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Vietnam

Vietnam Tours

Experience neon-lit cities, lush jungles, delicious street food, and rich history

Activities in Vietnam

Vietnam

Our Best Vietnam Trips

Asia

Cycling Vietnam

Vietnam
OFFER
14 Days from USD 2962 USD 2610

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Cycling
Vietnam

Vietnam Adventure

Vietnam
OFFER
14 Days from USD 2347 USD 2160

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Culture
Vietnam

Signature Vietnam In Fabric & Folklore

Vietnam
OFFER
9 Days from USD 5965

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Culture
Vietnam

Trails of Vietnam

Vietnam
OFFER
14 Days from USD 2803 USD 2475

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Culture
Cambodia

Vietnam & Angkor – Premium Adventure

Vietnam
OFFER
14 Days from USD 5473 USD 4935

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Culture
Vietnam

Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond

Vietnam
OFFER
13 Days from USD 2953 USD 2760

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Culture
Asia

Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights

Vietnam
OFFER
12 Days from USD 3853 USD 3585

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Culture
Thailand

Cycle Southeast Asia

Vietnam
OFFER
14 Days from USD 4597 USD 4290

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Cycling
Vietnam

Vietnam Family Adventure

Vietnam
OFFER
14 Days from USD 3180

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Family

Our Top Destinations in Vietnam

Top 5 Vietnam Destinations

Vietnam beckons travelers with varied interests, drawing in outdoor enthusiasts, history aficionados, food lovers, and culture seekers alike. With every step taken, dish tasted, and conversation engaged in, Vietnam unravels its extraordinary story. As you plan your adventure, here are some of Vietnam’s most enchanting destinations to add to your can’t-miss list.
1. Ha Long Bay
Nestled in the northeast, this UNESCO-designated haven boasts emerald waters, striking limestone mountains, enchanting caves, and rainforest-topped islands. Whether cruising amidst the incredible karsts or exploring by sea kayak, the mesmerizing seascape of Ha Long Bay promises to captivate your imagination.
2. Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the economic and cultural heart of the Vietnam. Stroll through French colonial landmarks like the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, delve into the country’s history at the War Remnants Museum, shop at Ben Thanh Market, and savor banh mi and pho at Ben Nghe Street Food Market.
3. Mekong Delta
Offering a glimpse into traditional river lives, the Mekong Delta, known as the rice bowl of Vietnam, is home to bustling floating markets that truly have to be experienced to be believed. Journey by sampan, a traditional shallow-water boat still used by locals, and sample some of the fruit, sugar cane, coconuts, and more along the riverbanks.
4. Hanoi
Stepping into Hanoi feels like entering a living museum, where past and present coexist in harmonious chaos. Historical sites like the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison offer insights into Vietnam’s rich history, while colonial-era buildings, ancient temples, and communist monuments stand side by side. As the sun sets, Hanoi transforms into a culinary paradise with lively street food vendors.
5. Sapa
A remote town in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains, where emerald rice terraces cascade down the mountainsides, shrouded in a mystical veil of mist, creating an otherworldly landscape that’s both serene and breathtaking. This region is home to a rich tapestry of ethnic minority cultures, each with its own traditions and lifestyles. The town itself offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with colorful markets, cozy cafes, and colorful streets.

This was a really incredible trip! From North to South you get to see the ins-and-outs of this beautiful country, the beautiful sights, the friendly people and the tasty food! I feel that it was the perfect duration for the locations visited – I didn’t feel rushed on any days but also don’t feel that we were roaming around aimlessly at any point! Just an action packed trip from start to finish and one that I would definitely recommend to anyone who is thinking about going for it… you won’t regret it!

Joshua Raubenheimer Trails of Vietnam

This 12 day adventure in Northern Vietnam was so much more than a hiking trip; we were invited into the homes and families of those we stayed with and were offered a genuine insight into their lives. It was such a privilege to spend time with Linh and our other local guides, who told stories of their childhoods in the countryside they led us through. This is a new route and feels untouched by tourism, so it felt very special to be part of this trip.

Anne Dawson Hiking in Northern Vietnam

Planning Your Trip to Vietnam?

