Popular tour destinations in Vietnam
Vietnam is a stunning country filled with dramatic landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture, making it an ideal destination for organized tours. From bustling cities to serene countryside, there’s a multitude of experiences waiting for travelers.
Hanoi – The capital city is known for its ancient architecture and a vibrant street life. Tours here often include:
- Walking tours of the Old Quarter
- Food tasting tours featuring local dishes
- Cultural experiences at Hoan Kiem Lake
- Historical tours at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Water puppet shows
Halong Bay – Renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests, Halong Bay is perfect for cruises. Popular tours include:
- Overnight cruises
- Kayaking excursions
- Island hopping tours
- Photography tours at sunset
- Cooking classes on board
Hoi An – This ancient town is famous for its well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port. Tours to enjoy include:
- Bicycle tours through rice paddies
- Cultural immersion experiences
- Street food walks
- Crafting sessions with local artisans
- Boat rides in the Thu Bon River
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – A vibrant city that blends colonial history with modern life. Popular tours encompass:
- Tours of Cu Chi Tunnels
- City sightseeing tours
- Cultural shows
- Night markets exploration
- Mekong Delta day trips
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning caves and karst landscapes. Key tours include:
- Cave exploration tours (e.g., Paradise Cave)
- Trekking tours in the national park
- Zip lining adventures
- Biking tours in the countryside
Da Nang – Known for its sandy beaches and upscale resorts, tours here often feature:
- Beach hop tours
- Visit to the Marble Mountains
- Ba Na Hills day trips
- Sunset tours over the coast
- Cultural visits to nearby ancient cities
Types of tours available in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a diverse range of tours catering to different interests, making it easy for travelers to explore the country’s unique offerings. Whether you're into adventure, culture, or culinary experiences, there's something for everyone.
Cultural & Historical – Discover Vietnam’s rich heritage through tours that delve into its history and traditions. Examples include:
- Hanoi Historical Tour
- Cultural Exploration in Hoi An
- Cu Chi Tunnels Tour from Ho Chi Minh City
- My Son Cham Ruins Tour
- Imperial City Tour in Hue
Nature & Adventure – For thrill-seekers and nature lovers, Vietnam offers exhilarating outdoor experiences. Typical tours are:
- Hiking in Sapa
- Caving in Phong Nha
- Biking Tours in the Mekong Delta
- Kayaking in Halong Bay
- Ziplining in Da Nang
Food & Wine – Experience the gastronomic delights Vietnam has to offer through unforgettable culinary tours. Options include:
- Street Food Tour in Hanoi
- Cooking Classes in Hoi An
- Food Tours in Ho Chi Minh City
- Mekong Delta Culinary Tour
- Wine tasting in Dalat
City Walking – Explore vibrant cities on foot with guided walking tours that reveal hidden gems. Tours such as:
- Hanoi City Walking Tour
- Ho Chi Minh City Historical Walk
- Sunset Walking Tour in Hoi An
- Art and Architecture Walking Tour
Multi-Day & Package Tours – Ideal for those looking to immerse themselves completely. Examples include:
- 10-Day Vietnam Highlights Tour
- Experience Vietnam: North to South
- Cultural Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
- Mekong Delta Explorer Package
Best day trips and excursions in Vietnam
Vietnam is filled with exciting day trip opportunities that allow travelers to explore its diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks. These short excursions often depart from major cities, making them easy to fit into your travel itinerary.
- Hanoi to Ninh Binh – A scenic trip to explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and take a boat ride in Tam Coc (Duration: 1 day)
- Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels – Discover the historical tunnels used during the Vietnam War (Duration: 1 day)
- Hoi An to My Son – Visit the ancient Cham ruins with a guided tour (Duration: 1 day)
- Da Nang to Ba Na Hills – Ride the cable car and see the Golden Bridge (Duration: 1 day)
- Hanoi to Halong Bay – Enjoy a day cruise in one of the world’s natural wonders (Duration: 1 day)
- Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta – Explore local villages and enjoy a boat ride (Duration: 1 day)
- Sapa Trekking – Overnight trek from Sapa to nearby villages (Duration: 2 days)
- Phong Nha to Paradise Cave – Marvel at the stunning underground formations (Duration: 1 day)
Adventure and outdoor tours
Adventure tourism in Vietnam is gaining popularity as it offers a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping activities and breathtaking landscapes. From jungles to mountains, the country provides thrilling experiences for adventure seekers.
Sapa – Known for its picturesque terraced rice fields, Sapa is a favorite for trekking. Tours typically involve:
- Guided treks across mountains
- Visiting ethnic minority villages
- Nature hikes through lush landscapes
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – This stunning area is known for its extensive cave systems. Adventure tours here often include:
- Cave exploring in Phong Nha Cave
- Zip-lining and swimming in dark caves
- Camping in the wilderness
Halong Bay – While famous for its cruises, adventurous activities thrive here as well, including:
- Kayaking among the limestone karsts
- Swimming in crystal-clear waters
- Rock climbing on the islands
Da Lat – Known for its temperate climate, Da Lat is a hotspot for outdoor adventures, with options such as:
- Canyoning adventures
- Biking tours through pine forests
- Paragliding over valleys
Whether you're hiking, biking, or exploring caves, Vietnam's adventure tours give you a chance to experience the country’s natural beauty up close.
Cultural and thematic tours
Vietnam's cultural landscape is rich and varied, making it perfect for themed tours that highlight the country’s artistic, historical, and culinary heritage. These experiences allow travelers to gain insight into the local way of life.
Historical Heritage – Explore Vietnam’s history through guided tours that focus on significant historical sites, such as:
- War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City
- Imperial City of Hue
- Ancient Town of Hoi An
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh
Local Traditions – Engage with local communities and learn about traditional customs. Activities include:
- Workshops with artisans in Hoi An
- Tai Chi classes in Hanoi
- Participating in local festivals
Wine & Cuisine – Taste the best of Vietnam's gastronomic delights with tours focusing on local food and drink experiences:
- Culinary tours in Ho Chi Minh City
- Wine tours in Da Lat
- Street food tours in Hanoi
Art & Music – Experience the artistic side of Vietnam through:
- Traditional music performances in Hanoi
- Art exhibitions in Ho Chi Minh City
- Cultural workshops focusing on traditional crafts
Practical tips for booking tours in Vietnam
When booking tours in Vietnam, it’s essential to be informed to ensure a smooth travel experience. Here are some practical tips to help you choose and book the right tours.
- Research reliable tour operators with good reviews.
- Compare online booking options versus booking on-site for better flexibility.
- Understand the typical duration of tours and choose according to your schedule.
- Be aware of the price range for different types of tours.
- Inquire about what’s included in the tour (transportation, meals, guides).
- Check for seasonal variations, as weather may affect availability.
- Learn about local tipping customs and etiquette.
- Dress appropriately for the activities planned on your tour.
- Consider acceptable payment methods, including cash or cards.
- Review cancellation policies to avoid unexpected fees.
- Ask about the language spoken by guides for better communication.
- Prioritize safety by verifying safety measures and insurance for activities.
