Quick summary: Explore Vietnam’s rich culture and stunning landscapes over 10 days. Visit Hanoi’s historic sites, cruise Ha Long Bay, wander Hoi An’s ancient town, and experience vibrant Ho Chi Minh City with family-friendly activities and mixed transport options.
Route map + stops
Hanoi
- Old Quarter, Hanoi (Phố Cổ Hà Nội)
Nearest station: Hàng Đẫy Station — Line: Line 2 — Exit: Best exit: check station signage
Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City (Bảo tàng Chứng tích Chiến tranh)
Nearest station: Ben Thanh Station — Line: Line 1 — Exit: Exit 2
Other
- Hoan Kiem Lake (Hồ Hoàn Kiếm)
Nearest station: Hàng Đẫy Station — Line: Line 2 — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Ha Long Bay (Vịnh Hạ Long)
Nearest station: Bãi Cháy Bus Station — Line: N/A — Exit: N/A - Hoi An Ancient Town (Phố Cổ Hội An)
Nearest station: Hoi An Bus Station — Line: N/A — Exit: N/A - My Son Sanctuary (Thánh địa Mỹ Sơn)
Nearest station: Duy Phú Bus Stop — Line: N/A — Exit: N/A - Central Market, Hoi An (Chợ Hội An)
Nearest station: Hoi An Bus Station — Line: N/A — Exit: N/A - Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành)
Nearest station: Ben Thanh Station — Line: Line 1 — Exit: Exit 1 - Cu Chi Tunnels (Địa đạo Củ Chi)
Nearest station: Cu Chi Bus Stop — Line: N/A — Exit: N/A
Timeline (hour-by-hour)
Day 1
Explore Hanoi Old Quarter with its vibrant streets and local shops. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple nearby.
09:00 — Explore Hanoi Old Quarter
Why go: Experience the bustling heart of Hanoi with its narrow streets and local shops.
Do:
- Walk around the vibrant streets
- Visit local cafes
- Shop for souvenirs
How to get there: Take Line 2 to Hàng Đẫy Station, then walk or taxi to Old Quarter
Cost / tickets: Free to explore; shopping varies
Time needed: 3 hours
13:00 — Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
Why go: Relax by the scenic lake and see the historic Ngoc Son Temple.
Do:
- Walk around the lake
- Visit Ngoc Son Temple
- Enjoy street food nearby
How to get there: Short walk from Old Quarter
Cost / tickets: Temple entry approx. $1
Time needed: 2 hours
Day 2
Take a full-day Ha Long Bay cruise to see stunning limestone formations and enjoy onboard activities.
08:00 — Ha Long Bay Cruise
Why go: Discover stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters on a boat cruise.
Do:
- Boat tour of the bay
- Kayaking or swimming
- Enjoy seafood lunch on board
How to get there: Bus or private transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
Cost / tickets: Mid-range cruise approx. $50-$80
Time needed: Full day
Day 3
Fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town. Wander the charming streets and visit the Japanese Covered Bridge.
10:00 — Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
Why go: Walk through a UNESCO World Heritage site with charming architecture.
Do:
- Visit Japanese Covered Bridge
- Shop at local boutiques
- Try local cuisine
How to get there: Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang, then taxi to Hoi An
Cost / tickets: Entry fee approx. $5 for heritage sites
Time needed: 4 hours
Day 4
Visit the My Son Sanctuary to explore ancient Cham ruins surrounded by nature.
09:00 — Visit My Son Sanctuary
Why go: Explore ancient Cham ruins set in lush surroundings.
Do:
- Guided tour of ruins
- Photography
- Learn about Cham culture
How to get there: Taxi or tour from Hoi An
Cost / tickets: Entry approx. $7
Time needed: 3 hours
Day 5
Shop and sample local foods at Hoi An Central Market. Enjoy leisure time in the town.
11:00 — Shop at Central Market, Hoi An
Why go: Experience local market life and buy fresh produce and crafts.
Do:
- Browse stalls
- Taste street food
- Buy souvenirs
How to get there: Walk or taxi within Hoi An
Cost / tickets: Free to enter; shopping varies
Time needed: 2 hours
Day 6
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam’s history.
09:00 — War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City
Why go: Learn about Vietnam’s history through powerful exhibits.
Do:
- Explore museum galleries
- Watch documentary films
- Reflect on exhibits
How to get there: Take Line 1 to Ben Thanh Station, Exit 2
Cost / tickets: Entry approx. $2
Time needed: 2 hours
Day 7
Explore Ben Thanh Market for shopping and street food experiences.
10:00 — Visit Ben Thanh Market
Why go: Shop for local goods and enjoy street food in a lively market.
Do:
- Shop for handicrafts
- Try local dishes
- People watch
How to get there: Walk from War Remnants Museum or Line 1 to Ben Thanh Station, Exit 1
Cost / tickets: Free to enter; shopping varies
Time needed: 2 hours
Day 8
Take a half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels to see historic underground passages.
08:00 — Tour Cu Chi Tunnels
Why go: Explore the historic underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
Do:
- Guided tunnel tour
- Learn war history
- Try crawling in tunnels
How to get there: Bus or taxi from Ho Chi Minh City center
Cost / tickets: Entry approx. $5
Time needed: 4 hours
Logistics (read this first)
- Use domestic flights for Hanoi to Da Nang and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City to save time
- Book Ha Long Bay cruise in advance for best options
- Carry comfortable walking shoes for city tours
- Use taxis or ride-hailing apps for short distances
- Carry local currency (Vietnamese Dong) for markets and small vendors
- Stay hydrated and use sun protection during outdoor activities
Local tips and guide
Local Guide to Vietnam Highlights
Start in Hanoi exploring the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, then journey northeast to Ha Long Bay for a scenic cruise. Fly south to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An to enjoy ancient streets and nearby My Son ruins. Finish in Ho Chi Minh City with museums, markets, and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
If it rains (2 alternatives)
If something is closed (2 alternatives)
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Vietnam for this itinerary?
From October to April for pleasant weather and less rain.
Is this itinerary suitable for families with children?
Yes, it includes family-friendly activities and moderate walking.
How do I get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?
By bus or private transfer, approximately 3-4 hours.
Are English tours available at major sites?
Yes, many tours offer English-speaking guides.
Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?
Visa requirements vary by nationality; check official sources before travel.
How we planned this route
Byline: Travel itinerary created by an expert Vietnam travel planner.
Based on cultural highlights, family-friendly activities, and efficient transport connections.
Last updated: 2024-06-01