10-Day Vietnam Backpacking Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hue
If you are looking for a thrilling adventure backpacking through Vietnam, you must include the cities of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hue in your itinerary. These cities offer a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and local cuisine.
Day 1-3: Hanoi
Start your 10-day Vietnam backpacking journey in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Hanoi has a rich history and culture that intertwines with its modern development. You can explore the Hanoi Old Quarter, which is a maze of narrow streets filled with street vendors selling local foods, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and learn about the history of the Vietnamese revolutionary leader. You can also check out the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbol of Hanoi.
For those interested in history, museums such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum are a must-visit.
Don’t forget to try the local cuisine, such as pho, bun cha, and egg coffee.
Day 4-6: Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of limestone islets rising out of the emerald green waters. It’s a breathtaking natural wonder that shouldn’t be missed during your Vietnam trip.
You can take a boat tour to explore the bay and its hidden caves, enjoy kayaking, or go squid fishing at night. The sunsets in Ha Long Bay are also a sight to behold.
Day 7-8: Hue
Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam and boasts of a rich history and culture. It’s home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Complex of Hue Monuments, consisting of the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Royal Tombs.
You can rent a bicycle and explore the countryside, visit the local markets, or take a cooking class to learn how to cook traditional Hue dishes. Don’t forget to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, and see its iconic seven-story tower.
Day 9-10: Back to Hanoi
On your last two days, you can take a flight back to Hanoi, or take a 13-hour train ride for a more scenic route. You can revisit some of your favorite spots in Hanoi, go souvenir shopping, or take a cooking class to learn how to make some of your favorite dishes.
In conclusion, a 10-day backpacking trip to Vietnam covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hue is a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and local cuisine. These cities offer many activities for travelers, making it an exciting and memorable experience.
