Self-Guided Tours & Trips in Vietnam
Think about cycling through Mekong Delta islands connected by monkey bridges, enjoy a Halong Bay cruise overnight so you wake surrounded by karsts, head on a Sapa trek passing rice terraces carved into mountains, and visit My Son Sanctuary, dateing back to the 4th century. Don’t miss Phu Quoc Island’s incredible west coast sunsets. Vietnam is so much more than you can imagine.
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Robin • traveled in June, 2025
The Best Way to Experience Northern Vietnam in Just 5 Days If you're short on time but want to see the highlights of Northern Vietnam, this tour is the way to go. Each day was packed with activities, but it never felt rushed. Hanoi was a great starting point, full of energy and culture. Halong Bay was breathtaking – we had a very comfortable cruise and loved the fresh seafood on board. Ninh Binh was the hidden gem for me – riding bikes through the countryside and visiting ancient temples was such a peaceful experience. The hotels were comfortable, transportation was smooth, and we always felt looked after. A great value trip with unforgettable views with Viet Long Travel.
Awesome Northern Vietnam Tour To Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh - R
Robin • traveled in June, 2025
Authentic experiences, friendly people, and beautiful scenery. This tour with Viet Long Travel exceeded our expectations. We loved how each day took us deeper into the Mekong region. My Tho and Ben Tre had such a laid-back vibe, and the small boat ride through narrow canals felt like a step back in time. We stayed in charming local accommodations that were clean and welcoming. One of the highlights was visiting a local family and enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal in their garden. Can Tho’s floating market was colorful and vibrant—exactly what we imagined. Chau Doc’s temples and bird sanctuary gave the tour a peaceful end. Everything was well organized, and the team made us feel so well cared for.
Mekong Delta Discovery Tour from Saigon to My Tho, Ben Tre, Can Tho & Chau Doc - S
Stephen • traveled in January
We had an excellent trip with fantastic, knowledgeable, and enjoyable guides. There were no hiccups throughout the two week vacation. Accommodation was excellent with the exception of the hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and in Can Tho - both these hotels should have been fine, but were not as good as they should have been, for example neither had any hot water for some reason. I would definitely recommend this tip to anyone interested in seeing Vietnam. Just be aware that it's a large country to cover in two weeks, so there is a fair amount of (unavoidable) time spent traveling.
Authentic Vietnam - 14 Days
10 best Self-Guided Vietnam tour packages
Compiled by
NinaVietnam travel expert at TourRadar
- Awesome Northern Vietnam Tour To Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh
- Mekong Delta Discovery Tour from Saigon to My Tho, Ben Tre, Can Tho & Chau Doc
- Authentic Vietnam - 14 Days
- North Vietnam Wellness Immersion in 7 Days
- Healing Retreat in Vietnam in 3 Days
- Danang & My Khe Beach Break - 8 days
- Danang & My Khe Beach Break (Superior) - 8 days
- Da Nang Jeep Tour – Son Tra Peninsula & Monkey Mountain Adventure (3 Hours)
- Magnificent Vietnam Tour From Saigon To Hanoi
- Vietnam Northern Tour to Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay
Awesome Northern Vietnam Tour To Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay, every moment felt magical.”
Willie, traveled in November
Pre-arranged stays at Hanoi Boutique Hotel and Aquamarine Cruise anchor this independent trip. Watch Water Puppet shows, take optional $55 Ninh Binh tours, and roam Hanoi's Old Quarter freely.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh Age Range Ages 1-60 Operator VietLong Travel From
- US$459
Mekong Delta Discovery Tour from Saigon to My Tho, Ben Tre, Can Tho & Chau Doc
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved cycling through local villages. The floating market in Can Tho was a unique experience.”
Goldie, traveled in February
Megusta Hotel and Chau Pho Hotel welcome you between visits to Ben Thanh Market, Vinh Trang Pagoda, and Cai Rang Floating Market, with detailed itineraries provided.
Duration 6 days Destinations Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, My Tho, Can Tho, Cai Rang, Chau Doc Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator VietLong Travel From
- US$1,299
Authentic Vietnam - 14 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“There were no hiccups throughout the two week vacation. I would definitely recommend this tip to anyone interested in seeing Vietnam.”
Stephen, traveled in December
Vietnam unfolds at your rhythm with 3-star hotels and transportation arranged. Hanoi's Temple of Literature, Sapa's rice terraces, and Hoi An's Ancient Town await with detailed maps and 24/7 local support.
