Two of the most beautiful, historic, and friendly places in all of Asia, dynamic Vietnam and pastoral Cambodia, are intriguing studies in contrast. Each possesses its own unique charm and social traditions, its own tragic history and complex past.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a heady mixture of old and new, often surprising visitors with its charm. As the lifeblood of Southeast Asia, the Mekong teems with colorful floating villages. Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s thriving capital, is fast-forwarding to the future yet retains a provincial intimacy. And colorful Siem Reap provides the gateway to the vast UNESCO-designated jungle temple complex of Angkor Wat.
CruiseRiver cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Resort, Hotel, Ship Cabin, Luxury Hotel
Age Range
2-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Han
Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Ben Tre, Sa Dec, Hồng Ngự, Phnom Penh, Angkor Ban, Kampong Cham
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
You will be picked up at your hotel at 5:30am (summer time) or 6.00 (winter time) and travel by taxi to the colorful flower market where you can see the shop-keepers buy bulks of hundreds of different kinds of beautiful flowers.
From there, you will be transferred to Long Bien bridge underneath which is one of the largest and the most bustling fruit markets of Hanoi. Both these markets are only seen in the early morning!
Then, you will travel on foot and see the Old Quarter begin its new day. Along the way, you can see street side vendors preparing for the morning.
You can also make your way to Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can witness, and maybe even participate in daily activities of the young and old, exercising, doing Tai Chi, and going jogging.
When the sun rises, it is the best time to snap some of the best photos of your trip as the light becomes perfect!
You will end your tour with a traditional Hanoi breakfast of Pho Bo or Banh Cuon, and head back to your hotel to rest for the day ahead.
The trip ends at your hotel around 8:30 am.
Ba Be Lake is on a limestone mountain. At a height of 150m above sea level, the place has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Vietnam. The lake is in Ba Be National Park, which is about 250km north of Hanoi.
This 2-day tour helps you to explore the mystical lake and hill tribe villages of Ba Be, a region blessed with a rich variety of flora and fauna as well as wonderful landscapes. Joining this tour, you can experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals, enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes, and have a unique homestay in a traditional stilt house.
This tour will take you off the beaten track and bring you real rural life experience.
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.
What made this trip really special was how different each day felt. One day we were walking through old temples, the next we were sailing on a quiet bay. Vietnam was full of surprises. The people were friendly, the food was amazing, and every place had something new to offer. Ha Long Bay was a real highlight. The boat ride through those tall limestone rocks felt peaceful and looked like something from a movie. Even the meals on the boat were great!
I also liked how we didn’t just rush from place to place. There was time to look around, take pictures, and enjoy it all. Hoi An was beautiful with all the lanterns, and Hue had some really interesting history. Our guide explained everything in a simple and fun way, which made it more enjoyable.
Then we went to Singapore, and it felt like getting into the future. It was super clean and modern, but still full of culture. The Gardens by the Bay were stunning, especially at night. Everything on this tour ran butter smooth, the flights, the hotels, the transport. It was easy to relax and enjoy. Already thinking of booking a Korea tour. Really impressed by how they manage things!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Mek
Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Mekong Delta, Danang, Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay
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!
Even though I was the only person on this trip, I cannot thank Explore highly enough for the excellent liaison with the local partners to ensure I had a safe and seamless trip. Although most days were spent in Cambodia, it was interesting having some time in Thailand and Vietnam as well. I would highly recommend this trip.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Siem
Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Battambang, Phnom Penh
12% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover the incredible diversity, cuisines, histories and beauty of Cambodia and Vietnam on a 20-day Premium adventure. Learn about the confronting Khmer legacy in Phnom Penh, enjoy Vietnam's authentic cuisine at a cooking class with a local chef in Hue and explore the grand architecture of Hanoi. This trip offers places of breathtaking beauty, from the backwaters of the Mekong Delta to the ancient temples of Angkor and an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay. Add to that a mix of friendly locals and age-old traditions and you've got the ultimate South East Asian experience.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Hoi An, Hue
Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Hoi An, Hue, Mai Chau, Halong Bay, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta