Vietnam – 10 Days of Wandering Across the Country

Not too vast, not too extravagant, yet Vietnam is the kind of place that once visited, you’ll want to return to again and again. From the ancient alleys of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, the quiet charm of Hue to the shimmering lanterns of Hoi An, and ending with the sleepless pulse of Saigon – all these make for a rich, emotional, and deeply Vietnamese 10-day journey.

Days 1-2: Hanoi – A Nostalgic Beginning Hanoi feels like a slow-motion film. Strolling through the Old Quarter, breathing in the scent of milkwood blossom, sipping egg coffee in a tiny Ta Hien alley café – it’s the perfect way to begin. Don’t miss Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, or Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum – each a window into history.

Start your day with pho, enjoy bun cha for lunch, and end with a light dinner of Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls – that’s how to taste Hanoi right.

Days 3-4: Ha Long Bay – A Dream Amid the Sea and Sky Next, head to Ha Long – nature’s masterpiece. Cruise through thousands of majestic limestone islands, visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak around the bay – every moment is picture-perfect.

Night falls gently over the bay. And sunrise, glittering on the water’s surface, is the kind of beauty that quiets the mind and stills the heart.

Day 5: Hue – Whispers from the Imperial Past Hue doesn’t rush. It hums like a soft, slow melody. Wander the Imperial Citadel, stand by the Perfume River, hear the chime of the Thien Mu Pagoda’s bell – time seems to slow down.

Hue’s cuisine is simple but elegant. Com hen (clam rice), bun bo (beef noodle soup), banh beo (steamed rice cakes), and Hue-style sweet soups all leave lingering impressions.

Days 6-7: Da Nang – Hoi An – A Glimpse of Modern, A Touch of the Old Da Nang bustles; Hoi An lingers. One side offers the fire-breathing Dragon Bridge and sunlit My Khe beach, the other – moss-covered roofs and the gentle glow of lanterns.

In Hoi An, simply walking, photographing, sampling cao lau noodles or a banh mi from Phuong bakery can fill an entire day with joy.

Days 8-10: Ho Chi Minh City – Energy That Never Sleeps Saigon never sleeps. Every alley and eatery hums with its own rhythm. Visit the Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street. End the day with a bubble tea or a plate of broken rice at midnight – everything has its own flavor here.

If time allows, take a motorbike out to Cu Chi Tunnels or spend a day exploring the Mekong Delta – both well worth the effort.

Tips for Traveling Across Vietnam:

• Each region has its own weather – check the forecast and pack accordingly.

• For intercity travel, combine domestic flights and sleeper buses to save time.

• Vietnamese people are friendly, but always keep personal belongings safe in crowded places.

Ten days may not be enough to fully understand Vietnam, but it’s more than enough to make your heart tremble with connection. And often, it’s the simple things that linger longest after the journey ends.