This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Vietnam is the country that ambushes you. You arrive expecting beautiful scenery and cheap pho — and you leave with your worldview rearranged. The food is the best street food culture on earth (no debate). The landscapes shift from emerald limestone karsts to golden rice terraces to turquoise coastline. The people are warm, the coffee is extraordinary, and the whole thing costs less than a long weekend in New York.
This itinerary runs north to south — Hanoi’s chaotic charm, Ha Long Bay’s otherworldly beauty, Hoi An’s lantern-lit perfection, and Ho Chi Minh City’s electric energy. It is built for comfortable, mid-range travel: 3–4 star hotels with pools, proper restaurants alongside street food stalls, and enough time to genuinely slow down. Total: under $1,200 USD (excluding international flights).
Explore budget travel destinations — Vietnam offers exceptional value for both comfort and experiences in 2026.
📷 Already know your dates? Check our Vietnam packing guide for a full season-by-season checklist.
Quick Budget Overview: 10 Days in Vietnam
| Category | Budget (10 days) | Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Accommodation (3–4 star hotels) | $300 – $800 | $30 – $80 |
| 🍱 Food & drinks | $150 – $300 | $15 – $30 |
| ✈️ Flights, trains & transport | $80 – $160 | ~$8 – $16 |
| 🎫 Tours & activities | $100 – $200 | $10 – $20 |
| 📱 eSIM & misc | $20 – $40 | ~$2 – $4 |
| Total (excl. international flights) | $650 – $1,500 | $65 – $150 |
The sweet spot for this itinerary is $900–$1,100. At that level, you are sleeping in beautiful boutique hotels with pools, eating world-class food (including fine dining for $15–$25), and doing every tour and activity that matters. Vietnam is one of the best-value travel destinations in the world.
✈️ Compare flight prices to Vietnam.
The Route: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City
| Days | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Hanoi | Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, street food, Temple of Literature |
| 3–4 | Ha Long Bay | Overnight cruise, kayaking, caves, floating villages |
| 5–7 | Hoi An | Ancient Town, tailors, cooking class, An Bang Beach, Marble Mountains |
| 8–10 | Ho Chi Minh City | War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, rooftop bars |
Day 1: Hanoi — Old Quarter & Street Food
Est. cost: $50–$90🌅 Morning: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Temple of Literature
Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (free, closed Mon & Fri, dress modestly) early — queues form by 8 AM. The preserved body of Vietnam’s founding leader lies in a granite building modelled on Lenin’s tomb. Nearby, the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house are free. Then walk to the Temple of Literature (40,000 VND / $1.50) — Vietnam’s oldest university, dating to 1070, with beautiful courtyards and bonsai gardens.
🍴 Lunch: Phở on the street
Sit on a tiny plastic stool and eat the best phở of your life. Phở Bò 10 Lý Quốc Sư or Phở Thìn Bờ Hồ are Hanoi institutions. A bowl of phở bò (beef noodle soup) costs 40,000–60,000 VND ($1.50–$2.50). Add herbs, lime, chilli, and hoisin from the condiment tray. This is not just soup — it is a religion.
🌉 Evening: Old Quarter walking tour & bia hơi
The Old Quarter’s 36 streets are each named after what they once sold (silk, tin, paper, etc.). Wander through the chaos of motorbikes, vendors, and hanging wires. End at Bia Hơi Corner (junction of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen) for the cheapest beer in the world — bia hơi (fresh draught beer) costs 5,000–10,000 VND ($0.20–$0.40) per glass. Pair with grilled meats, spring rolls, and people-watching.
🎫 Book Hanoi street food tours & Old Quarter walks on GetYourGuide — local guides who know the best stalls.
Day 2: Hanoi — Hoan Kiem, Markets & Egg Coffee
Est. cost: $40–$80🌅 Morning: Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Hoan Kiem Lake is Hanoi’s spiritual centre. Cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple (30,000 VND / $1.20) on a tiny island. Early morning is magical — locals do tai chi on the shores while mist rises off the water. Walk around the lake, then explore the streets radiating outward.
🍴 Lunch: Bún chả & bánh mì
Bún chả — grilled pork patties with rice noodles, herbs, and dipping broth — is Hanoi’s other signature dish (Obama ate it here at Bún Chả Hương Liên, 40,000 VND / $1.50). Then grab a bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwich) from Bánh Mì 25 (25,000 VND / $1) — widely considered the best in Hanoi. Two world-class meals for under $3 total.
🌃 Afternoon: Egg coffee & markets
Cà phê trứng (egg coffee) is Hanoi’s most famous drink — espresso topped with whipped egg yolk cream. Try it at Giang Café (the original, since 1946) or Loading T Café for lake views. 35,000–50,000 VND ($1.50–$2). Then explore Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest covered market — chaotic, colourful, and full of everything from silk to spices.
