“An enlightening introduction to Hanoi and northern Vietnam”
Nhung / Rose was an excellent guide for this first-timer in Vietnam. I booked a private tour so that I could ease myself into how Vietnamese people live and go about their day (including how to cross the road!). She was happy to accommodate my desire to walk between most attractions rather than any wheeled form of transport, except where it was a bit too far. Communication with her before and during the tour was easy. She was flexible in terms of the starting time (I wanted to start at 8am so I could have breakfast like a local rather than have what my hotel offered), where we went, where we stopped, and with ad-hoc stops for street food and lots of Vietnamese coffee (for my benefit, not just hers!). Many of the food places we went were very local, yet rated well too (e.g some featured in the Michelin guide, never mind just having good Google reviews). This meant it was both delicious and amazing value. I'd say it was amongst the best food I had the entire time I was in Vietnam. We hit key attractions like Train Street (there's actually more than one), Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Temple of Literature, Maison Centrale. She would ask me to gauge what attractions would interest me before we proceeded to the next attraction. She knew her history in relation these attractions and Vietnam more generally. But she also offered insights on contemporary Vietnamese life and society as well - the good and bad. She also adapted to disruptions like events and temporary road and place closures quickly so I wouldn't miss out too much. If you want an insightful, personalised all-day tour of Hanoi, I would definitely recommend booking with Nhung.
Richard paul L.
Exciting Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: Experience the Vibrant Culture and Delights of Saigon!
Customized
“A must for first-time travellers!”
But first some important details – unfortunately, Kevin recently had a most terrible accident and couldn’t personally join me in the tour (Get well soon Kevin!). However Peter, his good friend, took his place and as Kevin assured me, he is just as good. The tour led me to some of HCMC’s famous historical landmarks and tourist spots. After that, Peter guided me to the alleys and neighborhoods of HCMC to taste some of the local food and delicacies. Peter has a great personality and very knowledgeable; I enjoyed our discussion on Vietnam’s history and culture as we walked. And speaking of walking, Peter taught me something a first-time traveller would find very useful: how to cross the street like a true local (It involves walking at a steady pace with no sudden movements. Don’t be scared as traffic will just move around to avoid you). Overall, it was a most wonderful experience and definitely made my stay in HCMC quite memorable. Kevin’s tours are highly recommended and I would definitely book some of his other tours when I go back to HCMC.
Kevin L.
Thank you Richard for all your complimentaries for Peter! I am getting better and definitely guide you in the next time! Wish you all the best, brother!
“Wonderful guide”
We had an amazing experience with Matthew. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the Nguyen dynasty as well as a wonderful host who was patient and accommodating as we had to make some last minute changes. He is very personable and you can tell he has a great love for Hue.
Ngoc L.
Thank you so much for your compliments on me and my tour, Catherine. That was truly my pleasure to be your guide to show you all my city today. I wish you all a great trip ahead!!! Best regards, Matthew
Elevate your Vietnam journey with a private tour guide! Dive deep into culture, skip the crowds, and unleash your inner explorer with a local leading the way.
Picture yourself wandering through the bustling streets of Hanoi, the intoxicating aroma of pho wafting through the air as you’re led through the maze of markets and ancient temples. With a private tour guide by your side, every corner of Vietnam's capital becomes a gateway to centuries of history and culture. No longer confused by the sights and sounds, Vietnam becomes a familiar place with loving memories to be made.
Explore the architectural wonders of the Temple of Literature, where scholars once sought enlightenment, before diving into the chaotic charm of the Old Quarter, where your tour guide helps you navigate narrow alleys to reveal hidden gems of local life. It’s time to truly see the land of the Blue Dragons.
Generally, 7–10 days in Vietnam is enough to get a gasp of the country’s greatest highlights, and see glimpses of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Nha Trang (if you want to squeeze it in). Honestly, though, you could spend two weeks in Vietnam and never run out of sights and sounds.
- Hello: Xin chào (seen chow)
- Thank you: Cảm ơn (gauhm uhn)
- Excuse me: Xin lỗi (seen luh-ee)
- I want to buy: Tôi muốn mua (toy muh-own moo-ah)
- How much does it cost?: Bao nhiêu tiền? (baow nyew tien)
- Can I have one please?: Cho tôi xin một cái (chow toy seen mot cái)
- I am vegetarian: Ăn chay (an chay)
- One, two, three: Một, hai, ba (một, hai, ba)
- I don't understand: Tôi không hiểu (toy khom hyu)
- Good night: Chúc ngủ ngon (chewk ngoo ngawn)
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Vietnam is between November and April, as this is when it’s the most comfortable in terms of temperature, as well as the driest period, in terms of rainfall. However, Vietnam’s weather varies by region.
Yes! Even if you’re not sure where to start your journey, head to our Vietnam local guides page and click on the profiles that stick out to you. You can see which tours match your travel schedule (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang and so on), and book instantly, or message a guide to create your own tour with their suggestions for you and your travel group. Looking to relax, have a thrilling adventure, or learn about history? Let the guide know, and they’ll give some amazing suggestions.
While this depends on your preferences, touring Vietnam’s major cities has been made less difficult with the spread of English in tourist areas (Vietnam ranks number 58 out of 113 non-native English countries). But guides are so much more than language translators. They provide safety, historical, cultural and social context, and they save a lot of time that could be spent zipping from one venue to the next, or getting lost.
This is a tough one! But each city offers something different, so here’s a quick comparison.
Yes! Based on data from Travel Ladies, Vietnam is ranked the 8th safest travel country for solo women travelers. With that said, it’s best to keep the following tips in mind.
Depending on which city you’re headed to, here are some key travel points and adventures you should consider for your first trip to Vietnam;
Ho Chi Minh’s (Saigon) Highlights
Vietnam
Vietnam
Start By Messaging Your Guide
Just You and Your Local Tour Guide
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