Introduction

Vietnam is one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia to explore through tours.

You can spend a morning eating your way through Hanoi, cruise between the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay, cycle through the countryside around Hoi An, explore wartime history near Ho Chi Minh City or spend a day navigating the waterways of the Mekong Delta.

The problem is choosing which tours are actually worth your time.

This guide covers the best Vietnam tours and experiences for first-time visitors, from short city tours to multi-day itineraries.

If you’re planning a classic first trip, build your journey around:

Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

For a 10 days trip, this route gives you a good mix of Vietnamese food, history, scenery, culture and city life without trying to see the entire country at once.

Related Posts:
– 10 Days in Vietnam: First-Time Itinerary
– 7 Days in Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Hoi An
– Vietnam Travel Insurance: #1 Best Insurance
– Where to Stay in Vietnam: Best Hotels

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Before You Start Your Tours

Make your tours smoother by booking the essentials before following this itinerary.

• Choose Hotel: Find the right place to stay for your trip.
• Compare Flight: Find the best flight deals and compare airlines.
• Find Activities: Plan your next adventure and make your trip unforgettable.
• Travel Insurance: Flexible monthly travel insurance is a great option.
• Rent a Car: Reserve your rental car before you arrive.
• Travel Gear: Get the travel essentials you need for a smooth journey.
• Stay Connected: Get an eSIM before you arrive.
• Airport Transfer: Book a private airport transfer in advance.
• Multiple Currencies: Spend and exchange money at competitive rates.
• Stay Protected: Use trusted VPN to protect your privacy.
• Book Transport: trains, buses, ferries and transfers all in one place.
• Luggage Storage: Store your luggage and start sightseeing.

Best Vietnam Tours at a Glance

1. Hanoi Street Food Tour

Best Vietnam tour for: Food lovers

If you only book one tour in Hanoi, make it a street food tour.

Vietnamese food is one of the highlights of visiting the country, but knowing what to order can be difficult when you’re seeing a menu for the first time.

A local guide takes you through small restaurants, food stalls and markets while explaining what you’re eating.

Depending on the tour, you might try:

• Pho
• Bun cha
• Banh mi
• Egg coffee
• Vietnamese desserts
• Fresh spring rolls
• Local noodles
• Grilled meats

Why book a food tour?

A good food tour does more than feed you.

It introduces you to neighborhoods and dishes you might never discover independently.

Best time: First or second day in Hanoi

Typical duration: 3–4 hours

Our pick for first-time visitors: Book a Hanoi food tour early in your trip so you can return to your favorite restaurants later.

2. Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour

Best for: First-time visitors

Hanoi is much easier to understand with a local guide.

The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, cafés, markets and street-food stalls.

A walking tour can introduce you to:

• Hoan Kiem Lake
• Old Quarter streets
• Historic temples
• Local markets
• French-colonial architecture
• Vietnamese coffee culture
• Hidden food spots

Hanoi as a city where historic and cultural attractions sit alongside vibrant modern neighborhoods, making it an ideal place for a guided introduction.

3. Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise

Best Vietnam tour for: Scenery and first-time visitors

A Ha Long Bay cruise is one of the classic Vietnam experiences.

Rather than rushing through the bay on a day trip, consider an overnight cruise.

You’ll typically have time for:

• Limestone-island sightseeing
• Kayaking
• Swimming
• Cave visits
• Sunset views
• Vietnamese meals
• Sunrise on the water

For a first-time Vietnam itinerary, this is one of the experiences prioritize.

Day cruise or overnight cruise?

Choose a day cruise if:

• You’re short on time
• You’re traveling on a tighter budget
• You don’t want to change accommodation

Choose an overnight cruise if:

• This is your first visit
• You want a slower experience
• You enjoy photography
• You want sunrise and sunset on the bay
• You’re willing to spend more

Don’t book the cheapest cruise automatically.

Compare cabin size, itinerary, transfers, meals, activities and recent guest reviews.

4. Luxury Ha Long Bay Cruise

Best for: Couples and luxury travelers

If you’re building a luxury Vietnam itinerary, upgrade your Ha Long Bay experience.

Look for a smaller ship, spacious cabin, private balcony and high-quality dining.

Some premium cruises also offer:

• Suites
• Private transfers
• Spa treatments
• Private dining
• Kayaking
• Cooking demonstrations
• Larger outdoor decks

Best for

Honeymoons • Anniversaries • Luxury travelers

5. Ninh Binh Day Tour

Best for: Nature and photography

Ninh Binh is one of the most popular excursions from Hanoi.

