With so many food options in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, it's almost impossible to find the best local eateries. Luckily, the local people have let us in on their little secret of the best street food spots and we want to share that with you! Prepare your tastebuds and jump on the back of a scooter for an exciting adventure through the vibrant city districts and their cuisines. Your stomach will definitely thank you!
Day 1: Hanoi - Halong - Lan Ha Bay ( L, D)
7:45 - 08:15: Pick up at hotel.
12:15: Embark at Tuan Chau Marina pier (Tuan Chau island, Halong city). Enjoy complimentary drink at Gray Line private lounge.
12:30: Transfer to Gray Line Halong Cruise by tender. Welcome drink, followed by cruise briefings. Check in your cabins.
13:00: Enjoy a great set lunch. Relax on sundeck and grab the unparalleled scenery of Halong Bay while cruising ahead to the Bay. Cruise through Hoa Cuong floating fishing village.
14:30: Arrive at Me Cung Cave ( Bewitching Grotto). Join tour with guide to explore the cave. Climb up several rugged stone stairs to see a great lake considered as a royal garden and surrounded by mountains. Its water is blue all year round.
16:00: Back to the cruise and head to Bright Cave - a very beautiful lagoon belongs to Lan Ha bay, Cat Ba Island. Forget about the distance of geography, the cave now introduced by Gray Line Cruise. Visit some tunnel caves by Kayak or bamboo boat. Time to savor the beauty and amazing islet’s stalactites in detail.
Enjoy swimming around the cruise ( upon weather condition). Relax on the sundeck. Enjoy fantastic views and take stunning pictures of gleaming sunsets.
18:30: Join Cooking demonstration on the sundeck. Learn how to make the fresh/fried spring rolls and mix fish-sauce.
19:30: Enjoy fabulous buffet BBQ dinner (available for group 15 pax and above+) served with a variety of Vietnamese and Western foods.
21:00: Evening activities: watching film at the outdoor bar, playing board and Card games; squid fishing on boat. Enjoy squid cooked after fishing.
22:00: Overnight at the quietest sleeping area. End of Day 1.
Day 2: Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi (B/L)
06:30: Tai Chi class on the sundeck.
07:30: Have breakfast with coffee, tea and bakeries on board.
08:30: Arrive at Gray Line exclusive floating house, Rang Dua area by tender – one of few existing houses left after the regulation of Management to relocate the traditional floating village to main land.
Spend about 1 hour to experience how different life compared to mainland. Learn about their foods, how they earn a living, their children, their culture and their private fish farm.
For Gray Line customers only.
09:30 - 11:00: Check out cabin. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room to enjoy the bay scenery on the way back to Tuan Chau pier. Farewell lunch served on board.
11:45: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina. Relax at Gray Line private lounge. Transfer back to Hanoi. End of halong bay trips.
The ultimate Hanoi Old Quarter & Red River Delta 1/2 day cycling tour.
The morning tour commences at 8.00 am till 12 pm / Afternoon tour commences at 1.15 pm am till 5.15 pm
Meet up at 7:45 am or 1:00 pm at our office located at 20 Hang Muoi Street for a brief introduction of the trip as well as safety instructions on how to navigate safely through Hanoi on a bicycle.
We set off towards the famous Street Murals, along the Train Street and our journey starts.
On this cycling tour, we will take you through the most interesting parts and markets of the Old Quarter. Our ride will take us through some very old street so you can get a real feel of how life has been here for centuries.
We continue along beautiful treelined streets and breath in the fresh air around the West Lake area, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Truc Bach lake. Experience how tranquil and peaceful it is just 15-minutes from the buzzing Old Quarter of Hanoi. We adventure on narrow paths through impressive banana plantations and vegetable gardens on Banana Island that cover the fertile grounds of the Red River Delta. The noisy city suddenly seems to be so far away.
We will take you to B52 Lake and pass the Mausoleum of (former) President Ho Chi Minh and visit the North Gate. We admire the old train railway with impressive old heritage buildings Hanoi is so famous for.
The trip winds down with a local homemade egg coffee at the popular Giang café and will end whilst cycling back through the Old Quarter.
Should you wish to include and experience a local Hanoian food (pho) or lunch (bun cha), our guide can accommodate this at an additional cost (to be paid directly to the restaurant).
Tour ends at 20 Hang Muoi about 12.00 pm in the morning and 5:15 pm in the afternoon.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A highly enjoyable trip that is superior to other offerings. The most distinct advantage of this tour is walking through Vietnam in a comfortable manner and pace. The tour explores villages in Vietnam that highlight both the rural life and natural beauty in various parts of Vietnam (North, Central, South). The second part of the tour that covers Cambodia adds a cultural element to the entire trip that is somewhat lacking in Vietnam. The entire experience is enhanced by small group sizes.
Walking toursCruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay, Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hanoi, Siem Reap, Hoi An, Binh H
Hanoi, Siem Reap, Hoi An, Binh Hoa Phuoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, Phnom Penh, Pu Luong, Halong Bay, Hue
Thanh Tan Hot Springs is the place to visit for adventurous travellers! The natural underground steam site has partnered with an adventure company to offer you hot springs, a Zipline and Highwire experience.
If you have ever dreamt of flying like a bird, the free-hanging highwire is absolutely for you. Slide down Ma Yen hill (45.5m) on the zipline that broke the Vietnam record for the longest free-hanging uninterrupted zipline, at a total length of 560m.
The highwire requires attention from the participant to overcome obstacles such walking on the wooden planks, swinging on the rope, crossing the net bridge, keeping balance on small wooden blocks and passing the one-wire rope bridge. It has three different skill levels and is designed to be family-friendly. Gear yourself up for an amazing adventure!
Itinerary:
After the pick-up from your hotel in Hue, you will be transferred to Thanh Tan Hot Spring. You will be welcomed by friendly staff.
Experts will give you a briefing before the Highwire and Zipline, then enjoy the adventure! After, you can immerse yourself in the hot water of the springs or go off trekking to find the wild stream in the forest or birds and animals to watch.
Have lunch in the restaurant and other services such as spa and massage are available on request.
Depart to head back to Hue city in the afternoon.
Your cruise adventure begins in Siem Reap, the gateway to the mystical Angkor Complex, where you will visit the wonderful Temples of Angkor Wat in one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. disembark in Koh Dach, travel through the Cambodian countryside. Explore places like Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Vam Nao and Tiger Island. Your cruise adventure ends in Ho Chi Minh, where you discover the vibrant metropolis named after the revered leader Ho Chi Minh and delve into its rich history, influenced by French colonization.
CruiseSightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Ang
Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Angkor Ban, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Long Xuyen, Can Tho
Asia is famous for its street food, with each country being so unique and diverse. Vietnam is no exception and the street food of Hanoi should not be missed by any traveller! Vietnamese food has a lot to offer, but finding where and what is the main challenge when visiting the bustling Old Town of Hanoi. On this tour, our expert guide takes you by the hand and allows you to sample some of the most famous dishes to some of Vietnams hidden delights.
We start the street food walking tour with an insight into traditional Vietnamese food at different eateries. Well, the first stop is near the Hoan Kiem Lake called "Bun Cha". It is mixed grilled pork meat with noodle and sweet & sour sauce.
Then, we could continue to tour with other food. On the way, the guide will tell about history of the Old Quarter and Hanoi whilst you observe locals' daily life and work.
The guide will then take you to one of the best cafés in Hanoi. You'll be so surprised until you savor the drink with an off-putting name yet delicious taste - egg-coffee.
Next, you'll go to Quan Chuong Gate - an architectural work and a cultural, historical and geographical vestige of Hanoi. This gate has been one of the twenty-one city gates of Hanoi since 1749. We'll also stop by the traditional house at 87 Ma May street is typical of the traditional architecture in the Old Quarter. It was recognized as Vietnamese National Heritage in 2004.
When we leave the old house, it's time for drinks. Enjoy local beer (draught beer) with chips at the "international" corner Ta Hien where each night, hundreds of travelers and a large number of locals flock here to hang out. Rest on small plastic stools, drink beer and observe the local daily life of the Old Quarter.
If your stomach still has some space, keep going to try the steamed rice pancake rolls (banh cuon). This dish is made from rice starch and maybe grilled pork, if you choose.
We finish the tour at Hoan Kiem lake. Before saying goodbye, the guide will tell a legend story referring to this lake. Then, you can either continue exploring on your own, take a taxi or ask the guide's assistance for directions to get back the hotel and suggestions anything.
We spent a fantastic day on a private tour speedboat going all the way from the centre of Ho Chi Minh city to the Phu Quoc island. We were looked after for the day by our guides Phat and Ms Jolly and Captain Trung.
Sightseeing ToursRiver cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover Asia - It says it all. The ultimate 37 day backpacking experience across Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam! Starting in Bangkok, this tour will include all things tropical islands, boats, beach parties and so much more before finishing in Phuket. A Tru-ly lincredible way to kick off this trip of a lifetime before heading over to spend 11 unforgettable days in Cambodia and 13 days adventuring up the beautiful coast of Vietnam. With a perfect balance of culture, adventure, nature and partying, you'll experience it all for sure! From visiting temples to trekking the jungle, tuk-tuk rides to exploring the coast by Hai Van Pass as well as trying out the food markets and snorkelling through crystal clear waters, Discover Asia has it all!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Bungalow, Hotel, Hut, Resort
Age Range
18-40 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hanoi, Bangkok, Koh Nang Yuan, K
Hanoi, Bangkok, Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Phi Phi, Phi Phi Islands, Phuket, Siem Reap, Kampot, Koh Rong Island, Koh Rong Samloem, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Khao Sok, Hue, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Khao Sok National Park, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
Join this trip to visit the tranquil, peaceful rural village along the Mekong River and then you will learn the art of Vietnamese cuisine. Such a great way to escape from busy life
ITINERARY:
07:30 AM: Depart for Cai Be by van/bus via Trung Luong Expressway.
