Vietnam is one of those countries that makes you wonder why you didn't visit sooner. The food alone is worth the plane ticket, but add in the landscapes, the history, and the warmth of the people, and you've got a trip you'll be talking about for years. This 10-day north-to-south route covers the essentials.
Days 1-3: Hanoi & Sapa
Fly into Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport and spend your first afternoon wandering the Old Quarter. The 36 streets are named after the goods originally sold there — Silk Street, Silver Street, Paper Street. Grab a banh mi from a street cart and bun cha at a tiny plastic-stool restaurant. This is peak Vietnam.
Day two, catch the overnight sleeper train or an early morning bus to Sapa. The rice terraces here are jaw-dropping, especially during the green season (May-September). A two-day trek with a Hmong guide takes you through villages that feel untouched by time.
Days 4-6: Ha Long Bay & Central Vietnam
Back in Hanoi, take a day cruise through Ha Long Bay. The limestone karsts rising from emerald water are even more dramatic in person. Spring for a mid-range boat with kayaking included — the cheap tours pack you in like sardines.
Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang (1.5 hours), then taxi 30 minutes to Hoi An. This ancient trading port is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most charming town in Vietnam. The lantern-lit streets at night are magical. Get clothes custom-tailored in 24 hours — suits, dresses, whatever you want — for a fraction of Western prices.
Day six, take a half-day trip to the My Son ruins — Vietnam's answer to Angkor Wat. These Cham Hindu temples date back to the 4th century and sit in a lush valley surrounded by jungle.
Days 7-10: Ho Chi Minh City & the Mekong
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and check into District 1. The War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace are heavy but essential. The Cu Chi Tunnels, 90 minutes northwest, give you a visceral understanding of the Vietnam War that no textbook can match.
Spend a day in the Mekong Delta — floating markets, coconut candy workshops, and sampan rides through narrow canals lined with water palms. It's the polar opposite of Saigon's buzzing streets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Americans need a visa for Vietnam?
A: Yes. Apply for an e-Visa online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. It costs $25 USD, is valid for 90 days (single or multiple entry), and is typically approved within 3 business days. You can also get a visa on arrival with a pre-approved letter, but the e-Visa is simpler.
Q: How do I get between cities in Vietnam?
A: Domestic flights are cheap and fast — VietJet and Bamboo Airways run frequent routes between Hanoi, Da Nang, and HCMC for $30-60 one way. The Reunification Express train is scenic but slow (30+ hours Hanoi to HCMC). Sleeper buses work well for 4-6 hour routes.
Q: Is Vietnam safe for American tourists?
A: Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for tourists. Petty theft (bag snatching from motorbikes) is the main concern in cities. Keep your phone secure, use hotel safes, and be cautious crossing streets — traffic in Vietnam is organized chaos.
Q: What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
A: Vietnam stretches 1,650 km north to south, so weather varies. The sweet spot for a north-to-south trip is October to December: dry in the north and central regions, and the south is wrapping up rainy season. Avoid central Vietnam in September-November for typhoon risk.
Q: How much does Vietnam cost per day?
A: Vietnam is very affordable. Budget travelers can get by on $30-40/day, mid-range is $60-100/day, and luxury is $150+. A bowl of pho costs $1.50-3, a banh mi is under $1, a beer is $0.50-1 (bia hoi draft), and a nice hotel room is $40-80.
Recommended Vietnam Tours and Experiences
Vietnam is a country best explored with a local guide who knows the hidden alleyways of Hanoi, the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, and the ancient streets of Hoi An. These curated experiences are traveller-tested and hassle-free.