The landscape is dominated by limestone mountains, rivers, caves and green countryside.

A typical Ninh Binh day tour may combine:

• Trang An or Tam Coc boat trip
• Hoa Lu
• Mua Cave
• Countryside cycling
• Local lunch

Is Ninh Binh worth adding to a 10 days trip?

It depends.

If you have 10 days and want the classic Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City route, consider Ninh Binh optional.

If nature is a priority, replace some city sightseeing with Ninh Binh.

If you have two weeks, adding an overnight stay makes even more sense.

COMPARE NINH BINH DAY TOURS FROM HANOI →

6. Hoi An Cooking Class

Best Vietnam tour for: Food lovers and couples

Hoi An is an excellent place to take a Vietnamese cooking class.

Many experiences begin with a market visit before moving into the kitchen.

Depending on the experience, you may learn how to prepare:

• Fresh spring rolls
• Vietnamese pancakes
• Noodles
• Local salads
• Dipping sauces
• Traditional desserts

The best classes are more than demonstrations—they’re hands-on.

Why book a cooking class?

You’ll get:

Food + culture + a practical skill you can take home.

Best time: Morning or afternoon

Typical duration: 3–5 hours

7. Hoi An Countryside Cycling Tour

Best for: Active travelers

The historic center of Hoi An can get busy.

One of the best ways to experience a quieter side of the region is to cycle into the countryside.

Tours can take you through:

• Rice fields
• Villages
• Small waterways
• Farming communities
• Local workshops
• Rural roads

This is a particularly good option if you want to see more of Vietnam beyond its tourist centers.

Best for

Couples • Families • Photographers • Active travelers

8. My Son Sanctuary Tour

Best for: History and culture

My Son Sanctuary is an ancient Cham temple complex near Hoi An.

A guided tour is particularly useful because the historical context makes the ruins much more meaningful.

You can combine My Son with Hoi An in a single day if your schedule is tight.

Best for

History buffs • Photographers • Culture travelers

Time needed

Allow roughly half a day for the experience, depending on the tour and transportation.

9. Da Nang & Marble Mountains Tour

Best for: Central Vietnam sightseeing

If you’re staying in Hoi An or Da Nang, consider adding a day exploring the region.

The Marble Mountains are a popular stop, while Da Nang itself offers beaches, viewpoints and urban attractions.

A private tour can be particularly useful if you want to combine several sights without worrying about transportation.

Possible itinerary

Morning: Marble Mountains

Midday: Local Vietnamese lunch

Afternoon: Da Nang sightseeing

Evening: Return to Hoi An

10. Hue Imperial City Tour

Best for: History lovers

Hue was the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty.

A guided tour can introduce you to:

• Imperial City
• Royal tombs
• Thien Mu Pagoda
• Perfume River
• Historic architecture

Hue works particularly well as an addition to a longer central Vietnam itinerary.

For a short 10 days trip, however, only add it if imperial history is one of your top interests.

11. Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour

Best for: Foodies

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best places in Vietnam to take a food tour.

The city’s enormous food scene can be intimidating for first-time visitors, which is exactly why a local guide helps.

A food tour might include:

• Banh xeo
• Bun thit nuong
• Vietnamese seafood
• Banh mi
• Local desserts
• Vietnamese coffee
• Street snacks

The motorbike food tour

One popular format combines food with transportation on the back of a motorbike.

You’ll move between neighborhoods rather than staying in the central tourist district.

For adventurous travelers, this can be one of the most memorable evenings of a Vietnam trip.

Want to eat like a local?

A guided evening food tour is one of the easiest ways to discover Ho Chi Minh City’s street-food culture.

12. Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Best for: History

The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the most popular excursions from Ho Chi Minh City.

The tunnel network provides insight into the underground systems used during the Vietnam War.

A guided tour is recommended because the historical context is an important part of the experience.

Half-day or full-day?

A half-day tour is usually sufficient for travelers with limited time.

Choose a longer tour if you want to combine the tunnels with another attraction.

COMPARE CU CHI TUNNELS TOURS →

13. Mekong Delta Tour

Best for: Rural Vietnam and culture

The Mekong Delta offers a completely different experience from Vietnam’s major cities.

A typical tour may include:

• Boat rides
• Canals
• Villages
• Fruit orchards
• Local food
• Markets
• Small workshops

Is the Mekong Delta worth visiting?

Yes—if you have enough time.

