Vietnam is a tapestry of dynastic capitals, French boulevards, and war-era stories, stitched together by rice terraces, limestone peaks, and noodle steam. From imperial Hanoi to kinetic Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll taste the country’s soul in every bowl of pho and every roadside coffee.

On this 10-day itinerary, you’ll base in Hanoi for Old Quarter rambling, hit Ninh Binh for mountain steps and river caves, then sail Ha Long Bay overnight under dragon-back karsts. Fly south to Saigon for bustling markets, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and a rollicking motorbike food safari.

Practical notes: U.S. and many EU passport holders can often obtain e-visas online; check the latest entry rules before booking. Expect warm hospitality, cash-friendly markets, and scooters everywhere. Cuisine highlights include bun cha, banh xeo, fresh spring rolls, and a lifetime of robust Vietnamese coffee.

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s cultural heartbeat—centuries-old guild streets, lakeside pagodas, and a café culture that birthed egg coffee. The Old Quarter’s maze was organized by trades; today it’s a kaleidoscope of pho steam, silk shops, and buzzing bia hoi corners.

Top sights include Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, the Temple of Literature, and the French Quarter’s belle époque façades. Food lovers can graze on bun cha, cha ca turmeric fish, and sticky rice desserts—then cap nights with fresh beer on Ta Hien Street.

Where to stay (mid-range focus, with budget and splurge options):

• Mid-range boutique: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa (Old Quarter, great value, on-site spa).
• Classic splurge: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (historic grandeur, award-winning dining).
• Modern high-rise: Lotte Hotel Hanoi (skyline views, rooftop bar).
• Apart-hotel value: Somerset Grand Hanoi (kitchenettes, central location).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Hanoi or apartments on VRBO: Hanoi.

Getting in and around: Fly into HAN via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. For Ninh Binh, independent travelers can ride the Reunification Express (~2 hours, ~$7–12) via Trip.com trains, or join a small-group tour with hotel pickup.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Old Quarter Warm-Up

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, drop bags and stretch your legs around Hoan Kiem Lake where locals practice tai chi beneath banyans.

Afternoon: Check in, then snack on banh mi at Banh Mi 25 (grilled pork, pickled veg, cilantro) and sip egg coffee at Café Giang, the 1946 original. Wander the French Quarter’s Opera House and bookish Trang Tien street; grab a cone at Kem Trang Tien.

Evening: Casual dinner with Hanoi’s signature bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien (yes, the “Obama bun cha”). Toast your first night with bia hoi at Ta Hien Street’s corner pubs; keep valuables close in the crowds.

Day 2: Hanoi Icons + Jeep Food Adventure

Morning: Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen (Pho Bat Dan)—line up, share tables, and slurp a pure, beefy broth. Walk to the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university), then café-hop to Blackbird Coffee for expertly pulled espresso.

Afternoon: Explore the Old Quarter’s craft alleys; for lunch try Bun Bo Nam Bo (beef noodle salad with herbs and crispy shallots). Swing by the “train street” area only if open and permitted—rules change—then browse Dong Xuan Market for kitchen souvenirs.

Evening: Hit a thrilling food-and-culture ride:

Hanoi Jeep Tour: Food, Culture and Fun by Vietnam Army Jeep (evening departure; ~4 hours; ~$55–75). You’ll sample street eats, weave through French-era boulevards, and catch sunset spots locals love.

Day 3: Ninh Binh Karsts, Caves, and Steps (Full-Day)

Full-day small-group escape to “Ha Long Bay on land,” with boat rides through rice paddies and a 500-step hike for sweeping views. Expect a hotel pickup around 7:30–8:00 a.m., countryside cycling, and a hearty local lunch.

Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave (Boat & Bike) (~10–11 hours; ~$45–75). The Mua Cave viewpoint is a leg-burner but worth the panorama.

Dinner back in Hanoi: Try cha ca (turmeric-dill fish) at Cha Ca Thang Long—cook-at-table with herbs and vermicelli. Nightcap at Polite & Co. for classic cocktails in a speakeasy setting.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s marine cathedral—thousands of limestone towers rising from jade water. Legends say a dragon carved the valleys with its tail; at sunset, the cliffs glow like embers.