Upon arrival in Cai Be, have a boat ride to the remaining site of a renowned wholesale floating market on the Tien River many years ago. This site entitles you to know something about the local trading habit that has changed due to the age of the modern society when more terrestrial transportation and high technique of agriculture have dominated everywhere. There, you can realize how diverse the area is and how rich orchard gardens are, which makes it the basket of fruit in the lower part of the Mekong River.
Ramble in small villages where you will uncover the beauty of an ancient house and learn about the indigenous culture. Make a short visit to a small family business where the locals make coconut fudges and crispy rice popcorn. Savor delicious fresh fruit and feel the slow rhythms of Southern Vietnamese folk music – a kind of music entwined with the life and culture of the Mekong Delta people. Paddle through small canals – an exciting experience since you can look around, unwind, and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. Additionally, after arrival on Tan Phong Island, immerse yourself in nature's tranquility.
At lunch time, you not only enjoy luscious food but also get closer to the locals as it is a chance to learn how to prepare Vietnamese specialties. The meal is cooked on your own and served in the heart of the local garden.
Cycle on the village path through orchards. Meet the local islanders to learn more about the local
daily life in the Mekong Delta. Visit Ba Kiệt’s ancient house.
Take a boat ride back to Cai Be and meet your bus for the trip back to Ho Chi Minh City. End your
trip.
Join us as we take you through the streets of Hanoi, acquainting you with some of its major landmarks and a rich history that goes back by thousands of years. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel or meet you outside the Hanoi Opera House.
Meet your group members and Vietnamese female drivers who will be there with you throughout the journey. Start the city tour after a safety briefing. See some of the major landmarks of the capital such as the Hanoi Opera House, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market, Cua Bac Catholic Church, the Flag Tower of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Thang Long Citadel.
Enjoy typical Vietnamese street food before driving to West Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in the capital. Visit the Tay Ho Temple, located near this massive urban water body, and learn about Northern Vietnamese culture. Drive past the historic Long Bien Bridge, the oldest bridge in Hanoi. End your tour with a glass of egg coffee, popular among the locals. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel after that.
The imposing ancient city of Hue is a must see when visiting the Hoi An region. This tour takes you from your hotel in Hoi An to this amazing city via the famous Hai Van pass. True scenery and culture combined.
At 7:00 am, a local guide welcomes you to the hotel lobby from which you shall depart for Hue. We drive across the spectacular Hai Van pass and we shall see the scenic fishing village of Lang Co.
When we reach Hue (2.5hr journey) we first visit the Hue Citadel - the ancient capital where you can explore and take in the history of the complex.
After, we will hop aboard a boat and go downriver to the beautiful Thien Mu pagoda. Here you can see how the local people worship.
Next, we'll have lunch in a local restaurant before visiting the royal tombs of Khai Dinh or Tu Duc. These are two among the 13 kings of the Nguyen's dynasty which lasted from 1802 until 1945.
On the returning trip to Hoi An, we will make a stop at an incense stick making village to break up the journey. Arrive Hoi An around 6:00 pm. The trip ends at your hotel in Hoi An.
Halong Bay, literally meaning "descending dragon bay", is one of the Seven World Wonders, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a popular travel destination, located in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. Halong Bay has an area of around 1,553 km squared, including 1,960-2,000 islets, most of which are limestone.
Our driver and tour guide will meet and pick up at your hotel by in between 8.00 am to 8:30 am for the journey east of Hanoi (approximately 3 to 3.5 hours) to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. En route, you will pass fields of busy workers farming their rice fields using traditional methods of cultivation.
12:00 pm You will embark on the boat. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board while cruising around this magnificent bay and among thousands of islands in this spectacular natural environment.
The main cave of the cruise trip will be Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Grotto), located on a remote island in the bay. As the name suggests, the cave adorned with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. Coloured lights transform the scene into a fairy tale palace.
We continue to cruise to the southern part of the Bay, where we will admire the view of many strange-shaped islands. Then cruise back to the pier, disembark and join the bus to return Hanoi.
There will be a stop on the way at a ceramics village in the middle on our way where artisans create superb ceramic vases and other masterpieces in their kilns and have the opportunity to purchase many of their products at a fraction of the price that you could expect to pay outside of Vietnam.
Arriving at about 7:30 pm, we drop you off at your Hotel. Finish the unforgettable Halong Bay full day trip!