Table of Contents
Best small group guided tours for first-time travelers in Vietnam are available across the country, from cycling to cave adventures and historical discovery.
From well-known places to off-the-beaten-path areas, from daylight to evening, from the city to the countryside, mountains, and caves, from the South to the North, this guide lists the best small group guided tours for first-time travelers in Vietnam. Each starts from only $39 per person. Here’s everything about the tours’ details and why they deserve to be experienced.
Best small group guided tours for first-time travelers in Saigon
In-day electric and cycling tours with Jackfruit Adventure
For only from $39 per person, you can enjoy Saigon’s dynamic vibe like a real local with Jackfruit Adventure’s guided tours. The energetic travel agent offers electric and cycling tours for small groups of around 10 people. Whether you visit Vietnam for the first time or have been here many times, you will be surprised and impressed by its routes.
On a bicycle, e-motorbike, or e-car, discover the city in a quiet, green, and relaxing way, through off-the-beaten-path alleys and truly connect with the local life.
Everyone will gather at the Jackfruit Adventure office (TK46/28 Ben Chuong Duong, Ong Lanh Bridge, Ho Chi Minh City) to begin the wonderful journey. Time, distance, schedule, itinerary, and more are different depending on the tour you choose.
The tour price includes a bicycle, helmet, drinks, exotic fruits, accident insurance, a tour leader, a support guide, a first-aid kit, ponchos, smiles, and lasting memories in Saigon.
You will find unique experiences not available in other popular and common tours, such as:
- Walk around Xom Chieu Market to learn about Vietnamese ingredients and street food culture through the 2-Hour Saigon Off-the-Beaten Path: Hidden Alleys Explore Tour.
- Visit the Phu Chau Floating Temple, the 200-year-old gem in An Phu Dong Ward, with the Saigon’s Railway Ride & Floating Temple Tour.
- Immerse yourself in Saigon’s countryside. Cycle through a lush mini Mekong jungle through the ALL DAY 6-HOUR TOUR: City + Countryside Cycle Tour.
These are some of the best small group guided tours for first-time travelers in Saigon. Whether you are a solo tourist, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find so much fun in the tours and experience authentic local life. The routes are all easy and designed for beginner level.
Saigon night rides
Saigon at night also has many cool things to explore. The weather is more pleasant. The streets are lit by colorful lights and crowded with millions of people out to eat, have fun, go shopping, and hang out.
If the vibrant bars and clubs are not attractive enough for you, embark on a cycling tour with Jackfruit Adventure. Listen to untold tales of the city from downtown to neighboring wards. Discover Saigon’s alleys and street food by night in 2 hours. Join the Saigon Foodie Night Ride Tour if you are a food lover.
Price range: $39-49/pax
Tour includes a bicycle, helmet, drinks, exotic fruits, meals or snacks (optional), accident insurance, a tour leader, a support guide, a first-aid kit, ponchos, smiles, and lasting memories.
- Gathering spot: Jackfruit Adventure office
- Time to meet: 6 PM
- Distance: 10 – 20km
- Level: Beginner
Best small group guided tours for first-time travelers in Central Vietnam
Oxalis offers the best small group guided tours for travelers seeking thrills and adventurous experiences. It is famous for its adventure and caving tours in Vietnam. Participants need good health, physical fitness, and comfort with rugged terrain.
For the easy level, try the Phong Nha: Nuoc Nut Cave, Hang Tien, or Tu Lan tours for $75+/pax (2+ million VND) for a one-day trip. 2- or more-day tours with a higher level will cost more. They also provide family tours suitable for kids, including the Tu Lan Family Experience Tour and Tu Lan Family Adventure Tour.
In particular, Oxalis is the only travel agent in Vietnam to organize tours to Son Doong Cave in Quang Tri Province. Located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, this is currently the world’s largest natural cave. It is a super hard and expensive excursion, so consider carefully before you decide to go. The price for each pax is $3,000 or 79.5 million VND.
