Vietnam Transformative Tours & Trip Packages

Vietnam Transformative Tours & Trips

615 Vietnam trips. Tours from 158 tour companies. 2,036 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

39 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Transformative
Authentic Vietnam
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By Exotic Voyages
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
A luxury tour company that designs extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path journeys across Asia.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Mekong Delta, Mekong River

Highlights

  • Visit ethnic minority communities in the north of Vietnam
  • Experience the culture, history and beautiful natural settings in combination.
  • Relax among the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An old town...
  • Discover the vibrant, lively, and colorful Mekong Delta
  • Luxuriate at the finest hotels, accompanied by the finest of service quality within the region.
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Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Transformative

What travelers are saying

""We used Exotic Voyages for our 3 week trip. Annie made it organized and easy from the very beginning. She worked with me to develop and tweak many itineraries. All of the airline connections were efficient and complete, right down to seating and boarding passes. All hotels were immaculate, reasonable and central to the best locations. All tours and excursions were professional and spot on. There was always someone waiting for us at the airports to help with immigration and luggage. Annie even personalized our trip with a local dinner in Hanoi! She stayed in touch every step of the way. I will use Exotic Voyages again.""

Trip dates & details
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Cambodia Experience
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Ho Chi Minh, Killing Fields, Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh , Siem Reap

Highlights

  • Explore exciting and fast-paced ho chi minh city
  • Float through the mekong delta
  • Discover the magnificence of angkor wat
  • Savour an authentic khmer meal at a social enterprise project

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Southeast Asia Encompassed
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Chiang Mai, Cu Chi Tunnels, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Hue, Killing Fields, Luang Prabang, Mekong Delta, Mekong River , Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh , Siem Reap, Vientiane

Highlights

  • Float down the mighty mekong river
  • Explore the bustling streets of hanoi
  • Sail on a junk through halong bay
  • Village homestay with a host-prepared laotian meal

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cu Chi Tunnels, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Hue

Highlights

  • Experience bustling hanoi
  • Sail on a junk boat through halong bay
  • Shop in romantic hoi an
  • Squeeze through the cu chi tunnels
  • Sip vietnamese iced coffee
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Essential Vietnam & Cambodia
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Cu Chi Tunnels, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Hue, Killing Fields, Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh , Siem Reap

Highlights

  • Sail on a junk boat through halong bay
  • Sip iced coffee in ho chi minh city
  • Float through the mekong delta
  • Enjoy sunrise over breathtaking angkor wat

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Thailand and Laos Adventure
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Luang Prabang, Mekong River , Vientiane

Highlights

  • Explore bangkok's canals
  • Discover buddhist temples
  • Float down the mighty mekong river
  • Get wet in the spray of waterfalls

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Thailand, Laos & Vietnam Adventure
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Chiang Mai, Cu Chi Tunnels, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Hue, Luang Prabang, Mekong River , Vientiane

Highlights

  • Explore the canals of bangkok
  • Float down the mighty mekong river
  • Visit majestic caves and stunning limestone karsts in halong bay
  • Browse the tailor shops in hoi an
  • Squeeze through the cu chi tunnels

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Ultimate Cambodia
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4.9/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Ho Chi Minh, Killing Fields, Phnom Penh , Siem Reap

Highlights

  • Get a sneak peek of bangkok and all its charging tuk-tuks, enchanting canals and dee-lish street food.
  • Is angkor the most incredible thing in southeast asia? decide for yourself as you temple-hop with an expert local guide. here's how to escape the crowds: https://www.geckosadventures.com/tales/escape-the-crowds-at-angkor-wat/
  • Enjoy a meal at the excellent friends international restaurant dedicated to training vulnerable young people in hospitality. here's more about them: https://www.geckosadventures.com/tales/friends-international-travel-for-good/
  • Learn more about cambodia's confronting but important history, with optional visits to the tuol sleng genocide museum and choeung ek memorial.
  • A homestay in rural chambok puts you right in the heart of everyday village life in cambodia.
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Relaxing Retreats, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"FANTASTIC. Start to finish it is such a fantastic taste of Central America, all the destinations are interesting and you can do as much or as little as you choose."

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Vietnam Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
2,036  Reviews
See all Vietnam tour reviews
Excellent
1,085
Great
233
Average
14
Disappointing
4
Terrible
5
A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Vietnam Adventure

A busy trip that covered a lot of distance , seeing both north and south Vietnam . Travelling prior / during and after Tet gave a different perspective to the coun...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fantastic holiday

High paced trip which provides big variety of activity and stunning sights. Great guide as well! The rickshaw and cycle rides through the countryside at Hoi An W...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Awesome

A very busy trip that gave us a taste of so many parts of Vietnam and an opportunity to understand about the culture and food in the north and south. A good mixtur...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Amazing 10 days

This is a busy trip but gives you the highlights of this beautiful country. We went to the cities and the countryside. We enjoyed some fabulous food and the people...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Highlights of Vietnam

This trip provided an insight into Vietnamese life in the past and present. The experiences were varied such as visits to sites of natural beauty as well as histor...