Why choose Exodus for a small-group tour of Vietnam?

Pick Exodus for a Vietnam vacation that goes far beyond the headline sights (without missing the essentials). Led by an expert local guide, you’ll enjoy carefully planned itineraries that take you to the heart of the country’s culture, landscapes and traditions. Here’s why travelers choose us:

Expert local guides: Our local tour leaders are the heart of our adventures in Vietnam, sharing their insider knowledge, introducing you to local people, bringing the group together and handling the on-the-ground logistics.

Award-winning adventures: Our awards page speaks for itself. Among others, we’ve been named a Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award winner.

Small groups: Solo travelers, couples and friends make up our welcoming groups, with an average group size of 10 to 12.

Immersive itineraries: Our itineraries are purposefully designed to immerse you in the best of the country, so expect a balance of iconic sights and authentic local experiences. In Vietnam, that might mean sailing among the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, wandering the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, biking through the countryside or visiting rural communities in the highlands.

Sustainability: As a certified B Corp, we support local communities by using locally owned accommodations where possible and creating experiences that benefit the people and places we visit.

Stress-free logistics: We arrange accommodations, transportation, transfers and many included activities, leaving you free to focus on experiencing Vietnam rather than planning the details.

Is a guided tour of Vietnam worth it? 

Absolutely. A guided tour of Vietnam can unlock experiences that are difficult to access without local knowledge. That’s especially true if you’re planning to visit multiple destinations, as transportation, accommodations and other logistics are taken care of for you – saving you plenty of time and stress.

Vietnam stretches more than 995mi (1,600km) from north to south, and traveling between its cities, rural villages, mountains and coastal regions can be time-consuming to plan independently.

On an Exodus small-group tour, your expert local guide also handles on-the-ground logistics and helps resolve any issues, while sharing their local knowledge of the cities and communities you visit.

What’s included on an Exodus tour to Vietnam? 

An Exodus small-group tour of Vietnam includes everything you need for a hassle-free adventure. While inclusions vary by itinerary, you can typically expect:

Accommodations: Think locally run hotels, guesthouses and lodges, plus overnight cruises and, on selected itineraries, family-run homestays.

Transportation: We’ll get you from place to place, usually by private minibus, with some itineraries also including overnight sleeper trains, boats and domestic flights. Airport transfers are included, typically at set times.

Expert tour leader: An expert local guide who handles the day-to-day logistics, while sharing their insider knowledge of Vietnam’s history, culture and traditions.

Meals: Most breakfasts, plus selected lunches and dinners – check the itinerary for a full list of what’s included. 

Activities: A range of guided activities and sightseeing experiences, allowing you to discover Vietnam by boat, bicycle and on foot. Depending on your itinerary, you could trek through Sapa’s rice terraces, cruise Ha Long Bay, bike along quiet countryside lanes or explore vibrant cities, ancient temples and rural villages. See your Trip Notes for full details of what’s included, along with any optional activities.

Support: 24/7 support from our local team throughout your adventure, plus the help of our in-house travel experts, who can help you book flights or additional hotel nights.

What can I expect on a small-group tour of Vietnam? 

An Exodus small-group tour takes the stress out of exploring, combining expert local guides, thoughtfully crafted itineraries and seamless logistics so you can focus on what really matters – immersing yourself in Vietnam. Here’s what you can expect:

Landscapes, culture & history: From the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay and the rice terraces of Sapa to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the calm waterways of the Mekong Delta, our itineraries reveal the incredible diversity of Vietnam. Cruise, hike and bike ride through spectacular landscapes while discovering historic cities, ancient temples and rural communities.

Expert local guides: Every Exodus tour is led by an expert local guide who shares fascinating insights into Vietnam’s history, traditions and cuisine. They also take care of the daily logistics, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience.

Sociable, small groups: With an average group size of 10 to 12, our tours offer a welcoming atmosphere, while giving you more opportunities to connect with local people and experience Vietnam. Groups stay in carefully selected accommodations, using locally owned properties where possible.

What is the best time of year to visit Vietnam?

Vietnam is a year-round destination, but because the country stretches more than 995mi (1,600km) from north to south, the climate varies significantly between regions.

  • Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, generally has cooler, drier weather between October and April, making it a popular time to visit.
  • If you’re planning to trek in Sapa, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the most comfortable conditions, while winter can be cold, misty and occasionally frosty.
  • Central Vietnam, including Hoi An and Hue, is usually driest between February and August, making it ideal for sightseeing.
  • Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, generally experiences its driest weather between December and April.
  • Even during the green season, tropical showers are often short-lived, making Vietnam a rewarding destination throughout the year.
What fitness level do I need for an Exodus adventure in Vietnam? 

Every Exodus trip is given an Activity Level to help you choose an adventure that matches your fitness, experience and travel style.

  • Most of our Vietnam tours are rated Easy or Moderate. Depending on the itinerary, activities may include guided sightseeing, exploring caves and national parks, boat trips, light hiking and biking. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness should be able to enjoy these experiences.
  • If you prefer to opt out of an activity, your tour leader can suggest another way to enjoy the destination.
  • Our Vietnam biking tours are designed for confident cyclists with a good level of fitness who are comfortable riding longer distances on consecutive days.

If you’re unsure which Activity Level is right for you, speak to our travel experts, who will be happy to help you choose the most suitable Vietnam itinerary. 

Which part of Vietnam is best for a first-time visit?

For a first-time visit to Vietnam, a north-to-south itinerary lets you experience the astonishing diversity of the country. The north is home to Hanoi’s historic districts, mountain landscapes and Ha Long Bay’s towering limestone pillars.

Central Vietnam combines imperial history, coastal scenery, and cultural cities such as Hue and Hoi An. The south offers a different perspective, with the urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the calm waterways of the Mekong Delta.

Each region has its own character, cuisine and history, making a multi-region itinerary with Exodus one of the best ways for a first-time visitor to discover Vietnam.

What are the must-visit places in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s must-visit destinations include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta, Hoi An and Hue. Hanoi brings together street kitchens, markets and old merchant streets, while Ho Chi Minh City has a faster-paced southern energy.

Ha Long Bay delivers the iconic limestone seascape, while the Mekong Delta takes you into a world of river life, orchards and cottage industries. Hoi An and Hue add cultural depth, from lantern-lit lanes to imperial tombs, temples and citadel walls.

What cultural experiences can I expect on a Vietnam vacation?

Vietnam is a dream destination for culture-curious travelers, which makes it a popular choice for our guided tours. On an Exodus tour, you can taste world-famous street food in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and learn how regional dishes reflect daily life. In the Mekong Delta, you can visit cottage industries and experience authentic Mekong Delta hospitality in homestay-style accommodations.

In northern Vietnam, rural communities add another layer: around Sapa and Ta Phin, you can meet families from ethnic minority groups, see rice terraces shaped by generations of farming, and learn about local crafts. Historic sites add depth too, from Hue’s Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City to Hoi An’s preserved merchant streets.

What makes Vietnam different from other destinations in Southeast Asia?

Vietnam stands out because every region feels distinct. The north has Hanoi’s old streets, mountain communities and cooler highlands; central Vietnam brings imperial Hue, lantern-lit Hoi An and a long sweep of coastline; the south feels warmer, faster and more shaped by its rivers, from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. Food changes as you travel, as do landscapes and local customs. That constant shift in scenery, flavor and atmosphere is what makes Vietnam feel so different from its neighbors.

Insider guide…

Our local leaders are passionate about the places they visit, and their knowledge gives guests unique insight that is impossible to get elsewhere. Cong Nguyen has been leading tours nine his home country for 10 years. Here’s his insider guide to Vietnam:

“My favourite food is green mango salad. People normally eat them sweet and ripe, but in Vietnam we pick them green to make a savoury salad. And there’s beautifully fresh seafood – I show my group how to steam fish in banana leaves. The Hanoi water-puppet show is very colourful with lions, dragons, unicorns, live music and folk songs. It was traditional entertainment for villagers when the rice flooded. The stories are acted out using a pool of water as the stage. Fantastic silk is made here, so you can find beautiful scarves to buy. Or you can bring an item or picture to copy, you can get clothes tailor-made in Hoi An.”

Vietnam Map
Vietnam