Best small group guided tours for first-time travelers in Hanoi
Last Emperor’s Hidden Mansion, Black Market & Untold Stories
You can start the trip at 7:30 AM or 1:30 PM and cycle 16-18km with breaks in 3-4 hours. We will meet at Ca Bop – Egg Coffee & Art Corner. Pedal through time and hear Hanoi’s untold stories on this off-the-beaten-path cycling adventure.
Here are some of the tour highlights:
- Visit the hidden residence of Vietnam’s last Emperor.
- View B52 Lake, the infamous crash site where a U.S. bomber still lies submerged.
- Explore the once-notorious Black Market where survival shaped daily life.
- Pedal through backstreets and local markets.
- Enjoy fresh fruits, local snacks, and a cool drink.
- Walk through Long Bien Bridge, a French colonial icon with sweeping views of the Red River.
Ride to the Lost Kingdom: Cycle Hanoi to Ancient Co Loa
This is another of the best small group guided tours for first-time travelers in Hanoi, Vietnam. The route is about 35km long.
In 6-7 hours from 7:30 AM, you will have a chance to:
- Cycle through the Old Quarter.
- Pedal past rice fields, vegetable gardens, and peaceful local villages to the ancient Co Loa Citadel, uncovering the legendary capital of King An Duong Vuong and stories of dynasties and battles.
- Visit Mach Trang Village and learn about the first King’s favorite noodles.
- Savor a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local countryside house.
- Enjoy a centuries-old traditional Vietnamese home visit and tea with a local.
Tour de Hanoi: Old Quarter, Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Corners
Along 15-20km in 3-4 hours, we will go together to:
- Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s biggest and busiest market.
- Ancient Old City Gate (Ô Quan Chưởng), the last surviving gate of ancient Hanoi.
- Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple – pedal around Hanoi’s most famous lake and temple.
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral – admire the Gothic landmark in the heart of the city.
- Hoa Lo Prison, the yellow building – learn about Vietnam’s heroic history.
- The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the city’s most iconic landmark and the burial place of President Ho Chi Minh.
- Presidential Palace – see our beloved Uncle Ho’s home.
- Hanoi Train Street – stop for snacks, drinks, and photos along the tracks.
- Local Treats – taste banh com, xoi com, and refreshing lemon tea.
Hanoi Foodie Night Ride: Cycle, Eat, Repeat
Like Saigon, Hanoi at night also offers numerous things to try. Join Jackfruit Adventure’s foodie night ride from 5:30 to 8:30 PM for a memorable journey and satisfy your taste buds with various local dishes. This is one of the best small group guided tours for first-time travelers and food lovers in Vietnam.
Tour highlights:
- Cycle through night markets with stalls full of local flavors and fresh produce.
- Stop for a quick bite from a popular local vendor.
- Watch vendors at work and sample sizzling fishcakes.
- Enjoy colorful sticky rice topped with shallots, peanuts, and pork floss.
- Wrap a local taste at a bakery.
- Savor smoky grilled pork served with noodles and herbs (bun cha) for dinner.
- Try Hanoi-style doughnuts, crisp and coated in sugar.
- End the tour with a sweet glass of fresh-pressed sugarcane juice.
The above tours include a bicycle, helmet, water, light food/snack or meals (optional), accident insurance, a tour leader, support guide, first aid kit, ponchos, smiles, and lasting memories.
I’ve listed some of the best small group guided tours for first-time travelers. While Jackfruit’s cycling and electric tours take you to must-see spots and hidden gems to immerse yourself in the local life around Hanoi and Saigon, Oxalis’ adventure and caving tours bring a thrilling and unforgettable experience in Central Vietnam.
Cycling is a relaxing, green, and cheap way to unfold a destination’s secret corners. Take part in Jackfruit’s small group guided tours to get closer to the local rhythm. Our blog covers thousands of exciting stories and tips for international visitors in Vietnam. No matter how many times you’ve been here, you will find something surprising and useful through it.
