Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsEra Hotel, Hanoi
This posh hotel has nicely decorated rooms, dry cleaning, laundry service, and free high-speed internet available for guests.
The perfect 10-day itinerary in Vietnam
The 10-Day Vietnam Exploration packs some of the most renowned highlights of a legendary country into one experience, taking you to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Can Tho, and more destinations both well-known and undiscovered alike. Start in Hanoi, defined by many years of culture, one of a kind artisans, coffee and food culture, and international tourism. Then, escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to admire the beauty of the countryside, hiking through the majestic mountainous land of Sapa. Adventure to the villages hidden behind the trees and waterfalls, spending time with the hill tribes who call this gorgeous land home. Enjoy the feeling of being lost in the thousands of limestone islands rising from the ocean in Ha Long Bay and in the rows of neat trees at a coconut farm in Can Tho. Venture to the mighty Mekong River where you will be mesmerized by the alluvial land and the unique indigenous culture.
Got ten days to spare? Vietnam is ready for you.
Your trip begins with arrival in Vietnam. Your private driver will meet and greet you at the airport. You will be escorted to the hotel. You can walk through the streets of the city for the remainder of the day. Historic charm, architectural marvels, and shops are splashed all over this area. After enjoying the first day, return to the hotel for a relaxing sleep.
Hanoi is the country’s cultural heart, bearing traces of centuries of changing dynasties. Your tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to the key historic attractions of the city such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Hanoi Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, immerse in the unique cultural experiences right in the heart of the Old Quarter.
After lunch, take a stroll around the charming Hanoi Old Quarter to explore the fantastic maze of back streets. Stop at the old France House for a tea break. Next, step into the home of Mr. Liem, a passionate seventh-generation puppet maker and performer. Visit his humble home and listen to his story and to understand how his love for this traditional art grows. Then have a private show in his small theatre and learn the basic techniques of using bamboo rods to move puppets through the water.
Have a free day in Hanoi. You could visit Ho Chi Minh complex, the Temple of Literature, History or Ethnology museums or just have a walk around the Old Quarter or around West Lake. Get back to the hotel and get ready for the night train trip.
Transfer to the railway station for a night train to Sapa.
Today is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sapa valley. Admire the rice terraces hidden behind mist of the morning, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Follow a small track and cross Muong Hoa River and pass well-tended rice terraces on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Continuing through the colorful rice terraces, you will reach the village of Ta Van Giay. As you continue your trek along the Muong Hoa River, you will cross a small suspension bridge roughly 2km from the settlement. Here you can discover a fascinating collection of rock carvings. Eat lunch in a home in the village.
After lunch the walk continues through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao ethnic minority village. After taking a rest near a waterfall to refresh, you start climbing uphill to a road where the car is ready for your journey back to Sapa.
Have breakfast at your hotel. You’ll drive down to Lao Cai and then to Taphin village. Here you can experience the unmixed cultural life of Black Hmong and Red Dao minorities, the two largest ethnic groups in the area. They live happily together while maintaining their own traditions from generation to generation. The trip also offers you the opportunity to visit the local houses.
You will return to Sapa by car and then board an overnight train to Hanoi.
Today you will discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. Board a traditional Vietnamese junk boat and cruise into the bay. Admire the breathtaking scenery en route to Cua Van, one of the last remaining floating fishing villages in the bay. Take a closer look on a small bamboo boat.
You can rent a kayak, go for swims, meet the fishermen, and enjoy the bay before boating to Cua Van. Here you will see archaeological artifacts that date back to 10,000–8,000 BC. You’ll take a cavern tour in a fascinating area, then get back onto the boat in time for the magical “blue hour” where the water lights up. Enjoy dinner aboard the boat and some downtime, or you can try squid fishing with the boat staff.
Rise early for a lesson in Tai Chi or just to enjoy a hearty breakfast. The boat will make its way back to the port stopping at the Limestone Cave, full of stalagmites and stalactites. From here, it’s clear sailing back to the main harbor and then back to Hanoi.
Have some rest and free time until you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation.
Get picked up in Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and drive you to Can Tho. Here you’ll board a boat for a 4-hour boat trip along the river followed by a quick journey up the narrow canals in small rowing boats to visit Binh Island. Here you’ll take a short walk around the village to discover the local culture as well as local workshops, a coconut factory, and an ancient house.
Have lunch at a local garden restaurant before the boat trip continues to Vinh Long. Here you’ll get back in a car and drive back to Can Tho, arriving mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is then free to explore the streets of Can Tho.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a motor boat to visit Cai Rang, a fascinating floating market where you can see the trading boats piled high with fresh products. After exploring the floating market, you will continue your voyage to a local fruit garden where you can walk around and observe local life.
You will then visit Binh Thuy Ancient House which was chosen as one of the recording sets for the French movie L’ Amant ("The Lover") directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. Following all this, you will make the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping for lunch along the way
After breakfast and check-out, it’s time to depart. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight.
This guided trip to Vietnam is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the number of people travelling.
Prices below are per person:
This tour is based in hotels, homestays, trains and cruises. Hotels on this trip are 3-star on average and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. The trains will be comfortable shared cabins. Cruises are higher-end and spacious.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $310USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
This posh hotel has nicely decorated rooms, dry cleaning, laundry service, and free high-speed internet available for guests.
Sleep away the travel time on an overnight train in a comfortable shared cabin.
The exact homestay you’ll stay in will be confirmed upon booking, but expect a pleasant and comfortable stay with locals.
Sleep away the travel time on an overnight train in a comfortable shared cabin.
Enjoy cruising over Ha long Bay on this fully-staffed boat. The meals are amazing and the rooms are much more spacious than you’d expect on a boat.
You’re not in Prague, but you can enjoy a great view of the sunset over Ho Chi Minh City from this hotel’s rooftop pool. Expect spacious contemporary rooms here.
Enjoy a locally-run lodge where you can get to know the friendly people who will be hosting you.
You’re not in Prague, but you can enjoy a great view of the sunset over Ho Chi Minh City from this hotel’s rooftop pool. Expect spacious contemporary rooms here.
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations for 9 nights are included.
Transfers as per itinerary for you and your luggage, including pickup and drop off are included. This does not include any airfare
How hard is the 10-Day Vietnam Exploration?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. You will take one short hike. Travellers who are comfortable in and around water will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the 10-Day Vietnam Exploration?
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 1 dinner are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Hanoi to start this tour?
Fly into Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport where you will be greeted and be transferred to your accommodation.
Is the 10-Day Vietnam Exploration in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the 10-Day Vietnam Exploration end?
The tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City where you will be taken to the airport to depart.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Vietnam?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Vietnam?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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78 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10A route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10A made that happen.
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I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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We rate this tour as a 2/5. You will take one short hike. Travellers who are comfortable in and around water will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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