Vietnam 10-Day Itinerary: How to Spend 10 Days in Northern Vietnam

Ready to start planning the perfect 10-day itinerary for Vietnam? You’ve come to the right place! This article will give you a day-by-day breakdown of what to do in North Vietnam for 10 days. 

You might be wondering whether 10 days in Vietnam is enough, and whilst there’s always more you can do and see in a country, I think that 10 days in Vietnam is plenty of time to get a good introduction.

You’ll have enough time to go on a cruise in Halong Bay, go hiking through the breathtaking rice paddies in Sapa, visit countless temples, go on a boat tour in Ninh Binh, and enjoy the bustling streets of Hanoi! 

So read on, and let’s get into this Northern Vietnam itinerary! 

10 Days in Northern Vietnam Itinerary

This is the exact 10-day itinerary we followed during our trip.

We decided to focus only on the North of Vietnam as we didn’t want to spend too much time travelling all over the country, and instead slow travel and enjoy each place for longer.

If you’re used to travelling at a faster pace, this Northern Vietnam 10-day itinerary might be a bit slow for you, but it will guarantee you make the most of your time in each destination.

Day 1: Hanoi

It’s likely most of the international flights you’ll find will fly into Hanoi, a busy and lively city that is known as the city that never sleeps. 

Definitely one to add to your Vietnam itinerary! Here are some of the main attractions in Hanoi that you can explore on day one.

Visit the Old Quarter

To kick start your time in Vietnam head to The Old Quarter of Hanoi. There are vendors lining every street of this neighbourhood, selling everything you can imagine. 

People and mopeds will swarm you from every direction, so be ready for the chaos. Some of the coolest streets in The Old Quarter that are worth visiting are Hang Dao Street, Hang Ma Street, and Hang Bac Street. 

Go to St. Joseph Cathedral

Next, head to Hanoi’s St. Joseph Cathedral that was built during the French Colonial period in the 19th century.

Because of this, it’s really different from the surrounding buildings and it’s really interesting to see the contrast in architecture.

At night they light the church up, making it even more magical. You can go inside if you want to.

It is worth mentioning that if you’ve seen lots of European churches before, this one won’t be so impressive, it’s the fact that it’s in Vietnam that makes it unique.

Even still, it’s an interesting part of Vietnamese history. 

Wind down at Beer Street

Ready to chill for a bit? Beer Street is the place to go. Though it mostly goes by its colloquial name, the street is actually called Ta Hien Street. 

It’s in the Old Quarter neighbourhood and is known for its bustling restaurants and lively bars that have made it a popular spot amongst tourists. But don’t worry, it’s not a total tourist trap. There are always lots of locals there too.

There’s always live music and the beer is ridiculously cheap – expect to pay about 10,000 VND (less than 0.50 USD) per beer! 

If you want to have an even more unique dining experience, why not join a food tour? That way you’ll have a local guide taking you around to all the best dining spots in town!

Click here to book your Hanoi street food tour!

Where to stay in Hanoi 

Budget– The best budget option is Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel. You’ll be at the heart of the most vibrant neighbourhood. It’s nothing fancy, but the rooms are clean and nice. 

Click here to book your stay at the Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel!

Mid range– A good mid-range pick is Hotel Hanoi Amber Hotel. It has surprisingly fancy decor for the price, and is centrally located. 

Click here to book your stay at the Hanoi Serendipity Hotel!

Luxury – Looking for something fancy? This amazing luxury option is for you. Pan Pacific Hanoi is a 5-star hotel with a spa and indoor pool. Expect to pay $100 upwards a night, but if you’re in Vietnam celebrating a special occasion, then why not! 

Click here to book your stay at the Pan Pacific Hanoi!

Day 2: Travel to Halong Bay

There’s no denying that the cruises along Halong Bay are touristic, but they’re a unique part of this North Vietnam 10-day itinerary that you shouldn’t skip. 

