Best Time To Visit Vietnam

It’s hard to think of a more enduring souvenir of a visit to Vietnam than being able to make some of its best-loved dishes back home. On this half-day culinary exploration, you’ll start at Hoi An’s lively market, with its heady sights, sounds and smells, where you’ll meet some of the stallholders and learn about the ingredients you’ll be using later. From here, it’s a scenic 25-minute boat ride along the river to the Red Bridge Cooking School - be sure to have your camera to hand. Following a tour of the school’s herb garden, you’ll hear the story behind some famous national and local dishes before the cooking begins in earnest. After a demonstration from the resident chefs, you’ll prepare dishes such as cao lau, made with yellow noodles, pork and pickled hot peppers, and mi quang, another favourite local noodle speciality, before sitting down to eat what you’ve cooked for a memorable lunch.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The class is suitable for families with children aged 6 and above.

There are colourful hanging lanterns everywhere you look in Hoi An’s atmospheric Old Town, a picturesque legacy of the days when this once-important port attracted merchants from China and Japan. On this engaging hands-on workshop, you’ll learn about how the craft took hold here and evolved in its own unique way, gaining an insight into the region’s history and culture along the way. Then it’s time to make your own example, from choosing the shape and picking the silk to learning how to glue it all together and smooth out any creases. At the end of the class, you’ll head off on a short walk around Hoi An - carrying your precious new creation - where you’ll be able to truly appreciate the skill that has gone into making the many lanterns that dot the city. And if you’re wondering how you’re going to get your handiwork home in one piece, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s conveniently foldable.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 1.30pm to 4pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
This workshop is suitable for families with children aged 6 and above.

Hoi An is a wonderland of international influences, particularly in its delightful – and UNESCO-listed – Old Town which was once a bustling centre of trade. This guided walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and find out more about its layers of time. Highlights include a visit to a traditional house and the Hoi An Museum, a trove of local treasures collected through the ages. You’ll also visit Cau Temple, which is commonly referred to as the Japanese Covered Bridge and finish your exploratory morning with a boat trip along the Thu Bon River for a different view of the city.

• Daily departures from Hoi An or Danang
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

A glimpse of rural life provides an unbeatable insight into a country and its culture. And it gives a chance to take a break from the buzz of the city. From Hoi An or Danang, you’ll head into the countryside and cycle through the countryside to the fascinating Tra Que vegetable village, a settlement where the focus is on growing some of the highest quality produce in the region. As well as meeting farmers and hearing about their methods you’ll have the opportunity to get hands on and join in with raking, sowing, watering and tending the vegies. Following your work in the garden, you’ll be treated to a therapeutic foot bath and then help prepare lunch alongside a local family. Learn how to make a Tam Huu spring roll and Bang Xeo pancake and try a host of other Vietnamese delicacies.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 2pm
• Daily departures from Hoi An and Danang
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
The cycling distance is approximately six miles and there will be no back-up vehicle, so you need to be physically fit and mobile.

Vietnam’s former capital, which is set on the banks of the Perfume River, is a surprising city that doesn’t seem to get the same attention as Hoi An, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This full-day exploration, available from Hoi An, Danang or Hue itself, gives you the perfect chance to uncover its charms. The tour starts off at the Minh Mang Tomb, the tranquil final resting place of a 19th-Century Nguyen Dynasty leader. Next up is the towering Thien Mu Pagoda which has seven ever-decreasing storeys, followed by a trip back along the river on a traditional dragon boat. The highlight of the day is the visit to the sprawling walled Citadel and the Imperial City, the former capital of Vietnam. The last stop of the tour is the buzzing Dong Ba market, Hue’s centre of trade.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Daily departures from Hoi, Danang or Hue
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

You won't want to miss out on this unique entertainment complex in the mountains. Get picked up and taken to Suoi Mo station where you will catch a ride in a cable car. Once you reach the top, there’s an array of activities for you to pick from. Stroll through the cobbled paths of the French-style village and make your way to one of Vietnam's modern iconic landmarks, the Golden Bridge. After taking your Instagram-worthy pictures of the giant hands seemingly holding up the walkway, you can take a wander through the beautiful gardens. The fantasy park awaits if you’re seeking more thrilling activities. As the largest indoor amusement park in Vietnam, this is perfect place for children (and adults that are still kids at heart). For more of a laid back experience, you can admire the spiritual pagodas or take a break and try traditional Vietnamese-style tea whilst taking in the beautiful views. Once you’ve had your fill of fun, catch the cable car down to Toc Tien station and transfer back to your hotel.