🌉 Evening: Water puppet show
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (100,000 VND / $4) performs a uniquely Vietnamese art form — lacquered wooden puppets dance on water to live traditional music. Shows are 50 minutes and run several times daily. Book ahead for front-row seats. Afterwards, dinner on Ma May Street in the Old Quarter.
📱 Stay connected throughout your trip. Get a Yesim eSIM for Vietnam — activate before you fly, data ready at landing.
Days 3–4: Ha Long Bay — Overnight Cruise
Est. cost: $150–$280 (2 days)🚆 Day 3 Morning: Transfer to Ha Long Bay
Most cruises include hotel pickup in Hanoi (3–4 hour drive or 2-hour express shuttle to the new highway port). A mid-range overnight cruise costs $120–$200 per person and includes all meals, kayaking, cave visits, and a private cabin with balcony. Book with reputable operators: Bhaya Cruises, Dragon Legend, or Indochina Junk.
🌊 Day 3 Afternoon: Cruising & kayaking
Ha Long Bay is one of those places that photographs cannot prepare you for. Nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islands rise from emerald water in every direction. Your cruise will anchor in a quiet bay for kayaking through caves and grottoes, swimming, and visiting a floating fishing village. The silence between the karsts is extraordinary.
🌉 Day 3 Evening: Sunset dinner on deck
Watch the sunset from the top deck with a cocktail (included or $3–$5). Dinner is a multi-course Vietnamese seafood feast served on board. Some cruises offer squid fishing from the boat at night (surprisingly addictive) or cooking classes for spring rolls. The stars over the bay — with no light pollution — are spectacular.
🌅 Day 4 Morning: Sunrise & caves
Wake for sunrise tai chi on the deck (most cruises offer this). After breakfast, visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave or Thien Cung Cave — massive caverns with illuminated stalactites. Check out by 10–11 AM and transfer back to Hanoi, arriving mid-afternoon. Head straight to the airport for your evening flight to Da Nang.
🎫 Book Ha Long Bay overnight cruises on GetYourGuide — hotel pickup, all meals included.
Day 5: Hoi An — Ancient Town & Tailors
Est. cost: $60–$100🌅 Morning: Arrive & explore Ancient Town
Arrive in Da Nang, Grab to Hoi An (30 min, $12). Check into your hotel — boutique gems like Hoi An Chic or An Bang Seaside Village offer pools and charm for $30–$60/night. Walk into the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town (120,000 VND / $5 for a 5-site ticket). Japanese Covered Bridge, Assembly Halls, and merchant houses are preserved beautifully. The yellow-walled, lantern-strung streets are impossibly photogenic.
🍴 Lunch: Cơm gà & cao lầu
Hoi An has its own distinct cuisine. Try cơm gà (chicken rice — Hoi An’s version with turmeric rice, 35,000 VND / $1.40) at Com Ga Ba Buoi, and cao lầu (thick noodles with pork and croutons, unique to Hoi An, 40,000 VND / $1.60) at Cao Lau Thanh. Both are extraordinary.
🌃 Afternoon: Tailor shops
Hoi An is famous for its tailors — you can get custom suits, dresses, coats, and shoes made in 24–48 hours. Yaly Couture, A Dong Silk, and BeBe are well-established. A custom suit starts from $80–$150 (fraction of Western prices), a dress from $30–$80. Get measured on day 1 and pick up on day 2–3 with time for alterations.
🌉 Evening: Lantern-lit river walk
Hoi An at night is magical. The Ancient Town bans motorbikes after dark — the streets fill with silk lanterns, candle-lit restaurants, and the Thu Bon River reflects thousands of floating candles. Release a lantern on the river (10,000 VND / $0.40). Dinner at Morning Glory (Hoi An’s most famous restaurant, mains $3–$7) or street food at the night market.
Day 6: Hoi An — Cooking Class & An Bang Beach
Est. cost: $50–$90🌅 Morning: Vietnamese cooking class
The best thing you can do in Hoi An. A half-day cooking class ($20–$35 per person) starts with a market tour where you learn to identify herbs and ingredients, then hands-on cooking of 4–5 dishes. Red Bridge Cooking School, Thuan Tinh Island, and Green Bamboo are all excellent. You will make fresh spring rolls, bánh xèo (crispy pancakes), and your own pho.
🌊 Afternoon: An Bang Beach
Bike (free from most hotels or $1/day rental) to An Bang Beach, 4 km from the Ancient Town. This long, clean stretch of sand has beach bars with loungers ($2–$3), fresh seafood, and warm water. Soul Kitchen and The Deckhouse are excellent for beachside lunch. Much more relaxed than Da Nang’s beaches. Budget $10–$20 for an afternoon of lounging and eating.
