A north-to-south journey through karst bays, imperial cities, and river deltas.
A north-to-south route down Vietnam moves from limestone bays to lantern-lit old towns to the Mekong Delta's canals.
Phở
A fragrant beef or chicken noodle soup, traditionally eaten for breakfast.
Bánh mì
A French-influenced baguette sandwich filled with pork, pâté, herbs, and pickled vegetables.
Bún chả
Grilled pork served with rice noodles and a tangy dipping sauce, a Hanoi specialty.
Egg coffee
A Hanoi original: strong coffee topped with a whipped egg-yolk and condensed-milk cream.
Ha Long Bay
An overnight boat cruise among thousands of limestone karsts rising from the emerald water, many riddled with caves large enough to explore by kayak. The bay's formations, shaped over 500 million years, have inspired countless local legends involving descending dragons. Cruises typically include kayaking, cave visits, and a night anchored among the karsts.
Hoi An Ancient Town
A lantern-lit old town best visited on foot, its Japanese covered bridge and merchant houses reflecting centuries as an international trading port. On the 14th day of each lunar month, the town switches off electric lighting entirely in favor of lanterns for a citywide festival. It's also renowned for same-day tailored clothing, a local specialty for visitors.
Cu Chi Tunnels
A vast underground tunnel network near Ho Chi Minh City used by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War, complete with living quarters, hospitals, and kitchens designed to vent smoke undetected. Sections have been widened for tourists to crawl through, giving a visceral sense of the cramped conditions. Guides, often with personal or family connections to the war, add firsthand context.
Sapa rice terraces
Terraced hillsides in the northern highlands, farmed for generations by ethnic minority communities including the Hmong and Dao. Trekking routes wind between villages and rice paddies, with homestays offering a closer look at local life. The town is reachable by overnight train followed by a scenic mountain drive.
Mekong Delta
A vast network of rivers, canals, and floating markets in southern Vietnam, where boats piled high with produce trade directly with each other on the water at dawn. Cycling and boat tours pass through fruit orchards and villages built along the waterways. It offers a markedly different, water-based rhythm of life from the rest of the country.
Imperial City, Hue
The walled former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, its citadel modeled partly on Beijing's Forbidden City, though considerably damaged during the Vietnam War. Restoration work continues on many of its palaces, temples, and gates. The nearby royal tombs, set in landscaped grounds outside the city, are considered some of the country's finest examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
10 days covers a north-to-south route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City without rushing. 7 works if you drop Sapa; 14+ lets you slow down or add Phong Nha's caves.
1. Days 1–3
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
The old quarter, then an overnight boat cruise through the bay.
2. Day 4
Sapa
A trek through rice terraces and hill-tribe villages.
~5h overnight train from Hanoi
3. Days 5–6
Hoi An & Hue
The lantern town's tailors and food, plus Hue's imperial citadel.
~1h flight from Hanoi to Da Nang
4. Days 7–9
Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta
City sights, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and a boat trip through the delta.
~1.3h flight from Da Nang
Day 10
Departure
Fly out of Ho Chi Minh City.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, an e-Visa is required for almost all nationalities. Apply online at the official evisa.gov.vn portal (around $25, valid up to 90 days) — avoid third-party sites that charge extra. From July 2026, many travelers also need to complete a health declaration before arrival.
Which airport should I fly into?
Hanoi's Noi Bai (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat (SGN), depending on which end of the country you start from. An open-jaw ticket into one and out of the other suits this north-to-south route well.
Is tap water safe to drink in Vietnam?
No — stick to bottled or filtered water. Ice in most tourist restaurants is made from filtered water and is generally fine.
Is Vietnam expensive to visit?
No, it's one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia for food, transport, and accommodation.