Have an extended weekend to spare and want to venture out beyond the boundaries of Malaysia? Then you won’t find a better time to visit our Northern neighbours, Vietnam. And if you need reasons to book a trip, then read on for our 10-day Vietnam itinerary that is sure to leave you spellbound with the country’s most alluring landmarks and highlights.
Tucked away in Southeast Asia, Vietnam promises to captivate travellers with its breathtaking landscapes, forested mountains, pristine beaches, isolated islands, rich heritage, and vibrant city culture. With its unique S-shaped geographical boundary that resembles the shape of a dragon, the country is also referred to as the ‘Land Of Blue Dragon’.
And it’s true – Vietnam has something special for every type of traveller, be it the bustling streets of Hanoi, lush green rice paddies in Sapa, the calm waters of Halong Bay, or the ancient charm of Hoi An. To fully immerse in Vietnam’s rich diversity, we have curated a 10-day itinerary that takes you from the northern highlands to the southern coast.
The major tourist hubs in Vietnam (from north to south) to include in your itinerary are Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh.
Best time to visit Vietnam
The best time to visit Vietnam is between November to April. During this time, the temperatures are moderate and you can avoid rainfall. It’s worthwhile to know that the weather pattern in North and Central Vietnam varies from that of South. While the upper part of the country sees four seasons including summer, autumn, winter, and spring, the lower part of the country witnesses only two seasons: monsoon and summer.
Better yet Malaysian travellers will not be required to obtain a visa if they wish to visit Vietnam for less than 30 days. However if your stay extends beyond the one-month mark, you are advised visit the Vietnamese Embassy beforehand to obtain a Visa stamp on your passport ahead of your trip. You may also apply for a visa online through the official application website here, and request to collect your visa upon your arrival at the airport.
Days 1-2: Arriving in Hanoi
The three major international airports in Vietnam are Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Da Nang International Airport (DAD), and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) located in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, respectively. Take a flight to Hanoi to explore Vietnam from north to south. Indian travellers can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online, costing approximately INR 2,000. While it takes seven working days to process the visas, we recommend initiating the process two to three weeks before your planned visit to avoid any last-minute complications. Strategically plan your flight arrival for early morning in Vietnam to capitalise on daylight hours for exploration, thereby minimising time spent travelling during the day.
Once you land at the Noi Bai International Airport, take a private taxi using the Grab app (the Uber equivalent in Vietnam). If you’re looking for cost-effective options, comfortable buses for Hanoi’s Old Quarter are available outside the airport.
On day 1, settle down, rest at your hotel in Hanoi, and step out in the evening. Catch a beautiful sunset at the Tran Quoc Pagoda as the vibrant hues of orange, pink, and yellow paint the sky. Next up is a tourist attraction from every traveller’s Vietnam itinerary – Train Street. Stroll around the iconic street and the Old Quarter area and explore their lively and lantern-lit night markets. Try the local street food in Hanoi’s narrow streets, including Pho, Banh Mi, spring rolls, egg coffee, and more. To experience Vietnam’s nightlife, head to Beer Street in the Old Quarter, a hub for cheap beer, live music, and nomads.
Start early on day 2, have a wholesome Vietnamese coffee, and drive to the Incense Village on the outskirts of Hanoi. A paradise for photographers, you can experience the traditional incense-making process at this unique hamlet.
Once back, you can explore the culture-rich tourist attractions like the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Alternatively, you can go museum hopping. Hanoi is home to an array of historical museums, including the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Watch a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in the evening. A traditional form of theatre that dates back to the 11th century, experiencing the water puppet show is a must-do here.
Finally, indulge in street food delicacies and wander through Hanoi’s bustling night markets, where the city illuminates and creates a magical ambience. Shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs when exploring the markets. Explore more with our exclusive selection of the best things to do in Hanoi.
Restaurants to try: Bun Bo Nam Bo, Phở Thìn, Nha Hang Quan Que, Duong’s Restaurant, Bánh Mì 25, and Banh Mi Pho.
Tip for vegetarians: Download the ‘Happy Cow’ app for vegetarian and vegan options and restaurants.
Best hotels: Hanoi House Hostel & Travel, Bendecir Hotel & Spa, Westlake Pearl Apartment & Hotel – By Pegasy Group, and Grand Vista Hanoi.
Best hostels: Hanoi is a hub for backpackers and hostels. If you’re travelling solo or on a budget, choose from hostels like Hostel Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel, Cheers Hostel Hanoi, Hanoi Backpackers Hostel Old Town, and Drift Backpackers Hostel.
Local commute: You can easily book cabs on Grab for local travel, hire a cyclo (rickshaw) or motorcycle (that reads ‘Xe Om’), use local buses, or hire a scooter.
Book your stay at Bendecir Hotel & Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Bendecir Hotel & Spa via Agoda.com
Vietnam itinerary days 3, 4 and 5
Skip Sapa if you’re looking for a relaxed trip and head directly to Halong Bay on day 3. But, including Sapa in your Vietnam itinerary is highly recommended, especially for mountain lovers. Start early to reach Sapa by the first half of the day. It’s an approximately 6-hour journey and you can take a direct taxi or hop onto one of the many direct buses running between Hanoi and Sapa.
