Known as one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam boasts natural beauty, a captivating history, and rich culture. The below itinerary is based on different stops that should give you the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and discovery while spending 10 days in Vietnam, considering all the essential stops and unforgettable experiences while getting to know the best that Vietnam has to offer.

Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi 

Vietnam's Vibrant Capital Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam - totally energetic city. Please take a few hours to get settled into your hotel and get the feel of the surrounding localities. Of course, there is plenty of time to acclimatize before you begin roaming around this magnificent city. Take some of your time wandering the Old Quarter in Hanoi, which mixes French colonial architecture with temples thousands of years old. Lovely. Stroll down the lively Nguyen Huu Huan Street with all its coffee shops and taste a Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. Spend the evening taking some quiet strolls around the Hoan Kiem Lake or unwinding in a cozy restaurant over a traditional Vietnamese dinner.

Cost: about $80 (food, local transport, coffee)

Day 2: Cultural Hub of Hanoi

Start your first full day in Vietnam by chomping down on history and culture. You gotta go see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum-some semblance of paying respects to Vietnam's previous leader. Nearby are the One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and an old symbol of Vietnam's devotion to education. Visit Hanoi's French Quarter in the late afternoon for a cyclo tour around some of the grand old buildings and broad boulevards. You'll stop at a local café, where you'll have the chance to try a really unusual Hanoi specialty: egg coffee, sipping it while sitting amid the bustling street life.

About $80 (entry fees, food, cyclo tour)

Day 3: Halong Bay - A Magical Overnight Cruise

Leave the city for the dramatic and beautiful limestone islands that sprout out of emerald waters of Halong Bay, seen in the thousands-part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Board an overnight cruise and enjoy views of the landscape as you sail through this amazing paradise: kayak through caves, swim in secluded coves, and experience one of Vietnam's most celebrated sunset views. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner onboard while letting your time be absorbed in serene views of the evening.

Approximate Cost: $200, Cruise package including meals and activities

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi

After an early sunrise breakfast on the deck, spend the morning discovering even more of the symbolic islets of Halong Bay before returning to the mainland. Spend the afternoon returning to Hanoi, and it will be yet another free day. Excellent for getting around this great city and trying some of the street food, perhaps even famous bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), or pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), unwinding from a memorable experience at Halong Bay.

Approximate Budget: $60 (food, transport)

Day 5: Fly to Da Nang and Explore Hoi An

Fly over to Da Nang then transfer for a road trip to the beautifully quaint town of Hoi An. The old town here and the town lit up with thousands of lanterns will make you feel really welcome. The entire Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and thus contains attractions like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and the Assembly Halls. Have dinner at one of the riverside restaurants and enjoy running your nose along with the smells of scents while having sounds of lights on the street at night.

Approx. cost: $150 for flights, food, transportation.

Day 6: Hoi An – Basket Boat Ride and An Bang Beach

Spend a picturesque morning on a basket boat tour of Cam Thanh Village's coconut palm forest. Learn ancient fishing techniques and soak up the delightful green scenery. Then it's to An Bang Beach and glorious golden afternoons stretch out before you. Just sit on the sand, have a refreshing swim, and enjoy beach food from the freshest seafood to the coolest beers.

Estimated Budget: $60 (boat ride, beach expenses, meals)

Day 7: My Son Sanctuary and Lantern Festival

Take an easy half-day trip to the sanctuary of My Son, ancient site of Hindu temples and a major religious center of the Champa Kingdom. The incredible archaeological site is placed among luscious green hills and generally creates a very quiet atmosphere. For your evening in Hoi An, you will be invited to a Lantern Festival which occurs every month during full moon in order to release lanterns into the river in wish for good luck.

Budget estimate: Admission fee, lanterns, food

Day 8: Hue - The Imperial City

Visit Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, and walk around the Imperial City-that is, a massive complex of palaces, temples, and gardens. After touring the Citadel, visit the famous 7-story temple along the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda. Conclude this tour with a romantic sunset cruise on the Perfume River, dinner, and end the evening being indulged in Hue's special blandness of flavor.

Approximate Cost: $100 for entrance fees, transport, and meals

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the city 

Visit Ho Chi Minh, former Saigon and Vietnam's commercial capital. This city's history yields so much to find, and you could visit the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. End this day with a visit at Ben Thanh Market, where you'll sell some souvenirs and develop a tasty flavor for Vietnamese street food from fresh spring rolls to bánh mì.

Estimated budget: $150 (flight, food, entrance fees, shopping)

Day 10: Mekong Delta; Nature and Culture

Mekong Delta Day Tour, also known as Vietnam's "rice bowl." This is a one-day trip in the Mekong Delta with a cruise aboard the Mekong River to find your way through winding canals to experience local villages and taste fresh tropical fruits. Enjoy discovering how local handicrafts and coconut candies are prepared. Finally, head back to Ho Chi Minh City for your departure. 

Budget Estimate: $120 (tour package, meals)

Estimated Budget Breakdown

Expense Estimate

Accommodation—------ $1,000 - $1,500

Food—--------------------- $350 - $500

Activities/Entry Fees—- $750 - $1,000

Transportation—--------- $550 - $800

Total—----------------------- $2,650 - $3,800

A versatile and unfathomable landscape, a deep culture; Vietnam makes for the ultimate experience. This itinerary sets out to see the best of every region-from bustling cities and tranquil beaches to iconic landmarks and traditional villages. "Love one of the luxuriant north or the tranquil deltas of the south," promise this adventure that's great and memorable in 10 days.