For a 10 days itinerary, prioritize Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City first.

If you have 12–14 days, the Mekong Delta becomes much easier to include without making the trip feel rushed.

COMPARE MEKONG DELTA TOURS →

14. Vietnam Motorbike Tour

Best for: Adventure travelers

Vietnam is famous for its motorbike culture.

You don’t necessarily need to ride yourself to experience it.

Many city tours put passengers behind an experienced local driver.

This can be a great way to explore:

• Hanoi
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Local food neighborhoods
• Markets
• Hidden streets
• Nightlife

Safety tip

If you’re not an experienced motorbike rider, choose a tour where a professional driver handles the bike.

15. Multi-Day Vietnam Tour Package

Best for: First-time visitors who want everything organized

If you’re nervous about arranging domestic flights, hotels, transfers and activities yourself, a multi-day Vietnam tour package can simplify the trip.

A good package may combine:

• Hotels
• Airport transfers
• Domestic transportation
• Guided sightseeing
• Ha Long Bay cruise
• Meals
• Entrance fees
• Local guides

Private vs group Vietnam tours

Private tour

Best for couples, families and travelers who want flexibility.

Small-group tour

Best for solo travelers and people who want to meet others.

Large group tour

Usually the most budget-friendly option.

Don’t want to plan every detail yourself?

Compare multi-day Vietnam tour packages and choose between private, small-group and budget options.

Best Vietnam Tours by Destination

Best Hanoi Tours

Top choices:

1. Hanoi street food tour
2. Old Quarter walking tour
3. Vietnamese cooking class
4. Hanoi history and culture tour
5. Ninh Binh day trip

SEE ALL HANOI TOURS →

Best Ha Long Bay Tours

1. Overnight cruise
2. Luxury overnight cruise
3. Day cruise
4. Kayaking experience
5. Private boat experience

COMPARE HA LONG BAY TOURS →

Best Hoi An Tours

1. Cooking class
2. Countryside cycling
3. Walking tour
4. My Son Sanctuary
5. Basket boat experience

SEE ALL HOI AN TOURS →

Best Ho Chi Minh City Tours

1. Food tour
2. Motorbike food tour
3. Cu Chi Tunnels
4. Mekong Delta
5. City history tour

SEE ALL HO CHI MINH CITY TOURS →

Best Vietnam Tours for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first trip, don’t try to book everything.

Prioritize these five experiences:

1. Hanoi food tour

Your introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.

2. Ha Long Bay overnight cruise

Your major nature experience.

3. Hoi An cooking class

A combination of food and culture.

4. Ho Chi Minh City food tour

A completely different regional food experience.

5. Cu Chi Tunnels

An important historical experience.

Together, these tours cover food + nature + culture + history + local experiences.

Check Availability

Best 10 Days Vietnam Tour Itinerary

If you want to combine the best tours with a classic first-time route, here’s how structure the trip.

Days 1–2: Hanoi

Day 1: Arrive and explore the Old Quarter.

Day 2: Hanoi walking tour + evening street-food tour.

Overnight: Hanoi

Day 3: Ha Long Bay

Transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.

Board your overnight cruise.

Activities: Kayaking, sightseeing, sunset and dinner.

Overnight: Ha Long Bay cruise.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay → Hoi An

Enjoy the final morning on the cruise.

Return to Hanoi/airport and fly to Da Nang.

Transfer to Hoi An.

Spend the evening exploring the Ancient Town.

Overnight: Hoi An.

Day 5: Hoi An

Morning:

Hoi An walking tour

Afternoon:

Cooking class

Evening:

Explore the lantern-lit streets.

Overnight: Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An Countryside

Choose between:

Countryside cycling tour

or

An Bang Beach

Keep this day relatively relaxed.

Overnight: Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to Da Nang Airport.

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City.

Explore District 1 in the afternoon.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City

Morning:

City history tour.

Afternoon:

Explore markets, cafes and central landmarks.

Evening:

Vietnamese food tour.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a half-day guided tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Return to the city and spend your final evening exploring.

Check Availability

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Departure

Enjoy a final Vietnamese coffee and breakfast before heading to the airport.

For maximum efficiency, book an open-jaw international itinerary:

Fly into Hanoi

Fly home from Ho Chi Minh City

How Many Tours Should You Book in Vietnam?

Don’t make the mistake of booking a tour every day.

For a 10 days trip, aim for approximately four to six organized experiences.

That leaves enough time for spontaneous discoveries.

