Ba Ria Vung Tau Vietnam is a surprisingly diverse destination for travelers craving authentic experiences. While the beaches are beautiful, the real charm lies in the mix of cultural, historical, and culinary tours available. We love a few especially for their unique offerings, like the Hanoi Water Puppet Show Tour with Hop On Hop Off Bus, which combines sightseeing with traditional Vietnamese culture, or the Full Day Experience to Farm and Chocolate, perfect for those interested in something hands-on and sweet. Whether you’re into history, food, or scenic exploration, these tours provide a window into what makes Vietnam so special.
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the six best tours in Ba Ria Vung Tau Vietnam, each offering something different—from cultural performances and street food to battlefield history and chocolate-making. These tours are rated highly for their authenticity and value, making it easier to pick what suits your travel style best.
1. Hanoi Water Puppet Show Tour With Hop On Hop Off Bus
At number one, this tour combines a comprehensive city sightseeing tour of Hanoi with a cultural highlight—the traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre. While Hanoi is outside Ba Ria Vung Tau, this experience exemplifies Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry, which travelers often want to explore during their trip. The open-top bus allows you to see iconic sites like the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and various temples, all with engaging multilingual audio commentary. After the sightseeing, you’ll enjoy the water puppet show, a charming and uniquely Vietnamese tradition, with options to select your preferred seat category—Normal, VIP, or Premium.
What makes this tour standout is its combination of sightseeing and culture. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Vietnam who want a quick overview of Hanoi’s highlights paired with a traditional show. The tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours, perfect for a half-day plan, and the flexible booking policy—cancelable up to 24 hours in advance—adds peace of mind. Expect lively commentary, great photo ops, and an engaging cultural experience all in one.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value for those wanting a flexible, all-in-one Hanoi experience, with the added bonus of cultural insight and picturesque city views.
2. Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour With Acoustics Live Music
Number two on our list is a delicious journey through Ho Chi Minh City’s lesser-known culinary spots combined with live acoustic performances. Even though this tour focuses on Ho Chi Minh City, it’s highly relevant for travelers based in Ba Ria Vung Tau who want a taste of southern Vietnam’s vibrant food scene and lively nightlife. The tour visits local street stalls and markets that are favorites among locals but seldom visited by travelers, offering authentic flavors like fresh herbs, savory snacks, and vegan options upon request.
What sets this tour apart is the blend of authentic street food and intimate live music venues, creating a relaxed, immersive atmosphere. The local guides, who are often students, provide insights into the culture, food, and music of the city, making it a multi-sensory experience. The tour’s flexibility on food allergies and vegan options is a bonus for dietary restrictions. It’s perfect for adventurous eaters or anyone wanting to see a different side of Ho Chi Minh City.
Bottom Line: For $35, this tour offers a unique, flavorful look at local life with a musical backdrop, ideal for foodies and music lovers wanting an authentic night out.
$35 per person
3. Da Nang Street Food Tour With Acoustic Live Music Bar
Third on our list is a night tour exploring Da Nang’s vibrant street food scene paired with live acoustic music—a great way to experience Vietnamese cuisine and culture in one relaxed evening. While this tour is based in Da Nang, it’s a top pick for those visiting Ba Ria Vung Tau who want to extend their culinary adventures to central Vietnam. You’ll taste 6–10 local dishes ranging from savory to sweet, discovering the city’s diverse food offerings along with stories from your local guide about Da Nang’s landmarks.
Iconic sights like the Dragon Bridge and My Khe Beach are part of the route, adding a scenic backdrop to your food tasting. The local guides share anecdotes about the city’s history and food culture, making the experience educational as well as delicious. The evening concludes at a cozy bar with live acoustic music, providing a perfect atmosphere to unwind and reflect on your culinary discoveries.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value for food lovers who want a mix of sightseeing, cultural storytelling, and music, especially suited for those on a short trip seeking a lively, authentic experience.
