Hanoi is a fascinating city. There is much to do and see as well as great foods to sample. The majority of people here on Fodors prefer Hanoi to HCMC. I think your original plan is exellent.

I far preferred Hanoi over Saigon. Keep your pla s and have a wonderful trip.

hanoi is 100 times better... it is not dirty at all!! every place has a dirty area or two..

skip halong...it can be dirty

I definitely preferred Hanoi (although watch out for the taxi drivers). I didn't find Halong Bay dirty, but I was there in 2004 and things may have changed. 10 days isn't very long for what you're planning.

I don't know what you mean by "get a better impression of the country"? Hanoi has more sights of interest, the old quarter, etc. HCMC, on the other hand, is fast becoming an "international city". I preferred Hanoi between the two, am glad I went to HCMC once, but comparing them is "apples and oranges".

Hanoi still has remnants of its French Colonial Heritage: some broad streets lined with trees, some old colonial architecture, etc, as well as the much older VN heritage such as the Temple of Literature.

Thanks to all. I feel better!

Halong Bay is dirty???

that would be sarcasm

I actually really liked both but like many preferred Hanoi, however I am really glad I went and would happily go back to HCMC. I am also glad we went to Halong bay. For sure an overnight stay adds to the experience, for me it's waaaaay to long a trip for a day trip and staying on the boat overnight when all the other day boats has gone is magical.

Halong bay is an outstanding place too you shouldnt miss it.
But from the day it become more famous, such as are voted in World Wonder, people come there more and more, some vices appear: the beggars, thieves ...so you should be careful a little

I agree with sf -- I enjoyed HCMC after almost 9 weeks of traveling. It was nice to be in a more modern, cosmopolitan city. But Hanoi is way more charming.
Also very much enjoyed our overnight trip on Halong Bay. It is a long, boring ride to get to Halong Bay, but the time on the boat was wonderful. If I didn't have much time on my vacation I might skip it due to the time to get there.

i was not kidding, many folks have complained about how dirty and trash filled parts of the bay can be..

We saw no (zero) dirt and trash in Halong Bay.

Hanoi/HCMC is like Beatles v Stones! Most people like one or the other, but they are both worth a visit as they are quite different, there are more day trips to do from HCMC, like the Mekong Delta day trip and the Cu Chi Tunnels as well as the markets and the Reunification Palace. In Hanoi there is the lake, all the shopping streets and the infamous "Hanoi Hilton".
I like the food better in HCMC though, but the food in Siem Reap is even better, now there is a town to love.