• Duration: Full day
• Timings: 8am to 5pm
• Departs daily from Danang/Hoi An
• Operates year round
• Private experience

This scenic four-hour day trip through the limestone majestic peaks of one of the seven natural wonders of the world is just the ticket for those unable to indulge in an overnight cruise. As you weave through the towering karst pillars on a traditional junk boat, relax on the sundeck and admire the serene natural beauty of the islands as you tuck into a delicious Vietnamese feast prepared onboard. You’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking local guide who has a deep understanding of the area and knows all the best grottos and bays to explore for those once in a lifetime photographs.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.30am to 6.30pm
• Departing daily from Hanoi
• Year Round
• Private experience

Good to know
A perfect trip for both honeymooners and families but please note the cruise will be shared with other passengers and for maximum enjoyment, due to the nature of the trip, we recommend children are six years old or above.

Combining a scenic four-hour cruise through the majestic karst islands of Halong Bay with a spectacular flight over the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a wonderful experience for those celebrating something special. As your seaplane soars through the sky above the towering limestone islands, you’ll have the best viewpoint of the entire bay giving you a real sense of scale of this phenomenal natural wonder. The rest of the day moves at a more gentle pace from the comfort of your traditional junk boat. Cruise between the towering pillars, stop off at pretty lagoons and fascinating grottos and soak up the scenery on the sun deck before enjoying a delicious Vietnamese lunch on board.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.30am to 7.30pm
• Departing daily from Hanoi
• Year round
• Private experience

Good to know
A perfect trip for both honeymooners and families but please note the cruise and flights will be shared with other passengers and we recommend children are aged six or over.

Whether you already have a list of famous landmarks you want to tick off your ‘to see’ list or you’re looking for some direction during your stay, there’s no better way of exploring Hanoi than with an expert local guide. Pointing out places of interest as you travel across the city in your own personal car, with their insider knowledge you’re sure to uncover a whole different side to the capital. A fantastic option for those travelling with kids or couples who want to dive deeper into the culture of Hanoi.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Daily
• Year Round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll benefit from a personal car with driver and local guide for the entire day but please be aware fees to any attractions you decide to visit will be payable locally.

It has been said that one of the best ways to immerse yourself into a new culture is through the local food and this evening street food tour through Hanoi won’t disappoint. As you weave through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter packed with locals perched on plastic stools amongst sizzling woks and bubbling pots, you’re sure to leave with a greater understanding of local life and a firm grasp of Hanoi’s favourite dishes. Enjoy a refreshing glass of local ale – you’ll soon discover Vietnam has a thriving craft beer scene – as you people watch at Bia Hoi corner before diving into Ly Quoc Su, the city’s famed food street with your personal guide. Tuck into freshly made Banh Goi, crescent-shaped fried pastries filled with pork, mushrooms, onions and spices with sticky rice and mouth-watering Pho before finishing with dessert from Hanoi’s most famous ice cream parlour.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 5.30pm to 8.30pm
• Daily
• Year Round
• Private experience

Good to know
While every effort will be made to cater for any specific dietary requirements, please talk to your guide when booking to ensure the tour can be shaped around your needs. Suitable for children six years and over.

What better souvenir than the knowledge of how to recreate your favourite Vietnamese dish. Not only that, when taking this class at KOTO restaurant you’ll be contributing to the fantastic community work they do, helping to provide hospitality training to local street kids. Supported by our own Der Touristik Foundation, founder Jimmy Pham set up KOTO (Know One, Teach One) when he realised all these children needed were the skills to get a stable job – you’ll learn all about their mission in the morning as you sip Vietnamese tea and get acquainted with the team. Having collected all your fresh ingredients from the local market you’ll get to work beside a current trainee learning more about their lives and a recipe that’s sure to stay with you forever before tucking into your culinary creations!

• £10 of each excursion sale goes towards the foundation
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Although the class can cater for children over six, this experience is more suited for adults looking to give something back to the local community.

