6 Fantastic Tours In Ba Ria Vung Tau Vietnam

Ba Ria Vung Tau isn’t just a quiet coastal area — it’s a hub of unique experiences that offer a genuine taste of Vietnam’s culture, history, and flavors. While many travelers stick to the beaches or visit nearby Ho Chi Minh City, this region offers a surprising variety of tours that suit different interests. Whether you’re craving authentic street food, exploring historic battle sites, or cruising through lush countryside, Ba Ria Vung Tau has something to satisfy your curiosity. Personally, I love the Ho Chi Minh City street food tours because they combine local flavor with lively nights, and the Shore Excursion Cycling from Phu My Port stands out for its active, immersive approach to Vietnam’s natural beauty.

If you’re planning your trip, you’ll find a selection of well-curated tours that give you a taste of everything: from food and music to history and outdoor adventures. To help narrow down your choices, I’ve rounded up six of the best options that stand out for their authenticity, value, and memorable experiences. Read on to see which tour suits your style.

1. Ho Chi Minh Street Food Private Walking Tour With Good Guide

At number 1, the Ho Chi Minh Street Food Private Walking Tour With Good Guide is a fantastic way to truly experience Vietnam’s bustling street food scene. Priced at $30 per person, this tour is perfect for those who want to explore local flavors in an intimate setting. Led by friendly local students, you’ll visit various stops to sample authentic dishes that represent the city’s culinary diversity. The guide’s knowledge of Ho Chi Minh City’s history and food culture makes every tasting a lesson in itself.

What makes this tour unique is its focus on exploring hidden alleys and lesser-known streets that travelers often miss. You’ll get to taste everything from traditional street snacks to vegetarian options, tailored to your preferences. The night tour adds a lively energy by visiting Bùi Viện Walking Street, where you can soak in the vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re a foodie eager to learn or simply want an authentic taste of Saigon, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of culture, cuisine, and local life.

Bottom line: This tour offers incredible value for its price, especially if you enjoy walking, discovering local corners, and tasting a variety of Vietnamese dishes with a local guide.

2. Hanoi Water Puppet Show Tour With Hop On Hop Off Bus

Number 2 takes you to Hanoi with a combined sightseeing and cultural experience. The Hanoi Water Puppet Show Tour offers an engaging 3–4 hour journey that pairs a panoramic open-top bus ride with a mesmerizing water puppet performance. For $50 per person, it provides a convenient way to see Hanoi’s top landmarks like the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and temples, all with lively commentary.

The highlight is the traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre, where skilled performers bring Vietnamese folklore to life through puppetry and music. The hop-on-hop-off aspect allows you to explore at your own pace, making it ideal for first-time visitors. Plus, the combination of sightseeing and cultural entertainment makes it a well-rounded introduction to Hanoi.

What sets this tour apart is its flexibility and quality commentary, which keeps you engaged whether you’re on the bus or watching the show. It’s suitable for travelers who want a taste of Hanoi’s history, architecture, and art in a single outing.

Bottom line: This tour offers a practical and entertaining way to see Hanoi’s key sights while enjoying a traditional cultural show — perfect for a half-day plan.

3. Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour With Acoustics Live Music

Coming in at number 3, the Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour With Acoustics Live Music blends culinary discovery with local music. For $35 per person, this evening tour guides you through small alleys and markets that aren’t on the main tourist path. Led by knowledgeable local students, you’ll taste a variety of dishes that showcase Saigon’s diverse food scene, with vegan and allergy-friendly options available.

The tour’s real charm is the combination of authentic street eats and intimate acoustic performances in cozy venues. It’s a great way to experience how food and music intertwine in Vietnam. The tour offers insight into local culture, along with the chance to relax at a bar with live music to wind down the night.

This experience is ideal for travelers interested in both Vietnamese cuisine and local arts, offering a more authentic, less touristy vibe. The personalized approach makes it stand out, and the reviews mention how well the guide balances food and cultural stories.

Bottom line: Perfect for night owls who want a lively, culture combining tasty bites with Vietnamese tunes.

4. Shore Excursion Cycling from Phu My Port

Number 4 is the Shore Excursion Cycling from Phu My Port, a robust activity designed for active travelers. At $250 per person, this eight-hour tour takes you through Vietnam’s lush rubber tree forests and features a visit to the Long Phuoc Tunnels, a significant historical site. The ride is designed to be relaxing, with stops for water and healthy snacks, making it suitable for most fitness levels.

What makes this tour special is its combination of natural beauty and history. Cycling under the shade of mature trees offers a refreshing break from the more typical sightseeing. The tunnels are a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime past, and the countryside scenery is a bonus. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy physical activity and want to see Vietnam beyond the beaches and cities.

While the price is on the higher side, it includes a full day of immersive exploration, making it good value for the experience delivered. The tour is best suited for active travelers comfortable with cycling and interested in Vietnam’s wartime history.

Bottom line: An excellent pick for active travelers seeking a mix of outdoor beauty and historical insight, with plenty of scenic cycling.

5. Da Nang Street Food Tour With Acoustic Live Music Bar

Number 5 guides you to Da Nang, a vibrant city with a lively food scene. The Da Nang Street Food Tour With Acoustic Live Music Bar is priced at $35 and combines tasting 6–10 local dishes with exploring iconic sights like Dragon Bridge and My Khe Beach. Led by local students, this tour offers a perfect blend of culinary discovery and city culture.

What makes this tour stand out is its evening setting, ending at a cozy bar with live acoustic music. You’ll get to relax, sip drinks, and listen to talented local musicians. The tour’s focus on local flavor, from savory to sweet, gives you a thorough taste of Da Nang’s food scene, paired with stories from your guides about the city’s history and culture.

Perfect for those wanting a lively night out that pairs food, sights, and music, this tour hits the right notes for a memorable evening in Da Nang. The combination of sightseeing, food, and music creates a well-rounded experience.

Bottom line: A fantastic way to sample Da Nang’s food scene with a musical twist, ideal for travelers who enjoy lively, cultural evenings.

6. From Ho Chi Minh: Long Tan Nui Dat Battle Field Private Tour

Number 6 is a serious history tour — the Long Tan Nui Dat Battle Field Private Tour explores one of Australia’s most famous engagements during the Vietnam War. For $104 per person, the full eight-hour journey includes visits to the Long Tan Cross Memorial, Nui Dat SAS Hill, and the Long Phuoc Tunnels.

This tour is unique because it offers a solemn reflection on the battles of 1966, with guides sharing detailed stories about the soldiers’ experiences. Visiting the Long Tan Cross Memorial provides a poignant moment of remembrance. The inclusion of the Long Phuoc Tunnels gives additional context to Vietnam’s wartime landscape.

This tour appeals most to those interested in military history or respectful remembrance. It’s a meaningful, educational experience that provides insight into the Vietnam War from an Australian perspective.

Bottom line: A powerful, respectful tour for history buffs or those wanting to understand Vietnam’s wartime legacy in depth.

How to Choose

When selecting your ideal tour in Ba Ria Vung Tau, consider your interests and physical activity level. Food lovers will enjoy the street food tours, like Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Private Walking Tour or the Da Nang food experience. History enthusiasts might prefer the Long Tan Battlefield Tour, while active travelers will appreciate the Cycling from Phu My Port. For a blend of sightseeing and cultural entertainment, the Hanoi water puppet and music tours are excellent choices.

Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure spots on these popular experiences. Also, tailor your choice based on your fitness level, budget, and whether you prefer a relaxed cultural experience or a more energetic outdoor adventure.

Final Thoughts

Ba Ria Vung Tau offers a surprising variety of tours that give you a genuine taste of Vietnam beyond the typical beaches and city sights. For a budget-friendly, flavorful introduction, the street food tours stand out. If you’re after a deeper historical perspective, the Long Tan Battlefield Tour is a moving experience. Active travelers will enjoy cycling through the countryside, while culture seekers will love the blend of music and food in Da Nang.

No matter your interest, these tours provide authentic, memorable experiences that will make your trip to Ba Ria Vung Tau truly special. Be sure to book early, plan according to your passions, and prepare to learn about Vietnam’s vibrant culture.