Vietnam Special Interest Tours

Experiences beyond the classics

Fold food, adventure, history, evenings, and one-of-a-kind activities into your private Vietnam journey. Each theme below is a sample building block—we combine them with day trips, multi-day routes, boats, or neighboring countries to match your style.

Private arrangements · Flexible pacing · Certificate of Excellence 2014–2018


All special interests

Heritage

War Historical Tour

Dien Bien Phu to Khe Sanh—personalized history and veteran returns.

We dedicate this section to all those who were voluntarily or involuntarily affected by the Vietnam War. These sacrifices are an unforgettable reminder to all of us to strive for peace and friendship throughout the world. Our trips are customized to your interest to revisit Vietnam or learn war history from Dien Bien Phu to Khe Sanh and other personal sites of interest. If you are a returning US veteran, we recommend allowing at least three months in advance to make specific arrangements due to research needed to take you to your personal place of interest.

Sport

Golfing

Signature courses near Hanoi, Da Lat, and the coast—booked around your tour.

The sport of golf has been in Vietnam since the French colonial era, but enthusiasm has grown significantly in recent years. The varied landscapes of the country provide beautiful and unique backdrops for visitors on the links. Three of the more notable courses include the 36-hole Kings’ Island Golf Club on the outskirts of Hanoi, the 18-hole Da Lat Palace Golf Club, and the 18-hole, Nick Faldo designed Ocean Dunes course in Phan Thiet (which boasted one of Golf Magazine’s 500 best holes in the world in 2000).

www.kingsislandgolf.com    www.vietnamgolfresorts.com

Adventure

Scuba Diving

Nha Trang, Con Dao, Phu Quoc—PADI-led underwater days on the coast.

Vietnam’s natural landscape only touches the surface of what a country with 2,140 miles (3,444 km) of coastline has to offer under the water. The coastal cities of Nha Trang, Da Nang, or islands of Con Dao or Phu Quoc are prime areas for your underwater adventure. The ideal time for scuba diving and snorkeling is from February through mid-October. With qualified PADI instructors and dive masters, you will enjoy a kaleidoscope of sea life unique to the region.

Adventure

Mountain Biking / Rock Climbing / Caving / Rafting or Kayaking

Biking, caves, kayaks, or Fansipan—set the thrill level with us.

For those who enjoy hanging off a rock or trail blazing through the forest on a mountain bike, Vietnam has much to offer. Whether you are a novice or a pro, we take you to the limits of what you want to experience—high adventure in areas like Da Lat, Phong Nha caves, or the peak of Mount Fansipan (3,143 meters) in northern Vietnam.

Food & culture

Culinary & Foodie Tour

Street food, market walks, and cooking with local chefs—north to south.

The growing popularity of Vietnamese cuisine has stepped onto the world stage—from New York fine dining to the banh mi food truck. Visit the source of these flavors by learning to cook with great chefs of Vietnam, creating mouthwatering dishes, or enjoying colorful street food. The diversity of Vietnam’s three regions (north, central, and southern) will take your palate on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Mix special interests into a private multi-day tour—or keep them as day add-ons.

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Food & culture

Riverboat Dinner Cruise / Evening Cultural Shows

Water puppets, AO shows, and Saigon dinner cruises after the day’s touring.

If you still have energy after an exciting day, evening options include water puppet shows in Hanoi, AO acrobatic shows (a mix of acrobatics and culture in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City), and dinner boat trips on the Saigon River for a night view of the city lights.

Unique

Vespa Tour

Sidecar-style city energy on a Vespa—Hanoi, Hoi An, or Saigon after dark.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do—take an evening ride on the back of a Vespa with the locals. Enjoy the sights and sounds as few other tourists do: the revving motor, weaving through traffic, and waving to fellow bikers and children as you pass. An unforgettable experience in Hanoi, Hoi An, or Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

Unique

Photography Tour

Guided light and composition—smartphone or pro camera welcome.

Get that perfect picture to remember your trip. Whether you use a smartphone or a professional camera, an experienced photography guide helps with technique and the perfect spot for a memorable shot. Tours flex with lighting and weather so you always leave with photos you can be proud of—and new friends along the way.

Heritage

Trains, Trains and More Trains

Historic rail lines, Long Bien, and mountain runs for train lovers.

Vietnam’s railway system was built from 1899 to 1936 under French colonialism. As of 2005 there were 278 stations, including 191 along the North–South line stretching 1,726 km (1,072 mi). For train aficionados, the terrain and history make an unforgettable journey— from a short historical ride through Hanoi’s old quarter over Long Bien Bridge to scenic mountain travel around Da Lat. Whether heading to the mountains or the coast, trains are a great way to see past and present Vietnam and meet locals along the way.

Wellness

Tai Chi / Exercise with Locals

Morning movement with locals—then a spa if you like.

Exercising is part of the Vietnamese way of life. Join locals for formal Tai Chi training or a fun group session that welcomes all who want to join. Put on comfortable clothes and shoes for an unforgettable experience—and don’t forget the many spas after a good day’s workout.

Unique

Helicopter Tour

Aerial views of tunnels, highlands, and coast—charter when it fits your plan.

For an eagle’s view of fascinating landscapes and places of interest, helicopter charter is available in south and north Vietnam. Charter flights to places like the Cu Chi Tunnels or Da Lat and more, using modern European helicopters such as the EC-155 or the Russian Mi-17 workhorse of Vietnam’s military.

Ready to build your special-interest itinerary?

Tell us which themes matter most, your dates, and group size—we’ll design a private program with the right guides, logistics, and pacing.

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