10 days in vietnam itinerary – best vietnam 10 day itinerary for you

Day 5: Hue City and Emperor’s Tombs

Hue is also a former imperial capital, once home to the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam, the Nguyen. Since this is where the royal family lives, it is better preserved than the capital facilities in the north. Their concern for life after death led many of the 13 Nguyen emperors to build tombs for themselves, some quite elaborate. Two of the more popular tombs open to tourists belonged to Emperors Khai Dinh and Tu Duc.  

A bowl of steaming bun bo Hue (literally “Hue beef vermicelli”), a lemongrass-flavored soup with beef shank, oxtail, and pork knuckles, will warm your body and fill you up after you’ve visited the many interesting destinations in Hue – or if you had gotten caught in a downpour, one of the “specialties” of Central Vietnam.

Hue is a must-visit place in a 10-day in Vietnam itinerary (Source: Internet)

Day 6 – 7: Da Nang – Hoi An

This coastal city is home to some of Vietnam’s best beaches (30 km of glittering white sand and clear blue waters), so make sure to spend some time relaxing in the sun. In the evening, explore the city’s nightlife or enjoy a traditional Vietnamese massage. Da Nang is also home to Ba Na Hills, a sprawling entertainment complex that brings European sights (such as a replica French village) to Vietnamese hilltops accessible only by cable car. Ba Na Hills also boasts the Golden Bridge: a walkway with a fantastic view of the surrounding area, lifted by two massive stone hands rising out of the hillside. 

• Address Ba Na Hills: Hoa Ninh commune, Hoa Vang district, Da Nang city

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An is only a short drive away from Da Nang. This quaint merchant town, once a bustling harbor, is renowned for its beautiful Japanese bridges, Chinese temples, and French colonial buildings. Spend the day exploring the narrow streets and picking up souvenirs from the many shops and markets. Hoi An has its famous noodle soup as well: Cao Lau, golden noodles topped with pork, shrimp, vegetables, crunchy croutons, and very little broth. 

Da Nang is a famous tourist destination, which is also known as “the most livable city in Vietnam” (Source: Internet)

Day 8 – 9: Sai Gon – Cu Chi Tunnel

Vietnam’s largest city, Saigon, is a vibrant metropolis and a great place to explore. You’ll find plenty of parks, museums, and colonial-era buildings to keep you busy. Some of these locations are the Independence Palace (the seat of the South Vietnamese government), the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and the Central Post Office. The charming, distinctive architecture is a harmonious combination of the influences that have shaped this Southern capital, including its fraught history. 

• Address Independence Place: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh, District 1, HCMC
• Address Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica: 01 Paris Commune, Ben Nghe, District 1, HCMC
• Address Central Post Office: 02 Paris Commune, Ben Nghe, District 1, HCMC

The Cu Chi Tunnels, just outside of Saigon, are also worth a visit. These tunnels were used by the Viet Cong in the resistance against the Americans. Guerrilla fighters lived, fought, and died in this intricate and cleverly-hidden system of tunnels. Today, the tunnels are a popular tourist attraction, after lights have been installed and many sections have been made safer. 

Com tam (broken rice) started as a dish for the poor, as they were unable to afford unbroken rice. Today, it has become one of the most iconic foods in the city. The cooked rice is served with grilled pork ribs, cooked pork skin, and steamed egg-and-meat loaf, garnished with scallion and oil, with a small bowl of sauce for spreading to taste on the side. 

Com tam is one of the most popular breakfast dishes of Saigon people (Source: Internet)