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Absolutely the "in destination" in the tour world, Vietnam, of all the countries in the region lends itself the most to an organised tour. There's a number of keys spots most nearly everyone goes to: Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Saigon. Differentiate your choices with the other places they go to. If you want to go trekking look for Sapa or better still Bac Ha. Another fine hill spot is Da Lat. Watch out regarding Ha Long Bay -- while you may expect it to be a given, some tours have it as an extra -- at an extra cost. Be sure to ask beforehand to avoid disappointment.

The most important piece of advice regarding Vietnam is to make sure that your tour is not trying to cover too much territory in not enough time. Vietnam is big and the going is slow. Choose to fly everywhere, see fewer places or allow more time -- otherwise you'll be needing a holiday to get over the holiday.

Tours to Cambodia | Tours to Laos | Tours to Thailand | Tours to Vietnam
Family tours | Multi-country tours | Diving tours | Photography tours

Full-day cruise on Ha Long Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam's most popular destinations, Ha Long Bay is as full of fascinating tales and wildlife as it is with towering, verdant islands. A scenic three-hour drive past paddy fields and rural villages brings you to what the Vietnamese call "the Descending Dragon". Learn why as you weave around this famous bay and stop to visit caverns and grottos, including Thien Cung (Grotto of Heavenly Peace) -- famous for its stalactites and high cathedral-like ceilings. Back onboard, enjoy a seafood lunch as you sail through the sights and back to Ha Long City, where a car waits to return you to Hanoi.

Destinations: Ha Long Bay, (pick-up/drop-off: Hanoi).

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Vietnam : Hanoi to Saigon Overland

An ideal introduction to Vietnam, this 3 week trip from North to South combines essential sites and hidden places: from the capital Hanoi via World Heritage Hue and the charming old port of Hoi An, to Saigon and a 3 day exploration of the scenic Mekong Delta region. Including a stay at a secluded island resort, trekking in remote Yok Don National Park and a homestay in a minority 'montagnard' village.

Destinations: Hanoi, Hue, DMZ, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Whale Island, Buon Me Thuot, Da Lat, Saigon, Vinh Long, Can Tho

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Northern Vietnam : Mountains & Hill-tribes

Beginning in the former Lao capital and now World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang this trip travels by road and by river via Muang Khua to the newest border crossing between Laos and Vietnam at Dien Bien Phu. from there, it heads to Lai Chau, then on to the hill station of Sapa for trekking. Last stop is the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi.

Destinations: Luang Prabang, Muang Khua, Dien Bien Phu, Lai Chau, Sapa Hanoi.

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Ha Long Bay 3-day junk cruise with Viator

This three-day cruising itinerary to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam gives you the best chance to enjoy the World Heritage listed Ha Long Bay from the luxury of your junk boat, the Jewel of the Bay. Here you can relax on the tanning deck, swim in the clear, aqua blue waters and enjoy the best cuisine available in the bay. All the while you will be looked after by our dedicated and attentive crew. There is also the option of exploring some of the bay’s most secluded lagoons using our fleet of modern easy-to-maneuver kayaks for some unforgettable scenery only accessible by kayak.

Destinations: Ha Long Bay (pick-up in Hanoi).

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Explore Ha Long Bay with Bhaya Cruises

See Ha Long Bay in style on-board Bhaya -- a newly built wooden junk featuring twenty luxurious cabins furnished in classic Eastern style. A truly memorable experience awaits you as you cruise this delightful Bay, revelling in its tranquillity as you escape the bustling tourist sights. Start your day with calming Tai Chi, dine on fresh seafood on the deck, then retire to your own plush cabin -- just some of the highlights of Bhaya's exceptional Ha Long Bay cruise.

Destinations: Ha Long Bay, (pick-up/drop-off: Hanoi).

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Whether you want to get active, explore tribal villages, discover sacred sites or simply chill-out, South East Asia has something for you. Explore! have been leading adventure tours to Thailand since 1981, and many of their tours include Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam or all three -- be sure to check out their Bangkok to Saigon overland adventure tour. Explore knows well just how child-friendly South East Asia is, and their Family Adventures are justifiably popular.

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Treasures of Indochina

The Treasures of Indochina encompasses the three countries that once made up French Indochina. This tour enables you to experience and understand the diversity of the culture, people, geography and history of the three countries. Explored together, these countries create a tour rich in experience and memories.

Destinations: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Phong Nha Cave, Hoi An, My Son, Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, Siem Reap, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Cave.

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Ha Long Bay overnight junk cruise with Viator

This two-day itinerary gives you the chance to enjoy Halong Bay from the luxury of your junk. Here you can relax on the tanning deck, swim in the clear waters and enjoy the best cuisine available in the bay. All the while you will be looked after by our dedicated and attentive crew. There is also the option of exploring some of the bay’s most secluded lagoons using our fleet of kayaks for some unforgettable scenery. Whilst on board you will indulge in two seafood lunches, one dinner and one breakfast. The overnight tour of Halong Bay also provides the perfect opportunity to sit back and watch the sunset or to try a spot of night fishing.

Destinations: Ha Long Bay (pick-up in Hanoi).

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Vietnam Heritage: Hanoi to Nha Trang

A fascinating 2 week journey exploring Northern and Central Vietnam – areas particularly rich in World Heritage Sites - including the fabulous former imperial capital, Hue, the charming old port town of Hoi An and the ancient ruined city of My Son before finishing your trip on a secluded, unspoilt island in the South China Sea.

Destinations: Hanoi, Hue, DMZ, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Whale Island.

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Explore Ha Long Bay with Bhaya Cruises

Ha Long Bay is a spectacular natural wonder. The dramatic scenery dotted with islets makes this an excellent semi-sheltered, open water location for kayaking. This three-day cruise is ideal for keen novice and experienced kayakers alike. Modern equipment gives you the necessary speed and maneuverability for both open sea crossings and to enter into hidden lagoons and caves. Sample the delights of this exhilarating sport in one of Vietnam's most impressive natural sites, aboard the modern and luxurious Bhaya.

Destinations: Ha Long Bay, (pick-up/drop-off: Hanoi).

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Classic Vietnam and Cambodia

This journey has quickly become one of our most popular. It combines some of Vietnam's major highlights with an in-depth exploration of the major cities in Vietnam. We end with Asia's most memorable sight -- the temples of Angkor Wat. This is a journey for those seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnam's culture and landscape, with a look into the enchanting country of Cambodia's history, both past and present.

Destinations: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap.

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Discover Vietnam with the Adventure Company

Commencing in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, this trip includes an overnight stay on Ha Long Bay before heading south on the Reunification Express, first to Hue then to Hoi An and Da Nang before flying onwards to Saigon. From there, it's into the Mekong Delta for a homestay, before returning to Saigon.

Destinations: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Saigon, Mekong Delta.

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Classic images of today's Vietnam

For travelers with less time but who still want to discover the real Vietnam, this 10 day program visits the most interesting locations across the country, introducing the mystery of old Hanoi, the magnificence of Ha Long Bay, the historic Central region and the tropical evergreen South. It's the perfect introduction to one of Asia's most fascinating cultures.

Destinations: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta.

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We've not road-tested these tours ourself, rather they're offerings from companies who we work with on a commission basis. We believe these companies to have decent reputations and we welcome feedback from anyone on the providers below, as this will help other readers make more informed decisions.