A good balance would be:

Hanoi: 1–2 tours

Ha Long Bay: 1 cruise

Hoi An: 1–2 experiences

Ho Chi Minh City: 1–2 tours

The rest of your time can be unstructured.

Private vs Group Tours in Vietnam

Private Vietnam Tours

Choose private tours if:

• You’re traveling as a couple
• You’re traveling with children
• You want flexible departure times
• You have specific interests
• You dislike large groups

The biggest advantage is flexibility.

You can spend longer at places you enjoy and skip attractions that don’t interest you.

Small-Group Vietnam Tours

Small-group tours are an excellent middle ground.

You get:

• A guide
• Social interaction
• Shared transportation
• Lower prices than private tours

They’re particularly good for solo travelers.

Large Group Vietnam Tours

Large group tours are generally the budget option.

They can work well for travelers who prioritize price over flexibility.

However, check the maximum group size before booking.

A “small group” tour and a 40-person coach tour are very different experiences.

How Much Do Vietnam Tours Cost?

Prices vary depending on duration, group size, transportation and what’s included.

Budget tours

Usually involve:

• Larger groups
• Shared transportation
• Basic meals
• Simple experiences

Mid-range tours

Usually offer:

• Smaller groups
• Better transportation
• Better guides
• More comfortable experiences

Luxury tours

May include:

• Private guides
• Private vehicles
• Premium cruises
• Luxury hotels
• Private dining
• Customized itineraries

Important booking tip

Don’t compare tours based only on the headline price.

Check:

Transportation + entrance fees + meals + guide + hotel pickup + activities

A slightly more expensive tour can be much better value if more is included.

What to Look for When Booking Vietnam Tours

Before clicking “book,” check these details.

1. Recent reviews

Look for reviews from the last few months rather than relying only on an overall score.

2. Group size

This can have a major impact on the experience.

3. What’s included

Look for hidden costs.

4. Pickup location

Some tours only collect from central hotels.

5. Cancellation policy

Weather can affect outdoor activities and cruises.

6. Tour duration

A tour advertised as “full day” may involve several hours of transportation.

7. Guide language

Confirm that the guide speaks your preferred language.

When Should You Book Vietnam Tours?

You can book many tours after arriving in Vietnam.

However, reserve certain experiences in advance.

Book earlier

Ha Long Bay overnight cruises

Popular cooking classes

Luxury tours

Private guides

Multi-day tour packages

Usually flexible

Walking tours

Basic city sightseeing

Some food tours

Short local activities

During busy travel periods, booking ahead gives you more choice.

Best Time to Take a Vietnam Tour

Vietnam’s climate varies significantly from north to south.

That means the ideal tour can depend on your travel dates.

A Ha Long Bay cruise, for example, can be affected by weather conditions.

For that reason, don’t build an itinerary with extremely tight connections around a cruise.

Give yourself some flexibility.

Are Vietnam Tours Worth It?

Yes – but you don’t need a guided tour for everything.

Use tours strategically.

Use a tour when local knowledge adds value.

Examples:

Food tours.

Historical sites.

Cu Chi Tunnels.

Cooking classes.

Countryside experiences.

Ha Long Bay cruises.

Explore independently when the destination itself is the attraction.

Examples:

Hanoi Old Quarter.

Hoi An Ancient Town.

Ho Chi Minh City cafes.

Local markets.

Beach days.

This gives you the best of both worlds.

Best Vietnam Tours: Our Top Picks

If you only want the shortlist, these are the experiences prioritize:

Best overall tour

Ha Long Bay overnight cruise

Best food tour

Hanoi street food tour

Best cultural experience

Hoi An cooking class

Best history tour

Cu Chi Tunnels

Best active tour

Hoi An countryside cycling tour

Best nature day trip

Ninh Binh

Best adventure

Ho Chi Minh City motorbike food tour

Best luxury experience

Luxury Ha Long Bay cruise

Best for families

Private Vietnam tour

Best for solo travelers

Small-group Vietnam tour

Vietnam Tours Booking Guide

Ready to book?

Use this checklist to build your trip:

Hanoi

→ BOOK A HANOI FOOD TOUR

→ BOOK A HANOI WALKING TOUR

Ha Long Bay

→ COMPARE OVERNIGHT CRUISES

→ COMPARE LUXURY CRUISES

Hoi An

→ BOOK A COOKING CLASS

→ BOOK A COUNTRYSIDE TOUR

Ho Chi Minh City

→ BOOK A FOOD TOUR

→ BOOK CU CHI TUNNELS

→ COMPARE MEKONG DELTA TOURS

Whole trip

→ COMPARE VIETNAM TOUR PACKAGES

→ FIND VIETNAM HOTELS

→ COMPARE FLIGHTS

→ BOOK AIRPORT TRANSFERS

→ COMPARE TRAVEL INSURANCE

Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Tours

What are the best tours in Vietnam?

