Top 15 Unforgettable Tours in Vietnam

Vietnam is a nation with a profound and complex historical narrative that has increasingly drawn global visitors since the end of military conflicts in the 1970s.

The country is celebrated for its rich cultural diversity and the multitude of ethnic groups residing within its territory.

Renowned globally, Vietnamese cuisine offers dishes that are a delightful adventure for the senses; expect to encounter aromas and tastes that may be entirely unfamiliar yet exciting.

The inhabitants exude warmth and friendliness, and you may find that their welcoming demeanor enhances your overall experience as you explore the nation’s offerings.

1. Guided Street Food Tour in Hanoi

For those who have experienced food shows on networks such as the Food Network and Travel Channel and have longed to visit the exciting locations featured, a guided street food tour in Hanoi is highly recommended.

If your accommodation is located in the Old Quarter, arrangements can be made for pick-up at your location prior to the start of the tour.

The tour spans approximately three to four hours, introducing participants to a remarkable selection of authentic local dishes favored by residents.

Dish highlights include Pho, a beloved rice noodle soup, complemented by ingredients such as bean sprouts and beef, as well as the sweet delicacy known as Chè.

2. Local Villages and Sa Pa Valley Hike

Vietnam boasts some of the most stunning terraced rice paddies across Asia.

Carved into the breathtaking mountains over generations, these vibrant green agricultural masterpieces are among the most photogenic in the region.

This six-hour excursion involves a 10-kilometer hike, ideally suited for individuals in good physical condition.

Beyond the natural beauty, this journey includes visits to villages inhabited by local ethnic minority groups, such as the Black Hmong community in Lao Chai Village.

A traditional home-cooked meal will provide a delightful interlude before progressing into the nearby bamboo forest to discover a hidden waterfall.

3. Morning or Afternoon Guided Tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels

During the Vietnam War—often referred to as the American War by the Vietnamese—the Viet Cong developed an extensive network of tunnels for protection and concealment against American forces and aerial attacks.

This six-hour tour offers an insightful exploration of these remarkable, albeit somber, examples of human ingenuity. English and German-speaking guides are available for this excursion.

Regardless of your choice for morning or afternoon, transportation to and from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City is provided.

This tour also features an engaging documentary and allows participants to view actual weaponry from the conflict.

4. Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class from Hoi An

Nestled along Vietnam’s eastern coast, just south of Da Nang, Hoi An is a picturesque town with a population exceeding 100,000.

This comprehensive six-hour market tour and cooking experience, guided in English, includes an enchanting basket boat ride through vibrant waterways bustling with local vendors offering fresh ingredients for your cooking endeavors.

You will be captivated by the varied colors and abundance of products available, distinguishing it markedly from typical grocery shopping experiences at home.

This adventure is perfect for culinary enthusiasts ready to immerse themselves in local culture.

5. Marble Mountain and Da Nang Beach Tour with Guide in Hoi An

The stunning My Khe Beach in Da Nang offers expansive stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, contrasting significantly with some of the heavily touristed areas, particularly around Ho Chi Minh City.

This eight-hour guided tour includes a visit to the magnificent Marble Mountain, comprising five distinct mountains and the stunning Thuy Son Buddhist temple.

You will appreciate authentic Vietnamese architecture in Hoi An, and a sampling of exquisite local cuisine will surely satisfy your appetite after a day of exploration.

6. Halong Bay Tour including Caves, Islands, Kayaks and a Dragonfly Cruise

Halong Bay, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, positioned east of Hanoi on the Gulf of Tonkin, offers an unforgettable experience that should not be overlooked.

This nearly 12-hour tour encompasses visits to the stunning Heaven Palace Cave via kayak or a traditional bamboo boat.

After a delightful onboard lunch and a leisurely cruise back to the pier, you will embark on a private boat cruise showcasing remarkable geological features among the small islands, many boasting unique names and shapes resembling various animals.

Following additional kayaking and sightseeing, transportation will be provided to return you to Hanoi.

7. Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre with a No-Wait Entry Ticket

While taught as children that skipping the line is impolite, the inclusion of a priority entry with your tour changes that perception.

Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Theatre has a history spanning thousands of years.

While some performances portray rural life, this show encapsulates significant epochs in Vietnamese history as well as folklore from this nation’s mystical past.

The live performance lasts approximately one hour, likely remaining a memorable highlight of your Vietnamese journey long after your return home.

