Vietnam is a large country.

When I decided to come here right after learning that South Africans can get a visa on arrival in Vietnam, I didn’t spend much time planning my itinerary.

I had no idea where I wanted to go or what I wanted to see so I jumped into planning a two week trip.

If you are short on time like me and want to experience SOME of the highlights of Vietnam, here is my complete 10 day itinerary from South to North in Vietnam!

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City is an assault on your senses. The city is filled with traffic, history, and delicious food.

If you don’t have the guts to hire your own motorbike, use Grab. It’s Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber and a cheap way to take the stress out of navigating Ho Chi Minh City’s crowded streets.

Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh

Alleyway Inn

Located in District 1, Alleyway Hostel is close to some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most popular attractions. It’s the perfect stopover to add to your Vietnam backpacking itinerary as you’re just a short taxi ride or walk from the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market.

This hostel offers airport shuttle service, 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, free Vietnamese breakfast and tour desk.

How much is a room?

• • Mixed 4-bed dormitory: 108 R/person/night.

• 6-bed female dormitory: 100 R/person/night.
• 8-bed dormitory: 89 R/person/night.

What to eat in Ho Chi Minh

Ben Tanh Street Food Market

I can say some of the best food I have ever had in this country comes from here.

Although this place is more touristy and you will find dishes from many different countries, it is still worth a visit. There are plenty of   vegetarian and vegan options   and if it is not too crowded, the free WiFi works.

Vegan Saigon

If you want to try authentic Vietnamese food but are vegetarian – come here.

Saigon Vegan boasts an extensive menu from pho to hot pot and even caramelised tofu. Meals range from 40,000 to 60,000 VND (R21.00 to R32.00), and their Vietnamese iced coffee is delicious.

Cafe Apartment on Saigon Walking Street

Coffee lovers – welcome to your sanctuary.

Ho Chi Minh City has entire blocks of shops ready to satisfy your coffee cravings. It’s easy to spend an entire day hopping from one place to another. It’s not the cheapest place in town to grab a bite to eat or grab a coffee, but the prices are reasonable.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh

Sign up for a free walking tour

With only 10 days in Vietnam, it’s not a long time to get a sense of the country’s complex history. One of the best ways to get a basic grasp is to sign up for a walking tour. You’ll get your bearings while learning about Ho Chi Minh’s past from local university students.

The three-hour tour takes you through buildings that played a key role in the Vietnam War, visits the Post Office where you can   have a letter transcribed by one of the city’s oldest residents   , and learn the art of haggling in Vietnam.

Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels

If you are a history buff like me, a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels should be at the top of your Vietnam travel list.

You’ll be able to crawl through tunnels (if you’re not afraid of tight spaces), fire machine guns (warning: they’re not cheap), taste the food the Vietnamese ate, and learn about the traps used during the war.

It was a terrifying experience, especially when I heard gunshots in the distance, which gave me a better understanding of the life of a soldier.

Suggested time in Ho Chi Minh: 2 to 3 days

Color

Hue is the ancient capital of Vietnam located on the banks of the Perfume River. It is home to many famous pagodas, royal tombs and a massive Citadel recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The best way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue is to fly. While you can take a bus, it will take longer and you will spend more time traveling than exploring Vietnam.

Accommodation in Hue

Quan Guesthouse

Quan Hostel is one of the best options in town if you want a private room at an affordable price. It is modern, clean, and even has a beautiful private pool.

There is a 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle, free WiFi and breakfast.   You are also just steps away from Hue Walking Street, which is home to many restaurants, cafes and shops.

How much is a room?

• 4-bed, 6-bed or 8-bed dormitory: 76.00 R/person/night.
• Double room for one person: R189.00 per night.
• Double room for two: R227.00 per night.
• Double room: 189.00 R per night.

What to eat in Hue

Nook Cafe & Bar

Nook Cafe is one of the best spots in Hue for digital nomads. It is tucked away in an alley and is full of quirky decor.

This is also perfect for vegetarians and has a delicious chickpea burger. There are plenty of Vietnamese and international options if you’re craving home food.

Food prices range from 80,000 – 120,000 VND (32.00 R to 65.00 R) and drinks range from 20,000 – 35,000 VND (10.00 R to 19.00 R).

Shiva-Shakti Indian Restaurant

Another top vegan-friendly option in Hue is Shiva-Shakti. The food here is delicious, but because it’s international, the prices are much higher than local Vietnamese restaurants.

Skip this place if you are on a tight budget and don’t want to spend a fortune.

Things to do in Hue

Explore the Royal City

Located in the heart of the city, this complex was the residence of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. During the Vietnam War, it was heavily damaged and you can still see bullet holes in the remaining ruins.

Inside the complex you will find the Forbidden City, royal tombs, pagodas, temples, libraries and museums. If you don’t know much about Vietnamese history, I recommend paying extra for a guide to take you around.

The entrance fee to the Hue Imperial Palace is 150,000 VND (81.00 R) and you will have to buy separate tickets for each different tomb.

