Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days: 3 Northern + Central Vietnam Routes

North and Central Vietnam is filled with stunningly beautiful and diverse landscapes. With just 10 days to formulate your Vietnam itinerary, you’ll need to be organized and get creative with your plans.

Based on our own personal experiences in Vietnam, we’ve created 3 very different travel routes for you to consider. The popular cities of Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hue and Hoi An all feature in our example itineraries.

Planning this trip won’t be as straightforward as you might think because it’s challenging to decide which places to cut from your visit. Ten days isn’t a lot of time and it will go fast.

Our example itineraries will help you see what’s actually achievable in 10 days. Remember, travel time between places can wipe out huge chunks of your day, so it’s best to limit how often you move.

Be sure to save this guide for later because we’ll be covering a lot of information. Okay, let’s start planning your 10 day Vietnam itinerary!

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Your Travel Style

Ideally, you’d have at least a 3 week itinerary for Vietnam – and remember that’s just for the northern and central areas, without including how much more time you’d need to see the south. But we know that kind of travel time can be difficult to obtain.

So ten days will allow you to experience a few of Vietnam’s best highlights, but you’ll have to decide which places are top of your priority list. Is it rice paddies in Sapa? Is it a Halong Bay cruise? Or is it authentic Vietnam in Tam Coc?

Three Strategies

Each of our 3 example itineraries have a totally different approach, and one itinerary might be more appealing to you right from the start. Which of these following types of trip suits your travel style the most?

The chilled strategy: This itinerary concentrates on one particular region with a plan to return to Vietnam in the future.

The split strategy: With this itinerary, you’d cover a bit more ground but it still has flexibility to make last minute decisions.

The smash and grab strategy: This fast and furious itinerary crams it all in. You can always sleep on the flight home, right?

Option 1: A Chilled 10 Days In Northern Vietnam

Our first itinerary concentrates solely on northern Vietnam, which will work best for the following:

• You don’t like the idea of running around and prefer to have at least 1 relaxing day
• You want a taste of Vietnam, but will return in the future to explore central and southern areas
• You’re interested in trekking in Sapa or experiencing a homestay
• It’s your first time in Vietnam (the north arguably has the most diverse tourist sites)

Hanoi is the major hub for the north and it’s the ideal place to set up base. There are no shortages of cheap flights into Hanoi so be sure to grab yourself a bargain by being flexible on dates and times.

You’ll return to Hanoi on several occasions throughout this itinerary. Although that might seem counterintuitive, we can tell you from experience that it’s the easiest (and more importantly quickest) means of getting from one place to the next.

Notes About This Slow Paced Itinerary

In Hanoi, base yourself centrally for ease of access to tour departure locations. We recommend you find a hotel in either Hanoi’s Old Quarter (budget) or French Quarter (luxury).

Search hotels in Hanoi here.

Before you book, confirm that your hotel will allow you to store your backpack or suitcase when you travel to Sapa, Halong Bay and Ninh Binh.

You can simply take the necessities in a day pack to each place by using the same hotel as a base in Hanoi and returning after each leg of the trip.

There are direct bus connections from Sapa to Halong Bay and Halong Bay to Ninh Binh for those who prefer to travel independently (not part of a tour).

You will have to carry your backpacks and organize your own transport but it saves going back into Hanoi after each leg if you chose to go this route.

Example Itinerary

This is an example of how we would personally structure our time if we had another 10 days in Northern Vietnam. Use this example itinerary as a guideline and adjust as you see fit for your needs:

• Day 1 – Relaxing full day in Hanoi. Explore the Old and French quarters.
• Day 2 – Break out the comfortable shoes. Leave the old quarter to discover greater Hanoi.
• Day 3 – 6 hour bus ride to Sapa (7am-1pm). Check into hotel and explore Cat Cat Village.
• Day 4 – Cable car to Fansipan mountain. Relax around Sapa town.
• Day 5 – Trekking tour part 1. Homestay with members of the Hmong tribe.
• Day 6 – Trekking tour part 2. Take a 4pm-10pm / 5pm-11pm bus back to Hanoi.
• Day 7– 9am departure to Halong Bay. Full day in the bay, overnight on cruise.
• Day 8 – Halong Bay, half day. Return to Hanoi in the evening.
• Day 9 – Bus / train / tour to Ninh Binh / Tam Coc early. Full day in Tam Coc (Trang An, Mua Cave).
• Day 10 – Tam Coc Bich Dong Pagoda. Bus / train / tour back to Hanoi and airport.

