10-Day Vietnam Itinerary: From Hanoi to the Rest of Vietnam

One of the most common questions on Saudi travel accounts on Instagram and TikTok is: “Is one week enough for Vietnam, or do I need more time?” The realistic answer is that Vietnam stretches more than 1,600 kilometers from north to south, and each region offers a completely different experience, from the rocky islands of Ha Long Bay in the north to the historic streets of Hoi An in central Vietnam, and the energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the beaches of Phu Quoc in the south.

For this reason, it is better to plan a 10-day Vietnam itinerary. Ten days allow you to visit the country’s main attractions without rushing.

In this Vietnam travel itinerary, we take you day by day from Hanoi to the country’s most visited cities and islands.

Before You Go: Flights from Riyadh to Vietnam

There are currently no direct flights from Riyadh to Vietnam. Airline data indicates that the average journey from Riyadh to Vietnam takes approximately 14 to 24 hours, depending on the number of stops and the selected route.

The most common routes from Riyadh to Vietnam connect through Doha with Qatar Airways, Dubai or Abu Dhabi with Emirates or Etihad Airways, or Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific.

Flights from Riyadh to Hanoi start from approximately SAR 2,600, while flights to Ho Chi Minh City start from around SAR 2,550. Prices increase depending on the season, seat type, and length of the stopover.

Remember that all GCC nationals, including Saudi citizens, need to obtain an e-visa before entering Vietnam.

You can find more information about visas, tourism, and travel in Vietnam in this article: [Tourism in Vietnam: Your Complete 2026 Travel Guide].

A Quick Overview of the Route

This 10-day Vietnam itinerary follows a north-to-south route, which is the most common option because it allows you to fly home from Ho Chi Minh City or the south without returning to your starting point:

Hanoi, approximately three days, including Ha Long Bay →, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, three days → Ho Chi Minh City, approximately three days → Phu Quoc Island, one or two days before departure.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and Explore the Old Quarter

After arriving at Noi Bai International Airport and traveling to the city center, spend your first evening walking through the Old Quarter around Hoan Kiem Lake.

The area is filled with narrow markets, traditional cafés, and street-food stalls. It is the ideal introduction to Hanoi before exploring the city’s other attractions the following day.

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Day 2: Hanoi’s Historic and Religious Attractions

Spend a full day exploring Hanoi’s main attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and Presidential Palace, as well as the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.

You can also visit West Lake for a quiet break away from the city’s busier areas.

In the evening, book a seat at a traditional water puppet show, an authentic Vietnamese art form particularly associated with northern Vietnam.

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Day 3: Ha Long Bay, a Cruise Among Thousands of Islands

Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay in the morning. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours by car or bus.

Begin a cruise aboard a traditional boat between thousands of islands and towering karst formations rising above the water. Most itineraries include one night on board, along with activities such as kayaking and visiting natural caves.

This is one of the highlights of any Vietnam itinerary and the first stop among the Vietnamese islands you will visit during this trip.

Useful links:

• Ha Long Bay cruise with a cave and island visit
• Ha Long Bay cruise with lunch and visits to a cave and an island

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Day 4: Return to Hanoi and Fly to Da Nang

Complete your Ha Long Bay cruise in the morning and return to Hanoi around midday.

Take an evening domestic flight to Da Nang. The flight lasts approximately 1.5 hours and is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from northern to central Vietnam.

Stay overnight in Da Nang and prepare for a full day of sightseeing.

Useful link:

• Book your hotel in Da Nang

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Day 5: Da Nang, Dragon Bridge, and the Marble Mountains

Spend the day exploring Da Nang itself. Visit Dragon Bridge, which shoots fire every weekend; My Khe Beach, overlooking the South China Sea; and the Marble Mountains, known for their caves and temples carved into the rock.

Da Nang is relatively modern compared with neighboring Hue and Hoi An. It is a good place to enjoy a lighter day after the busy Ha Long Bay trip.

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Day 6: Hoi An, Lanterns, and Historic Streets

Travel to Hoi An, approximately 30 minutes from Da Nang, and spend a full day exploring its UNESCO-listed Ancient Town.

Walk between traditional shops and the fast tailoring workshops for which the city is known. Return in the evening to see the colorful lanterns illuminated above the Thu Bon River.

The experience is particularly memorable when your visit coincides with the full moon, when electric lights in the Ancient Town are switched off.

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Day 7: Hue, Vietnam’s Former Imperial Capital

Take a day trip to Hue, around two hours from Hoi An. Hue was Vietnam’s former imperial capital and is home to the royal citadel, also known as the Imperial City, and the emperors’ tombs along the Perfume River.

In the evening, travel to Da Nang International Airport and take a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. The flight takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes.

Useful link:

• Tickets and tours in Hue

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Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City, a Modern and Energetic Destination

After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), spend the day exploring the city center.

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both known for their French architecture, as well as Ben Thanh Market and the modern skyscrapers of the business district.

Ho Chi Minh City feels completely different from Hanoi, with a faster pace and a more open commercial character.

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Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum

Spend the morning visiting the historic Cu Chi Tunnels outside the city. This underground tunnel network was used during the Vietnam War and offers an important look at the country’s modern history.

In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the evening, take a short domestic flight of approximately one hour to Phu Quoc Island, where you can begin the final and most relaxing part of the trip.

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Day 10: Phu Quoc, Ending the Trip by the Beach

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island. Its white-sand beaches and calm waters make it an ideal place to end a long, active journey with one or two days of complete relaxation before heading to the airport for your return flight.

When your schedule allows, you can easily extend your stay on the island by an additional day instead of ending the trip immediately.

Useful link:

• Khem Beach location

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Are There Other Vietnamese Islands Worth Visiting?

When adapting this Vietnam itinerary or planning a second trip, consider adding these islands:

• Cat Ba Island: The largest island in Ha Long Bay and a less crowded alternative to standard day cruises.
• Con Dao Islands: A peaceful southern archipelago that attracts diving enthusiasts and travelers looking for unspoiled beaches away from busy tourist areas.

Practical Tips for Organizing This Itinerary

Book domestic flights early: Traveling between Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc depends heavily on domestic flights. It is best to book them as soon as your main travel dates are confirmed to secure better prices.

Pack wisely: As the trip includes several domestic flights, consider traveling with a backpack or a medium-sized suitcase instead of a single large bag, which may be difficult to move between hotels and airports.

Leave an extra day when possible: Weather conditions in Ha Long Bay can occasionally affect cruise schedules. Having a flexible day in your itinerary can reduce the impact of any delays.

Book Your Trip Now

Now that you have a complete 10-day Vietnam itinerary, you can use the flight search feature on almatar to compare fares from Riyadh to Hanoi and return flights from Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc.

You can also book accommodation for every stop on this itinerary in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Vietnam Itinerary

Are 10 days enough to visit Vietnam?

Yes. Ten days are enough to visit Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc with a fast but organized itinerary.

What is the best route for a 10-day Vietnam trip?

It is best to start in Hanoi in northern Vietnam, continue to the central region, and end the trip in Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc Island.

How can I travel between cities in Vietnam?

Domestic flights are the fastest option for long-distance travel, while buses and cars are suitable for shorter journeys, such as the route between Da Nang and Hoi An.

Should I book domestic flights in advance?

Yes. It is best to book domestic flights after confirming your international travel dates to secure better options and reduce the risk of itinerary changes.

Can I add more days to this itinerary?

Yes. You can add another day in Ha Long Bay or extend your stay in Phu Quoc to make your trip more relaxed.