Vietnam has eased its travel restrictions from March 16, 2022. All travelers are exempt from quarantine to visit Vietnam now as long as you're fully vaccinated.
Begin your trip in Hanoi and explore several unique UNESCO sites there. Cruise in Halong Bay, track back to the old imperial Hue, and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Hoi An ancient town.
Discover the remnants of the Cu Chi Tunnels and visit floating markets in the Mekong Delta, before ending in Ho Chi Minh City.
It takes at least 9 days to take in all the highlights, as Vietnam is an ecologically and culturally diverse country with lush mountain valleys, scenic beaches, fertile deltas, distinctive ethnic minorities and a fascinating culture, suitable for all ages, especially family holidays and annual vacations for senior travelers.
1. Explore the Old Quarter
Hanoi - Recommended to Visit for a Half-Day
Hanoi's attractions are clustered in one key area — the Old Quarter — making it easy to explore the city's charm by visiting sites like the elegant Bach Ma Temple and Dong Xuan Market, the oldest local market in the city.
Start from Hoan Kiem Lake, watching locals practicing tai chi and painters painting landmarks, before walking north to the bustling Old Quarter. Filled with a warren of shops, the Old Quarter is still vibrant 600 years after its inception.
Purchase souvenirs at the little shops, taste local food in some of the eateries, and even watch a water puppet show. With many interesting sights for the Western eye, you can get the real feel of Hanoi… as long as you don't mind crossing roads filled with fast-moving motorbikes.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
Vietnam & UAE FANTASTIC tour! Thank you Albee Ning!
Albee was INCREDIBLE. She arranged a 9-day private tour of both North and South Vietnam. No stone was left unturned: a private cruise up the Mekong; excellent hotel reservations; personal, caring tour guides; More
Consumer, Jun 2020
|
We traveled with Asia Highlights…
My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful 5 1/2 week trip that was organized by the exceptional Ruby Zhao. We have traveled a lot and Ruby is the VERY BEST AGENT we have ever had! More
Lurinda Smith Barton Barnwell, Mar 2020
|
We were.very satisfied with Asia…Four Great Weeks in China and Viet Nam
Asia Highlights was very efficient at advising us on what to see and the best routes to take, but they were also very flexible in integrating our own ideas in regard of travel destinations and accommodations. More
Eva and Jim, Oct 2019
|
Trip to Vietnam with Asia Highlights was well above expectations
My 12-day private trip to Vietnam was a very rewarding experience, and every day was fantastic, and well above expectations. My trip was perfectly well prepared and organized by Lissy Syoo from Asia Highlights, More
cdietp, May 2019
|
Repeat Customer
We traveled with China Highlights in 2015 and were completely satisfied, so when they emailed that they now were arranging trips to SE Asia we didn't even consider looking at other tour companies. More
Terry, Feb 2019
|
7-Day Vietnam Tour - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Danang/Hoi An
Asia Highlights did a great job planning and executing our family’s trip around Vietnam. We have two young girls and wanted to have a balance of sightseeing and activities so nobody got bored. More
Andrew, Jan 2019
|
We would like to thank Asia Highlights
We would like to thank Asia Highlights for a wonderful trip. Lissy was a joy to work with, in planning a vacation that took into account all our interests and was able to give us so much more than we expected. More
Victor Cognato, Dec 2018
|
Vietnam with Asia Highlights
Just returned from Vietnam trip arranged by Albee at Asia Highlights.She was very helpful with the arrangements even when I requested multiple changes in the itinerary. More
Tom, Oct 2017
|
Just came back from Vietnam/Cambodia…
Just came back from Vietnam/Cambodia trip via Asia Highlights and had a wonderful experience. The hotels they chosed for us were all very food. the guides were all very professional and spoke good English More
Yumin Zheng, Feb 2017
|
2. Local Street-Food Adventure
Hanoi/Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City - 2-3 hours at night
Vietnam has a rich tradition of street food. Vendors with their own recipes and cooking skills set up in the streets, with baskets of delicious snacks such as baguette sandwiches, spring rolls, fresh fruit, sugar cane juice and grilled meat wrapped in banana leaves.
Most snack foods can be found at a local market, where you will be able to taste the food and enjoy the atmosphere dining with locals, while sitting on plastic chairs.
The best part is that you can watch how the food is prepared in front of your eyes and wait just a few minutes to get it. Wash it down with iced drinks like local beer, coffee or fresh coconut-milk before heading to the next vendor.
We highly recommend that gastronomically-adventurous people or those interested in local food join a street-food tour, as doing so helps experience the culture. Spoiling your senses with Vietnam's exotic flavors, when exploring Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, would be a nice way to spend the night.
3. Stay Overnight on a Junk to See Halong Bay
Halong Bay - Recommended to Take a 2D1N Junk
Halong Bay is touristy, with some of the most impressive natural scenery in Southeast Asia. Actually, it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, so describing it as an 'other-worldly' sight is not an overstatement. It hosts more than 2,000 pinnacle-shaped limestone peaks and some dramatic karst caves.
Explore the bay by taking a cruise for 2 days and 1 night. Cruise across the bay and enjoy the sunset after adventures on an island, exercising with water activities like swimming, kayaking or canoeing, and visiting a fishing village.
The western part of the bay is much more crowded, as many of the tourist attractions are here. It makes for a more relaxing trip to take a cruise around the less-visited areas of the shimmering bay.
We could help arrange cruises for 2 days and 1 night or 3 days and 2 nights, with selected cruise operators.
4. Track Back to the Last Emperor's Life in Hue, the Imperial City
Hue - Recommended Trip: One Day
Hue is the former imperial city of Vietnam, well-known for being one of the country's most significant cultural and historic centers. The city is celebrated for its traditions and imperial citadel, a good destination for history buffs.
Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial Hue Citadel was established in 1805 by Gia Long, the emperor who founded the Nguyen dynasty.
The citadel is an elegant complex consisting of three concentric enclosures and designed by application of Chinese geomancy. Visitors should spend at least half a day to see the complex and know more about its history.
Besides visiting the emperors' tombs and Thien Mu Pagoda, it's a good idea to hop on a motorbike to catch the beautiful sunset at Tam Giang Lagoon.
5. Take a Cooking Class in Hoi An
Hoi An - Recommended Tour: Half a Day
Boasting beaches nearby and an impressive cultural heritage, Hoi An is a mosaic of various cultures. In addition to Old Town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its excellent roadside cafes, Hoi An provides fun hands-on cooking class opportunities.
Starting with a stroll around a local market, your guide will lead the way to shop for the necessary ingredients, such as fresh herbs, shrimp paste and meat. After arriving at the cooking school, you can walk through its herb garden and learn about the herbs that give Vietnamese cuisine its distinctive flavors.
During the class, the chef will reveal various culinary secrets. You will have a chance to learn how to prepare 3 to 5 typical delicacies, such as spring rolls, Hoi An pancakes and seafood salad, and make Vietnamese-style plate decorations with vegetable carving skills.
Finally sit down with your classmates and enjoy the food together!
6. Go Deep Into the Cu Chi Tunnels
Outside Ho Chi Minh City -Recommended Visit: Half a Day
To view and experience the legacy of the War in Vietnam from the perspective of Vietnamese people is another reason for Westerners to travel there.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are considered one of the most significant war-related sites, a remnant of the country's war against the United States famous for their elaborate network.
There are two different tunnel systems — one at Ben Dinh village used by Vietcong during the war, the other at Ben Duoc better equipped for tourism. At both locations, you can experience history via a guided tour following an audio-visual presentation and observing booby traps.
7. Visit the Floating Markets
The Mekong Delta - 2 days
"Without doubt, no other river, over such a length, has a more singular or remarkable character," gushed Francis Garnier, second-in-command of the French Mekong Expedition in the 1860s.
With a length of 4,909 kilometers, the Mekong River goes through six countries in total. China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam are all linked by the Mekong Delta.
When traveling to the Vietnamese part of the Mekong Delta, floating markets and a boat tour are the most popular ways to experience the local highlights. We recommend both Cai Rang and Cai Be floating markets, as each has its own charms.
Wake up early and visit the floating market. It has retained its traditional way of doing business and you will be able to see standing boat rowers there. Then take a sampan through tree-shaded canals to visit the islets and get on a bike to ride around the orchards and enjoy the exotic fragrance of the plants. A 2-day trip is enough to explore the area, with a stay in the Can Tho area.
