which city to eliminate

[10 day trip]

I was planning to take a 10 day trip to Siem Reap, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh and split the time equally (a bit longer in Hanoi).   Is that enough time to see each city?  Should I just eliminate Ho Chi Minh and spend longer in Hanoi.  Is there much to do in Ho Chi Minh anyway?

[fifa]

If you had to pick, I'd say Hanoi over HCMC in a heartbeat. But at the same time, it's a pity not to go to HCMC. If nothing to visit the CuChi tunnels and experience a little of what the Vietnamese went through during the war.

[abc]

HCMC off.
I was there for 4 days and never made it to the tunnels, under the guidance of my local friend. Mostly "experience the local buz" place.

You can spend all the time in Hanoi area itself, splitting with the Halong Bay and the mountains.

Siem Reap is 3 days organized.

[chopin]

I would take siem reap OR hanoi. Can't say about HCMC as I have never been there.

Ten days in siem reap was nice for me but I like to take my time.

Hanoi and around: it also depends on the time of the year you go there. I went there 2 weeks in december last year and the second week was really cold. Lukily we went to sapa the first week. So if you go at the end of the year, one week hanoi (only hanoi, not sapa or halong bay) and one week SR otherwise I'd go for either one.

[ho ho]

2 days in ho chi minh and 2 days in siem reap was plenty for me. i have heard that hanoi is nicer, so i think you have plenty of time for all 3 cities.

[maxwellkittybites]

do all 3

you have time

hcmc and hanoi are very cool cities - completely different flavors to vietnam

[recharged]

Why are you limiting visit to cities?
Go Siam Reap (3 days) and Hanoi (2-3 days including Halong Bay).

THEN, for the highlight of your trip go to HCMC backpacker area and catch on one of the 2 day/1night guided bus/boat tours up the Mekong River to Can Tho. Although rustic, its clean, educational and you'll see unbelievable aspects of real VN, meet cool friends, all for a song.

Went last June with wife and my two teenagers and it was the best (and cheapest) part of our whole trip!

RC

[totally agree]

My husband and I did exactly the same trip last Xmas - one of the most memorable and moving trips I have ever made.  You HAVE to do all 3 cities - all different.  
You will have a great time and I really envy you.  Good luck.