{"id":24149,"date":"2026-08-03T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/almatar.com\/blog\/?p=24149"},"modified":"2026-08-02T11:03:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T11:03:52","slug":"10-day-vietnam-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/almatar.com\/blog\/10-day-vietnam-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"10-Day Vietnam Itinerary: From Hanoi to the Rest of Vietnam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of the most common questions on Saudi travel accounts on Instagram and TikTok is: \u201cIs one week enough for Vietnam, or do I need more time?\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, it is better to plan a 10-day Vietnam itinerary. Ten days allow you to visit the country\u2019s main attractions without rushing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this Vietnam travel itinerary, we take you day by day from Hanoi to the country\u2019s most visited cities and islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before You Go: Flights from Riyadh to Vietnam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that all GCC nationals, including Saudi citizens, need to obtain an e-visa before entering Vietnam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

A Quick Overview of the Route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hanoi, approximately three days, including Ha Long Bay \u2192, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, three days \u2192 Ho Chi Minh City, approximately three days \u2192 Phu Quoc Island, one or two days before departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and Explore the Old Quarter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The area is filled with narrow markets, traditional caf\u00e9s, and street-food stalls. It is the ideal introduction to Hanoi before exploring the city\u2019s other attractions the following day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Day 2: Hanoi\u2019s Historic and Religious Attractions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Spend a full day exploring Hanoi\u2019s main attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and Presidential Palace, as well as the Temple of Literature, Vietnam\u2019s first university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also visit West Lake for a quiet break away from the city\u2019s busier areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the evening, book a seat at a traditional water puppet show<\/a>, an authentic Vietnamese art form particularly associated with northern Vietnam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Day 3: Ha Long Bay, a Cruise Among Thousands of Islands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay in the morning. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours by car or bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is one of the highlights of any Vietnam itinerary and the first stop among the Vietnamese islands you will visit during this trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Useful links:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n