The best Vietnam tours for first-time visitors include an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise, Hanoi food tour, Hoi An cooking class, Cu Chi Tunnels tour and Mekong Delta excursion.

How many days do you need for a Vietnam tour?

Ten days is a good starting point for a first Vietnam trip. You can combine Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City without attempting to see every region.

Is it better to book Vietnam tours in advance?

For popular cruises, private tours and multi-day itineraries, booking ahead is recommended. Short walking and food tours are often more flexible.

Are private Vietnam tours worth it?

Private tours are particularly worthwhile for couples, families and travelers with limited time because the itinerary can be adjusted around your interests.

What is the best Vietnam tour for first-time visitors?

For a first trip, combine an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise with food tours in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a Hoi An cooking class and a Cu Chi Tunnels tour.

Is Ha Long Bay worth visiting?

Yes. Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s signature experiences. An overnight cruise gives you more time to enjoy the scenery and activities than a rushed day trip.

Should I visit Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay?

If you have enough time, visit both. If you’re limited to one, choose based on the experience you want: Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise and dramatic seascapes; Ninh Binh for limestone landscapes, rivers and countryside.

Can I tour Vietnam without a guide?

Absolutely. Vietnam is easy to explore independently and you can combine self-guided sightseeing with tours for specific experiences.

Ultimate Travel Packing List

Travel Bags & Luggage

• Travel backpack
• Carry-on luggage
• Checked luggage (optional)
• Packing cubes

Travel Documents & Money

• Passport holder
• Travel wallet

Tech Essentials

• Universal adapter
• Multi-port USB charger
• Power bank (20,000 mAh recommended)
• Charging cables (USB-C, Lightning, etc.)
• USB-C hub or card reader (easy to forget)
• Portable luggage scale -> optional (only for budget airline)
• Luggage tracker (AirTag/Tile)

Content Creator Essentials

• Smartphone
• Camera (Optional)
• Action camera (DJI/GoPro)
• Drone (where legal)
• Tripod
• Phone gimbal
• Portable SSD (Great for your photography/documentary angle)
• MicroSD card (For DJI/action cameras) (bring at least 2-3)
• Extra camera batteries (if applicable)
• Wireless microphone
• Camera cleaning cloth (cloth + air blower)
• ND filters (optional)
• Camera charger
• Laptop (if editing while traveling)

Clothing

• Lightweight clothing
• Underwear & socks
• Sleepwear
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Flip-flops
• Swimwear
• Lightweight jacket
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Compression socks

Toiletries

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Moisturizer
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Reef-safe sunscreen (for beach destinations)
• Hairbrush or comb
• Razor
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Travel-size toiletries

Health & Safety

• Basic first aid kit
• Insect repellent (especially for Southeast Asia)
• Face masks (optional)

Flight Comfort

• Neck pillow
• Eye mask
• Earplugs or noise-cancelling earbuds
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks
• pen (for immigration forms)

Outdoor Essentials

• Quick-dry towel
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Reusable shopping bag
• Carabiner clip

Optional Extras

scarf (optional for long flights)

Kindle or e-reader

Notebook and pen

Ziplock bags (great for wet clothes or electronics)

Conclusion

Vietnam doesn’t need to be experienced as one giant organized tour.

The best approach is to mix independent travel with a handful of excellent guided experiences.

For a first-time visitor, my ideal combination is:

Hanoi food tour

↓

Ha Long Bay overnight cruise

↓

Hoi An cooking class

↓

Hoi An countryside experience

↓

Ho Chi Minh City food tour

↓

Cu Chi Tunnels

That gives you a remarkably varied introduction to Vietnam without spending your entire vacation sitting on a tour bus.

If you have more time, add Ninh Binh and the Mekong Delta.

If you’re traveling in luxury, upgrade the cruise and use private guides.

If you’re on a budget, focus on food tours, walking tours and shared day trips.

The important thing is not to book the most tours.

It’s to book the right tours.

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Jobless Diary is created to document my unemployment journey.
Discover Asia’s best hotels, tours, activities and travel itineraries.