8. Unwind on the Beach of Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island - Recommended Visit: 2-3 Days
As the biggest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc is blessed with many stunning beaches. Most Westerners tend to choose the island for its quiet environment and quality beaches. It is also renowned for producing very good fish sauce. You will have the opportunity to visit a fish sauce production factory.
Almost 70% of the main island is occupied by the National Park, covered with tropical forest, offering visitors a few hiking trails with scenic views. Lined by various hotels, Bai Truong beach is best known for its wonderful sunset views and swaying palms.
Hon Doi Moi, with a coral reef and a wide variety of marine life, is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. Visiting a fishing village to try the local seafood cuisine also generates much fun.
The island has its own airport, Duong Duong Airport, and is easy to access by plane from Ho Chi Minh City. It is big enough to justify taking 2 or 3 days to unwind on its beach.
9.Go Trekking in Tribal Mai Chau
Mai Chau Valley - 2 days
For hiking or trekking in the north, most travelers go to Sapa, which is known for its lush vegetation, cascading rice terraces and ethnic diversity.
Mai Chau has it all, but is less commercial. Its verdant mountain scenery and tribal culture are highlights of the area, along with its delightful trails, providing excellent trekking opportunities.
Visitors to Hanoi have a chance to see the charming and fertile Mai Chau valley, only 3½ hours' drive from Hanoi. Most of the inhabitants of Mai Chau are White Thai, known for their warm hospitality.
Families offer home-stay facilities in stilt huts made of bamboo and timber, providing visitors an authentic way of experiencing life in the hills. Locals built these houses on stilts to prevent water from getting into them and to shelter the animals.
Visit Vietnam with Asia Highlights
Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you design your perfect trip to Vietnam. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodations and activities that best suit your requirements.
Check out the following links to learn more about our tours and get a head start on planning your hassle-free vacation today!
10-Day Best of Vietnam with Mekong Delta
13-Day Vietnam Classic Wonders with Sapa
14-Day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Tour
You might like to read
Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)
- Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
- Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
- Celebrate Your Journeys:
- Specially-crafted family adventures
- Celebrate milestones with style!
- 10-Day Best of Vietnam with Mekong Delta
- 2-Week Vietnam Family-with-Teenagers Holiday
- 12-Day Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour
- 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 2-Week Vietnam-Cambodia Tour with a Luxurious Mekong Cruise
- 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
- 14-Day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Itinerary: Premium Private Tour
- 14-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Family Tour—Quality Time Journey
- 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
- 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 19-Day Highlights Tour of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
- 3-Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for Couples
- 7 Days in Vietnam: 6 Best Itinerary Ideas for First Timers, Families and Couples
- 10 Days in Vietnam: 5 Best Itineraries in 2024/2025
- 2 Weeks/14 Days in Vietnam: Top 5 Itineraries
- How to Plan Your First Trip to Vietnam 2024: 7 Easy Steps
- How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025): 10 Days, 2, 3 Weeks Itineraries
- 8 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Vietnam - Interesting Facts about Vietnam
- How Much Does It Cost for A Vietnam Trip 2024/2025? (With Cost Breakdown)
- Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City: Which is Better to Visit? (8 Key Differences)
- 3 Ways to Get from Vietnam to Cambodia (2024/2025): By Boat, By Plane, By Road
- How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025): 10 Days, 2, 3 Weeks Itineraries
- How to Plan a Trip to Cambodia and Vietnam 2024: Itinerary, Best Times, Expert Tips
- How to Visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam 2024: 10, 14 and 21-Day Itinerary Ideas
- Vietnam Weather in January 2025: Cool & Dry, Best Places to Go
- Vietnam Weather in February: Cool & Dry, Insider Tips for Peak Season
- Vietnam Weather in March
- Vietnam Weather in April: Still Good Time to Go? Insider Tips
- Vietnam Weather in May: Rainy & Hot? Best Places to Go
- Vietnam Weather in June: Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go
- Vietnam Weather in July: Too Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go and Travel Tips
- Vietnam Weather in August: Too Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go
- Vietnam Weather in September: Still Rainy? Best Places to Go
- Vietnam Weather in October: Still Rain? Where to Visit?
- Vietnam Weather in November, Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Vietnam Weather in December 2024, Travel Tips for First-Timers
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)
moreFrom the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.
moreThe tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history
moreWe made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreOther highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,
moreOur day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.
moreWe had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreWe traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.
moreWe visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.
moreAmazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!
moreGet Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.