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Vietnam City Explorer Tours
4.25 (5 reviews)
23 Tours
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Vietnam from a single base, day by day
A hub-and-spoke plan that keeps evenings calm and days full of highlights
Spend time in Vietnam’s key cities and standout landscapes, with breathing space for local meals and independent wandering. City explorer tours in Vietnam use a hub-and-spoke approach: stay in one main base and take day trips out and back. Expect a balance of guided sightseeing and time to explore solo, with organised pick-ups for major highlights and space to get to know neighbourhoods on foot. Many itineraries include airport arrival transfers and several guided days with local English-speaking guides, rather than one tour leader throughout, though this can vary. This style suits travellers who like a settled base and prefer not to change hotels every night. Inclusions differ, so check each itinerary for what’s covered, including transport, entrance fees, guiding, and meals.
Our most popular city explorer trips
Private Tours
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
R 2406From
pp
Private Tours
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
R 1468From
pp
Private Tours
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
R 3105From
pp
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
R 2384From
R 10 595pp
Private Tours
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
R 1870From
pp
Private Tours
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
R 1689From
pp
Private Tours
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
R 2395From
pp
Private Tours
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
R 2244From
pp
Travel with confidence
Real reviews from our travellers
Ho Chi Minh City Stay - 4 daysCITY STAY: Discover the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City with our 4-day city stay. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Central Post Office. Venture into the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, a testament to Vietnam's wartime resilience, and gain insight into the country's turbulent past. Uncover the wonders of Ho Chi Minh City and create lasting memories on this unforgettable journey.Private Tours4All tours were excellent
Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta (4 Star) - 4 daysPREMIUM PRIVATE TOUR: Join this 4-day adventure through Saigon and the Mekong Delta. Begin your journey by exploring the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, visiting iconic landmarks. Then, venture into the tranquil waters of the Mekong Delta, where you'll discover traditional cottage industries, cruise along palm-fringed creeks, and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family in Ben Tre.Private Tours4Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta (4 Star)
Everything was fine. We enjoyed our tour. The Mekong cruise was nice, as was the lunch.
Vietnam city explorer tours at a glance
Trip and guiding style
Vietnam city explorer tours are centred on one base, combining guided sightseeing on selected days with free time in between for personal discovery. Most itineraries are partly guided, with local English-speaking guides for included visits, while a smaller number are fully guided from start to finish.
Accommodation
Accommodation typically ranges from 3 star to 5 star hotels, and some itineraries may also include ecolodges or homestays for a more local feel. A few trips use an overnight train; star ratings can vary by country, and similar options may be substituted if specific rooms are unavailable.
Trip pacing
The pace is generally easy to moderate, with plenty of time to walk, take breaks, and absorb each neighbourhood’s atmosphere. Some day trips involve early starts or longer drives, but you still return to the same base, keeping evenings calm and predictable.
City Explorer: Discover the city and beyond
VietnamHo Chi Minh City & Mekong Uncovered (5 Star)
VietnamHanoi & Ninh Binh (5 Star)
VietnamSaigon, Mekong Delta & Cu Chi Express (4 Star)
VietnamHo Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta (4 Star)
Why choose city explorer tours in Vietnam
A simple base, guided highlights, and time to explore Vietnam’s cities at ease.
City explorer tours in Vietnam make it easier to settle in, build confidence in a new destination, and still see a wide range of highlights. Because you keep one base and take day trips out and back, you avoid the stop-start routine of changing accommodation every night. This approach works particularly well in Vietnam’s larger cities, where an experienced local guide can streamline the practical details and reduce the stress of navigating busy streets. They can also add context in markets, museums, and historic sites, so the experience feels more meaningful than simply ticking off attractions. It suits travellers who want a mix of structure and choice, rather than being scheduled from morning to night. Sightseeing is planned on certain days, while other time is left open for shopping, a water puppet show, café-hopping, or a slow wander through side streets. Many itineraries also include short escapes beyond the city for a change of scenery. You might cruise through the Mekong Delta or visit rural landscapes near Hanoi, then return to your base for the evening without needing to repack.
Frequently asked questions
What is a city explorer tour in Vietnam?
A city explorer tour is a hub-and-spoke style trip where you stay in one place and take organised day trips out and back. In Vietnam, this typically means a base in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with set sightseeing days complemented by free time.
Are Vietnam city explorer tours guided throughout?
It depends on the tour and the specific itinerary. Many Vietnam city explorer tours are partly guided, using local English-speaking guides for included sightseeing and assistance with key services such as transfers. Some tours are fully guided, with a tour guide or leader accompanying you throughout.
Which cities are common bases on Vietnam city explorer tours?
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the most common bases on Vietnam city explorer tours. Both cities offer major landmarks, lively street scenes, markets, and excellent food, and they also work well for day trips that return to base.
What sort of day trips are included on Vietnam city explorer tours?
Day trips vary by itinerary, but the format usually includes out-and-back excursions from your city base. Common choices include the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City, or trips from Hanoi such as Ninh Binh, with enough time built in to return to the same hotel.
Do Vietnam city explorer tours include airport transfers?
Many tours include an airport pick up, as outlined in the trip notes and inclusions. A drop off is not always included, so it is worth confirming exactly what your chosen itinerary covers before booking.
What is the group size on Vietnam city explorer tours?
Group size depends on the tour style and departure. Some Vietnam city explorer tours are private for your own party, while others operate with a maximum group size, such as 16 or 20 travellers.
What fitness level is needed for Vietnam city explorer tours?
Many Vietnam city explorer tours suit an easy fitness level, with walking-based sightseeing that most travellers can manage comfortably. If an itinerary includes more active elements, such as longer hikes or treks, check the trip grade and daily walking expectations before you commit.
What meals are included on Vietnam city explorer tours?
Meals vary between itineraries, although breakfast is commonly included and some tours add lunch during a day trip. Dinners are often left free on city stays, giving you the flexibility to choose restaurants and street food that match your tastes.
What accommodation can be expected on Vietnam city explorer tours?
Accommodation depends on the tour, and similar properties may be used if preferred options are fully booked. The main advantage of the city explorer style is having one consistent base, which keeps evenings straightforward and reduces the amount of packing and unpacking.
Do Vietnam city explorer tours include an overnight train?
Some itineraries include an overnight train, particularly on routes such as Hanoi to Sapa. Not every tour uses rail, so check the day-by-day itinerary to see whether an overnight train is included on your chosen trip.