🌉 Evening: Bánh mì & Hoi An specialties
Bánh Mì Phượng is the most famous bánh mì in Vietnam (“the best sandwich in the world” according to Anthony Bourdain, 30,000 VND / $1.20). Then wander the night market for white rose dumplings, wonton, and fried wontons — all unique to Hoi An. A full evening of eating costs $5–$10.
Day 7: Hoi An — Marble Mountains & Free Day
Est. cost: $40–$80🌅 Morning: Marble Mountains
Grab to the Marble Mountains (20 min, $5), five limestone peaks with Buddhist pagodas, caves, and panoramic views. Thuy Son (Water Mountain) is the main one to climb. The Huyen Khong Cave has a natural skylight and hidden shrine. Entry: 40,000 VND ($1.60), elevator up: 15,000 VND ($0.60). Allow 2 hours. Bring water — it is hot.
🍴 Lunch & afternoon: Your choice
Options: rent a motorbike and ride through the rice paddies to Tra Que Vegetable Village (bike tour $15–$25), get a Vietnamese massage at a spa in town ($10–$20 for 60 min), pick up your custom tailoring, or simply spend the afternoon at the pool. Hoi An rewards slow travel — do not rush it.
🌉 Evening: Riverside dinner
Book a table at Mango Rooms or The Field for upscale Vietnamese cuisine with river views (mains $6–$12). Or go full street food at the Central Market night stalls (entire dinner $3–$5). Hoi An’s food scene punches absurdly above its weight for a town of 120,000 people.
📱 Stay connected throughout your trip. Get a Yesim eSIM for Vietnam — activate before you fly, data ready at landing.
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City — History & Street Life
Est. cost: $60–$110✈️ Morning: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Fly from Da Nang to HCMC (1.5 hours, $30–$60 on VietJet or Bamboo). Grab from the airport to District 1 (30 min, $5–$8). Check into your hotel — mid-range favourites like The Myst Dong Khoi or Liberty Central Saigon run $40–$80/night. HCMC is louder, faster, and more modern than Hanoi — a completely different energy.
🌅 Late Morning: War Remnants Museum
One of the most powerful museums in Southeast Asia (40,000 VND / $1.60). The exhibits on the Vietnam War (called the American War here) are unflinching — Agent Orange, the My Lai massacre, and the human cost of conflict are documented with photographs and personal stories. Allow 1.5–2 hours. It is heavy but essential.
🍴 Lunch: Cơm tấm & bánh mì
Cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork chop, egg, and fish sauce) is HCMC’s comfort food — 40,000–60,000 VND ($1.60–$2.40). Try it at any local place with plastic tables and a grill outside. Then wander to the Ben Thanh Market area for bánh mì and fresh sugarcane juice.
🌉 Evening: Rooftop bars & District 1
HCMC has a fantastic rooftop bar scene. Chill Skybar (26th floor, AB Tower) or Saigon Saigon Bar (historic Caravelle Hotel rooftop) offer cocktails with city views for $6–$10. Walk through the night streets of District 1 — the Notre-Dame Cathedral (currently under restoration), Central Post Office (still functioning, designed by Gustave Eiffel), and Opera House are all beautifully lit.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City — Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta
Est. cost: $50–$100🌅 Option A: Cu Chi Tunnels
A half-day tour ($15–$30 per person with transport) takes you to the extraordinary tunnel network used by Viet Cong fighters during the war. Crawl through sections of the tunnels (widened for tourists but still claustrophobic), see booby traps, and understand the ingenuity required to sustain underground life. Genuinely eye-opening. Tours depart early morning and return by 2 PM.
🌅 Option B: Mekong Delta day trip
A full-day Mekong Delta tour ($20–$40) takes you to the floating markets of Cai Be or My Tho, coconut candy workshops, fruit orchards, and narrow canals by rowing boat. The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s rice bowl — lush, green, and a completely different pace from the city. Tours include lunch and hotel pickup.
🌉 Evening: Bui Vien Street & District 4 food
Bui Vien is HCMC’s famous backpacker street — neon lights, cheap beer, and live music. For a more local experience, Grab to District 4 for some of the city’s best street food: bánh tráng trộn (rice paper salad), óc (snails in various preparations), and hủ tiếu (southern pork noodle soup). A full dinner in District 4 costs $3–$5.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City — Markets, Coffee & Departure
Est. cost: $40–$80🌅 Morning: Cholon (Chinatown) & Binh Tay Market
Take a Grab to District 5 — HCMC’s historic Chinese quarter. Binh Tay Market is the real wholesale market (less touristy than Ben Thanh), crammed with spices, dried goods, and textiles. Visit Thien Hau Temple (free), a beautiful Chinese pagoda with spiral incense coils hanging from the ceiling. The dim sum restaurants in Cholon are excellent ($3–$5 for a full breakfast).