Top experiences include kayaking beneath grottoes, hiking Ti Top Island’s steps, and squid fishing at night. Many cruises include a brief Vietnamese cooking class—perfect for foodies.

Where to stay if you add a land night: Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long (island resort with private beach) or good-value Ha Long DC Hotel. Browse: Hotels.com: Ha Long Bay or VRBO: Ha Long Bay.

Getting there: Most overnight cruises include round-trip shuttle from Hanoi (2.5–3 hours each way). If self-arranging, private cars are ~US$80–120 per vehicle.

Day 4: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay — Overnight Cruise (2D1N)

Depart Hanoi around 8:00 a.m., check in at the pier by late morning. Board your ship, settle into your balcony cabin, then sail into karst country with a seafood lunch on deck.

Afternoon brings kayaking in sheltered lagoons and a short hike on Ti Top Island for an elevated bay view. Before dinner, many boats host a Vietnamese spring-roll cooking demo—a tasty nod to your “foodie + cooking class” wish.

Top Tier: Overnight Ha Long Bay Cruise 5-Star, Balcony Cabin (2D1N) (~$160–260 pp incl. meals, kayak, transfers). Expect sunset happy hour and optional squid fishing.

Day 5: Caves at Dawn, Fly South to Saigon

Morning: Early tai chi on deck followed by a cave visit (Surprising or Luon) and brunch aboard. Disembark late morning; shuttle back to Hanoi by mid-afternoon.

Afternoon: Fly Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (2 hours; typical fares ~$50–120). Compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Taxi or ride-hail from SGN to District 1 is ~25–45 minutes depending on traffic.

Evening: Check in and decompress with a riverside dinner at The Deck Saigon (Asian fusion, sunset views) or go homestyle at Cuc Gach Quan (claypot fish, green mango salad). Nightcap at Chill Skybar for skyline glitz or the intimate Layla – Eatery & Bar.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Saigon hums—neon, motorbikes, tree-lined boulevards, and 24/7 street food. It’s Vietnam’s commercial engine, where colonial landmarks sit beside glass towers and alley kitchens fuel the city’s sprint.

Top sights include the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, and incense-hazed temples in Cholon (Chinatown). Food is a sport here: from com tam broken rice to sizzling banh xeo pancakes and buttery “Saigon-style” coffee.

Where to stay:

• Mid-range gem: Silverland Yen Hotel (quiet spa vibes, rooftop pool, walkable District 1).
• Serviced lodging: Sherwood Residence (spacious units, great for longer stays).
• Design-forward splurge: The Reverie Saigon (opulent interiors, city views).
• Budget/social: The Common Room Project (stylish community hostel).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Ho Chi Minh City or apartments on VRBO: Ho Chi Minh City.

Getting there: Nonstop flights from Hanoi and Danang are frequent; book on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. In-city, use ride-hailing for value and safety.

Day 6: Saigon Orientation + Jeep City Highlights

Morning: Fueled by banh mi from Banh Mi Hong Hoa (buttery, charcuterie-loaded), set off on a retro ride:

Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep (~3–4 hours; ~$40–70) for open-air views of Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior), Central Post Office, and Reunification Palace.

Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum—sobering but essential. Lunch at Com Tam Ba Ghien (broken rice with grilled pork chop, fish sauce vinaigrette), then coffee at The Workshop (third-wave roastery) overlooking Dong Khoi’s heritage district.

Evening: Dinner at Bep Me In (rustic northern-southern dishes) or Secret Garden (rooftop, home-style flavors). Explore speakeasy Alley50 for inventive cocktails; call it early if you’re doing a big day trip tomorrow.

Day 7: Cu Chi Tunnels + Mekong Delta (Full-Day)

Trace Vietnam War history at Cu Chi’s underground network, then swap to the Mekong Delta’s coconut-lined canals for boats, local music, and tropical fruit. It’s a long, satisfying day that pairs history and countryside.

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Small-Group Tour (~10–11 hours; ~$45–85). Expect a motorboat, sampan ride, honey tea stops, and a Vietnamese lunch.

