Boat Tours & Trips in Vietnam
Have you imagined exploring Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City via a luxury cruise? In total luxury, you’ll discover Vietnam's history, wondering at UNESCO Halong Bay and Mekong Delta's charm, and enjoying street food tours? Comfortable travel means more space to enjoy what you’re seeing, and trust us, there’s plenty to see in Vietnam!
Excellent
- Choose from 21 Vietnam tours
- 250+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
This was a very interesting whirlwind tour with plenty of off the beaten path experiences. It included visits to Hanoi and the countryside, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. The service from Realistic Asia was impeccable from the moment we were met at the airport in Hanoi to the moment we were dropped off at the airport in HCMC for our outgoing flight. Highlights included an in-home cooking class in Moc Village where we made more food than we could possibly eat, had wonderful conversation with the woman who showed us how to make green papaya salad and a couple of spring roll dishes, and a bicycle ride through the countryside. Ha Long Bay was also great, and we were glad to have two night onboard our boat instead of the one night many visitors had. Our second day excursion was subcontracted to another vendor, and our guide Hoi was excellent. In fact, all of our guides were excellent. On our first excursion, our guide Dao was able to take my wife on a motorbike when it turned out she would not be able to cycle the entire route. Our guide in Hoi An was willing to answer questions that had nothing to do with the tour, and our guide to the Mekong Delta engaged us in conversation that made a long trip out and back seem quite a bit shorter. All of our drivers were incredibly prompt, and our contact with the tour company, Thang, consistently went the extra mile for us and made sure things were running smoothly throughout the trip. The choice of hotels was very good, and the Saga hotel in Hoi An was a highlight. All of the front desk personnel were consistently helpful, friendly and diligent. The hotels offered complimentary breakfasts which were very good. I would mention that you should not drink the tap water in many of Ho Chi Minh City's hotels, but they provide all the bottled water you could want. Despite somewhat oppressive weather, which is to be expected for June travel in Vietnam, this was a terrific trip. The food was excellent, the natural environment was sometimes breathtaking, and it was great to have a chance to visit diverse cities and interact with local folks in a number of locations. The fact that Vietnam is also a huge travel bargain is just icing on the cake!
Deluxe Vietnam Aqua Life In 10 Days - 4 Stars and 5 Stars Option - Private TourIncredible experience! 100% recommended!!! My family had an amazing experience with this company. Extremely well organized, always on time, always reachable, friendly and smiley guides, nice hotels... It was an experience that I will never forget! I wanted to feel what Vietnam was all about, and I feel that I had the best possible people to help me with the whole experience. Thanks again for the experience, Hanan Sharkawy
Essence of Vietnam: Heritage, Scenery, and Relaxation - 16-DayI had a very good experience of travelling in Vietnam with Threeland Travel. Best Tour Operators. Never feel any discomfort. Everyone must visit Vietnam once in a lifetime.
Vietnam for Solo Travellers
10 best Boat Vietnam tour packages
Compiled by
NinaVietnam travel expert at TourRadar
- Deluxe Vietnam Aqua Life In 10 Days - 4 Stars and 5 Stars Option - Private Tour
- Vietnam: 11 Days Highlights in Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh and Halong Bay Luxury Cruise
- Essence of Vietnam: Heritage, Scenery, and Relaxation - 16-Day
- Vietnam for Solo Travellers
- TR2025002 - 7days Hanoi Sapa and Halong Bay
- Best of Vietnam (Without Ha Giang Loop, Air Price Best Of Vietnam)
- The Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
- Ultimate Indochina: 16-Day Super Saver Tour
- Vietnam from North to South small group tour (incl. flight)
- Stylish Between Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta
Deluxe Vietnam Aqua Life In 10 Days - 4 Stars and 5 Stars Option - Private Tour
“The excursions we took were all top-notch. They gave us sufficient time and details about each of the Vietnamese cities.”
Doris, traveled in April
La Pandora Cruise sails Halong Bay while traditional sampans navigate Mekong Delta. Lan Ha Bay's hidden coves, Dark & Bright Cave wonders, and fishing villages showcase local life. Luxury cabins and authentic Vietnamese meals enhance the journey.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park, Tuan Chau, Halong Bay, Baie de Lan Ha, Viet Hai Village, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Mekong Delta Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Operator Realistic Asia From $1,594
32% Off- US$1,084+$350 local paymentsYou save $510
The Paradise Sails Cruise sails through UNESCO World Heritage Ha Long Bay, stopping at Sung Sot Caves to see stalactites and kayak through Luon Cave's clear waters. Climb to Titov Island's summit for views across the bay and join spring roll-making classes on board. Lan Ha Bay comes next while you have authentic Vietnamese meals and can try Tai Chi sessions at sunrise.
Duration 11 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay, Baie de Lan Ha, Titov Island, Luon Cave and Lake, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Thoi Son IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Discova From
32% Off- US$1,929
Essence of Vietnam: Heritage, Scenery, and Relaxation - 16-Day
“Fantastic coordination!!! We had a round trip in Vietnam 16-days Tour arranged by”
The waterways of Vietnam stretch from Mekong Delta to Halong Bay. Paradise Sails offers overnight cruises with visits to floating villages and swimming in emerald waters. Thu Bon River life unfolds in Hoi An, while traditional boats glide along Hue's Perfume River.
Duration 16 days Destinations Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, My Tho, Hoi An, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, My Son Sanctuary, Da Nang, Lang Co, Hue, HanoiSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Legend Travel Group From $1,546
30% Off- US$1,082+$699 local paymentsYou save $464
Vietnam for Solo Travellers
“Everything was very well organised and Threeland did everything they could to help if there was a little hiccup.”
Theodora, traveled in January
Scenic waterbus rides along Saigon River complement journeys from Halong Bay's limestone islets to Mekong Delta's canals. Dragon and Phoenix islands emerge while hidden caves beckon, mixing luxury cruise comfort with traditional sampan adventure.
Duration 12 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Ben Tre, Cu Chi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Threeland Travel From
30% Off- US$1,326
La Pandora or Peony Cruise glides through Halong Bay's waters. Limestone caves, sunset views, and morning Tai Chi sessions await visitors. Kayaking adventures complement overnight stays in premium ocean-view cabins.
Duration 7 days Destinations Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu, Sapa, Cat Cat Village, Sin Chai, Halong Bay Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Your Vietnam Travel From
30% Off- US$492
Duration 12 days Destinations Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Cu Chi, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Van Long Nature Reserve, Halong BaySee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,225
10% Off- US$1,103+$475 upfront costsYou save $123
The Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
“The trip was absolutely perfect in every way. We loved it.”
Trevor, traveled in July
Sail through Vietnam's diverse waters from Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts to Mekong Delta's floating markets. An overnight cruise offers fresh seafood dinner, while traditional sampan rides take you to floating villages. Rated 4.7/5 for transport quality.
Duration 12 days Destinations Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Da Nang, Hoi An, Tra Que, Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Threeland Travel From
10% Off- US$961
What our customers ask about Boat Tours & Trips in Vietnam
What are the must-see highlights of a boat tour in Vietnam?
A boat tour in Vietnam takes you through some of the country's most notable waterways. Halong Bay a UNESCO World Heritage Site features emerald waters dotted with limestone islands where visitors can explore Sung Sot and Thien Canh Son caves. The Mekong Delta shows daily life along the water with busy floating markets and river islands in Ben Tre. Along the Thu Bon River in Hoi An boats pass ancient trading ports and fishing villages. Recent visitors often mention the overnight stays on traditional junks in Halong Bay with one TourRadar guest noting "The Ha Long Trip was brilliant - the stunning views and cave explorations made it an unforgettable experience."
When is the best time to take a boat tour in Vietnam?
Each region in Vietnam has its prime season for boat tours. Halong Bay sees its best conditions from October to December with clear visibility and temperatures around 70°F. For the Mekong Delta plan a visit during the dry season (November to April) when water levels work well for boats and floating markets are busy. Thu Bon River cruises in Hoi An work best from February to April. A guest at the Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort shared "The weather was perfect for our boat trip - calm waters and beautiful sunshine made the experience even more magical.details
What kinds of boats are used for different Vietnam tours?
The boats match the needs of each waterway. Halong Bay features traditional wooden junks such as Paradise Sails Cruises and Peony Cruise complete with luxury cabins and private balconies. In the Mekong Delta sampan boats handle narrow canals while bigger riverboats take on longer routes. Simple wooden vessels navigate Hoi An's Thu Bon River. One TourRadar traveler's review of Legend Travel Group noted "The overnight cruise on Mila Cruise was exceptional - the perfect mix of traditional design with modern comfort."
How long are typical boat tours in Vietnam?
Tour lengths fit various schedules. Halong Bay offers everything from day trips to 3-night adventures like those on Le Journey Cruise. The Mekong Delta has quick day tours from Ho Chi Minh City or longer trips through Ben Tre and Can Tho. Thu Bon River tours in Hoi An usually run 2-4 hours. According to a Legend Travel Group customer "The 2-day Halong Bay cruise was perfect - enough time to explore the caves try kayaking and really soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed."
What activities are available during Vietnam boat tours?
Boat tours pack in plenty of activities. Options include kayaking near limestone formations in Halong Bay exploring floating markets in the Mekong Delta and watching fishing demonstrations in Hoi An. Bhaya Classic Cruise adds morning Tai Chi classes cooking lessons and cave visits. A recent traveler shared "kayaking among the islands was definitely a trip highlight and the cooking demonstration on board was fantastic."
What are the most popular boat routes and destinations in Vietnam?
The main water routes center on Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta. Halong Bay specializes in overnight trips on traditional junks like the Alisa Premier Cruise while the Mekong Delta offers closer looks at local life via sampan rides through canals and markets near Can Tho and Cai Be. One traveler reported "We visited loads of tourist spots temples and war memorials. The boat trips were brilliant and Cong sorted the hotels food and boat trips which was excellent."