The Vietnamese Cities Of Itinerary 1

The first itinerary focuses on four cities in Northern Vietnam:

• Hanoi
• Halong Bay
• Sapa
• Ninh Binh

These four cities are drastically different and you will begin wonder if you are still in the same country. But this itinerary will give you a good taste of what Vietnam has to offer.

Hanoi Resources

This is Vietnam’s hectic capital city. The traffic is crazy, but it is a city you have to experience at least once in your life.

• 25 Best Things to do in Hanoi – A complete guide to what you should see in Hanoi, Vietnam.
• Hanoi Cooking Class – Head to the local market and learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
• Solaria Hanoi Hotel – One of Hanoi’s top rated hotels in the Old Quarter.

Travel Tip: Hanoi is known for its water puppet theater shows so be sure to book a show during one of your nights in Vietnam’s capital city.

Sapa Resources

Sapa is a town you have probably seen on social media with its lush rice terraces and popular homestay opportunities.

But there are many other hidden gems in Sapa such as Cat Cat Village and Fansipan Peak which is known as the roof of Indochina.

• Sapa Itinerary – Complete guide to trekking, homestays, Fansipan and Cat Cat Village.
• Muong Hoa Valley Trek – Hike and learn about different mountain ethnic groups.
• 2 Day Overnight Sapa Tour – Luxury transfer from Hanoi and trek to minority villages.
• Two Day Sapa Tour w/ Fansipan Peak – Travel by express bus to Sapa and Fansipan Peak.

Interested in a homestay in Sapa, Vietnam? Don’t miss our guide to trekking in Sapa.

Halong Bay Resources

Halong Bay has towering limestone islands jutting from picturesque emerald waters. Junk boat tours as well as sea kayaking are extremely popular activities. You can also check out nearby Cát Bà National Park.

• Halong Bay Cruise – How to book the best cruise in Vietnam.
• Same Day Halong Bay Cruise – Full day cruise with round trip transport from Hanoi.
• Limousine Transfer Hanoi to Halong Bay – Ride in comfort all the way to Halong Bay.

Ninh Binh Resources

Ninh Binh is considered to be the Halong Bay of land. This area is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its stunning pagodas, limestone karsts and breathtaking landscapes.

Our personal favorite location in Ninh Binh is the Mua Cave Viewpoint.

• Ninh Binh Itinerary – A relaxing itinerary for rural Vietnam.
• Hoa Lu, Trang An Caves and Mua Cave – A day trip from Hanoi to Vietnam’s countryside.
• Tam Coc Condeluz Boutique Hotel – Top rated hotel for your stay in Ninh Binh.

Option 2: 10 Days Split Between Northern & Central Vietnam

The second itinerary splits your 10 days between the north and center, which is works best for the following:

• You want to visit the most popular places like as Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An
• You’re not interested in trekking in Sapa which saves a few days
• You have a tight budget and want to skip the expensive Halong Bay cruise

This itinerary is the most open to interpretation. Hanoi will be your most likely point of arrival into Vietnam. The majority of people following this itinerary will arrive and leave from Hanoi, making this a round trip route with a flight to Da Nang and back to Hanoi.

However, for backpackers who are already in Southeast Asia, you might be able to find a cheaper flight into Da Nang. Therefore you could travel in reverse order (central to northern Vietnam) as another option. Consider where you are headed after Vietnam and check flights out of Hanoi or Da Nang to that place, ie Bangkok.

