Unforgettable Vietnam: 9 Things Our Travellers Loved the Most
Every time you return from one of our Vietnam tours, we ask how it went. What were the moments you’ll remember forever? What would you change? Then we listen and work out how to make our adventures even more extraordinary.
Diving into the comments – yes, all of them – we found the nine unforgettable Vietnam moments that our travellers highlighted as their favourites. Here they are in full.
1. Cruising the limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay
It’s no surprise the nation’s top attraction has made it onto the list; in fact, more than 30% of all our travellers to Vietnam told us it was one of their top experiences.
Situated in the northeast, this astonishing natural wonder is a vast expanse of emerald waters punctuated by towering limestone spires covered in vegetation.
“The karst mountain scenery was just gorgeous and our experience dining and sleeping on the boat was exceptional. Kayaking here was the cherry on top ”
It’s a place to take your time and enjoy the atmosphere, so you’ll stay on a traditional junk boat and cruise among the towers, often with the chance to get onto the water and explore by kayak. Drinks on deck at sunset are the perfect way to cap an evening.
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2. Discovering atmospheric Hoi An
An active port city until the 19th century, Hoi An is now a living museum where history is displayed in old merchant houses and pagoda-style temples.
It’s often cited as one of the most photogenic cities in Vietnam – and that’s certainly backed by our travellers’ experience.
You’ll stroll the thriving riverside night market, where you can pick up paper lanterns and silk goods, and head to the Old Town, home to more than 1,000 timber-framed shophouses and the 16th-century Japanese Bridge.
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3. Staying on the Mekong Delta
Far from the rush of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta showcases a different side to Vietnam. Our tours offer a chance for full immersion in this watery world, with our groups welcomed into a homestay-guesthouse to experience true Delta hospitality – a genuine experience described as “magical” by one traveller.
Travelling with Exodus means sampan boat rides through the waterways, stops at floating markets where trade still takes place on the water, and home-cooked meals that offer a taste of authentic regional cuisine.
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4. Exploring with expert tour leaders
The right guide transforms a trip, especially in a country like Vietnam where the history is so rich and the wonder so often hidden. So, it’s great to discover that our tour leaders were consistently rated as one of the trip highlights.
“Tu was a wonderful leader. He always went the extra mile to make sure everyone and everything was taken care of ”
Of course, they share their country with you, imparting their wisdom, guiding you to restaurants only the locals know, and unlocking spots you just wouldn’t have found by yourself. But they’ll also manage the trip effortlessly, using their hard-earned knowledge to bring the group together and make sure all you have to do is enjoy the best of Vietnam.
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Vietnam Adventure
Join an expert tour leader to explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the best of everything in between
5. Eating the local cuisine
Eating food in the country is one thing. Interacting with market vendors, cooking with expert chefs, and eating with your local hosts, well that will transform your understanding of the cuisine and Vietnamese mealtime traditions.
All our trips here dig deep into the food and you’ll soon discover that the nation’s dishes go far beyond pho and banh mi. So whether you’re fuelling up on one of our cycling holidays in Vietnam or enjoying local cuisine on the Mekong Delta, you’re sure to come back with a new-found love of Vietnamese food.
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Vietnam & Angkor – Premium Adventure
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6. Enjoying paradise on Whale Island
Only accessible by boat, Whale Island emerged as an “unexpectedly magical” surprise for many of our travellers.
Despite being home to pristine beaches and excellent snorkelling opportunities, Whale Island is firmly off the normal tourist trail – providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling cities and a new recommendation to share with friends back home.
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7. Exploring Hanoi and the Old Quarter
Hanoi is captivating: full of life, rich in history, and bursting with discovery. That’s particularly true in the Old Quarter, where motorbikes weave through narrow streets, ancient guilds are on full display, and unique tube houses line the roads.
Our travellers fell in love with the city: particularly taking cyclo rides through the busy streets, enjoying the famous Train Street experience, and tucking into regional delicacies on evening street food tours.
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8. Interacting with local people
The warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people have left an indelible mark on our travellers. They treasure the countless interactions, whether that’s from smiling children gleefully shouting “hello” in the streets or the heartfelt hospitality of our homestays, where genuine connection is made over the evening.
All our Vietnam adventures are designed to immerse you in the local community, so you can choose any of our trips and you’re sure to experience those interactions with the local people.
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Vietnam Adventure
Join an expert tour leader to explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the best of everything in between
9. Cycling the Hai Van Pass
The Hai Van Pass is – without doubt – one of the most iconic climbs in Southeast Asia. The twists, the turns, the burning legs: all rewarded with breathtaking panoramas when you reach the top. Then there’s the equally exhilarating downhill after.
The pass represents the pinnacle, in every sense of the word, of our cycling holidays in Vietnam, an achievement that stayed long after the adventure concluded for many of our travellers.
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Cycling Vietnam
Ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, witnessing Vietnam’s beauty unfold
