Central Highlands Vietnam offers a surprising variety of city tours that combine culture, natural beauty, and lively urban scenes. While it’s known for stunning landscapes and rural adventures, the cities here pack plenty of character. For example, exploring Da Nang and Hoi An with a guided shoreline excursion reveals UNESCO-listed streets and tranquil coconut forests, perfect for those who love history and scenery. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City offers a bustling urban experience with visits to landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum, alongside vibrant street scenes. And if you’re craving something more immersive, a two-day private tour of the Mekong Delta provides river cruises, flower markets, and local food tastings.
We especially like tours that balance sightseeing with unique experiences—such as riding traditional basket boats in Cam Thanh or learning to make rice noodles in Sa Dec. These experiences enrich your understanding of local life, making the tour more than just a checklist of sights. Want to see it all? Check out our picks below to find the perfect tour for your style and schedule.
Quick Overview
In this list, you’ll find three standout city tours in Central Highlands Vietnam, each with its own focus:
– A shore excursion from Chan May Port that combines Da Nang’s modern charm with the historic streets of Hoi An and scenic nature walks. See more here
– A full-day adventure in Ho Chi Minh City that hits all the iconic landmarks, along with a lively circus show for kids. Find out more
– An immersive two-day private tour of the Mekong Delta, exploring markets, villages, and floating bazaars. Details here
1. Da Nang, Hoi An City Shore Excursion Tour From Chan May Port
This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Central Vietnam’s coastal highlights. Starting right from Chan May Port, you’ll head to Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed streets, famous for their well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit evenings, and riverside charm. The tour includes walking through Hoi An’s historic district, where you can see traditional merchant houses, temples, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. A highlight is the boat ride in the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, which gives you a peaceful break from bustling streets—imagine gliding quietly through the palms in a traditional basket boat.
The tour also covers Da Nang’s key sights, such as the Marble Mountain, where caves and pagodas are carved into limestone hills, and the Son Tra Peninsula, home to the Linh Ung Pagoda with its massive Buddha statue. For beach lovers, My Khe Beach offers a sandy stretch perfect for relaxing or taking a quick swim. The Dragon Bridge is a fun photo stop, especially when it’s lit up at night.
What makes this tour stand out is its variety—combining city highlights with natural scenery—and its convenience for cruise travelers. It’s a good choice if you want a taste of both urban and rural Vietnam in a single day. The tour is priced at $150 per person, and reviews commend the smooth logistics and engaging guides.
Bottom line: This tour combines history, nature, and local flavor for a compact, satisfying day out, ideal for cruise ship passengers wanting a comprehensive experience.
$150 per person
2. Ho Chi Minh City Tour With Vung Dat Ky Bi Circus For Kids
If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City with family or simply want a lively, full-day city experience, this tour hits all the major sights while adding a fun twist: the Vũng Đất Ký Bí Circus Show. It’s perfect for kids (or those who enjoy a bit of entertainment) and offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and spectacle.
The day begins with visits to Saigon’s historic landmarks, including the Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Saigon Central Post Office—all architectural symbols of the city’s French colonial past. Then, you’ll explore the War Remnants Museum, which offers an impactful look at Vietnam’s wartime history. In the evening, a stroll along Nguyen Hue Street reveals a lively atmosphere with street performers, cafes, and the beautifully lit Saigon Opera House.
The highlight for families is the Vũng Đất Ký Bí Circus Show, which showcases acrobats, clowns, and spectacular acts, bringing a lively energy that keeps everyone entertained. It’s a great way for kids to enjoy a cultural show without leaving the city.
This tour costs $95 per person, making it a budget-friendly way to see the city’s major sights while enjoying a memorable show. Reviewers praise it for being well-organized and engaging, especially for children.
Bottom line: For families looking for a blend of history and entertainment, this tour offers a fun, comprehensive day in Ho Chi Minh City at a reasonable price.
$95 per person
3. Local Mekong Delta 2 Day Private Tour From Ho Chi Minh City
For those wanting an immersive experience beyond the city, this two-day private tour of the Mekong Delta provides a deep dive into southern Vietnam’s river life. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer personalized attention and want to see multiple locations on a flexible schedule.
The journey starts with a boat cruise in My Tho and Ben Tre, where you’ll glide through lush canals lined with coconut palms. Lunch features local fresh fruits and traditional dishes. The next day, you’ll visit Cai Rang Floating Market, where vendors sell fresh produce from their boats—an iconic Mekong sight. You’ll also explore Sa Dec Flower Village, the largest flower market in southern Vietnam, and visit Vinh Trang Pagoda for a look at its mix of traditional and Western architecture.
One of the most memorable experiences is learning how rice noodles are made, which offers insight into local culinary traditions. The tour is priced at $400 per person, reflecting its comprehensive nature and personalized service.
Reviewers praise the tour for its authenticity and informative guides. It’s best suited for travelers who want a relaxed pace and the chance to see multiple villages, markets, and countryside scenes in one trip.
Bottom line: This private Mekong Delta experience is perfect if you’re after an in-depth, authentic look at southern Vietnam’s river life, with the flexibility of a two-day trip.
$400 per person
How to Choose
Picking between these tours depends on your interests and travel style. If you’re arriving by cruise and want a quick yet varied taste of Da Nang and Hoi An, the shore excursion is ideal. For a full city immersion with a cultural and historical focus, the Ho Chi Minh City tour offers a well-rounded experience, especially with the circus show as a bonus. And if you prefer slow-paced exploration and want to see the Mekong Delta’s villages, boats, and markets, the two-day private tour provides depth and comfort.
Consider your budget—the Ho Chi Minh City tour is the most affordable, while the Mekong Delta tour offers an immersive experience at a higher price. Also, think about your interest in history, local life, or natural scenery. For example, history buffs will appreciate the city landmarks and the historic parts of Hoi An, while food lovers might enjoy learning noodle-making in Sa Dec.
Booking early is always wise, especially for private tours and popular excursions. Confirm your preferred dates and ensure your travel plans sync with the tour schedules.
Final Thoughts
Central Highlands Vietnam’s city tours deliver authentic insights into the region’s culture, history, and natural beauty. For those on a tight schedule, the shore excursion from Chan May Port offers a balanced taste of history and scenery. Families or those seeking vibrant urban life will find the Ho Chi Minh City tour with its mix of sights and entertainment perfect. And for travelers craving a more immersive experience, the Mekong Delta tour reveals the quiet, river-based life that shapes southern Vietnam.
No matter your choice, booking early secures your spot, ensuring a smooth, enriching experience. These tours open a window into Vietnam’s diverse stories, landscapes, and traditions—so pick the one that best matches your interests, and enjoy exploring this captivating region.