Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions
Hue Shore Excursions
Nha Trang Shore Excursions
Halong Bay Shore Excursions
Vietnam shore excursions offer cruise travelers the chance to explore a country rich in culture, history, and landscapes. From the limestone cliffs of Halong Bay to the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City, these tours are carefully planned to suit your cruise schedule and personal preferences.
Major Vietnam cruise excursions start from ports like Phu My, Halong, Chan May, or Da Nang. All tours are timed to match cruise schedules.
Vietnam shore excursions can be tailored to match what you enjoy most:
Some tours involve stairs or longer walks. Many Vietnam shore excursions offer air-conditioned transport, flexible pacing, and senior-friendly support.
Vietnam shore excursions offer more than beautiful landscapes and historical sites. They also open the door to a rich and flavorful cuisine. From vibrant cities to quiet coastal towns, every stop on your Vietnam cruise excursion brings a chance to enjoy iconic local dishes that reflect the country’s diverse food culture.
Phở (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
Bánh mì (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)
Bún chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
Gỏi cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Bánh xèo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancake)
Cơm tấm (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork)
Often served during shore excursions in Vietnam’s major cities, phở is a flavorful bowl of rice noodles, tender beef, and fragrant broth. It reflects the warmth and comfort of Vietnamese cooking.
Available across most stops on Vietnam shore excursions, bánh mì is a crisp baguette filled with grilled meat, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. This convenient street food favorite blends Vietnamese ingredients with French inspiration.
Commonly featured in northern Vietnam excursions, bún chả is a local favorite that pairs grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a light dipping sauce.
These soft rolls are filled with shrimp, herbs, and vermicelli. They are often introduced during Vietnam cruise excursions as a refreshing and healthy option that reflects the country’s balanced flavors.
Golden and savory, bánh xèo is filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. It is especially popular on shore excursions in southern Vietnam, where guests explore local markets and try regional specialties.
A signature dish in Ho Chi Minh City, cơm tấm includes grilled pork chop, broken rice, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg. This hearty meal is a staple of daily life in southern Vietnam.
Many Vietnam shore excursions also include the chance to try other beloved dishes such as cao lầu (Hoi An-style noodles), bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup), chả giò (fried spring rolls), and chè (Vietnamese sweet dessert soups), each reflecting the flavors of a different region.
Vietnam shore excursions reveal the country’s vibrant contrasts through its cities, temples, markets, and coastal towns. From historic landmarks to everyday life, each port offers meaningful experiences for cruise travelers. These well-organized day trips are designed to be efficient, comfortable, and rich in cultural insight.
Step inside the past at the Reunification Palace or admire Notre Dame Cathedral’s quiet elegance. These buildings reflect Vietnam’s layered identity and colonial heritage.
Wander through lantern-lit temples and market alleys in old Chinese quarters. The scent of incense and rhythm of trade offer a window into local tradition.
Hop on a vintage Vespa or open-air jeep to explore tucked-away cafés, leafy boulevards, and quiet backstreets. These immersive rides bring you closer to real Vietnam.
Vietnam shore excursions are thoughtfully designed for cruise travelers seeking a balance of culture, comfort, and local discovery. With expert local guides, relaxed pacing, and seamless itineraries, each day ashore reveals a different side of Vietnam. From elegant architecture to ancient temples, bustling markets, and flavorful street food, our Vietnam cruise excursions turn every stop into a meaningful and enjoyable experience.
What to Expect on Our Vietnam Shore Excursions
More Than Just Sightseeing
Each season in Vietnam brings its own charm, making Vietnam shore excursions enjoyable year-round. Spring offers blossoms in the north, summer brings vibrant countryside scenes, autumn showcases golden rice fields, and winter delivers festive charm with mild weather.
Though short rains may occur in central and southern regions during summer, Vietnam cruise excursions are thoughtfully planned for comfort. Local guides and flexible itineraries ensure smooth travel in every season. No matter the month, there is always something unique to explore in Vietnam.
Vietnam shore excursions take cruise travelers through a country with diverse climates. North to south, weather patterns shift noticeably, so the experience you have can vary depending on the season and the port you visit.
The north has four distinct seasons. Spring (February to April) is mild and humid, with blooming flowers and fresh air. Summer (May to August) is hot and rainy, ideal for lush green landscapes but includes afternoon showers. Autumn (September to November) offers cooler air and clear skies, making it one of the most recommended periods for shore excursions in Halong Bay. Winter (December to January) can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to 10–15°C.
Central Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate. From January to August, the weather is generally warm and dry, especially in Da Nang and Hoi An. Rainfall increases from September to December, and typhoons can affect the region in late summer and early autumn. Many Vietnam cruise excursions in this area are planned to avoid the heaviest rains, while still capturing the charm of ancient towns and cultural sites.
This region has two main seasons. The dry season lasts from December to April, offering sunny skies and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. The rainy season runs from May to November, with short tropical showers mostly in the afternoon. Mornings remain bright, and many shore excursions Vietnam-wide continue as planned during this time with minor adjustments.
Explore the beauty, history, and cultural depth of Vietnam through expertly crafted shore excursions tailored for cruise passengers. From the timeless streets of Hanoi to the limestone seascapes of Halong Bay and the imperial legacy of Hue, each tour in our Vietnam shore excursions collection is thoughtfully designed to maximize your time ashore. Travelers can enjoy smooth logistics, engaging local insights, and memorable highlights without the stress of independent planning.
Hanoi
Halong Bay
Hue
Hoi An
Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi is a highlight of Vietnam shore excursions, offering a vibrant mix of culture and history. Stroll through the Old Quarter, enjoy dishes like pho and bun cha, and visit landmarks such as the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Discover Hanoi’s charm and hospitality in every moment.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a must-see on any Vietnam shore excursion. Cruise through emerald waters, kayak among limestone islands, and explore caves like Sung Sot. Enjoy local seafood and peaceful floating villages while taking in the bay’s stunning natural beauty.
For history lovers, Hue is a top destination on Vietnam shore excursions. Explore the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and royal tombs along the Perfume River. Beyond its heritage, Hue delights with local dishes like bun bo Hue and banh beo, offering a taste of the city’s rich culinary culture.
Discover the essence of Vietnam excursions in Hoi An with a day tour that blends culinary delights and cultural landmarks. Start with a hands-on cooking class using fresh local ingredients, then explore highlights like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and Cantonese Congregation Hall.
Experience the best of shore excursions Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, and Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore the War Remnants Museum and Thien Hau Pagoda to discover the city’s vibrant culture and history.
Halong Port
Tien Sa Port
Chan May Port
Phu My Port
Each port along Vietnam’s coastline reveals a distinct aspect of the country’s cultural and natural richness. Halong Bay enchants cruise passengers with its dramatic limestone islets, peaceful waters, and fresh seafood tastings. In central Vietnam, Tien Sa and Chan May ports lead to lantern-lit streets, ancient temples, and imperial palaces in destinations like Hoi An and Hue.
Southern highlights begin at Phu My Port, the perfect starting point for exploring Ho Chi Minh City. Iconic French architecture, bustling local markets, and flavorful street food await those who seek both energy and elegance in their day ashore.
Vietnam shore excursions are thoughtfully crafted to fit cruise schedules while offering authentic local insight, comfortable transport, and memorable experiences at every stop.
Before heading ashore, here are a few essentials to help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable Vietnam shore excursion.
To enter Vietnam, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. It's a good idea to keep a photocopy and digital scan in your email for safekeeping. While some countries are exempt from visa requirements for stays ranging from 14 to 90 days, others can apply for an e-visa valid for 30 days. For passengers on Vietnam shore excursions, day trips may be possible without a visa.
Getting around in Vietnam may seem overwhelming at first, but with time, it becomes easier. Follow the locals and traffic signals when crossing streets. Stay confident, find a gap, and the flow of traffic will adapt. Taxis are common in large cities, but it's best to agree on the fare beforehand. For a more scenic and relaxed journey, consider using a cyclo in cities like Hanoi, Hoian, Da Nang, and Nha Trang, ideal for travelers enjoying Vietnam shore excursions.
Vietnam’s postal services are reliable, and you can send postcards through the post office or hotel staff rather than letterboxes. To save on international calls, consider purchasing a local Vietnamese SIM card after unlocking your phone. Internet access is widely available in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and malls, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, ensuring you stay connected throughout your shore excursions in Vietnam.
Vietnam shore excursions offer cruise travelers the opportunity to explore cultural highlights, scenic landscapes, and local life across different regions of the country, even within a limited port stop. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan a smooth, enriching, and well-paced day trip during your time ashore.
Yes. All our Vietnam shore excursions are specifically designed for cruise passengers, with pick-up and return times carefully aligned to your ship’s arrival and departure. You’ll return to the port with plenty of time to spare.
We offer both. You can choose a private Vietnam shore excursion for a fully personalized experience, or join a small group for a more social and affordable option. Both are led by licensed, local guides who speak excellent English.
We offer Vietnam shore excursions from all major cruise ports, covering both cultural highlights and natural wonders across the country. You can explore:
Each port comes with curated day tours tailored for cruise guests, offering a safe, authentic, and enriching Vietnam experience.
Absolutely. Most of our shore tours in Vietnam are designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. We offer gentle walking tours, air-conditioned transport, and flexible itineraries, especially suitable for senior guests from cruise lines like Holland America Line or Oceania.
We specialize in small-group or private shore tours with local guides who know the region deeply. Compared to cruise-line tours, our excursions often offer more flexibility, better value, and a more authentic cultural experience.
Yes. All of our Vietnam shore excursions are professionally organized with cruise passengers in mind. We monitor your ship’s schedule in real time and guarantee on-time return to port. With over 18 years of experience serving cruise passengers, our team is known for reliability, clear communication, and thoughtful service.
Let us help you choose the perfect Vietnam shore excursion for your cruise stop. From the limestone seascapes of Halong Bay to the imperial sites of Hue and the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, our expert-led tours are designed to match your cruise schedule and highlight the best of each region.
Get in touch
