Self-Guided Tours 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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Great for Families Traveling as a family of four with two teens, we were a bit nervous about doing a tour, but Viet Long Travel made it so enjoyable. Their Awesome Northern Vietnam Tour was exactly what we needed: engaging for the kids and relaxing for us. In Hanoi, we learned a lot at the Temple of Literature and enjoyed the street food walking tour. Halong Bay was everyone’s favorite — kayaking through caves and sleeping on a quiet bay under the stars. Then in Ninh Binh, the bike ride through the countryside and the visit to Hoa Lu ancient capital gave us a real taste of rural Vietnam. Viet Long Travel was so responsive and flexible with small requests. The guides were patient, informative, and always made sure the kids were enjoying themselves too. This tour was the highlight of our Southeast Asia trip. Highly recommend for families looking to explore the beauty and culture of Vietnam together!
Awesome Northern Vietnam Tour To Hanoi – Halong – Ninh BinhAuthentic 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 DocWe 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
- Vietnam - a Touch of Dragon Land
- Vietnam Beyond the Beaten Path
- North Vietnam Wellness Immersion in 7 Days
- Halong Bay Cruise 3D/2N
- Essence of the East: Thailand & Vietnam Highlights
- Danang Beach Break - 9 days (Deluxe)
- Healing Retreat in Vietnam in 3 Days
Awesome Northern Vietnam Tour To Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh
“Scenic, Relaxing, and Well-Organized. Everything was perfectly paced—from the buzzing streets of Hanoi to the peaceful waters of Halong Bay.”
Delmar, traveled in March
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
“Every day felt like a new adventure—starting from bustling Saigon to the peaceful canals of Ben Tre.”
Delmar, traveled in April
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
“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
Duration 9 days Destinations Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
- US$592+$1,004 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Da Nang, Hoi An, Phan Rang, Mui Ne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
- US$236+$341 upfront costs
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
Halong Bay Cruise 3D/2N
“A great cruise and the time spent on Freedom Island was amazing!”
Amélie, traveled in April
The waters of Halong Bay await your personal itinerary. Activities range from kayaking Tra Bau waters to cycling Cat Ba village, complemented by 5-star accommodations and local cuisine.
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay, Baie de Lan Ha, Viet Hai Village, Cat Ba, Tuan Chau Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- US$514
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Tours 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."