10-Day Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi to the Mekong — Halong Cruise, Hoi An, Ba Na & Cu Chi
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to do light cycling, basic paddling, and handle several multi-hour transfers.
Overview
Trace Vietnam’s spine in 10 days: start in Hanoi, glide through Ha Long’s limestone arms, ride the Golden Bridge above Da Nang, and drift the Mekong’s coconut canals. This compact itinerary balances active days—kayaking, cycling, cable-car ascents—with cultural stops and efficient domestic flights.
10-Day Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi to the Mekong — Halong Cruise, Hoi An, Ba Na & Cu Chi
Select participants and date
Daybreak in Hanoi begins with a chaotic, fragrant pulse: bicycles weaving, vendors calling, and the city’s gray roofs catching first light. On this 10-day loop through Vietnam, travelers move deliberately from that urban hum to the open water of Ha Long and the coconut channels of the Mekong, a journey designed to expose the country’s contrasts—limestone karsts that rise like sculpted islands, French-colonial facades, mist-slick mountains and underground wartime labyrinths.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pack quick-dry layers
Coastal humidity and mountain chill alternate—light layers and a compact rain shell keep you comfortable across climates.
Bring local currency small notes
Vendors, markets and small boat operators prefer cash; have plenty of VND 20,000–100,000 notes for tips and purchases.
Hydrate for hot, active days
Kayaking, cycling and market walks add up—carry a 1–2L reusable bottle and refill with safe water when possible.
Waterproof phone/camera kit
Between deck spray on cruises and sudden tropical showers, a basic waterproof case protects electronics.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Kingfishers and herons along the Mekong canals
- Occasional small dolphins or sea birds in Lan Ha/Ha Long waters
History
The route threads Vietnam’s layered past—Imperial Hue, colonial Hoi An port and the Cu Chi tunnels that reveal wartime ingenuity and civilian resilience.
Conservation
Halong and Lan Ha Bay are protected zones with limits on anchoring and fishing; support responsible operators and avoid single-use plastics during the cruise.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Hanoi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Light rain shell
Keeps you dry during sudden tropical showers and coastal spray.
Sturdy sandals or boat shoes
Grippy, quick-drying footwear for cruise decks, beach landings and basket-boat rides.
summer specific
Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
Useful in riverine and rural areas, especially at dawn and dusk in the Mekong and Mai Chau.
Compact daypack with hydration sleeve
Carries water, layers, camera and local purchases without weighing you down.