Internal flights between Hanoi and Da Nang are extremely affordable but remember to check baggage allowances. Sometimes the cost of checking a bag can be more than the plane ticket.

We have included Halong Bay as the only place besides Hanoi to visit in the north but you can replace Halong Bay with either Sapa or Ninh Binh depending on your budget and intentions.

Need a new carry on backpack? Read our guide about the Osprey Farpoint 40 which has traveled with us for years.

Example Itinerary

With this option, you will pick up the pace just a little bit to cross a few more items off your bucket list.

• Day 1 – Relaxing full day in Hanoi. Explore the Old and French Quarters.
• Day 2 – Break out the comfortable shoes. Leave the Old Quarter to discover greater Hanoi.
• Day 3 – 9am departure to Halong Bay. Full day in the bay, overnight on cruise.
• Day 4 – Halong Bay half day. Return to Hanoi evening.
• Day 5 – Fly Hanoi – Da Nang. Arrange onward travel to Hoi An.
• Day 6 – Explore the countryside and beaches around Hoi An.
• Day 7– Spend the whole day in Hoi An ancient town, lovely atmosphere.
• Day 8 – Drive 100 miles to Hue by motorbike over the scenic Hai Van Pass.
• Day 9 – Cycle/motorbike to Hue’s abandoned water park. Pedestrian night walking streets.
• Day 10 – Early start, check out Imperial City grounds. Transport to Da Nang and fly to Hanoi.

The Vietnamese Cities Of Itinerary 2

The second itinerary focuses on four cities in Northern and Central Vietnam:

• Hanoi
• Halong Bay
• Hoi An
• Hue

We like this itinerary option because it is a good mix of modern and ancient culture. Use our resources in the previous itinerary for Hanoi and Halong Bay because we will further discuss Hoi An and Hue below.

Hoi An Resources

In Vietnamese, Hoi An means ‘peaceful meeting place’ and as soon as you visit, you will notice the name fits the city. Hoi An is a old trading port town dating back to the 15th century.

The old town is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you are instantly transported back in time as you wander between the gorgeous yellow buildings.

• Hoi An Itinerary – Best things to do and 3 day trip options.
• Basket Boat Ride – Experience a basket boat ride along with a market tour and cooking class.
• Hoi An Heart Lodge – An extremely top rated hotel in heart of Hoi An.

Hue Resources

History buffs will love Hue because this is where you can visit Vietnam’s Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. This city is also home to royal mausoleums and iconic pagodas as well as many delicious restaurants.

But one of the draws in recent years has been the abandoned water park of Ho Thuy Tien.

• Abandoned Waterpark Hue – How to Get Inside the Erie Grounds in Hue.
• Full City Hue Day Tour – Cruise Perfume River by boat and learn about the history of Hue.
• Jade Scene Hotel – One of the top rated hotels in Hue.

Option 3: Whirlwind 10 Day Northern And Central Vietnam Itinerary

We won’t sugar coat it, this is a rush job itinerary. This route is 10 days of constant transport and sightseeing so it’s only advisable for the following types of traveler:

• You love to race through a country ticking off every box on the list
• You’re an efficient traveler who is ready to adapt to a sudden change in the itinerary
• You have with limited time but want to see as much as possible

This whirlwind itinerary encompasses each of the 7 major tourist hotspots in northern and central Vietnam but it’s not for the fainthearted. You’ll be wrecked by the end of these 10 days!

The route we have designed is the quickest possible way you can travel (with no delays or interruptions) and still experience the major sites at each stop. This is the only way to see all of the best places in one swooping hit across 10 long days. 

But be warned, this option includes some pretty awful transport routes, like an overnight 7 hour sleeper bus leaving Tam Coc at 8:00pm and arriving into Phong Nha at 3:00am. Yes we know how unappealing that sounds, and we’ve got the t-shirt to prove it.

Quick Notes About This Fast Paced Itinerary

You have a decision to make. Do you think you can cope with the pace? If not, you can easily skip one or two places on this fast paced itinerary to give yourself some breathing room.