Located on the banks of the Red River, just outside Hanoi, the ancient Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a must-see for history enthusiasts and those interested in local crafts. Dating back seven centuries, this traditional trades village is also home to some of the best craftsmen in the country, making it the perfect place to learn the art of pottery and create a memorable souvenir. Step inside one of the hundreds of private workshops that line the narrow streets in the village and immerse yourself in the daily life of a local. Equipped with your own rotary table and clay you’ll get to work creating your own masterpiece under the watchful eye of the experts who will be on hand to guide you step by step through the process. After all that hard work, cool down with a refreshing glass of sugar-cane juice and sample a Bánh tẻ - a speciality of Bat Trang made with rice, ground meat and black mushrooms.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to midday
• Daily
• Year Round
• Group experience

This is a fantastic introduction to Vietnam’s capital, packing many of Hanoi’s sights into a day. You’ll begin in the city’s Ho Chi Minh Quarter, the site of the mausoleum of the former revolutionary statesman. Other attractions in this corner of central Hanoi include the Presidential Palace, the lotus blossom influenced One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. The tour then proceeds to the most well-known neighbourhood: the Old Quarter. With the guide, you’ll wander through the wonderfully busy streets that are lined with a jumble of French colonial buildings. Stop for a traditional egg coffee at the well-thought-of Café Giang, before ending the day at a visit to the Water Puppet Theatre to learn about an entertainment form that’s over 1000 years old.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.30am to 5pm
• Daily departures from Hanoi
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every afternoon and on Mondays and Fridays so a stop to take a picture will be included in the tour on these occasions. The mausoleum is also closed 15 June to the 15 August for the annual renovation.

A great way to get to know what life in a city is – or was – like is through street art. On this half day tour of Hanoi’s glorious Old Quarter there’s a focus on murals and mosaics, starting at the famous Phung Hung Street. A handful of local and South Korean artists have created beautiful depictions of urban memories in each of railway arches. The next stop is the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, a 4-mile-long artwork that was produced in 2021 to celebrate 1000 year since the foundation of Hanoi. The intricate mosaics portray various aspects of Vietnamese history, culture and tradition. The tour will end with a visit to Café Giang for an egg coffee, a Hanoi delicacy.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to midday
• Departs daily from Hanoi
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Spend a few hours being whisked through the streets of Hanoi’s beautiful Old Quarter on a cyclo. The first port of call is Ngoc Son temple, the most visited temple in the city which is located on an island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. To reach the island, a tiny land of legends, you’ll cross the pretty, scarlet hued Huc Bridge. Then head to Hanoi’s beautiful Opera House before weaving your way through the historic streets of the Old Quarter.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to midday
• Daily departures from Hanoi
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Set off southwards out of Hanoi and head to the Ninh Binh province, a wonderous world of riverside rice fields punctuated with limestone casts that’s known as Halong Bay on land. You’ll board a small boat and be transported slowly along the Ngo Dong River to the Tam Coc cave system. After entering one of the caves in your rowboat, you can enjoy the unhurried trip back to the pier and take in life on the riverside. It’ll then be time for a delicious local lunch and a 3-mile bike ride to Hung Mua, another of the three Tam Coc caves. You’ll then ascend nearly 500 steps to the top of Hang Mua Peak for some unforgettable view across the surrounding landscapes.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.30am to 6pm
• Daily departures from Hanoi
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

There are few more relaxing and rewarding ways of spending a day exploring Saigon, aka Ho Chi Minh City, than in your own car, complete with a driver and guide. It gives you the freedom to set your own itinerary and then change your mind if you spot something enticing along the way. There’s no timetable to stick to, so you can stop for a break when you want and stay for as long as you like - something that families will particularly appreciate. Want to mix up the guide-book highlights with places only the locals know about? Your guide will be happy to suggest options tailored to your interests, whether that’s a quirky shopping centre in what used to be a block of flats, a newly opened trendy café or just an overlooked corner of one of the city’s main sights.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included. Mileage up to 100km is included; you can pay a small supplement directly to the driver for any extra distance or time.

If you’ve always wanted to experience Saigon like a local, this fun-filled morning tour by vintage Vespa scooter is for you. Riding behind an experienced driver who knows the streets like the back of their hand, you’ll be whisked around a beguiling blend of must-see landmarks and off-the-beaten-track gems. You’ll discover a secret weapon bunker dating from the Vietnam War, watch coffee made the traditional way in clay pots at Saigon’s oldest café and be dazzled by the colour and scent of a vibrant flower market. You’ll also explore a historic residential district, stop at breathtaking Buddhist temples and check out specialist markets dedicated to everything from spare parts for motorbikes to fabrics from all around Asia. Lunch at a neighbourhood restaurant that serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine is a perfect way to round off an adventure that’s sure to be a hit with couples and honeymooners.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 12.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is suitable for those over the age of 16 only. Helmets - and raincoats in case of showers - are provided.

Plunge into Saigon’s dynamic night-time scene local-style as you zip between some of its buzziest foodie haunts on a vintage Vespa. Riding pillion behind an expert driver, you’ll begin the evening with a tour around several vibrant downtown districts, passing some of the city’s must-see sights. After pausing for a drink and a spot of people-watching at a neighbourhood café, you’ll head for one of Saigon’s best stalls for banh mi, a stubby baguette sandwich with an array of delicious classic fillings. The next stop is a bustling night flower market, ablaze with colour, followed by a taste of traditional rice pancakes and seafood at a popular restaurant. No gourmet experience is complete without something sweet to finish things off, so the final tasting of the evening is Vietnamese che - a sort of dessert soup - which comes in a dizzying range of varieties.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 6pm to 10pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is suitable for those over the age of 16 only. While every effort will be made to cater for food allergies or special diets, this may not always be possible.

Explore a fascinating side of Vietnamese history in the countryside to the north of Ho Chi Minh City. During the Vietnam War, Viet Cong communist fighters dug a 250km-long network of tunnels here in which they could hide for long periods, store food and weapons, communicate with other resistance groups and more. For this visit, you’ll travel by private transfer straight to Cu Chi, where you’ll learn all about these extraordinary relics of the country’s past. You’ll hear about the challenging conditions in this three-level underground “village” at the time, from the darkness and foul-smelling air to invasions of snakes and scorpions, but also the ingenuity that enabled the creation of subterranean hospitals, kitchens and wells. A short section of tunnel has been widened a little (and cleared of insects), so brave and curious visitors can get an insight into what life was like below ground for themselves. From here, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City in time for lunch (not included).

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private

Good to know
The heat and humidity make the narrow tunnels even stuffier than you’d imagine possible, so don’t feel you have to experience them if you’d rather not.

A fantastic way to get to an introductory view of one of Vietnam’s largest cities, or explore if you are short on time, is by taking this private, guided tour. Begin in the historic heart of the city and walk along Dong Khoi Street, a District 1 thoroughfare once known as Rue Catinat which is lined with grand colonial buildings. Then it’s on to see the exterior of the Notre Dame Cathedral, a Romanesque landmark built in the 1800s, the grand Saigon Central Post Office and the Reunification Palace. The focus later in the day is Cholon, Vietnam’s largest Chinatown. Wander along Tran Hung Dao Street and through the clothing market, Soai Kinh Lam, and n to Cha Tam Chuch and Thien Hau Pagoda, the heart of Chinese culture in the city. The last stop of the day is the Ben Thanh Market, a city icon and a great place to bargain for textiles, jewellery and speciality dishes.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 5pm
• Daily departures from Ho Chi Minh City
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Travel south from Ho Chi Minh City, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, the Delta is the most fertile region in the country and the main producer of rice and tropical fruits. Board your boat to begin your discovery of the mighty Mekong River as well as its narrow canals, gaining a real insight into the lives of the local people. Late afternoon you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Duration: full day
• Time 8am to 6pm

Indulge your inner Robinson Crusoe with a day on a deserted island in Nha Trang Bay. It’s the perfect away-from-it-all option, whether you’re looking for a romantic experience with someone special or quality time with the family. You’ll be whisked by speedboat to your destination, where you’ll be able to swim, snorkel and relax on the secluded picture-perfect beach without a care in the world. And when you start to feel a little peckish, your private staff will be a discreet distance away ready to serve a delicious barbecue picnic lunch. When it’s time to leave - though you may not want to - the boat will be there to carry you back to civilisation.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 4pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
It’s an obvious thing to say, but you’re on a desert island, so be sure to bring everything you think you can’t live without for the day, from sun cream and hats to child-friendly snacks.