Most cruise options in Halong Bay will include a shuttle transfer from the Old Quarter in Hanoi, so you can forget about the logistics and enjoy your tour.

We opted for a 3-day 2-night cruise in Halong Bay, even though most travellers only visit on a day trip or one night at most, since the travel time from Hanoi is quite long, so we wanted to make sure it paid off, and to have time to relax  between travel days.

We were picked up at 9am and it took two and a half hours from there to Halong Bay, and longer still to actually get on the boat – but the panoramic views and excitement were enough to keep us happy! 

We did a cruise with Aspira Cruise when we were there, onboard their beautiful luxury boat. It’s definitely one of the best cruises in Halong Bay. 

On the first day, we went on a kayaking trip to the Light and Dark Cave, which isn’t actually a cave but more of a lagoon surrounded by jagged cliffs with lush vegetation.

After that we did a cooking class where we learnt how to make traditional Vietnamese food, which we got to share with the other passengers. 

We thought that would be it for the day, but once it got dark we all gathered to try our luck at catching squid. It was a packed and fun second day of this 10-day Vietnam tour! 

Click here to book your 3 day 2 night Halong Bay cruise!

Day 3: Halong Bay cruise

We started the second day with an early morning Tai Chi class on the deck. It was amazing – the emerald water and jagged peaks surrounding us made it feel extra special. 

Next, we went to Cat Ba Island. We were given bikes to cycle to Viet Hai Village through lush forest and rice paddies. 

The village had a laid-back atmosphere that was a million worlds away from the bustling way of life in Hanoi. I enjoyed experiencing a more rural and traditional side of Vietnam. 

After exploring we went back to the boat and had lunch, before getting back on our kayaks and paddling to Ba Trai Dao! The lagoons there were breathtaking. You can get really close to the cliffs too.

That evening we had dinner with the other passengers and made the most of the views from our balcony. You do a lot on the cruise, so make the most of every chance you get to sit back with a book and soak in your surroundings.

Halong Bay really is one of the most magical places I’ve been to. It’s hard to describe just how incredible it is, you’ll just have to book one of these cruises and see for yourself!

Click here to see prices & availability for a luxury Halong Bay cruise!

Day 4: Leave Halong Bay & travel to Ninh Binh

Our last morning on the cruise was a lot like the one before. We woke up and did some Thai Chi, then hopped back on our kayaks and went to Ba Trai Dao Beach, where you can choose to go swimming or explore a local fishing village. 

We checked out at about 11:30am. From there you would usually take a transfer back to Hanoi, but you’ll want to arrange a transfer through the cruise company directly to Ninh Binh to save you time! 

It takes around four hours to get there, and you’ll likely be tired when you arrive. I suggest having a relaxed evening and catching your breath.

Head out for some street food, go for a gentle stroll around your hotel, and just enjoy people-watching instead of trying to pack your evening with activities. 

You don’t want to burn out halfway through your 10-day Northern Vietnam trip because you’ve overpacked your schedule! 

Where to stay in Ninh Binh:

Budget – A great budget option in Nihn Binh is Trang An Lamia Bungalow. Their bamboo bungalows are unique and affordable.

Click here to book your stay at the Trang An Lamia Bungalow 

Mid range – Looking for something mid-range? The Green Mountain Homestay strikes a great balance of high-end facilities at a low cost. It is nestled amongst rice fields and boasts a pool! 

Click here to book your stay at the Green Mountain Homestay

Luxury – For those looking for luxury, book a stay at the Mua Caves Ecolodge. As well as high-end bungalows with a pool, it has the perk of being past the Mud Caves ticket barrier so you can go to the Mua Caves viewpoint early on before the crowds arrive! 

Click here to book your stay at the Mua Caves Ecolodge

Day 5: Explore Ninh Binh

You now have a full day to spend exploring around Ninh Binh! Here are some of the must do activities.

