7 Most Highly Rated Tours & Experiences In Ba Ria Vung Tau Vietnam

Ba Ria Vung Tau Vietnam may not be as famous as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but it offers a surprising variety of tours that capture local flavor, history, and natural beauty. Whether you want to explore bustling streets, cycle through lush forests, or taste exceptional cacao, this region has a lot to offer. We especially love the Shore Excursion Cycling from Phu My Port for its scenic ride through rubber plantations, and the Full Day Experience to Farm and Chocolate for a delicious hands-on chocolate adventure.

If you’re after culture, the Ho Chi Minh Street Food Private Walking Tour With Good Guide offers a taste of local flavors with a personal touch, while history buffs will appreciate the From Ho Chi Minh: Long Tan Nui Dat Battle Field Private Tour exploring Australian military history in Vietnam.

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

At number 1 we have a lively street food tour that pairs delicious bites with local insights. This private walking experience, led by friendly student guides, offers a chance to taste a variety of authentic dishes at different stops. It’s perfect for foodies who want to go beyond tourist traps and discover what locals love. The tour includes visits to hidden alleys and bustling street markets, where you can sample everything from traditional Vietnamese fare to vegetarian options tailored to your preferences.

What sets this tour apart is the personal connection—you get to ask questions and learn about Ho Chi Minh City’s history, food culture, and daily life. The night tour also visits Bùi Viện Walking Street, where you can experience the lively nightlife scene firsthand. Priced at just $30 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially if you’re curious about authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The reviews are glowing, praising the guides for their friendliness and knowledge.

Bottom line: A great choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a genuine, food-focused experience with local guides. Ideal for those who love food and culture in equal measure.

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

Number 2 on our list combines sightseeing and cultural entertainment in Hanoi. Starting with a panoramic open-top bus ride, the tour showcases Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks, including the Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The multilingual audio commentary helps you understand the significance of each site while enjoying the breeze and views. Afterward, you’ll visit the renowned Thang Long Theatre for a traditional Water Puppet Show, a uniquely Vietnamese art form that dates back centuries.

The tour is flexible, allowing you to choose your seat category for the puppet show—Normal, VIP, or Premium. It’s a practical way to combine sightseeing with a cultural highlight, making it suitable for first-time visitors or those wanting a gentle introduction to Hanoi. The entire experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours and costs $50 per person. It’s praised for its convenience and informative commentary.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want an easy, well-organized way to see Hanoi highlights and enjoy a classic cultural performance in one go. Suitable for families and first-timers.

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

Coming in at number 3 is a nighttime street food tour that pairs mouthwatering eats with live music. Led by local students, this experience explores small alleys and markets that travelers often miss, revealing the true flavor of Ho Chi Minh City after dark. You’ll taste 6–10 different dishes, from savory snacks to sweet treats, with options for vegans and those with food allergies, making it a flexible choice.

What makes this tour stand out is the live acoustic performances in intimate venues, giving you a taste of local talent and atmosphere. Throughout the evening, your guides share stories about the city’s food, music, and culture, enriching the experience. At just $35 per person, it’s an affordable way to enjoy authentic street food and relax with some local music at the end of your day.

Bottom line: A delightful choice for food lovers who also want a glimpse of Ho Chi Minh City’s lively music scene. Best for those seeking a flavorful and musical night out.

4. Shore Excursion Cycling from Phu My Port

At number 4, this cycling tour offers an active way to explore Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s countryside. Starting from Phu My Port, you’ll pedal through rubber tree forests and visit the Long Phuoc Tunnels, a site of historical significance. The ride is leisurely, with plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery, refill your water, and snack on healthy treats.

The highlight is riding through rolling country roads shaded by mature trees, providing a peaceful contrast to urban Vietnam. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and want to see a different side of the region. It costs $250 per person, reflecting the private and guided nature of the experience, which includes all equipment and a knowledgeable guide.

Some reviews note the tour’s scenic value and the insights shared about Vietnam’s wartime history. Keep in mind, the ride is about 7 hours, so it suits active travelers comfortable on a bike.

Bottom line: Excellent for active travelers eager to combine history, nature, and physical activity in a scenic rural setting.

5. Full Day Experience to Farm and Chocolate

Number 5 is a sweet adventure that combines agriculture, chocolate-making, and tastings in one day. Starting at 12 Đ. Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, this tour takes you to Binon Cacao Park for a guided tour, where you can taste cacao pulp, nibs, and chocolates. The highlight is trying your hand at making your own chocolates, which you can take home as a delicious souvenir.

This experience appeals to those with a sweet tooth or anyone curious about how cacao transforms into chocolate. The tour lasts about 3 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. The price of $76 includes the workshop, tasting, and a chance to see the cacao farm firsthand. Guests rave about the engaging guide and the opportunity to create personalized chocolates.

It’s a fun, interactive experience for families, couples, and chocolate lovers. The only downside might be that it’s limited to those with a sweet tooth and a sense of adventure in the kitchen.

Bottom line: A perfect activity for chocolate enthusiasts who want to learn, taste, and create. Ideal for a memorable half-day.

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

Number 6 takes you to Da Nang’s vibrant night scene, exploring local street food and ending the evening with live acoustic music. Guided by local students, you’ll sample 6–10 dishes, from savory to sweet, giving you a true taste of Da Nang’s diverse culinary scene. The tour also includes visits to iconic sights like Dragon Bridge, Trần Thị Lý Bridge, and My Khe Beach, making it a well-rounded introduction to the city.

What makes this tour memorable is the combination of food, sights, and live music, creating a lively, enjoyable atmosphere. It’s priced at $35 per person, making it accessible for travelers on a budget. The guides’ storytelling enhances the experience, sharing insights into local history and culture.

Perfect for those wanting a night of food, fun, and music, this tour showcases Da Nang’s energetic vibe. It’s suitable for all ages and activity levels, especially if you love sampling local dishes and relaxing with music afterward.

Bottom line: An engaging, affordable way to experience Da Nang’s food scene and nightlife, especially if you enjoy music and city views.

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

Last but not least, this battlefield tour offers a sober look at Vietnam’s military history from an Australian perspective. Starting from Ho Chi Minh, you’ll visit the Long Tan Cross Memorial, a poignant site honoring soldiers from both sides. The tour also includes stops at Nui Dat SAS Hill and Mong Ng, along with a guided exploration of the Long Phuoc Tunnels.

This tour provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the Vietnam War’s impact, especially for those interested in military history. The guide shares detailed insights, making the experience educational and respectful. Priced at $104 per person, it’s a longer, more contemplative tour suited for history enthusiasts or those traveling with a keen interest in the war’s history.

Guests describe it as a “sobering, insightful experience,” and it’s especially worthwhile if you want a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s wartime past. Be prepared for a full 8-hour day and some emotional moments.

Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs, especially those interested in the Australian side of the Vietnam War, and travelers seeking a reflective experience.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When deciding among these diverse experiences, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. Want a quick, flavorful introduction to Vietnam’s street food? The Ho Chi Minh Street Food Private Walking Tour offers excellent value and personal interaction. Looking to combine sightseeing with a cultural show? The Hanoi Water Puppet Show Tour provides a relaxed way to see Hanoi’s highlights. For active travelers, the Shore Excursion Cycling from Phu My Port delivers a scenic ride and historical insights.

If you’re a chocolate lover, the Full Day Experience to Farm and Chocolate will satisfy your sweet tooth and curiosity. Meanwhile, those seeking a lively nightlife experience should consider the Da Nang Street Food Tour with Acoustic Live Music Bar. Lastly, history enthusiasts interested in Vietnam’s wartime stories will find the Long Tan Nui Dat Battlefield Tour both educational and moving.

Final Thoughts

Ba Ria Vung Tau offers a rich variety of tours that cater to different interests—from culinary adventures and active outdoor experiences to cultural shows and historical tours. For a relaxed introduction, the city tours with live music or street food walking are perfect. If you’re after something more physical, cycling and farm-to-chocolate experiences make for memorable days.

We recommend booking early, especially for popular tours like the chocolate farm or battlefield visits, to secure your spot. No matter what your interests, this region provides authentic experiences that will make your trip unique. Choose a tour that fits your style, and you’ll leave with stories to tell and memories to cherish.