The most popular attraction and a must-do in Sapa is Mount Fansipan, one of the highest peaks in Vietnam. Enjoy the enchanting cable car ride ascending towards the peak. Sitting 10,000 feet above sea level, the top of the peak offers panoramic views of terraced rice field mountains, swirling clouds, and clear blue skies. Visit during the golden hours as the warm hues of the setting sun teleport you to a magical wonderland. Enjoy a lip-smacking meal at night and explore Sapa’s vibrant night market.
Restaurants to try: Sapa is a haven for outdoor cafes and restaurants with scenic views. We recommend Village Pub & Cafe, Sapa Riverside Restaurant, The Herbalist, Halosa, and Aliana Sapa.
Best hotels: Saparid Hotel, Muong View Hoa Hotel, Sapa Dragon Hotel, Pao’s Sapa Leisure, KK Sapa, and Bamboo Sapa Hotel.
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its tranquil waterways, postcard-worthy islands, limestone karsts, hidden caves, and lust vegetation. For an enriching experience, book a day cruise to experience this attraction at its best on day 5, and experience water activities like kayaking or snorkelling, beaches, caves, etc. Halong Bay is also home to the expansive Dong Thien Cave (also known as Heaven’s Cave). Enhance your Vietnam itinerary by including other top attractions in Halong Bay like Cat Ba Island, Ti Top Beach, Cai Bau Pagoda, Sung Sot Cave, fishing villages, and Poem Mountain. Depending on your interest, you can pick either and make the most of your day in Halong Bay.
Restaurants to try: Bien Mo Floating Restaurant, Green Mango, Cafe Bamboo, Indian Master Food, Eco Cafe, and Soul Bowl.
Best hotels: Halong Plaza Hotel, Citadines Marina Halong, Novotel Ha Long Bay, Sunland Halong Hotel, and Vinpeal Resort & Spa.
Book your stay at Muong Hoa View Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Muong Hoa View Hotel via Agoda.com
Vietnam itinerary days 6-7
The fastest way to reach the next tourist hub in your Vietnam itinerary, Hoi An, is by taking a flight. Take an hour-long flight from the Cat Bi International Airport (near Halong Bay) to Da Nang International Airport (30 km from Hoi An), followed by a shuttle bus or taxi to Hoi An.
Note: You can stay in Da Nang, as both cities are a few hours from each other, but we recommend Hoi An for its vibrant nightlife.
Hoi An, like Halong Bay, is blessed with pristine waterways. Any Vietnam itinerary is incomplete without the iconic coconut and lantern boat rides here. On day 6, visit the Hoi An Ancient Town, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its timeless fusion of ancient and modern architecture. Spend your evenings and nighttime cafe-hopping and enjoying iconic Vietnamese coffee, strolling through the lantern-lit market area, or cycling around the countryside for a wholesome experience.
On day 7, drive 1.5 hours to the Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam’s most popular tourist attraction. Perched at 4,500 feet above sea level, the pedestrian walkways offer a mesmerising panorama of the mountains and valleys. Tucked away in the breathtaking Ba Na Hills, the bridge is supported by giant structures resembling human hands, evoking a sense of grandeur, grace, and spirituality. A visit to Da Nang is incomplete without witnessing the majesty of the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills. A magnet for nature and history buffs, this landmark is adorned with caves, pagodas, and shrines, and offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Explore more with our selection of the best things to do in Hoi An and Da Nang.
Tip: We recommend visiting the Mountain Marble during the cooler early morning hours.
Restaurants to try: Morning Glory, Vy’s Market Restaurant, Com Ga Ba Buoi, Mango Mango, Coco Casa Vietnam, and Miss Ly.
Best hotels: Hoianan Boutique Hotel, Hoi An Eco Lodge & Sp, Raon Boutique Villa, Thien Thanh Central Boutique Hotel, La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa.
Book your stay at Hoianan Boutique Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hoianan Boutique Hotel via Agoda.com
Vietnam itinerary days 8-10
While there are several trains from Da Nang, the journey to Ho Chi Minh City is long. The best way to get to Ho Chi Minh City is by taking a 1.5-hour flight on day 8 of your Vietnam itinerary.
Formerly known as Saigon, this bustling city is cherished for its cultural vibrancy, historical relevance, and lively nightlife. When in Ho Chi Minh City, visiting the Cu Chi tunnels is a must. Travel back in time as you explore a network of secret tunnels, book underground tours to experience guerrilla warfare tactics, and visit the War Remnants Museum showcasing artefacts from the Vietnam War. To capture the true vibe of Ho Chi Minh City, visit the Ben Thanh Market, also considered the food and shopping Mecca of the city. Admire the rich French colonial architecture of the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the Saigon Central Post Office, Vietnam’s largest.
Start day 9 early and embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Dubbed the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is a small island with a comforting rural charm, clear blue waters, lush greenery, and vibrant floating markets. A home to rare and endangered species, and diverse flora and fauna, this island is sure to captivate nature enthusiasts. You can enjoy outdoor activities like boat tours, birdwatching trips, and more. Savour local cuisine and dishes like hu tieu (noodle soup), banh xeo (sizzling pancakes), and ca loc kho (braised fish in a clay pot).
On day 10 of your Vietnam itinerary, visit the Saigon Skydeck to get 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City and soak in the city’s bustling streets and landmarks. Walk on a glass skywalk, unwind at a cafe at the observatory deck, and capture gram-worthy snapshots with Saigon’s picturesque skyline in the background. Ending your trip in Vietnam feels like bidding adieu to a dear friend, leaving you longing to return and explore more of its beauty. Vietnam’s diverse charm will leave you with a treasure trove of cherished memories and unforgettable experiences.
To get to the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, book a cab via Grab.
Things to remember when travelling to Vietnam
- Buy a local SIM card from either the main city or the airport. Viettel is the best network in Vietnam.
- The climate pattern in Vietnam varies from North to South. While the North can be cold during the winters, the South is hot and humid year-round. May to October is the monsoon season in Vietnam. Pack by the season you choose to travel in.
- Local vendors and street shops may overcharge for products, so bargain your way to the best deals.
- Owing to humid weather and lush vegetation, some regions are prone to mosquitoes. So, keeping a mosquito repellent handy is crucial for a stress-free trip.
- Always keep some cash handy. While international debit and credit cards are accepted in most places, small vendors and local street food stalls in remote regions prefer payments in cash.
- It is advisable to dress respectfully and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious and cultural places like Buddhist temples, pagodas, etc.
- Be wary of pickpockets and bag snatchers on motorcycles, especially in busy cities and crowded areas.
- Avoid drinking tap water as it might cause health concerns. We recommend stocking up on mineral water bottles from convenience stores.
shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature Image Credit: Hien Phung Thu/Shutterstock)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FQAs)
-How many days are enough to explore Vietnam?
Depending on the destinations you plan on exploring, your interest, and travel type – ten to 14 days should be enough to explore Vietnam.
-What are the best things to buy from Vietnam?
The best things to buy when travelling to Vietnam are coffee, conical bamboo hats, handcrafted souvenirs, silk clothing, incense sticks, and lacquerware.
-What should I pack for my trip to Vietnam?
During the summers, it is best to carry lightweight and breathable clothes for the heat, and a waterproof rain jacket for sudden downpours. An umbrella, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are must-haves.
-How do I get around in Vietnam?
Taxis, public buses, cyclos (cycle taxis), and motorbikes are convenient ways to travel internally in Vietnam. Grab is a popular taxi app used in the country. For seamless travel, you can also hire a scooter for cost-effective prices.
-What is the process to obtain a Vietnam visa?
To obtain a Vietnam visa you can apply for an e-visa on an online portal, fill up the application form, and pay the fees, and it’s done – that easy! It takes seven working days to process the e-visa.
-What are some adventure activities to do in Vietnam?
Kayaking and snorkeling in Halong Bay, ziplining and scuba diving in Nha Trang trekking to Mount Fanispan in Sapa, and river rafting in Da Lat are some adventure activities to do in Vietnam.
-What are the must-try food items in Vietnam?
Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Goi Cuon (spring rolls), Banh xeo (a crepe), Xoi (Vietnamese sticky rice), Cha Ca (fish dish), Com Tam (comforting rice dish) and some iconic, must-try and local food items to try in Vietnam.
-What are the cultural attractions in Vietnam?
Hoi An Ancient Town, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi, Linh Phuoc Pagoda in Da Lat, Hue Imperial City in Hue, and Phat Diem Cathedral in Ninh Binh are some cultural attractions in Vietnam.
-What are the offbeat experiences in Vietnam?
Cafe apartments in Ho Chi Minh City, Floating markets in the Mekong Delta, hidden bars in Hanoi, exploring minority villages around Kon Tum, and cave camping in Phong Nha-Ke Bang are some of the unique experiences to include in your Vietnam itinerary.
-What are the best hotels to stay in Vietnam?
Vinpearl Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort, Park Hyatt, Legacy Yen Tu, Pullman Danang Beach Resort, and Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa are some of the best hotels in Vietnam.
-What are the best restaurants in Vietnam?
Morning Glory and Madam Khanh in Hoi An, Secret Garden in Ho Chi Minh City, Café Dinh in Hue, Bien Mo Floating Restaurant in Halong Bay, Green Tangerine in Old Quarter, Banh Xeo in Ho Chi Minh City. For Indian cuisine, we hear Dalcheeni in Hanoi and Baba in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-try.
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An ailurophile, a full-time snacker, an emoji fanatic, and secretly a pahadi - Shaili is mostly found in Mumbai or in the mountains. A passionate animal lover, she's working to strengthen the animal protection movement in India. She's also freelanced with publications like Hindustan Times, Conde Nast, Vogue, GQ, AD, in the past. She loves to spend her free time cafe-hopping and going for long walks.