$35 per person
4. From Ho Chi Minh: Long Tan Nui Dat Battle Field Private Tour
Number four takes a different turn into history with this private battlefield tour focusing on the Australian engagement during the Vietnam War. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll head to the Long Tan Cross Memorial, a poignant site honoring the soldiers who fought there. The tour includes stops at Nui Dat SAS Hill and Mong Ng, as well as a visit to the Long Phuoc Tunnels, where you’ll learn about the wartime underground network.
What makes this tour compelling is its focus on military history and the opportunity to reflect at memorials. The guide shares detailed stories about the battle of Long Tan (1966), giving visitors a sense of the war’s impact on Vietnam and Australia. The 8-hour tour provides a meaningful, respectful experience—perfect for history buffs or those interested in Vietnam’s wartime past.
Bottom Line: This private tour offers a deep, personal look at a key Vietnam War engagement, suitable for travelers interested in history and memorials, with excellent logistics and thoughtful storytelling.
$104 per person
5. Full Day Experience to Farm and Chocolate
Number five is a sweet escape into Vietnam’s cacao farms. For around $76, this full-day experience combines farm visits, chocolate tasting, and hands-on chocolate making. Starting at 12H Đ. Nguyệt Thị Minh Khai, you’ll tour the Binon Cacao Park, where you can taste cacao pulp, nibs, and different chocolates, then learn about the process of turning cacao beans into delicious treats.
What makes this tour special is the interactive workshop where you get to create your own chocolates to take home. The guided tour offers insight into the cacao cultivation and processing, making it both educational and tasty. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone with a sweet tooth. The experience balances fun with learning, and the opportunity to make personalized chocolates adds great value.
Bottom Line: This hands-on tour offers a unique chance to understand and participate in chocolate production, ideal for foodies and families looking for an engaging day.
$76 per person
6. Shore Excursion Cycling from Phu My Port
Rounding out the list is a 7-hour cycling tour designed for active travelers who want to experience Ba Ria – Vung Tau’s countryside. Starting directly from Phu My Port, this tour takes you through rubber tree forests and visits the Long Phuoc Tunnels, giving a sense of Vietnam’s rural landscape and historical sites. The ride is under the shade of mature trees, making it manageable even for those with moderate fitness levels.
The tour provides a relaxing water stop and a healthy snack, plus a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. Your guide shares insights into the local agriculture and history, making it more than just exercise—it’s a culture. The route’s mix of nature and history is a great way to see Vietnam beyond the usual tourist spots.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a full-body experience along with education about Vietnam’s rural life and history, all within a manageable 7-hour window.
$250 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting the best tour in Ba Ria Vung Tau Vietnam, think about your interests and travel style. If cultural shows and sightseeing are your priority, the Hanoi Water Puppet Show offers a rich cultural overview. Food lovers might prefer the Da Nang Street Food Tour or the Ho Chi Minh City street food for their authentic flavors and lively atmospheres.
History enthusiasts will appreciate the Long Tan Battlefield for its respectful and detailed memorial tour. For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Farm offers a fun, hands-on experience. Active travelers should consider the cycling adventure from Phu My Port, combining exercise with scenic views and cultural insights.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the battlefield or private experiences. Consider your budget, pace, and specific interests to choose the tour that best suits your trip. It’s always worth confirming availability in advance and checking whether dietary restrictions or mobility needs can be accommodated.
Final Thoughts
Ba Ria Vung Tau offers an array of options that go beyond beaches and resorts. From exploring Vietnam’s cultural traditions and street food to walking through historic battlefields and creating chocolates, there’s something for every type of traveler. For a culture, the water puppet show and street food tours are top picks. History buffs will find the battlefield tour particularly meaningful, while active explorers will enjoy the cycling adventure.
Whatever your choice, these tours promise enriching, authentic experiences that bring you closer to Vietnam’s diverse stories. Book early, plan according to your interests, and prepare for a trip full of memorable moments.