Vietnam Itinerary for Small Group Travel: 10-Day Adventure Guide

Why Vietnam is Perfect for Small Groups Travel

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations, offering diverse landscapes, rich culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. For small group travel, it’s a dream come true: easy to navigate, affordable, and full of opportunities to connect with locals.

Whether you’re into nature, history, or food, Vietnam’s warmth and vibrancy make it the ideal setting for an unforgettable shared experience. This itinerary is designed for small groups of friends, families, or small teams who want the best mix of highlights and hidden gems in just 10 days.

Day 1 - 2: Hanoi – The Heart of Vietnamese Culture

Start your journey in Hanoi, Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital. The Old Quarter’s maze of narrow streets is perfect for small groups to explore on foot, stopping for egg coffee or pho at street-side stalls. Visit popular and historical spots like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake).

In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show followed by dinner at Vietnamese restaurant, ideal for sharing dishes and stories the local way, or try out the world-famous bún chả (Vietnamese fresh noodle served with grilled pork, pork patty and herbs). For party goers, the “beer street” Ta Hien is a must-visit if one’s looking for a pub-crawl late night parties.

Day 3 - 4: Ha Long Bay – Majestic Limestone Islands

From Hanoi, take a 2.5-hour drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book an overnight cruise, perfect for small groups who want both privacy and shared spaces. Glide past emerald waters and towering limestone karsts, kayak through hidden lagoons, and explore the nearby caves (depending on the cruise’s program). At night, bond over fresh seafood dinners on deck and watch the sunset with a cool breeze in your hair, then wake up to fresh early morning air with meditating yoga right on the deck of the cruise. Ha Long Bay is where you’ll recharge and revitalize your soul and body.

Day 5: Fly to Da Nang – Gateway to Hoi An

After disembarking from your cruise, head back to Hanoi and take a short flight to Da Nang to get to Hoi An. Before reaching Hoi An, stop by the Marble Mountains for a quick exploration. In the evening, settle into your Hoi An accommodation and take a gentle stroll along the lantern-lit streets, soaking in the town’s enchanting atmosphere.

Day 6 - 7: Hoi An – Ancient Town & Countryside Charm

Hoi An is a small group travel paradise: compact, walkable, and bursting with charm. Spend your morning cycling to Tra Que Vegetable Village or riding along quiet rice paddies. In the afternoon, join a Vietnamese cooking class where everyone gets hands-on with local ingredients.

Don’t miss the tailor shops where you can get custom-made clothes within 24 hours. In the evenings, enjoy riverside dining with local specialties like cao lầu noodles and white rose dumplings.

If you think Hoi An is only about the ancient town and rice paddies, you’re missing out its beautiful beach, An Bang. Just a short 10-minute drive from Hoi An’s ancient town, An Bang is a tranquil stretch of soft golden sand lapped by gentle turquoise waves. It offers a peaceful atmosphere, complete with cozy beachfront cafés, fresh seafood restaurants, and rustic bars, all perfect for taking in the sunset views.

Day 8: Hue - Imperial History and Scenic Drives

From Hoi An, embark on one of the world’s most scenic drives via the Hai Van Pass to Hue. Once the imperial capital, Hue is home to the UNESCO-listed Citadel, royal tombs, historical temples and the Perfume River. Small groups can easily explore by boat or bike, visiting pagodas and trying Hue’s distinctive cuisine, such as bánh bèo and bún bò Huế.

One of the best ways to feel the vibe and see the places in Hue is through a “cyclo tour”. Although cyclos are no longer allowed on the roads in Vietnam, you can still book an official cyclo tour for your group through reputable travel agents here and enjoy the pleasant ride.

Day 9 - 10: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Urban Energy and War History

Fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s southern metropolis. Here, the energy is electric, perfect for groups who enjoy bustling markets, rooftop bars, and vibrant nightlife. The War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, The Opera House, The Central Post Office/Notre Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Market are a few tourist attractions that almost every tourists who come to Saigon visits. We have compiled a detailed guide for an ultimate 1, 2 and 3 day trip in Saigon (HCMC).

If you want to step out of your comfort zone, which you totally should by the way, book a Vespa city tour in the morning and a food tour for the evening to see the real side of the city, eat the food the locals love, and immerse yourself in the authentic Saigon’s vibe, fantastic for small group bonding before heading home.

Travel Tips for Small Groups in Vietnam

Book transport in advance: For smooth travel, arrange private vans or group train tickets ahead of time.
Choose boutique hotels: They often have a more personal touch and can accommodate group needs.
Mix planned activities with free time: Balance sightseeing with downtime so everyone can explore at their own pace.
Try Vietnamese food: Vietnamese food is known globally for its flavor and taste. Vietnamese meals are perfect for sharing, which makes them ideal for group experiences.
Do research about your destination before arriving, including food safety tips, scams, and other fun activities to do in the area.

Memories Made Together

Vietnam’s variety of landscapes, cultural treasures, and culinary delights make it one of the best destinations for small group travel. This 10-day itinerary balances iconic sights with authentic local encounters, ensuring your group leaves with not just great photos but also shared memories that last a lifetime. For a longer time with visual explanation, check out our Vietnam Itinerary video here.

Whether you’re sailing in Ha Long Bay, cycling in Hoi An, or exploring the buzzing streets of Saigon, Vietnam will welcome you warmly.

Vietnam Travel