Duration 14 days Destinations Hanoi, Bat Trang, Lao Cai, Sapa, Ta Van, Cat Cat Village, Sin Chai, Phan Xi Pang, Tuan Chau, Halong BaySee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Nhat Long Travel Company From
- US$2,290+$230 local payments
Panhou Retreat sits in Hoang Su Phi's cloud forests where you'll spend 6 nights on a guided wellness program. Daily herbal meals help with detox, and you'll get 4 Red Dao herbal steam baths plus 3 spa massages using local botanicals. Afternoons are for soaking in natural hot springs (around 118°F/48°C) and doing yoga with terraced rice fields stretched out below.
Duration 7 days Destinations Hanoi, Hoang Su Phi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Travel Sense Asia From
- US$928
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Hoang Su Phi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Travel Sense Asia From
- US$405
See Da Nang independently over 8 days, based at a 5-star hotel near My Khe Beach with airport transfers included on days 1 and 8. Check out the Dragon Bridge's nightly fire show, trek through the Marble Mountains' hidden sanctuaries, and take self-guided day trips to UNESCO-listed Hoi An's centuries-old architecture. With 6 full leisure days and daily breakfasts, you can craft your own itinerary visiting the Museum of Cham Sculpture or sampling cao lau noodles in riverside cafes.
Duration 8 days Destinations Da Nang Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$1,095
Six days in Da Nang with airport transfers but total freedom in between to do whatever you want. Stay near My Khe Beach, check out the Museum of Cham Sculpture on your own, or arrange day trips to Hoi An's Old Town and Hue's royal tombs. Seven breakfasts and 4-star hotel stays are included for solo travelers and small groups.
Duration 8 days Destinations Da Nang Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$340
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Tours & Trips in Vietnam
What are the best regions to include in a self-guided Vietnam itinerary?
A well-rounded Vietnam experience spans from north to south starting in Hanoi with its bustling Old Quarter then moving to the limestone formations of Halong Bay. The cultural center of Hoi An offers both historical architecture and beach access while Ho Chi Minh City provides a modern contrast in the south. The Hanoi Silk Queen Grand Hotel places travelers in the heart of the Old Quarter while boats like the Halong Mila Cruise offer bay exploration. Local feedback points to memorable experiences: "The trek in Sapa through the rice terraces was truly beautiful and meeting local hill tribes was a unique experience. Halong Bay's scenery was out of this world."
What's the best time of year for a self-guided tour in Vietnam?
Each region of Vietnam has distinct optimal visiting periods. The northern areas of Hanoi and Halong Bay see their best weather from October to December with mild temperatures and minimal rain. Central destinations like Hoi An and Hue welcome visitors from January to April. The southern region including Ho Chi Minh City maintains consistent conditions year-round but December to April offers the driest weather. Recent visitor experiences confirm this timing: "The weather was perfect in Halong Bay in November with clear skies for photography and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities."
How many days should I plan for key destinations in Vietnam?
A balanced Vietnam itinerary allocates time based on each location's offerings. Hanoi deserves 2-3 days with accommodation at places like the Hanoi Silk Queen Hotel. Halong Bay cruises typically run 1-2 days aboard vessels such as the Mila Cruise. Hoi An benefits from 3-4 days staying at properties like Lantana Boutique Hotel while Ho Chi Minh City needs 2-3 days to explore. Previous travelers note: "We spent 3 days in Hoi An which was perfect - enough time to explore the ancient town get clothes tailored and enjoy An Bang Beach."
What accommodation options are recommended for self-guided travelers in Vietnam?
Vietnam's accommodation landscape spans from boutique hotels to luxury cruises. The Silk Queen Grand Hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter offers central access to city attractions. Hoi An's Lantana Boutique Hotel places guests near the Ancient Town district. Halong Bay visitors can combine travel with accommodation through overnight boats like the Halong Mila Cruise. Guest experiences support these choices: "The hotels were all well-located and comfortable especially the Silk Queen Hotel in Hanoi which put us right in the heart of the action."
What are the must-visit historical sites for self-guided travelers in Vietnam?
Vietnam's historical landscape includes Hanoi's Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The Imperial Citadel commands attention in Hue while Hoi An's UNESCO-recognized ancient streets tell stories of centuries past. Near Ho Chi Minh City the Cu Chi Tunnels provide insight into recent history. Travelers recommend thorough exploration: "The Imperial Citadel in Hue was a highlight - spend at least half a day exploring the complex and don't miss the Forbidden Purple City." Most sites provide audio guides or on-site guide services.
What's the best way to handle transportation between airports and hotels in Vietnam?
Airport transfers in Vietnam offer several reliable options. Hotels including the Hanoi Silk Queen Hotel provide pickup services ranging from 15-20 USD. Established taxi companies Mai Linh and Vinasun serve all major airports. The ride-hailing app Grab offers a modern alternative. Travelers often note the convenience: "Pre-arranging airport transfers through our hotels made arrivals stress-free especially after long flights."