8. Upper Mekong Tour and Vinh Trang Pagoda

My Tho, located just an hour and a half from Ho Chi Minh City, is home to the revered Vinh Trang Pagoda, a site of significant local esteem.

From there, you will embark on a Mekong Delta cruise, taking in the views of several of the region’s notable islands.

Lunch is served at a serene riverside garden, followed by a traditional sampan excursion through narrow, culturally rich canals that may evoke a sense of entering a different time period.

After visiting a few local establishments and enjoying traditional music, a comfortable bus ride will return you to Ho Chi Minh City.

9. 3-Islands Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Phu Quoc

Snorkeling offers an exceptional opportunity to cool down, engage in physical activity, and explore vibrant marine ecosystems and their colorful inhabitants.

This excursion comprises stops at three of the most captivating islands in the Gulf of Thailand, with transportation from your hotel or guesthouse in Phu Quoc included.

Lunch at midday will be served on Dam Ngang island, featuring traditional local dishes crafted using regional ingredients by the crew.

Following another stop, the leisurely cruise back allows you to enjoy the tranquil scenery while reflecting on the remarkable day.

10. My Son Sanctuary Early Morning Tour from Hoi An

This four-hour excursion, guided in English, begins at an early hour of 4:30 AM, but it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to rise early to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

My Son Sanctuary consists of temple remnants constructed between the 4th and 13th centuries, once serving as the cultural and political epicenter of the Champa Empire—an influential regional power.

This early morning experience provides an opportunity to witness the sunrise illuminating the temple spires; the early timing ensures that you will likely have the site largely to yourself.

11. Phu Quoc Speedboat Tour to 4 Islands

This multifaceted island tour provides an excellent opportunity for those wishing to escape the usual tourist path and reconnect with nature.

Activities include sunbathing, fishing, swimming, and snorkeling, all set against the backdrop of the island’s beautiful beaches and vibrant coral reefs.

The tour includes convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, with transport to the islands via a powerful speedboat, ensuring a thrilling experience.

A traditional island lunch featuring local dishes is included, which may inspire an afternoon of relaxation in a hammock.

You can expect to return to your accommodation around 5:00 PM, perfectly timed for a refreshing shower before enjoying evening activities.

12. Private Motorbike Night Food Tour of Ho Chi Minh City

If you envision anything more exhilarating than exploring an exotic city by night via motorbike while indulging in local street food, your imagination is truly impressive.

Designed for passionate food enthusiasts and adventurous travelers, this four-hour tour is led by a local guide who will introduce you to the vibrant markets, street vendors, and hidden eateries that contribute to Ho Chi Minh City’s legendary food culture.

Your palate will be treated to an array of flavors previously unimagined, accompanied by fascinating insights into the everyday lives and dietary practices of the locals.

13. Saigon Opera House Show

Although Vietnam might not be the first country that comes to mind regarding opera, attending a performance at Saigon’s Opera House is a must-see experience in the city.

This one-hour show departs from the realm of traditional Western opera, incorporating elements of circus, theatre, music, and poetry, each of which holds a special place in Vietnamese culture.

Interestingly, these performances are unscripted and transport audiences through the country’s history, encapsulating its cultural heritage, as well as various myths and legends that connect the present to the past.

14. Bai Dinh, Trang An, and Mua Cave Full-Day Tour from Hanoi

The tour commences at Vietnam’s largest pagoda, the Bai Dinh Pagoda, an exemplary showcase of Vietnamese architectural style housing numerous revered national artifacts, including the tallest bronze Buddha statue in the country at 30 feet.

Your guide will provide valuable insights into Buddhism and its profound impact on Vietnam’s culture and history.

The magnificent caves included in the itinerary also bear significant history, one of which served as a filming location for King Kong due to its exceptional beauty.

15. Sa Pa Homestay 2-Day Tour by Sleeper Bus from Hanoi

This two-day excursion encompasses cultural and natural experiences that may serve as highlights of your journey in Vietnam.

On the first day, you will visit local communities inhabited by the H’mong and Tay ethnic groups, where you can partake in a village tour and enjoy a meal crafted from local ingredients by the town’s residents.

The second day promises spectacular views of ancient rice terraces, bamboo forests, and additional remote villages, most of which have retained their historical essence over the years.

You will reconvene with your group near the Giang Ta Chai Bridge after lunch and refreshments, then commence your return journey to Hanoi.