🍴 Lunch: Final Vietnamese feast
For a memorable last meal, try Propaganda Bistro (Vietnamese comfort food with propaganda art décor, mains $5–$10) or splurge at Anan Saigon (Peter Cuong Franklin’s modern Vietnamese, tasting menu $25–$40). Or keep it simple with one last perfect bowl of phở from Phở Hoàng (35,000 VND / $1.40).
☺️ Afternoon: Vietnamese coffee & departure
Vietnamese coffee is the best in the world — strong, dark roast dripped through a metal filter (phin) over condensed milk. Try cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) at The Workshop or Shin Coffee for a proper farewell. Tan Son Nhat Airport is 30–45 minutes from District 1 by Grab ($4–$7). Allow 2.5 hours before international flights.
🎫 Book Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta tours on GetYourGuide — hotel pickup and English guides included.
Where to Stay: Mid-Range Picks
Check our Vietnam packing guide — tailored for tropical climate, cultural etiquette, and local customs.
| City | Neighbourhood | Price Range | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Old Quarter / Hoan Kiem | $30–$60/night | Walk to everything, best food streets |
| Ha Long Bay | Overnight cruise | $120–$200 (1 night) | All meals included, kayaking, caves |
| Hoi An | Ancient Town / An Bang | $25–$60/night | Pool villas, walk to Old Town, beach access |
| Ho Chi Minh City | District 1 / District 3 | $40–$80/night | Central, walkable, rooftop bars, food scene |
What to Eat: A Quick Vietnamese Food Guide
Pack for Ha Long Bay — weather-resistant gear, boat trip essentials, and coastal town clothing.
| Dish | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Phở bò (beef noodle soup) | Hanoi — Phở Thìn, Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư | 40,000–60,000 VND ($1.50–$2.50) |
| Bún chả (grilled pork & noodles) | Hanoi — Bún Chả Hương Liên (Obama’s spot) | 40,000 VND ($1.50) |
| Cao lầu (Hoi An noodles) | Hoi An — Cao Lau Thanh, Central Market | 35,000–50,000 VND ($1.40–$2) |
| Bánh mì | Everywhere — Bánh Mì Phương (Hoi An), Bánh Mì 25 (Hanoi) | 20,000–35,000 VND ($0.80–$1.40) |
| Cơm tấm (broken rice) | HCMC — any street stall with a grill | 40,000–60,000 VND ($1.60–$2.40) |
| Cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee) | Everywhere — The Workshop (HCMC), Giang (Hanoi) | 25,000–50,000 VND ($1–$2) |
| Bia hơi (fresh draught beer) | Hanoi — Bia Hơi Corner, Ta Hien Street | 5,000–10,000 VND ($0.20–$0.40) |
Essential Apps for Vietnam
Get travel insurance for Vietnam — medical coverage and emergency evacuation protection for Southeast Asia.
| App | What It Does | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Grab | Ride-hailing — the Uber of Southeast Asia, metered and safe | Free |
| Google Maps | Navigation (sometimes inaccurate in rural areas, but best option) | Free |
| Google Translate | Camera mode reads Vietnamese menus and signs | Free |
| VietJet / Bamboo Airways | Book cheap domestic flights — mobile boarding passes | Free |
| GetYourGuide | Book tours, cruises, and activities | Free |
| XE Currency | Quick VND to USD conversion (essential with large numbers) | Free |
📱 Stay connected throughout your trip. Get a Yesim eSIM for Vietnam — activate before you fly, data ready at landing.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
🌸 Spring (Mar–Apr)
Excellent for the entire route. Warm and mostly dry everywhere. Hanoi is pleasant (22–28°C), Hoi An is pre-rainy season, and HCMC is hot but not yet in full monsoon. One of the best windows for a north-to-south trip.
☀️ Summer (May–Aug)
Hot and wet in the south (HCMC daily downpours). Central coast (Hoi An, Da Nang) has its best beach weather. North can be very hot and humid (35°C+). Ha Long Bay can be hazy. Typhoon risk increases from August.
🍁 Autumn (Sep–Nov)
October–November is the sweet spot for this route. Hanoi cools to perfect temperatures (20–26°C). HCMC dries out. Hoi An has its rainy season (Sep–Nov) with possible flooding — plan around this or accept afternoon showers.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb)
Best for the south (HCMC dry and warm). Hoi An pleasant. Hanoi is cool and can be grey (15–20°C). Ha Long Bay can be foggy. Tet (Vietnamese New Year, late Jan/Feb) means closures and price surges — avoid unless you want the cultural experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 10-day trip to Vietnam cost mid-range?
Is 10 days enough for Vietnam?
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
How do I get between cities in Vietnam?
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Should I tip in Vietnam?
Can I drink the tap water in Vietnam?
Plan Your Vietnam Trip
Get a personalized packing list, visa requirements, and local tips for your exact travel dates.
Start Planning →