7 Most Unforgettable (and Safe) Vietnam Adventure Tours

From cliff jumping in Nha Trang to kitesurfing in Mui Ne to canyoning in Dalat, you’ll no doubt experience an adrenaline rush with Vietnam adventure travel! How could you resist such thrilling activities along with stunning cave systems, tranquil beaches, and astonishing monuments? The French colonial architecture and Chinese and Hindu-styled temples also offer incredible sites while you’re on your Vietnam adventure tours.

This place has adventure written all over it!

Whether you’re looking to experience a break for a few weeks or gain academic credits for a few months, you can do that and so much more with a Vietnam adventure. Many adventure travel in Vietnam programs also offer opportunities to give back to the community. You’ll be able to build skills, make friends, strengthen your resume, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Plus, with an inexpensive cost of living, you’ll also be able to sample the delicious dishes. Let out your adventurous side in Vietnam!

What should I look for in Vietnam adventures?

When deciding on a program for adventure travel in Vietnam, you’ll want to consider the duration, price, and inclusion. Some program fees cover all or part of the costs of housing, meals, activity fees, administrative fees, staff support, airport pick-up. One of the most important things to consider is safety orientations and 24/7 support.

Short-term programs are great if you don’t have a lot of time to spare and long-term programs are good for more immersive experiences. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Vietnam from scuba diving to climbing! Keep in mind the weather with your chosen activities; Vietnam has humid, rainy summers and cooler, dryer winters.

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6 best Vietnam adventure tours this year

Editor’s note: This information on adventure travel in Vietnam was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. Grabatour Vietnam: 13 Day Vietnam Experience — 9.96

If you’re looking for one of the best Vietnam adventure tours for a short break, Grabatour Vietnam will host a one-of-a-kind experience for you in less than two weeks. You’ll see plenty of iconic sites, from the Golden Bridge to Ba Na Hills!

Imagine taking a tour in emerald waters surrounded by thousands of limestone islands and rainforests in Halong Bay. You’ll have the opportunity to go crab fishing, make traditional food, and snorkel and kayak to your heart’s delight. The program fee is fairly affordable and includes 12 nights of accommodation, 24/7 support, and meals.

Location? Da nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An
Duration? 13 days
Adventures? Backpacking, canoeing, cooking, fishing, hiking, homestay, nature tours, sailing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, student tours, tours, vacation packages
Read Grabatour reviews

2. GoEco: Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh Community Involvement — 9.83

Here’s your chance for a Vietnam adventure that gets you involved with the community, makes a difference, and builds skills. For a couple weeks to two months, you’ll have the opportunity to work in the fields of medicine, education, development, and more.

In your free time, you’ll be able to explore Ho Chi Minh City with fellow volunteers and see the markets, Cu Chi tunnels, and monuments. Plus, who wouldn’t want to make lifetime friends while enjoying the local cuisines? The program fee includes shared rooms, three meals a day, and 24/7 support.

Location? Ho Chi Minh City
Duration? Up to 8 weeks
Adventures? Cooking, tours
Read GoEco reviews

3. Pacific Discovery: Southeast Asia Gap Year Semester — 9.83

With Pacific Discovery, you’ll travel in a small group with two instructors while you’re involved in wildlife conservation and community development projects. You’ll be able to add international travel experience, communication skills, and leadership skills to your resume.

Throughout the program, you’ll also participate in activities from kayaking to trekking to snorkeling and more. You’ll ultimately broaden your global perspectives while changing lives in a family-oriented environment. The program fee includes flights within Asia, accommodations, transportation, activity fees, and visas.

Location? Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Sapa
Duration? 9-12 weeks
Adventures? Backpacking, camping, climbing, cooking, eco-tours, heritage tourism, hiking, homestay, photography, rafting, scuba, sea kayaking, snorkeling, trekking
Read Pacific Discovery reviews

4. Vietnam Experience - 15 Days — 9.6

Don't miss any of the must-see places in Vietnam from north to south in a 15-day adventure with INTRO Travel. This tour covers Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. Activities include visiting caves, cooking classes, and boat trips. Ideal for young travelers, this program is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s culture, cuisine, and landscapes in a fun, social setting.

Location? Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels
Duration? 15 days
Adventures? Sailing, hiking, tours, crab fishing, homestays
Read INTRO Travel reviews

5. TFT for Older Teens: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia — 10

Are you a high school student looking for a summer break away from the same o’ fast food job? You’ll have the adventure of a lifetime with this TFT program in four different Southeast Asian countries!

Explore Vietnam War exhibits, cruise through bioluminescent waters, and marvel at Halong Bay. Learn the art of street market haggling, lie on the beaches, and savor loads of seafood dishes too. Participants enjoy accommodations, two meals a day, ground transportation, and guides with the Vietnam adventure travel program fees.

Location? Sapa, Bangkok, Koh Tao, Phnom Penh, Siem Reao, Luang Prabang
Duration? 2-4 weeks
Adventures? Student tours
Read Travel For Teens reviews

6. ARCC Gap: Southeast Asia - Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — 10
Care for elephants, work with children, build water filters, and more with this program for teens. Participants will spend 70 days in the countries of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand while making a difference. You’ll also sail on the turquoise waters Halong Bay, spelunk in caves, and have more Vietnam adventures!

The projects you do for this program will build your global skills and impress college admissions or future employers. Plus, you’ll enjoy a final feast at the end to celebrate new friendships and hard work.

Location? Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Bangkok
Duration? 70 days
Adventures? Volunteering, student tours
Read ARCC reviews

Compare these programs side-by-side (for FREE!) with MyGoAbroad

Don’t forget your list of things to do in Vietnam!

With this many things to do in Vietnam, you’ll never be bored.

Many Vietnam adventure tours are open to people of all ages and flexible with activities and durations. Most program fees will also cover the majority of administrative, accommodation, and food costs. Plus, you may also have the opportunity to travel to the nearby countries of China, Thailand, or Cambodia!

Vietnam spreads its arms for visitors with adventures from sea to city, but you can give back to Vietnam with wildlife conservation or education as well. Xin chào (hello) to new friends, new skills, and new experiences.

The inexpensive taxis and public transportation options will also allow you to travel from the cities to the beaches along the coastline easily. From the smell of mint and basil, to the sounds of motorbikes and markets, Vietnam will overtake your senses from drop off to pick up.

Whether you’re exploring the urban jungles of Ho Chi Minh City or island hopping in Halong Bay or trekking mountains in Da Nang, you’ll always find plenty of things to do in Vietnam!