Climb to the Mua Cave Viewpoint

There’s loads to do in Ninh Binh, which is why it’s worth staying two nights. Start your trip with a climb up to the Mua Cave Viewpoint.

The incredible views of the town and rice fields from the top are worth the 500 steps you’ll have to climb to get there. Bring good shoes and plenty of water! 

While you could easily explore Ninh Binh alone, you could also join a motorbike tour like this one, to ensure you visit all the main sights and have a local guide to tell you the history of what you’re seeing.

Click here to book your Ninh Binh motorbike tour!

Visit the Bich Dong Pagoda temple complex

Next, head to the 15th-century Bich Dong Pagoda temple complex. It’s built into the cliffs surrounding Ninh Binh.

Unfortunately, it’s another tough climb to get there but it’s worth it! There are three pagoda levels at the complex, each unique and mesmerizing. 

Head on a boat tour in Tam Coc or Trang An

Lastly, you won’t want to skip going on a boat tour in the region. But you will need to decide between a boat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc. 

Trang An is surrounded by lush scenery as well as being lined with caves and temples along the route. The tour takes about three hours, with stops to see the stalactites and stalagmites at the Hang Ca Cave and Mua Cave along the way.

You’ll get to see the Thanh Can Son Temple too! 

If you opt for the Tam Coc boat ride you’ll row through the rice paddies around Ninh Binh, following the Ngo Dong river.

Surrounded by limestone cliffs with sites of locals farming and buffalos in the distance it’s the more tranquil and peaceful of the options. You’ll get to pass under some ancient stone bridges too!

You could opt for a guided tour of Ninh Binh like this one, which includes also a boat tour in Trang An.

Click here to book your boat ride in Trang An, Vietnam!

Day 6: Explore Ninh Binh & travel to Sapa

Tonight you’ll be travelling to Sapa, but first, you still have some time to explore the beauties of Ninh Binh.

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient City

The next morning, get up early and start the day off with a trip to Hoa Lu Ancient City. Once the capital of the Dai Co Viet kingdom in the 10th and 11th century, the site is still of great cultural significance today. 

There are temples and statues dotted around the old ruins that are evidence of how important it once was.

I’d recommend getting a guide so you can get a real sense of the history of the place, or you could go on this tour that combines a boat tour in Tam Coc with a visit to Hao Lu!

Click here to book your Hoa Lu Ancient City Tour with boat ride!

Cross the road and visit the Dong am Tien cave temple

Just across the road from Hoa Lu Ancient City is the stunning cave temple Dong am Tien. The complex was built into the limestone mountains surrounding a lake. There are two pagodas and temples, each on one side of the lake. 

Behind one of the temples is where you’ll find the hidden temple cave that is home to stone sculptures of Buddhist deities. 

Go on a trip to Bai Dinh Pagoda

To finish off your time in Ninh Binh hop on your mopeds and visit Bai Dinh Pagoda. It’s one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia.

It’s made up of a Great Buddha Temple alongside a bronze bell tower and a gallery with 500 arhat statues. You can’t miss it! 

That wraps up your time in Ninh Binh, but not the end of your travel day. To save you money and time, I suggest getting the overnight bus to Sapa.

You can get a comfortable VIP sleeper bus if you want to properly rest! It takes about eight hours and the price ranges between $20-$40 depending on the company you travel with.

Considering it takes so long to travel from Ninh Binh to Sapa, we didn’t want to waste a full day of our itinerary to get there, hence why we opted for the sleeper bus. You save on hotel money for one night, and wake up in a new place!

Click here to book your sleeper bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa!

Day 7: Explore Sapa

You’ll likely arrive in Sapa around 6AM. Get some street food for breakfast and drop your bags off at your accommodation – now you’re ready to start the day! 

Visit Cat Cat Village

Although I’m in two minds about this town, it is worth visiting Cat Cat Village whilst you’re in Sapa. This Hmong village dates back to the 19th century, but later became a holiday destination for French colonisers. 