Dinner back in town at Quan Ut Ut (Vietnamese-American BBQ with local craft beer) or seafood “oc” crawl on Vinh Khanh Street (try clams in lemongrass and chili crab claws).

Day 8: Cooking Class, Cholon Temples, Motorbike Street Food

Morning: Hands-on cooking class (e.g., Cyclo Resto or a local school near Ben Thanh) with market tour, typically ~$30–45, covering fresh spring rolls, caramelized pork, and nuoc cham fundamentals.

Afternoon: Head to Cholon (Chinatown) to explore Thien Hau Temple’s incense coils and Binh Tay Market’s produce labyrinth. Cool down with ca phe sua da at Shin Coffee (Mac Thi Buoi).

Evening: Cap the day with a scooter-led feast:

Ho Chi Minh Street Food & Sightseeing by Motorbike (~4 hours; ~$30–55). Expect 7–12 dishes—goi cuon, banh xeo, broken rice—and neighborhood stories between bites.

Day 9: Wild Saigon—Mangroves or Mountain, Your Call

Morning: Adventure option 1: Can Gio Biosphere Reserve (2 hours each way). Spot macaques, visit Rung Sac base by boat, and climb observation towers over mangrove canopy. Option 2: Day hike Ba Den (Black Virgin) Mountain near Tay Ninh (cable car + summit trails; strong legs required).

Afternoon: Return to the city; late lunch at Banh Xeo 46A (crispy turmeric crepes) and a refreshing sinh to (fruit shake). If time allows, browse Vincom Center or Saigon Centre for last-minute gifts.

Evening: Sunset drink on the Saigon River ferry (District 2) or at rooftop EON Heli Bar/Chill Skybar. Dinner at Pizza 4P’s if you’re craving a break—house-made burrata meets local produce in creative pies.

Day 10: Markets, Last Sips, Departure

Morning: Glide through Ben Thanh Market early for quieter aisles—pick up coffee beans, dried jackfruit, or fish sauce caramel candy. Final coffee flight at The Workshop or Bosgaurus (District 2) to compare roasts.

Afternoon: Airport transfer (allow 3 hours before your international flight). If you have time, a quick banh mi for the road and one last iced coffee.

Evening: In the air—already plotting your return to central Vietnam for Hoi An and Hue next time.

Getting Between Cities: Time and Cost Snapshot

• Hanoi → Ha Long Bay pier: 2.5–3 hours by cruise shuttle or private car (often included in overnight cruise packages).
• Ha Long Bay → Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City: Shuttle back ~3 hours, then 2-hour flight to SGN; fares ~$50–120 on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Hanoi ↔ Ninh Binh (independent option): ~2 hours by train, ~$7–12 via Trip.com trains (most travelers choose day tours with hotel pickup).

Extra Eats and Coffee Shortlist

• Hanoi: Banh Cuon Gia Truyen Thanh Van (steamed rice rolls), Pho Thin Lo Duc (smoky wok-kissed broth), Nhan Shushi for a Viet-Japanese twist.
• Saigon: Lunch Lady (rotating noodle soups), Bep Vo for rustic dishes, Pasteur Street Brewing Co. (passion-fruit IPA with banh mi bites).

More Viator Ideas (Optional Alternatives)

• Halong 5-Star Day Cruise: Buffet, Wine & Jacuzzi if you prefer a day trip from Hanoi.
• Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights as an alternative route and viewpoints.
• Cu Chi + Mekong VIP by Limousine for a comfier ride.

Budget tips: With a mid-range budget (50/100), aim for boutique hotels, a 5-star but competitively priced Ha Long cruise, and street food lunches. Most great meals cost $2–6; craft cocktails $6–12; rideshares $2–5 across town.

Safety and etiquette: Cross streets slowly and predictably; scooters will flow around you. Dress modestly for temples, and carry small change for coffee stands and taxis.

Trip summary: In 10 days you’ve climbed Ninh Binh’s dragon-backed steps, slept on a bay beneath constellations, and tasted Vietnam one street stall at a time. North-to-south, this itinerary balances adventure, history, and serious flavor—fuel for a return to central Vietnam’s lantern towns and imperial tombs.