Route
Hanoi → Ha Long → Ninh Binh → Da Nang/Hoi An → HCMC
Internal Flights
2 Domestic Flights (HAN-DAD & DAD-SGN)
Trip Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Estimated Cost
₹65,000 – ₹95,000 per person (excl. intl flight)
Trip Overview & Flight Strategy from India
Vietnam is shaped like an elongated 'S', stretching over 1,650 kilometers from north to south. For first-time visitors from India, the classic 10-day itinerary runs sequentially from North to South (landing in Hanoi and departing from Ho Chi Minh City) to avoid backtracking.
Direct flights operate daily from New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata to Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) via VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Air India, with flight durations averaging 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
Day-by-Day Itinerary Breakdown
Days 1 & 2: Vibrant Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi. Explore the bustling 36 Guild Streets of the Old Quarter, stroll around peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, witness the train rushing through Hanoi Train Street cafes, and tour the historic Temple of Literature. Sample famous egg coffee at Cafe Giang.
Days 3 & 4: Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay Cruise
Transfer 2.5 hours by highway limousine to Tuan Chau Marina. Board an overnight luxury cruise. Kayak through sea grottoes, climb Ti Top Island for 360-degree vistas, enjoy sunset cocktails on the sun deck, and awake to Tai Chi against mist-shrouded limestone towers.
Day 5: Ninh Binh Day Trip & Flight to Da Nang
Disembark cruise and head south to Ninh Binh ('Ha Long on Land'). Take a traditional hand-rowed sampan boat through Trang An grottos, hike the 500 dragon steps of Hang Mua viewpoint, then take an evening domestic flight to Da Nang and check into Hoi An.
Days 6 & 7: Hoi An Old Town & Ba Na Hills
Wander through Hoi An's UNESCO Ancient Town, get a custom suit tailored in 24 hours, take a basket boat spin in Cam Thanh coconut forest, and release floating paper lanterns on Thu Bon River. On Day 7, visit Ba Na Hills and walk across the giant Golden Hands Bridge.
Days 8 & 9: Dynamic Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Saigon. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and bustling Ben Thanh Market. Take a morning half-day tour to the underground Cu Chi Tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
Day 10: Mekong Delta & Evening Departure
Enjoy a day tour down to Ben Tre or My Tho in the Mekong Delta, gliding down palm-fringed canals and tasting fresh tropical fruits. Return to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for your late-night direct flight back to India.
Estimated Budget Breakdown (in INR per Person)
Vietnam is one of the most budget-friendly international destinations for Indian travellers:
- International Flights (Return India–Vietnam): ₹24,000 – ₹38,000 (depending on advance booking).
- Domestic Flights (2 sectors): ₹7,000 – ₹10,000 total with 20kg luggage.
- Accommodation (4-star hotels & boutique resorts): ₹20,000 – ₹32,000 per person (sharing twin/double).
- Overnight Luxury Ha Long Cruise: ₹10,000 – ₹16,000 per person including all meals and excursions.
- Food & Indian Dining: ₹1,200 – ₹2,200 per day (approx. ₹15,000 total).
- Visa, Local Sim, Grab taxis & entry tickets: ₹8,000 total.
Pro-Tip: Download Grab App Before Flying
The Grab app (Southeast Asia's Uber) is an absolute must-have in Vietnam. It allows you to book fixed-price cars and scooters without haggling, links seamlessly to Indian credit cards, and eliminates taxi meter scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I start in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City (North to South) is ideal. Hanoi offers deep history, ancient culture, and dramatic landscapes, while Saigon ends your trip with dynamic modern energy, bustling shopping, and convenient flight connections.
Can this 10-day itinerary be adapted for pure vegetarians?
Easily. Every city in this itinerary (Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, HCMC) boasts exceptional pure Indian restaurants and dedicated Buddhist vegetarian 'Chay' dining. Cruise lines also cater with vegetarian/Jain meal plans upon prior notice.
What is the best month for this all-Vietnam itinerary?
March to April or October to November offer the best cross-country climate, avoiding the extreme summer typhoons in central Vietnam and northern winter chills.