Vietnam Tours

Vietnam really is a tale of two cities – Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The capital, Hanoi, is in the north. You’ll notice a fusion of local Vietnamese and Chinese influences in this bustling city, from the ornate temples to the flavour-filled cuisine. You can spend some time in the city’s museums, explore the charming Old Quarter, and be entertained by a traditional water puppet show.

Down in the South, Ho Chi Minh City is influenced more by the West than anywhere else in the country, as it was once controlled by France. As the economic centre of Vietnam, this metropolis – previously known as Saigon – is one big melting pot. And there’s plenty of history, to boot. You can learn about the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum, visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, marvel at Notre Dame Cathedral, and stroll through European-style parks and plazas. 

Nature-lovers are in for a treat with our Vietnam tours. You can discover stunning landscapes at every turn. The north is all about Sapa’s sprawling rice fields and Halong Bay’s sharp limestone karsts. Halong Bay and its 1,600 islets are one of main attractions in Vietnam. You can sail across this ethereal landscape on an overnight cruise, and soak up the views of this incredible UNESCO-listed wonder. And, for a closer look, you can hop in a kayak and paddle around the grottoes and coves.

For a very different cruise, why not sail along the Mekong Delta? A luscious maze of rivers, swamps and grasses, this southern estuary is also home to floating markets and villages. You can learn all about the rural way of life here, and look out for animals and birds among the unique mangrove forests.

Vietnam’s history is a patchwork of influences. The country was under the influence of China for a millennium, and part of French-Indochina for 70 years. This has led to the modern-day country being a wonderful mishmash of cultures, beliefs and values. Churches and pagodas rub shoulders with shrines and temples, and different dialects can be heard throughout the country. 

And then there’s the food. Vietnamese’s mouth-watering cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world – and one of the tastiest. Enjoy distinctive dishes that balance salty, sweet, sour and spicy flavours, concocted from fresh ingredients, herbs and spices. You’ll find lip-smacking food all over Vietnam, whether you’re in a high-end restaurant or a local market. Make sure you try classic dishes like pho – a delicious noodle soup made with beer, pork or chicken – and banh mi, a crunchy baguette filled with chicken and pickled vegetables.

With a 3,000-kilometre coastline, Vietnam is brimming with quiet coves, pale sands and glistening waters. So you should definitely make time to go swimming and snorkelling. After all that exploring, you can bask on sun-soaked beaches, see tropical fish, and watch golden sunsets. Speak to our Travel Specialists about adding a beach break on to the end of your Vietnam tour.

While you certainly have plenty of options for sandy beaches, some much-loved spots include the sparkling sands of Phu Quoc Island and the caramel-coloured shores of Mui Ne. The scenic island of Phu Quoc is quickly becoming a popular beachside escape for travellers, while Mui Ne is renowned for its kitesurfing culture.