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Vietnam Tour Selection Trips

  • Vietnam, especially the South, is hot and quite humid year round so be sure to dress appropriately, bringing light layers suitable for temples and other religious sites. Also be sure to drink lots of bottled water while on your guided tour to prevent dehydration.
  • Public transportation (mainly by rail) is reliable, safe, and relatively fast throughout the country. It can be a great way to mingle with locals and see the countryside, so be sure to look at guided tours which include this option.
  • While it’s possible to see the highlights in a week or ten days, two weeks is really optimal to see both North and South Vietnam, with stops in between to cities like Danang, Hoi An, and Hue.
  • Travelers who have already seen the major cities or those simply with more time should consider a side tour to the Sapa region in Northeast Vietnam. Aside from escaping the lowland heat, this mountainous region offers a traditional view into many of Vietnam’s ethnic tribes, such as the Hmong, as well as touring the meticulously maintained rice terraces.
  • Aside from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, the other ‘must see’ city is Hoi An. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its mix of French colonial, Japanese, and Chinese architectural influences. It’s also a shopper’s heaven, with custom clothes and shoes among the many items for sale by local shopkeepers.
  • Although slightly ‘touristy,’ a cyclo ride around the streets of Ho Chi Minh city or Hanoi is a great way to get your bearings and see life at street level.
  • Speaking of ‘street,’ don’t be afraid to try the local delicacies, which are often sold by merchants on the side of the road or walking with baskets full of baked goods. For food safety, it’s always a good idea to ask your tour leader to recommend a local vendor.
  • Traveling to Sapa by shuttle bus can be dangerous due to its windy roads. A better way to travel to this destination is by overnight train from Hanoi.
  • Group tours are helpful when traveling in Vietnam, as this can significantly reduce the price when purchasing tickets. This is especially applicable to boat tours.
  • Although Ha Long Bay is stunning, it can be overpopulated with tourists, especially during peak season. Instead, visit Bai Tu Long Bay. As it neighbors Ha Long Bay, you’ll see similar sights, but without the crowds.

Additional details

Is Vietnam safe?

Generally, it is very safe to travel in Vietnam. Of course, as with any tourist destination, pick-pocketing and bag snatches do occur, so be sure to leave your valuables (like your passport!) at the hotel. Use your phone sparingly when in public areas, and carry smaller notes with you. Going through these precautions and being vigilant can prevent you from becoming a target.

In the cities, look out for taxi scams and hassles, as they are more prevalent. To protect yourself from these scams, be sure to know your destination, and landmarks along the way. Agree on a price beforehand, and stick with the major taxi companies, like Mai Linh and Vinasun. In larger cities, you also have the option of using ride-sharing apps, like Uber or Grab.

The most common accidents that occur in Vietnam are motorcycle related. The roads in Vietnam are anarchic, so if you’re traveling on two wheels, make sure you are covered with the proper insurance.

Travelers should note that Vietnam has confirmed 16 cases of coronavirus as of March 2nd, 2020.

What is the weather like in Vietnam?

Since Vietnam is an elongated country, weather can vary depending on your location. In general, the country is hot and humid.

In the north, you can expect humid and hot summers with high rainfall between May to October. However, the north also experiences cool, dry winters between November to April.

The mountainous regions in the far north has frosty winters from December to January. The best time for adventure-seekers to trek would be during the drier seasons: September to November, and from March to May.

The central region experiences hot and dry weather from January to August. Pack your rain boots if you’re visiting between September and December — there is a high chance of heavy rainfall during this time.

Southern Vietnam has wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit would be during the dry season, when you don’t have to worry about the monsoons and floods that plague the months between May and August. The ideal months to visit would be from November to April.

As weather between regions vary, it is helpful to think of the country as three separate destinations when planning your travels.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The most popular time to visit Vietnam runs from July through August. To avoid congested cities and attractions, April through June is the best time to visit Vietnam — especially if you want to take the time to explore all the regions.

Dos and Don’ts for travelers in Vietnam

Do’s

  • When visiting a temple, do keep your shoulders and knees covered as a sign of respect
  • Keep your bag on you and be wary, as snatches are quite common.
  • Keep your accommodation details with you at all times — should you get lost, it’s much easier to find your way back
  • Before getting into a taxi, negotiate and agree on a fixed price to avoid scams
  • Keep hydrated! It’s humid in Vietnam, and the last thing you want is a heat stroke ruining your vacation
  • Store some extra toilet paper with you — some public toilets may not have toilet paper available
  • Do be aware of the privacy of local life. Filming is considered intrusive, especially in the villages. As a rule of thumb, always ask for permission first.

Don’ts

  • Don’t stick your chopsticks into your rice bowl — this is considered unlucky and symbolizes death.
  • Don’t bring up the “American War” with locals — for many people, the psychological and physical wounds are still fresh. Several Vietnamese have mixed emotions about the war.
  • Don’t carry more cash than you need.
  • Don’t use your own utensils to pick food up from the communal dish in the center of the table; use the serving spoon

How to get around in Vietnam

The great transportation infrastructure in Vietnam makes it easy to travel from coast to coast. Whether its by train, plane, or bus, you can find several options that will help you explore all the gems Vietnam has to offer. From budget airlines to overnight buses — take your pick!

For the more adventurous souls, motorbikes are also an option. They’re a great way to travel between destinations. However, it can be quite tricky to navigate the sea of traffic in the bigger cities, like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.

For this reason, it’s better to save your motorbike riding for quieter areas, like Hoi An or Dalat. In order to avoid injuries, wear closed-toed shoes, keep your feet turned inward, and be aware of the burning exhaust pipe!

Currency and travel costs in Vietnam

While credit and debit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, cash is king in Vietnam. The currency used is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Using the dong can be confusing at times, as the high conversion rate can throw many people off.

As of summer 2019, USD1 is VND23,289. When you arrive in Vietnam, take some time to familiarize yourself with the notes, as they can look very similar at first glance. You don’t want to accidentally hand a VND200,000 note instead of a VND10,000 note when you’re in a rush!

The costs for traveling Vietnam can vary. If you are a budget traveler, $30 will be enough for a day. However, if you indulge in luxurious hotels and gourmet meals, your budget will be closer to $100 a day.

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