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s most iconic landmarks.

This was once the home of Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc, who burned himself to death in Ho Chi Minh City to protest the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government.

His death sparked a series of self-immolations and brought the plight of Buddhists to world attention.

Today, the temple houses the car he drove into the city as well as a 21-meter-high octagonal tower.

Hai Van Pass

Instead of buying a bus ticket straight from Hue to Hoi An, choose a trip that stops along the Hai Van Pass.

You will drive through fishing villages, Thanh Toan tile bridge, Lang Co beach and stop at the top of Hai Van pass to enjoy the majestic panoramic view.

The tour bus I took also went to Marble Mountains, but I didn’t have enough time to explore the whole place.

If you want more control over your schedule on this road trip, another option is to rent a motorbike and drive yourself.

But if you are not confident in your abilities, you can sign up for Easy Rider  . You can sign up for a one, two or three day tour and the driver will lead the way while you sit back and enjoy one of the most beautiful routes in Vietnam.

Recommended time in Hue: 2 to 3 days

Hoi An

Hoi An is world famous for its clothing. People flock here to buy dresses, skirts and suits made by the city’s expert tailors.

But it’s also one of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations. Its Old Quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to mustard-coloured walls, dozens of cafes and lamp-lit streets.

Where to stay in Hoi An

Tipi Inn

Tipi Hostel is within walking distance of the famous Hoi An Ancient Town and dozens of restaurants.

But this is a very basic hostel.

I stayed in one of the private rooms, and that was the bare minimum. If you like having extras like a room with a view, mini fridge, etc, I would not recommend staying here.

But if you’re on a budget and tired of sharing a room with six other people, this is a good option. Plus, the hostel offers free breakfast and a tour desk.

You can also book a shuttle service directly from reception to nearby attractions and locations.

How much is a room?

• Double room with private bathroom: R227.00 per night.
• Cheap single room: 168.00 R/night.
• Single bed in dormitory room: 101 R/person/night.

What to eat in Hoi An

Karma Water

Karma Waters is another great Vietnamese vegan restaurant. They serve authentic local and international dishes and source all their produce from the Tra Que organic vegetable village.

The restaurant also offers vegan Vietnamese cooking classes and uses restaurant proceeds to   support the local community through various charitable programs.

Minh Hien Vegetarian Restaurant

If you’re not into fake meat, you’ll love the menu at Minh Hien. It features classic Vietnamese vegetarian/vegan dishes and plenty of other options.

Although the food was delicious, the portions were small and the prices were higher than other restaurants.

An Lac Vegetarian Restaurant

If you’re on a tight budget, check out the smaller local vegetarian restaurants like An Lac that are scattered throughout town.

While the decor may not be as nice and the staff may not speak English, you can still get a plate of food for half the price.

Visiting places like these on your trip to Vietnam will help you stay on budget.

Things to do in Hoi An

Get something tailored

One of the things I have trouble with when I go shopping is finding something I like. I tend to have a clear picture in my head of what I want and won’t settle for anything else.

So I spent some time in Hoi An buying a dress and skirt that I had been eyeing for a long time but could never find the right color or size.

If you are thinking about traveling to Vietnam, I highly recommend my tailor. She finished the dress in one day, which is crazy, and her prices are reasonable.

You can contact her via email nhavi.shop@gmail.com or visit her shop at 317 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Hoi An

Explore the Old Town and See the Famous Japanese Bridge

Avoid the city’s heavy traffic by waking up before sunrise and walking to the Old Town.

You will witness Hoi An come alive and the morning sun illuminates the city’s yellow buildings.

If you are a lifestyle photographer, you will have the opportunity to photograph street vendors walking down the street with fruits and vegetables, or gliding along a quiet canal.

The lack of crowds also means you’ll have Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge to yourself. It dates back to the 18th century and if you arrive early you can cross it for free.

Go to my son

My Son is a UNESCO-listed royal cemetery and political center dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. Built by the ancient Champa kingdom, it deserves a place on any history buff’s Vietnam itinerary.

During the Vietnam War, this complex was bombed by the US military because it was a Viet Cong hideout.

Some parts of the central complex have been preserved, while others have been rebuilt over the years. My Son is an easy day trip from Hoi An and you can join a tour or use a Grab taxi to take you there and back.

If possible, plan your trip for late afternoon.   All the sightseeing buses leave around 2:00pm, so you won’t have to fight the crowds as you wander around the sites.

Suggested time in Hoi An: 2-3 days

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is packed with great restaurants, interesting sights and a vibrant city life. The best way to get there from Hue is to fly. You’ll save a lot of travel time, with domestic flights costing as little as R300 one way.

Accommodation in Hanoi

Stay in the Old Town if you want to walk to the city’s main attractions.

Hay Guesthouse

Hay Hostel is one of the most popular budget accommodation options in the Old Quarter.

Rooms are spacious, lockers are big enough to fit a suitcase, and you get a delicious breakfast buffet. The hostel also has a tour desk and can help you book trips to Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh and other nearby destinations.

How much is a room?

• Double room with private bathroom: R266.00 per night.
• Six-bed dormitory room: R70.00/person/night.
• Four-bed female dormitory: R82.00/person/night.

What to eat in Hanoi

Minh Chay Vegetarian Restaurant

If you want to indulge, head to Minh Chay. This is one of the most expensive vegan restaurants I’ve been to during my trip to Vietnam, but the food is delicious. Dishes start at 95,000 VND (R51.00), and you can easily rack up a bill of around 300,000 VND (R163.00) per person.

I highly recommend you try the Rieu Vegetarian Hot Pot or the Vegetarian Vermicelli Salad.

Bam Bo Beef Noodle Restaurant

A cheap but delicious place to eat is a top choice for anyone on a budget when traveling to Vietnam.

For budget travelers to Hanoi, this is the place to go.

The restaurant takes its name from its signature dish, bun bo nam bo, a dry noodle soup with beef. It is served with bean sprouts, garlic, lemongrass and green mango, and comes with a choice of side dishes.

This dish can be made vegetarian/vegan, and this is one of the cheapest but best places you can eat in Hanoi. I would have spent more time here if I hadn’t discovered it on my last night.

Always Cafe

Harry Potter fans, UNITE! Hanoi has its own Hogwarts-themed cafe.

Inside you’ll find everything from butterbeer, souvenirs, and other magical treats. I had to stop buying Voldemort’s wand after buying a few Harry Potter-inspired bracelets and necklaces.

But aside from being a dangerous place for your wallet, it’s also a great place for digital nomads in Hanoi who want to sit in their wizard robes and get things done.

Things to do in Hanoi

Visit Hanoi Chinatown

Want to add something different to your itinerary? Head to Hanoi’s Chinatown!

Nestled in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter are the city’s high-speed train tracks.

There are two trains running this route every day.   The first leaves at 3:30pm and the second leaves at 7:30pm. If you want a good spot to see all the action, try to get there around 3pm, especially if you want good lighting for photos.

Ba Vi National Park

Escape the madness of Hanoi and take a day trip to Ba Vi National Park. It’s two hours outside the city and is famous for its three-peaked mountain. The country is home to a number of stunning national parks and no 10-day Vietnam itinerary would be complete without visiting at least one.

If you are up for a hike, you will find an 11th century temple at the top of the highest mountain. The temple offers sweeping views of the countryside and even a natural hot spring.

Explore culture and see a show at the Hanoi Opera House

Modeled after the Paris Opera House, this is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. It was built in 1911 and fell into disrepair after the French left Vietnam.

Renovated in 1997, it has been welcoming visitors ever since. Ticket prices range from 100.00 to 2,000,000 VND (54.00 R to 1,090.00 R), making it one of the most affordable things to do in Hanoi.

If you have time for a side trip from Hanoi, book a cruise along the famous Ha Long Bay! You can choose from a variety of budget to luxury options and you will pass through the stunning limestone mountains of Vietnam!

Another day trip that I didn’t have time for (but is on my wish list) is Ninh Binh. This is a great destination with breathtaking natural scenery and a great alternative to Ha Long Bay if you want to avoid the crowds.

Recommended time in Hanoi: 2 days

In the meantime

Sapa is one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam.

It is world famous for its terraced rice fields, winding hiking trails through the hills and mountains, and the rich culture of the ethnic minorities living in the area.

Where to stay in Sapa

Go Sapa Guesthouse

If you arrive early for a hike or stay at a homestay, Go Sapa Hostel is one of the cheapest accommodation options in town. It is just a short walk from Sapa O’Chau and offers great views of the valley below.

The hostel has an on-site restaurant, laundry facilities, and free breakfast every morning.   It can get chilly, even in the warmer summer months, so make sure you pack a few layers.

How much is a room?

• Double room with private bathroom: R 184.00 per night.
• Eight-bed dormitory room: R69.00/person/night.
• Six-bed dormitory room: R82.00/person/night.

Things to do in Sapa

Hiking

The main reason you should visit Sapa on your Vietnam itinerary is for the hiking.

Many companies offer one-day or multi-day trips throughout the region. I booked my three-day trek with Sapa O’Chau. They are the first tour company owned and operated by the ethnic minorities in the area and use the profits to uplift the community.

As Sapa is quite remote, you should purchase travel insurance in case anything happens to you or your belongings. I recommend World Nomads as their policies are designed for adventurous travellers and cover everything from broken belongings to adventure sports and hospital visits.

World Nomads offers travel insurance to travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you receive a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is for information only and is not a recommendation to purchase travel insurance.

Guest house

If you are curious about the hill tribes, book a homestay tour.

You will stay with families of different ethnicities, help prepare meals and learn about the complexities of their culture and history in Sapa.

Recommended time in Sapa: 2 to 3 days

Are you ready to plan your 10-day itinerary in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a wonderful and diverse country. There is so much to see, whether you are a history buff, nature lover or city dweller there is something for you.

I hope this itinerary has inspired you for your own trip! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions.