have specific visitor windows or seasonal changes.
- Reserve the most time-sensitive parts first: international flights, the overnight cruise, domestic flights, Hoi An lodging, and any timed cultural activity. Restaurants and optional day trips can usually be decided later.
- Keep addresses for hotels, piers, airports, and activity meeting points together. Vietnam locations can have similar names, and a precise address helps drivers and map searches return the right place.
Optional swaps to consider
All of these options are included on the main Itinerary tab of the free template with blank date and time fields, so you can compare them with the scheduled route before deciding what fits.
- My Son Sanctuary: Add it from Hoi An when Champa history and archaeology are a priority.
- Phong Nha: Consider it instead of Hue or part of a longer trip if caves and national-park landscapes matter more than the imperial history of central Vietnam.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Add it by extending the trip, or choose it instead of the north-to-center route if food, modern history, and a larger city are your main interests.
- Sapa: Choose it for mountain scenery and trekking, but give it enough nights to justify the extra northern transfer.
- Bai Tu Long Bay: Compare it with the Ha Long and Lan Ha options if you prefer a different cruise area and the current itinerary suits your dates.
- Ba Na Hills: Consider it as a Da Nang-area alternative when a highland attraction and the Golden Bridge appeal to your group more than another Hoi An day.
Free Vietnam itinerary Google Sheets template
You can copy the free 10-day Vietnam itinerary Google Sheets template and replace the sample dates with your own travel plans. The Itinerary tab includes the route above, scheduled activities, specific map-friendly locations, contextual links, notes, categories, and illustrative costs. It also includes unscheduled restaurants, viewpoints, neighborhoods, and alternative stops on the same tab with blank date and time fields.
The workbook also includes a Vietnam-focused pre-trip checklist and a shared-cost sheet for examples such as a bay cruise deposit, local meals, Hoi An activities, and the Hoi An-to-Hue transfer. Use the template as a starting point, then update the stops after checking current opening hours, weather, transport schedules, and entry guidance.
How Travel Mapper helps with Vietnam planning
The free Google Sheets planner keeps flights, hotels, activities, meals, transfers, costs, packing, and notes together. With the Travel Mapper Google Sheets add-on, you can see the itinerary on a map inside Google Sheets and review how Hanoi, Ninh Binh, the bay, Hoi An, and Hue fit together before you finalize the order.
That map context is useful for a trip with city neighborhoods, countryside sights, cruise ports, airports, beaches, and heritage sites. Drag-and-drop itinerary editing makes it easier to fine-tune the order of stops within a day. Google Maps autofill helps add place details to the sheet, and the Travel Mapper Chrome extension can add a hotel, restaurant, activity, or viewpoint while you research it on another webpage.
During the full-feature trial, the add-on also supports itinerary email and Google My Maps export. After the trial, you can continue using the basic Google Sheets template for free. If you want to review or edit the trip from your phone while traveling, the Travel Mapper web app works in a mobile browser.
Vietnam itinerary FAQ
Is 10 days enough for Vietnam?
Ten days is enough for a well-paced first route through northern and central Vietnam, especially when you choose a limited number of bases. This itinerary does not try to include Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Sapa, and Phong Nha as well. Add days before adding another major region.
Should I visit Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?
Both areas offer a cruise-based way to experience the limestone islands and waterways of northern Vietnam. Compare the current cruise route, port, cabin, included activities, transfer times, and weather policy rather than choosing only by the bay name.
How many nights should I spend in Hoi An?
Three nights gives you time for the Ancient Town, a slower food or countryside day, and either the beach, My Son, or another activity without changing hotels. Two nights can work, but the transfer from Da Nang and the evening atmosphere make a short stay feel more compressed.
Is Hue worth adding to a 10-day Vietnam itinerary?
Hue is a strong addition if you want imperial history, architecture, markets, river scenery, and a different pace from Hoi An. The Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, Dong Ba Market, and one royal tomb can fill a useful day and a half. If your priority is beaches and outdoor activities, keep the extra night in Hoi An instead.
What should I book first for Vietnam?
Book the international flights, the overnight cruise, domestic flight or transfer connection after the cruise, and lodging in Hoi An first. Then add timed attractions and day trips after checking current hours, transfer times, and the weather pattern for your dates.
Can I edit the Vietnam itinerary template?
Yes. Make a copy of the public Google Sheets file, change the dates and locations, remove stops that do not suit your trip, and add your own hotels, reservations, meals, and costs. Keep options on the Itinerary tab until you decide where they fit.
Is Travel Mapper free?
The Google Sheets itinerary template is free to copy and keep using. The Travel Mapper add-on includes a 7-day trial of its full feature set, including map view, drag-and-drop editing, Google Maps autofill, itinerary email, and Google My Maps export. After the trial, the basic Google Sheets template remains available if you do not subscribe. You can try Travel Mapper on Google Workspace Marketplace when you want the map-based planning tools.