Personally, we would tentatively suggest that you cut Phong Nha from this particular itinerary, even though it was one of our favorite parts of Vietnam.  Phong Nha will cause you to lose too much time to justify a 1 day visit, unless you have booked one of the awesome adventure cave tours.

A sleeper train from Ninh Binh to Hue through the 6th night would arrive the 7th morning (as opposed to arriving the 8th lunchtime and cramming).

Example Itinerary

Are you ready to speed through Vietnam?

• Day 1 – One day to blast around the best bits of Hanoi.
• Day 2 – 6 hour bus to Sapa. Begin trekking tour part 1 immediately and homestay.
• Day 3 – Trekking tour part 2, followed by 6 hour bus back to Hanoi.
• Day 4 – 9am departure to Halong Bay. Full day in the bay, overnight on cruise.
• Day 5 – Halong Bay half day and bus directly from Halong Bay to Tam Coc (Ninh Binh).
• Day 6 – One full day in Tam Coc. 8pm overnight sleeper bus to Phong Nha takes 7 hours.
• Day 7 – One full day in Phong Nha exploring caves and botanic gardens.
• Day 8 – Early bus to Hue. Explore Imperial City and Abandoned Water Park.
• Day 9 – Drive 100 miles Hue to Hoi An over scenic Hai Van Pass & through Da Nang.
• Day 10 – Spend one full day in Hoi An ancient town. Da Nang airport to Hanoi or onwards.

The Vietnamese Cities Of Itinerary 3

This last and final itinerary is a big one. The whirlwind itinerary includes 7 Vietnamese cities over a 10 day period. You will visit:

• Hanoi
• Sapa
• Halong Bay
• Ninh Binh
• Phong Nha
• Hue
• Hoi An

But with this 10 day itinerary, you will cover some of the best parts of Vietnam.

Phong Nha Resources

Phong Nha is an adventure lovers paradise with endless cave adventure. However, there is so much more to do in this town that just caves.

We spent a few days exploring the nooks and crannies of this small village and can help you decide what you should do when you visit.

• Best Things To Do Phong Nha – Everything you should visit in Phing Nha.
• Paradise Cave Tour – Day trip to paradise cave, one of the deepest dry caves in Asia
• Funny Monkeys Homestay – One of the top rated hotels in Phong Nha.

How Much Should You Book In Advance?

High season in the northern and central areas of Vietnam typically runs from November through April. If you’re traveling during the high season, we recommend booking your tours and hotels in advance to guarantee a spot. But if you’re traveling in the low season, you can book last minute as you go.

That said, if there’s a tour, experience or a hotel you really don’t want to miss out on, book it as soon as possible.

Here are a few of our favorite travel resources for Vietnam:

• Booking.com – A great way to find deals on hotels throughout the entire country.
• Skyscanner – The best way to compare flight prices to Vietnam from your home airport.
• Get Your Guide – This company will help you book the top rated tours in Vietnam.

Want to save money on travel? Read our popular guides on how to book cheap hotels and find cheap flights.

Prior to arriving in Vietnam, we also recommend downloading the Grab App (iPhone or Android) because this is essentially the Uber of SE Asia.

Once Grab is downloaded to your phone, you can choose to add your credit card details or pay cash for each ride. We prefer to use Grab over a taxi because Grab is generally safer and you already know the price for the ride (you won’t get scammed).

More From Vietnam

• Top places to visit in Vietnam
• Best things to do in Hanoi with 2 day itinerary
• Things to do in Sapa with example itinerary
• Amazing things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
• Adventurous things to do in Phong Nha
• Top things to do in Hoi An with example itinerary
• A 3 week itinerary for northern and central Vietnam
• See how much one month in Vietnam costs
• 30 key things to know about Vietnam before visiting

Want even more from Vietnam? Head over to our Vietnam Travel Guides to see example itineraries, tips about Vietnam and popular city guides.

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We hope our 3 options for your 10 day northern and central Vietnam itinerary helps you plan your visit!

Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments box a little further below.

Happy Planning,

Mark and Kristen

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