The locals still wear gorgeous traditional costumes and the place is reminiscent of times gone by in many ways, however it has been tailored to tourists. Entrance to the village costs $3 and it’s open from 9AM to 6PM. 

Take the cable car up Mount Fansipan for the best views

After, take the cable car up Mount Fansipan. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the top. Once you’re there, take in the insane views of the surrounding valley and giant Buddha below!

Exploring the peak of Mount Fansipan was probably one of the highlights of our Vietnam trip. The cable car journey itself is super scenic, but the temple at the top is just jaw dropping.

It’s a massive sprawling complex, with a giant buddha statue but also many halls and buildings to explore, all topped with incredible mountain views. After all, it’s the highest peak in Indochina!

It’s also one of the main tourist attractions, so make sure to book your cable car ticket online beforehand, so you can skip the queues.

Click here to book your Fansipan Mountain cable car ticket!

Where to stay in Sapa

Low budget – The best budget option in Sapa is Rosie House, it’s where we stayed during our trip. It’s a little outside of the town centre but there are great views from the rooms and the host is friendly! 

Click here to book your stay at the Rosie House

Mid range – The Laxsik Ecolodge is a fantastic midrange option. Their bungalows are lovely and there’s an infinity pool. 

Click here to book your stay at the Laxsik Ecolodge

Luxury – If you want to splash out and treat yourself then book a room at the Silk Path Gran Resort and Spa that is lavishly decorated and boasts a huge pool.

Click here to book your stay at the Silk Path Gran Resort and Spa

Day 8: Go hiking in Sapa

Hike the Lao Chai – Ta Van trail with a guide

Sapa is known for its incredible hiking routes. I’d suggest doing the Lao Chai – Ta Van trail.

There are incredible views of the mountains, waterfalls, and rice fields along the path, and you get a glimpse of the daily lives of the local community here. 

We decided to do a guided hike that we arranged through our accommodation, and we didn’t regret it! He took us to lots of hidden spots you’d never find by yourself and through unmarked paths.

We also got to visit the homes of a few locals. Generally guided tours will range between 15 to 30 USD, but they include lunch and drop off back at your hotel after the hike.

Plus, this is really one of those opportunities to give back directly to the local communities and travel sustainably, supporting the locals.

Click here to book your guided hike in Sapa! 

Day 9: Continue exploring Sapa

Explore more of the local villages around Sapa

Fancy getting more of a glimpse into the way of life of different ethnic groups around Sapa? Then hop on your moped and go to Ta Phin. 

The village is home to the Red Dao ethnic group and is known for its bath salts. You’ll notice there are lots of massage parlors with the famous Red Dao bathtubs in them – the ultimate way to relax if you fancy taking a break from exploring. 

Other rural villages that are worth checking out to get a sense of the varied cultures of the many ethnic groups in the region are Lao Chai, Ta Van, and Ho. 

Explore Sapa’s surrounding rice fields

One of the most beautiful parts of your 10-day itinerary in Vietnam will be exploring the rice fields surrounding Sapa.

Originally built by the local Hmong people, they are integral to the local economy and history. We went on a guided tour so we could learn as much as possible!

Click here to book your guided tour of Sapa’s rice fields!

Get your heart beat up at the Glass Bottomed Bridge 

Ready for a little adrenaline? The Glass Bottomed Bridge extends over a deep valley and has a glass bottom, so you can see all the way to the bottom!

It’s a 30-minute moped drive away from Sapa, but it’s worth it for the views along the way and the thrill once you get there. Entry costs about 4 USD.

Click here to book your Sapa glass bottom bridge entrance ticket!

Check out the Silver & Love Waterfalls along your way

One of the attractions along the way is the Silver & Love Waterfalls. It’s a 45-minute hike to get there, but if you don’t have time you can catch a glimpse of them from the road. 

That wraps up your time in Sapa! You’ll need to get another overnight bus back to Hanoi where you’ll end your 10-day trip. 

It’s another long journey, so it makes sense to do it overnight. That way you don’t waste time of your precious Vietnam itinerary just travelling by bus.

Compare prices and availability for your Sapa to Hanoi bus on GetYourGuide and 12Go!

Day 10: Hanoi

By this point you’ll probably be pretty knackered! But if you’ve got a little time before your flight there are a few last things that are worth doing in Hanoi. 

Stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake

Go for a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, known for its emerald green colour. The lake is conveniently in the Old Quarter of Hanoi too, so you won’t have to leave the city or go on any crazy treks to get there! 

For the best views of the lake head to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, you’ll be able to see the lake as well as the Ngoc Son Temple from there. 

Escape the noise and chaos at the Temple of Literature

If you’re into your history, then the Temple of Literature is a destination to add to your Vietnam 10-day itinerary.

It was built in 1070 and became Vietnam’s first University which ran for 700 years before it was closed after Vietnam was colonized. 

You’ll need about an hour to look around, and it’s a nice way to get out of the chaos of Hanoi’s streets too! That brings this incredible trip to an end. I hope that this Vietnam 10-day itinerary has helped! 

Best time to visit Vietnam

To make the most of your Vietnam 10-day tour, don’t go in the rainy season. Especially if you want to do a lot of hiking and sightseeing – and who doesn’t, right?

The best time to go is between November and April. During this time the North of Vietnam is cool and dry. May to October is really hot and humid, and unfortunately very rainy.

Bear in mind that if you’re going far north, December and January are extra chilly so pack lots of layers. 

Whilst we’re focusing on the North of the country, it’s worth noting that Central and Southern Vietnam have their own unique climates.

The center is hot and dry from January to August, and in the south the best weather is between November and April. Now you know when to go, you can start planning your 10 day trip to Vietnam! 

How to travel around Vietnam 

There are lots of different ways to get around Vietnam. Fortunately, there’s a lot of public transport, and you can usually organise pick ups through the hotel or hostel you’re staying at. 

The best transport option will depend on the distance you’re travelling. I found that the best way to get between cities were overnight buses or shared minivan transfers. 

You can either organise these through your accommodation once there (this is what we did), or book them online beforehand on 12Go. If you want to be sure you have everything booked and confirmed before your trip, this is a better option.

By just booking on the go from our accommodation we ended up getting a basic bus from Sapa to Hanoi, and it was honestly a bit rough.

If we’d booked online beforehand we could have guaranteed the VIP one, but it was unfortunately sold out when we booked on the spot.

The VIP sleeper bus we took from Ninh Binh to Sapa was much better – I even had my own little TV and actually managed to get some sleep!

It makes such a difference not losing out on sleep when you’re on a short 10-day trip in Vietnam. There are some train options in Vietnam too, especially along the country’s coast, but I can’t say I used them. 

Within the little towns themselves, like Ninh Binh and Sapa, the easiest way to get around is to rent a scooter. They’re cheap and they give you complete freedom! Alternatively you can rent a bike if you don’t want to drive. 

Final thoughts on spending 10 days in Vietnam

That brings us to the end of the best 10-day Vietnam itinerary! Hopefully you’re as much in awe with this country as I was. Whether you’re traveling for culture or you’re seeking stunning landscapes, this North Vietnam travel itinerary ticks all the boxes. 

Vietnam really is a bucket list destination. Kayaking to fishing villages along the limestone cliffs in Halong Bay is an experience you can’t miss out on. 

Trek to the Mua Cave in Ninh Binh for some of the best views on your Vietnam trip itinerary, then go on a unique hike through the rice paddies of Sapa to top it all off! 

Each of the days you spend there on this 10-day Vietnam tour will be different from the next, so you can make the most of your time there and see the best Vietnam has on offer.

Have you been to Vietnam before? Has this 10-day Vietnam travel itinerary inspired you to go? Let me know in the comments below!

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