Planning your first trip to Vietnam can feel overwhelming. With so many destinations, landscapes, and travel styles, it’s hard to know where to begin. This Vietnam itinerary 10-14 days is designed specifically for travelers visiting Vietnam for the first time who want a balanced, realistic, and enjoyable route—without rushing from place to place.
This guide follows a classic Vietnam itinerary north to south, combining cultural cities, natural wonders, and time to slow down. Whether you’re planning a 10 day Vietnam itinerary or a more relaxed 14 day Vietnam itinerary, this route can be easily adjusted to fit your pace.
Why a Vietnam Itinerary 10-14 days Is the Sweet Spot
Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometers from north to south, and trying to see it all too quickly can turn your trip into a checklist. A Vietnam itinerary 10-14 days allows first-time visitors to:
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Experience North, Central, and South Vietnam
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Minimize long travel days
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Enjoy both highlights and everyday moments
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Travel at a comfortable, flexible pace
For many travelers, this timeframe creates the best Vietnam itinerary—long enough to feel immersive, short enough to stay exciting.
Overview: Vietnam Itinerary North to South
Route:
Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City
This Vietnam travel itinerary works well because:
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Transportation between destinations is simple
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Each stop offers a different experience
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You avoid unnecessary backtracking
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It suits both a 10 day Vietnam itinerary and a 14 day Vietnam itinerary
Days 1–3: Hanoi – Culture, History, and Street Life
Hanoi is an ideal starting point for a Vietnam itinerary for first-time visitors. The city blends ancient traditions with lively modern energy.
Top things to do in Hanoi:
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Explore the Old Quarter on foot
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Visit the Temple of Literature
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Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
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Try classic street food like pho and bun cha
Travel tip:
Instead of packing your days with museums, leave time for cafés, wandering small streets, and observing daily life.
Days 4–5: Ha Long Bay – Limestone Karsts and Sunset Cruises
A visit to Ha Long Bay is a highlight of any Vietnam Itinerary 10-14 days, but the experience depends on how you do it.
Best experience:
Choose an overnight cruise rather than a rushed day trip. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy:
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Sunset and sunrise over the bay
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Kayaking in quieter areas
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A more peaceful atmosphere after day visitors leave
For more details, you can explore our complete Ha Long Bay travel guide
Days 6–7: Ninh Binh – Rivers, Rice Fields, and Viewpoints
Ninh Binh offers dramatic landscapes and a slower rhythm, making it a perfect stop on a Vietnam itinerary north to south.
Highlights in Ninh Binh:
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Boat rides in Trang An or Tam Coc
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Cycling through villages and rice fields
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Visiting ancient temples
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Hiking to scenic viewpoints like Hang Mua
This destination adds depth to your Vietnam travel itinerary without complicated logistics.
Days 8–10: Hoi An – Old Town Charm and Coastal Relaxation
Hoi An is often where travelers truly slow down. Lantern-lit streets, nearby beaches, and creative experiences make it a favorite stop in the best Vietnam itinerary.
Things to do in Hoi An:
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Wander the Ancient Town early morning or evening
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Take a cooking class or lantern workshop
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Relax at An Bang Beach
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Enjoy local cafés and riverside dining
You can extend your stay here easily if you’re following a 14 day Vietnam itinerary.
Days 11–12: Ho Chi Minh City – Modern Energy and Food Culture
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a dynamic way to end your Vietnam Itinerary 10-14 days.
Key experiences:
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Visit the War Remnants Museum
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Explore local coffee culture
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Join a street food tour
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Enjoy rooftop views at night
The city’s international connections make it a practical final stop.
Days 13–14: Flexible Add-Ons for a 14 Day Vietnam Itinerary
If you have extra time, consider one of these options:
Mekong Delta
A relaxed introduction to southern Vietnam’s waterways and rural life.
Extra Time in Hoi An
Slow down even more with beach days, spa visits, or countryside cycling.
Da Nang
A modern coastal city that fits easily into a Vietnam itinerary north to south.
10 Day vs 14 Day Vietnam Itinerary Comparison
Sample 10 Day Vietnam Itinerary
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Hanoi (3 days)
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Ha Long Bay (2 days)
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Ninh Binh (2 days)
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Hoi An (2 days)
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Ho Chi Minh City (1 day)
Sample 14 Day Vietnam Itinerary
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Hanoi (3 days)
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Ha Long Bay (2 days)
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Ninh Binh (2 days)
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Hoi An (3 days)
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Ho Chi Minh City (2 days)
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Mekong Delta or slow days (2 days)
Best Time to Follow This Vietnam Travel Itinerary
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March to May: Warm weather and clear skies
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September to November: Fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures
For official travel updates and destination inspiration, you can visit the Vietnam National Tourism website.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
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Avoid overpacking your schedule
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Prioritize quality experiences over quantity
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Choose Ha Long Bay cruises carefully
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Use domestic flights to save time
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Always allow buffer days
These tips help make your Vietnam itinerary for first-time visitors smoother and more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts: The Best Vietnam Itinerary for First-Time Travelers
This Vietnam Itinerary 10-14 days offers a balanced and flexible route for travelers discovering Vietnam for the first time. From Hanoi’s street life to Ha Long Bay’s iconic scenery, from Ninh Binh’s countryside to Hoi An’s charm and Ho Chi Minh City’s energy, this journey shows Vietnam at its best—without rushing.
If you’d like help customizing this route to your pace, interests, or travel style, Maverick Journeys specializes in curated, unhurried itineraries designed for meaningful travel experiences.