Vietnam offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, vibrant culture, and significant historical landmarks, making it an ideal destination as it offers something for everyone. This ultimate Vietnam trip lets you sample top attractions in a quick 10 days trip.
Fun facts
- Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, known for its strong and flavorful coffee. The country has a thriving coffee culture, with traditional drip coffee (ca phe phin) being a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
- Vietnam is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Halong Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, and the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty. These sites showcase the country’s rich history, architecture, and natural beauty.
- Motorbikes are a ubiquitous mode of transportation in Vietnam. In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the streets are filled with a constant flow of motorbikes, making crossing the road a unique experience.
- The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is famous for its vibrant floating markets. These markets are where locals buy and sell goods from boats, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the people living along the river.
- Son Doong Cave, located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, is the world’s largest cave and stretches over 5 kilometers in length. It has its own river, jungle, and even its own weather system!
- Tet Nguyen Dan, or Tet, is Vietnam’s most important holiday and marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and honoring ancestors. Tet is celebrated with colorful decorations, traditional customs, and festive activities.
- Water puppetry is a unique form of traditional Vietnamese theater that originated in the Red River Delta. Puppeteers manipulate puppets on a water stage while accompanied by live music and singing. It’s a captivating and culturally significant art form.
- Vietnam is renowned for its delicious street food. From pho and banh mi to fresh spring rolls and crispy Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo), you’ll find a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes being prepared and enjoyed on the bustling streets throughout the country.
Travel tips
- Check the visa requirements for your nationality well in advance. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to obtain a visa before arrival or be eligible for visa-free entry for a certain period.
- Vietnam has a diverse climate, so pack accordingly. In general, lightweight and breathable clothing is suitable, but it’s a good idea to bring layers for cooler evenings or visits to mountainous areas. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.
- Public transportation in Vietnam is varied and convenient. You can travel between cities by domestic flights, trains, buses, or private cars. In cities, taxis, motorbike taxis (xe om), and ride-hailing services like Grab are popular options. When using taxis, ensure they are metered or agree on a fare before starting the journey.
- The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). It’s advisable to carry a mix of cash and cards, as some places may not accept credit or debit cards. ATMs are widely available in major cities, and currency exchange services are available at banks and authorized exchange counters.
- Bargaining is common in markets and smaller shops in Vietnam. It’s a part of the culture, so don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better price. However, be respectful and maintain a friendly demeanor during the process.
- Familiarize yourself with some basic local customs and etiquette. For example, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of local traditions and sensitivities.
- Vietnamese street food is a must-try, but it’s essential to be cautious about hygiene. Look for busy stalls with high turnover, as they usually have fresh food. Avoid eating raw or undercooked items, and drink bottled water or purified water.
- Vietnamese is the official language in Vietnam. While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can be helpful and appreciated by locals. Carry a phrasebook or use translation apps to aid in communication.
- Vietnam is generally a safe country to travel, but it’s always advisable to take common safety precautions. Be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings. Beware of common scams, such as overcharging, fake taxi meters, and unsolicited offers.
Recommended daily itinerary
Day 1
Hanoi.
- Arrive in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.
- Check in to Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa. Surrounded by several iconic monuments and sightseeing places, on a beautiful leafy street with embassies along, adjacent to the Old Quarter, this luxury hotel provides you with full facilities.
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the nearby Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda.
- Enjoy delicious lunch at KOTO van mieu.
- Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university.
- In the evening, wander around the vibrant Old Quarter and enjoy a delicious street food dinner.
Day 2
Halong Bay.
- Enjoy early breakfast at Cafe Hieu.
- Take a full day Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour. In this tour, you’ll get a full day out on the water amongst the thousands of islands that dot the sea in this unique landscape. Enjoy kayaking through tunnels and swimming at the beach, and see panoramic views from Titop Island.
- Enjoy street food dinner at the Old Quarter.
Day 3
Hue
- Fly from Hanoi to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
- Check in to Eldora Hotel.
- Explore the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about Vietnam’s history.
- Enjoy delicious lunch at Maison Trang.
- Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and take a relaxing boat ride along the Perfume River.
- Top off with all you can eat buffet dinner at Yaki Yum Sushi & BBQ Buffet.
Day 4
Hoi An
- Take a scenic drive from Hue to Hoi An, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town.
- Check in to Little Riverside Hoi An.
- Explore the well-preserved Ancient Town of Hoi An with its atmospheric streets, Chinese temples, and Japanese Covered Bridge.
- Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine and try your hand at a cooking class.
Day 5
Hoi An
- Take a bicycle ride through the countryside to visit local villages, rice paddies, and craft workshops.
- Relax at the nearby An Bang or Cua Dai beach.
- In the evening, enjoy the magical lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
Day 6
Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hill
- Enjoy early morning breakfast at PHAN GIA CAFÉ RIVERSIDE Restaurant.
- Take a full day trip that takes you high up into the Ba Na hills to visit the Linh Ung pagoda, France wine cellar, Golden Bridge, flower garden, and King Peak.
Day 7
Ho Chi Minh City.
- Fly Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant southern metropolis.
- Check in to Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel.
- Explore the War Remnants Museum and learn about the Vietnam War.
- Visit the Reunification Palace and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.
- Take a stroll along Dong Khoi Street, known for its shops, cafes, and historic landmarks.
Day 8
Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Enjoy early morning breakfast at Café Marcel.
- Take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the Vietnam War.
- Stroll around Ho Chi Minh Squares exploring stunning architectures and landmarks.
Day 9
Mekong Delta.
- Enjoy early morning breakfast at Café Marcel.
- Take a full-day tour to the Mekong Delta, known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam.
Day 10
Last day of the trip
- Spend the day exploring more of Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.
- Visit the Ben Thanh Market for some souvenir shopping.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of the city.
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