From kaleidoscopic landscapes made up of lush paddy fields, vast stretches of undisturbed white sandy beaches, and bustling cities famous for their street foods and vibrant markets, there’s so much to love about cultural holidays in Vietnam. Arguably most famous for its Mekong Delta and the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, nature abounds in this stunning Southeast Asian country. Each of our itineraries is filled with cultural adventures that take you on a mesmerising journey into the heart of Vietnam.
As you trek through traditional hilltop villages, you’ll meet with the local people and enjoy immersive experiences learning about the culture and history. Whether you prefer to explore on foot or by bike, the historic towns of Hanoi, Hoi Ann and Hue are fascinating places to visit. And a trip to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without crawling through the epic Cu Chi war tunnels.
Sail down the Mekong Delta, sampling authentic Vietnamese dishes along the way and witness the diverse scenery that makes this country so unique. In contrast to the Mekong, the city of Ho Chi Min City, formerly known as Saigon, whisks you into a frenzy with its bustling streets and dynamic cityscape that fuses Vietnam’s past with its modern economic hub.
During our Cultural Holidays in Vietnam, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy immersive experiences trying activities such as Tai Chi and yoga and learning about the history and skills of local crafts. And if you’re a food lover, you’ll be in your element with all the colourful cuisine that’s on offer.
Vietnam Culture Holidays
14 Daysfrom£ 1,595
£ 1,495
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Join an expert tour leader to explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the best of everything in between
Culture
14 Daysfrom£ 1,849
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
On foot, in the saddle, with paddle – actively discover the length of Vietnam!
Culture
14 Daysfrom£ 3,199
£ 3,039
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
The best of Vietnam plus the Angkor temple of Cambodia
Culture
12 Daysfrom£ 2,349
£ 2,239
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Experience the highlights of Vietnam & Cambodia
Culture
10 Daysfrom£ 1,388
£ 1,218
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Rural and cultural highlights of Vietnam
Culture
13 Daysfrom£ 1,849
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
From Sapa to Ho Chi Minh City; uncover the treasures of Vietnam
Culture
14 Daysfrom£ 1,795
£ 1,695
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Travel from Vietnam's Saigon to Thailand's Bangkok
Culture
Invigorate your senses on a jaunt around the cities and countryside of Vietnam.
Culture
11 Daysfrom£ 1,495
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Discover South East Asia from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok
Hanoi City Tour: Vietnam’s cultural capital and historic heart, Hanoi, blends ancient architecture with modern-day culture, and inside the vibrant Old Quarter you’ll see colonial influences that have shaped the city. Walk among the centuries-old buildings that line the narrow streets and see the historic temples and landmarks that are dotted around the city, from the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison to the impressive Presidential Palace. Hoa Lo Prison once housed American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War but is now home to memorabilia and a French guillotine that tell of Vietnam’s struggles in the 1950s. As you explore the city further, your senses are awakened by the hum of scooters zipping through the streets, the sound of haggling market traders and the seductive aromas of Vietnamese street foods.
Walking Tour of Hoi An: Formerly a major port for traders in the 16th-century, Hoi An is a significant town that takes you on a trip into Vietnam’s rich past. This fascinating outdoor museum lies along the river and its Old Town is brimming with centuries-old merchant’s houses, Chinese temples and laid-back bars. Immerse yourself in Hoi An’s intoxicating atmosphere as you wander though the riverside market where silk garments and large bowls of fragrant spices spill out from the stalls. The iconic Japanese bridge, Quan Thang House and colourful river boats make Hoi An one of the most photogenic destinations in Vietnam.
Cruise the Mekong Delta: Experience a much slower pace as you venture into the land of the Mekong Delta. Known as the ‘rice bowl’, the Mekong is the lifeblood and lungs of Vietnam with its network of canals, rivers and streams that meander between traditional towns and villages. As you cruise along its waterways, you’ll pass boats weighed down with fruits, sugar cane and coconuts and you might even spot a buffalo or two bathing in the rice paddies. If you want to experience authentic Vietnamese culture, head to Cai Rang floating market or stop off at one of the local cottage industries where you can watch coconut candy and rice paper being made.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City: Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the economic hub of Vietnam. Its imposing cityscape and pulsating streets fuse together ancient and modern cultures quite spectacularly. A scooter tour of the city is a fun way to explore and visit some of the main sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House and the Central Post Office but if you want to delve deeper into the past, the War Remnants Museum lets you discover the darker side of Saigon. Walking through the city at night is undeniably atmospheric with its noisy markets and street food stalls which tempt you with local delicacies like bánh xèo (savour pancakes) and com tấm (broken rice).
If I could give this trip 10 stars I would! It was perfectly paced and covers a fascinating range of locations. Our tour guide, Biju, was quite simply the best tour guide ever. So patient, knowledgeable and helpful. Normally the time spent on the bus between locations would be unwelcome but he made it something to look forward to as it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the politics, religion and history of this amazing place. Highlights for me included the tea plantation trek, the houseboat on the backwaters, and the snake temple.
One of the best group trips (and I have been on quite a few) I have done simply due to the wonderful country, lovely warm locals, excellent guide and fun fellow travellers! We travelled on many modes of transport – bus, boat (motor, kayak, paddle), train, plane, bike, foot – saw a wide variety of landscapes – countryside, small villlages, big cities – learned (more) about the old and new history of this incredible country and experienced a wide variety of foods. We did visit some homes and centres where the locals showed us how they made items such as clay pots, toffee brittle, embroidery paintings etc; never was there pressure to purchase anything which made the experience that more enjoyable. This trip has everying – just do it!
Eine wundervolle Reise durch Sri Lanka! Die atemberaubende Landschaft, die freundlichen Menschen und die wunderbare srilankische Küche haben diese Reise zu etwas ganz Besonderem gemacht. Ich kann die Tour in Sri Lanka sehr empfehlen!
What a wonderful journey! this cycling trip in Sri Lanka was truly an unforgettable experience. The beautiful green landscapes, picturesque villages, very friendly locals and the excellent food made every moment of the journey special. Cycling through the tea plantations in the hill country was a highlight, as well as exploring the ancient ruins and riding along rice fields and tea or banana plantations. the Ayurveda massages, offered at the hotels, were great as well.