Vietnam is a country that stirs the senses and captures the imagination. From the vibrant chaos of its cities to the serene rhythms of its rivers and rice paddies, traveling here is about more than just sightseeing. It’s about diving into the daily life, traditions, and flavors that make Vietnam so compelling. Our tours are designed to do just that — weaving together iconic landmarks with authentic experiences that leave lasting memories. Here are some of the highlights you’ll enjoy when you travel with us.
Street Food Adventures in Hanoi
There’s no better introduction to Vietnam than its capital, Hanoi, and no better way to understand the city than through its food. On a guided street food experience, you’ll wander through tangled alleys and markets where vendors have perfected their craft over generations.
Here, meals are prepared on the curbside, served on tiny plastic stools, and bursting with flavor. You might slurp a steaming bowl of phở made with a rich, slow-cooked broth, taste bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms), or sink your teeth into a crispy bánh mì, Vietnam’s famous baguette sandwich. Add in grilled skewers, fresh herbs, and sweet treats like chè (a colorful dessert drink), and you’ll see why Hanoi is hailed as one of the world’s greatest food cities.
Dinner with Purpose at KOTO Van Mieu
For a dining experience that feeds both the stomach and the soul, we take you to KOTO Van Mieu. This remarkable social enterprise — “Know One, Teach One” — provides vocational training to disadvantaged youth, giving them opportunities to build careers in hospitality.
The restaurant itself is warm and welcoming, serving beautifully prepared Vietnamese and international dishes. But what makes the evening special is knowing your meal supports a cause that changes lives. Many travelers describe it as one of the most meaningful dinners of their trip, as it blends great food with an inspiring mission.
Egg Coffee on Hanoi’s Famous Train Street
Hanoi is full of quirks, but few are as memorable as sipping coffee just inches from a rumbling train. Along “Train Street,” cafés line both sides of the narrow track, and when the signal comes, everyone pulls their stools inside to watch as a locomotive passes right through.
It’s here that you’ll try one of Hanoi’s most iconic drinks: egg coffee. Invented in the 1940s during a milk shortage, this indulgent concoction blends strong Vietnamese coffee with egg yolk whipped into a creamy froth. The result is rich, sweet, and unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted. Paired with the thrill of being so close to the train, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Halong Bay Cruise & Tai Chi at Sunrise
No trip to Vietnam is complete without experiencing the otherworldly beauty of Halong Bay. Aboard a traditional wooden junk boat, you’ll glide across emerald-green waters dotted with towering limestone karsts, each one shrouded in myth and legend.
During the day, you can kayak into hidden lagoons, explore caves, or simply soak in the views from the deck. But perhaps the most magical moment comes at dawn, when the rising sun paints the sky pink and gold. On deck, you’ll take part in a Tai Chi session, moving gently as the bay wakes around you. It’s a peaceful, restorative ritual that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Journey on the Reunification Express
For a true taste of Vietnam’s soul, step aboard the Reunification Express, the country’s iconic sleeper train that connects north and south. It’s more than just a means of transport — it’s a living, moving slice of Vietnamese life.
As you settle into your berth, the rhythmic clatter of the tracks lulls you into a slower pace. Outside, the scenery shifts from city suburbs to lush countryside, with glimpses of rice paddies, rivers, and small villages. Sharing this journey with locals — families, students, traders — offers a unique window into the daily rhythms of the country.
Dragon Boat on the Perfume River
In Hue, the former imperial capital, history is written into every street and monument. To see the city from a different perspective, you’ll sail along the Perfume River aboard a dragon boat.
These vividly painted vessels, with their fierce dragon designs, are a nod to Vietnam’s imperial past. As the boat glides quietly across the water, you’ll pass ancient pagodas, riverside villages, and lush greenery. It’s a serene contrast to the bustle of the cities, and an evocative way to connect with Hue’s cultural heritage.
Drive the Spectacular Hai Van Pass
Dubbed by Top Gear as “a deserted ribbon of perfection,” the Hai Van Pass is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular roads. This winding coastal route snakes between the Truong Son Mountains and the East Sea, offering jaw-dropping views at every curve.
The name “Hai Van” means “Ocean Cloud,” a fitting description for the way mist often rolls over the mountaintops. As you drive along its bends, you’ll see pristine beaches, jungle-covered peaks, and glimpses of traditional fishing villages below. For many travelers, this scenic drive is a highlight of their entire journey.
Craft & Release Lanterns in Hoi An
Hoi An, with its ancient streets and riverside charm, is already enchanting — but at night, it becomes magical. The town is famous for its colorful lanterns, which light up the streets and reflect in the Thu Bon River.
During your visit, you’ll join local artisans to learn the delicate craft of lantern-making, choosing your own colors and designs. Later, you’ll release your glowing lantern onto the water, watching as it drifts downstream alongside hundreds of others. It’s a moment of beauty and symbolism, embodying wishes for luck and happiness.
Immersive Life in the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is often called Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” but it’s also a vibrant tapestry of traditions and communities. Here, life flows with the rivers and canals, and you’ll be welcomed into it through a series of hands-on experiences.
At family homes, you’ll learn the secrets of making rice paper and popcorn cakes, try honey at a local bee farm, and hear traditional folk music that has been passed down for generations. You’ll even roll up your sleeves to “ditch slap” — a local method of catching fish — before cooking and sharing your catch for dinner.
Along the way, you’ll discover crafts like hammock making, water hyacinth weaving, and jackfruit leaf cake preparation, each one a window into the ingenuity of rural life. More than just a visit, it’s a true immersion into the heart and soul of the Delta.
The Journey That Stays With You
From the street food stalls of Hanoi to the waterways of the Mekong Delta, each of these experiences adds another layer to your journey through Vietnam. They’re not just highlights — they’re stories you’ll carry with you, moments that connect you to the people, traditions, and landscapes of this remarkable country.
Traveling here isn’t just about seeing the sights. It’s about sipping egg coffee as trains rumble past, practicing Tai Chi at sunrise on Halong Bay, driving roads where mountains meet the sea, and learning skills that have sustained families for generations. On our tours, these experiences are woven together to create a journey that’s authentic, memorable, and deeply rewarding.
Ready to experience Vietnam in all its flavors and colors? Join us on one of our tours and let these moments become part of your story.
