With 9 nights and 10 days in Vietnam, you can have a more in-depth exploration of the country, covering Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City. Here’s a comprehensive itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

– Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.
– Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
– Rest and recover from your journey.
– In the evening, explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter and sample delicious street food.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

– Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.
– Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.
– Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
– Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
– In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

– Check out from your hotel in Hanoi and depart for Halong Bay (approximately 3-4 hours’ drive).
– Arrive in Halong Bay and board a traditional Vietnamese junk boat for an unforgettable overnight cruise.
– Explore the Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and take in the breathtaking views from the Titop Island viewpoint.
– Participate in optional activities like kayaking or swimming (depending on the weather).
– Watch the sunset over the bay.
– Have a delightful dinner on board and relax under the stars.

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi to Da Nang to Hoi An

– Start your morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
– Continue to explore the beauty of Halong Bay.
– Return to the main harbor and disembark from the cruise boat.
– Transfer back to Noi Bai International Airport for a flight to Da Nang.
– Arrive in Da Nang and transfer to your hotel in Hoi An, check-in, and unwind.

Day 5: Da Nang – Marble Mountains and Hoi An

– Take a half-day tour to explore the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills with caves and pagodas.
– Afterward, proceed to the ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
– Enjoy a walking tour through Hoi An’s charming streets and visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation.
– Have lunch at a local restaurant, trying some of the town’s famous dishes.
– Spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the town’s shops, art galleries, and tailor shops.
– In the evening, enjoy the magical atmosphere of Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets.

Day 6: Hoi An to Hue

– Check out from your hotel in Hoi An and depart for Hue (approximately 3-4 hours’ drive).
– En route, stop at the Hai Van Pass for stunning panoramic views.
– Arrive in Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam.
– Visit the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
– Check-in at your hotel in Hue and rest.

Day 7: Hue City Tour to Ho Chi Minh City

– Take a morning boat trip along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda.
– Explore the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang and the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.
– Have lunch at a local restaurant, savoring some Hue specialties.
– Transfer to Phu Bai International Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
– Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to your hotel, and check-in.

Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City Tour

– Take a morning excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
– Return to Ho Chi Minh City and have lunch.
– Visit the historic Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and the Central Post Office.
– Have lunch at a local restaurant, savoring some southern Vietnamese specialties.
– Visit Ben Thanh Market for shopping and souvenirs.

Day 9: Mekong Delta Day Trip

– Embark on a full-day excursion to the Mekong Delta, a fascinating region of winding waterways and lush landscapes.
– Take a boat trip to visit local villages, floating markets, and traditional handicraft workshops.
– Enjoy a delicious lunch of regional delicacies.
– Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Day 10: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

– Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
– Check out from your hotel and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.

This 9 nights and 10 days itinerary offers a comprehensive experience of Vietnam’s culture, history, and natural beauty. You’ll get to explore the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, immerse yourself in the charm of Hoi An and Hue, and discover the tranquility of the Mekong Delta. As always, feel free to customize the activities and timings according to your interests for an unforgettable trip to Vietnam.