10 Days in Vietnam: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Hoi An & the Mekong

Lantern-lit old towns, emerald limestone islands rising out of the sea, steaming bowls of pho on plastic stools, and a coastline that runs the whole length of the country — Vietnam is one of those destinations that grabs you the moment you arrive and doesn't let go.

Here's a relaxed 10-day route that travels top to bottom, from the buzzing streets of Hanoi down to the Mekong Delta — plus the little things that make travel smooth, including staying online from the moment you land.

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Day 1–2: Hanoi — The Old Quarter

Start in the capital. Lose yourself in the tangle of the Old Quarter, sip egg coffee on a tiny balcony, watch the chaos of motorbikes around Hoan Kiem Lake, and grab dinner from a street-food stall where the locals queue.

Tip: get up early for a quieter walk around the lake before the city fully wakes — it's the best photos you'll take all trip.

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Day 3–4: Ha Long Bay — Cruise the Karsts

Head east for an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise. Kayak between towering limestone karsts, swim in hidden lagoons, explore sea caves, and watch the sun drop behind the islands from the top deck.

Tip: consider nearby Lan Ha Bay for the same scenery with a fraction of the boats.

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Day 5–6: Hoi An — Lanterns & Tailors

Fly central to Hoi An, the prettiest town in Vietnam. Wander the lantern-lit Ancient Town after dark, get a suit or dress tailor-made overnight, cycle out to the rice paddies, and float a paper lantern down the Thu Bon River.

Tip: base near Hue for a day trip to the old imperial citadel and royal tombs along the Perfume River.

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Day 7–8: Ho Chi Minh City — Saigon Energy

Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City. Feel the non-stop energy of Saigon: rooftop bars over District 1, the moving War Remnants Museum, the bustling Ben Thanh Market, and some of the best street food in the country.

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Day 9–10: The Mekong Delta

Wrap up with a trip into the Mekong Delta. Glide through narrow canals by sampan, visit a floating market at dawn, sample tropical fruit straight from the orchard, and slow right down before you fly home.

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Quick Tips for Vietnam

• Best time to visit: the country is long, so weather varies — March–April and October–November are the safest all-round bets.
• Getting around: cheap domestic flights link the big cities; the scenic Reunification Express train and Grab bikes/cars cover the rest.
• Plugs & power: Type A/C plugs, 220V — bring an adapter.
• Budget & currency: Vietnam is wonderfully affordable; the currency is the dong (VND), and small cash is handy for street stalls and markets.

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Staying Connected in Vietnam

From navigating the Old Quarter to booking a Ha Long cruise, you'll want data that just works. With Happy Travel SIM you have two easy options:

• Travel eSIM — delivered instantly by email. Scan the QR code and you're online the second you land. Ideal if your phone supports eSIM. Vietnam Travel eSIM →
• Physical SIM card — prefer a real card, or your phone doesn't support eSIM? We post your Vietnam SIM to your door with free shipping in Malaysia and Thailand, ready to pop in before you fly. Vietnam Travel SIM Card →

Both give you fast 4G/5G coverage right across Vietnam — no roaming bill shock, and no hunting for an airport SIM kiosk after a long flight.

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Ready for Vietnam?

Pack your sense of adventure, sort your data before you go, and let the journey from Hanoi to the Mekong begin.

👉 Get your Vietnam eSIM, or order a physical SIM (free shipping in Malaysia & Thailand).