10 day vietnam itinerary

1. Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
2. Overview: Begin your day with a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi. At its center lies the Turtle Tower and connected by a red bridge is the Ngoc Son Temple, a revered site dedicated to scholars and war heroes.
3. Rating: 4.6/5

4. Duration: 2 hours

5. Old Quarter Exploration & Street Food Tour (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM)

6. Overview: Meander through the labyrinthine streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, where each street is named after the trade it once specialized in. Sample local delicacies such as 'pho', 'bun cha', and 'egg coffee' on a guided food tour.
7. Must Eat: Pho, Bun Cha, Egg Coffee

Day 2:

1. Halong Bay Cruise (9:00 AM - Next Day 10:00 AM)
2. Overview: Take a full-day and overnight cruise to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Cruise through thousands of towering karst islands, visit caves, swim, and enjoy onboard activities.
3. Duration: Overnight
4. Special Note: Enjoy a seafood feast prepared by the onboard chef.

1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
2. Overview: Pay respects at the final resting place of the Vietnamese revolutionary leader and visit the adjacent museum to learn about his life and the country's struggle for independence.

3. Rating: 4.5/5

4. Temple of Literature (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

5. Overview: Discover Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070, and stroll through its tranquil gardens and ancient architecture that honor Confucian values and scholars.

Day 4-6:

1. Citadel & Imperial City (Day 4, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
2. Overview: Explore Hue's Citadel, the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, and its Imperial City, filled with palaces, temples, and ruins reflecting royal life.

3. Rating: 4.7/5

4. Thien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River Cruise (Day 4, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

5. Overview: Visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story pagoda perched on the riverbank, followed by a relaxing boat ride along the Perfume River.

6. Tombs of the Emperors (Day 5, Full Day)

7. Overview: Spend a day visiting the elaborate tombs of past emperors scattered around Hue, like Tu Duc, Minh Mang, or Khai Dinh, immersed in history and serene landscapes.

Day 7-9:

1. Ancient Town Exploration (Day 7, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

2. Overview: Stroll through Hoi An's lantern-lit streets, visit historical houses, bridges, and the Japanese Covered Bridge, capturing the essence of a trading port from centuries ago.

3. Cooking Class & Farm Visit (Day 7, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

4. Overview: Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from a local farm, followed by enjoying your culinary creations.

5. Beach Relaxation or My Son Sanctuary (Day 8, Flexible Timing)

6. Overview: Choose between unwinding at the pristine beaches near Hoi An or delve into Cham culture at My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of Hindu temples nestled in the jungle.

Day 10:

1. Cu Chi Tunnels (Morning Excursion)

2. Overview: Experience a piece of Vietnam War history by exploring the extensive underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers at Cu Chi.

3. Ben Thanh Market & City Tour (Afternoon)

4. Overview: Navigate through the bustling Ben Thanh Market for last-minute souvenirs, followed by a tour of iconic sites like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Independence Palace.

5. Farewell Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant (Evening)

6. Overview: Celebrate your journey with a panoramic view of Saigon's skyline while indulging in a farewell dinner featuring Vietnamese cuisine.

This 10-day itinerary promises a comprehensive exploration of Vietnam, blending natural wonders, historical depth, and cultural richness across the country's diverse regions.