Spend an enjoyable morning learning how to prepare some popular Vietnamese dishes from scratch with the help of the staff at one of Nha Trang’s best-loved eateries. After meeting up with the chef at Lanterns Restaurant, you’ll hop on a cyclo - a typical three-wheeled bicycle taxi - for a fascinating trip to a local produce market. Here you’ll get a colourful lesson in the ingredients that are key to the country’s culinary culture and how to choose and haggle for the best, pausing for a refreshing sugar-cane juice along the way. On returning to the restaurant, you’ll be taken through the necessary steps to create a three-course meal, starting with fresh spring rolls, perhaps, followed by lemongrass chicken or fish cooked in a clay pot depending on what’s on the menu that day. You’ll also discover the secret of cooking perfect rice and how to flambé fruit for an impressive dessert without setting anything else on fire. The well-deserved finale is, of course, sitting down to eat what you’ve made in the company of your fellow cooks.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group departures

Good to know
The class is suitable for families with children aged 6 and above. While every effort will be made to cater for food allergies or special diets, this may not always be possible.

Experience the city of Nha Trang like never before with a four-hour cyclo ride that takes you to local vendors to indulge in scrumptious street food specialities. Riding on a traditional Vietnamese three-wheel bicycle taxi, you can sit back and relax while your driver takes you on an unforgettable culinary journey. Savour the delicious Banh Can, a hot cake that is skilfully prepared by pouring flour into moulds and baking over a warm coal brazier. Try the Bun Cha Ca, rice vermicelli with grilled fish and a broth made with boiled sailfish and mackerel bones that boasts a unique and flavourful taste. The Nem Nuong, a grilled pork roll, is a must-try dish, with its crispy meat and spicy sweet and sour blend, served with a refreshing green papaya salad. Try the shrimp dumpling, Banh Tai Vac, and end your experience on a sweet note with the Che Choui Nuong, a banana and sticky rice dessert.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 5pm to 9pm
• Daily departures from Nha Trang and Cam Ranh
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

If you want a special way to celebrate, consider a night cruise on Nha Trang Bay with a delicious Vietnamese seafood dinner and unlimited drinks. On board the Emperor Cruises traditional Junk, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Nha Trang at night while sipping cocktails and wine on the sundeck. Musicians will entertain you before a sumptuous five-course seafood dinner. After dinner, you can return to the deck for a romantic moment or to celebrate with loved ones over drinks and cocktails. This experience is perfect for couples, honeymooners, and anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion.

• Duration: evening
• Daily departures from Nha Trang and Cam Ranh
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

The island of Phu Quok is a glorious tropical playground in its own right, blessed with dazzling beaches and lush landscapes. But as you’ll discover on this full-day private cruise, the remote islets off its south coast are even more unspoiled, making them the perfect location to indulge your desert-island fantasies as a couple or family. Boarding your traditional fishing boat at An Thoi harbour, you’ll head out on a scenic journey across the Gulf of Thailand. On arrival at your destination, you’ll spend a wonderfully lazy day swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkelling across virgin coral reefs in deserted coves and chilling out on pristine talcum-white beaches fringed by jungle. Making it just a tiny bit easier to tear yourself away, you’ll be served a mouthwatering local light lunch on board as you sail back towards Phu Quoc.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
It’s an obvious thing to say, but you’re in the middle of nowhere, so be sure to bring everything you may need for the day, from sun cream and hats to your children’s favourite snacks.

During the tour, you’ll get to experience a variety of activities in Phu Quoc. You’ll start by visiting a pearl farm to learn about pearl cultivation and its importance to the island. Next, you will stop at the Sim Wine factory to try a local drink made from Rose Myrtle fruit. You’ll then visit the Ho Quoc Pagoda, a Buddhist temple with sensational views of the Gulf of Thailand. Afterwards, you’ll head to Sao Beach, renowned for its soft sand, palm trees, and turquoise waters. Take a break from the tour to have lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy some free time on the beach. The tour ends with a stop at Phu Quoc Prison, also known as Coconut Tree Prison, constructed by French colonialists and served as a prison for Viet Cong captives during the Vietnam War.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience