Unique local experience to enhance your adventure
Discover Vietnam’s rich history and vibrant culture on a full-day shore excursion.
Browse our shore excursions and book online today.
Full-Day Shore Excursions
to Explore Vietnam’s Best Destinations
Skip the crowded bus tours and experience Vietnam the right way — through local food, real culture, and thoughtfully designed journeys that fit your cruise schedule.
At A Taste of Hanoi, We specialize in private Vietnam shore excursions for cruise ship travelers arriving at ports across the country, including guests sailing on ships such as Celebrity Solstice, Ovation of the Seas, and Norwegian Spirit. From the limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay to the vibrant streets of Saigon, every tour is crafted to be authentic, seamless, and guaranteed to get you back to your ship on time.
Why Travelers Choose Our Vietnam Shore Excursions
- 🚗 Port pickup & guaranteed return to ship
- 👨🍳 Local expert guides (not scripted tour guides)
- 🍜 Authentic food experiences built into every tour
- 👥 100% private tours — no big bus groups
- ⏱️ Flexible itineraries based on your docking time
Vietnam Cruise Ports We Serve
We operate private shore excursions from all major cruise ports in Vietnam:
- Ha Long Bay (Cai Lan Port / Hon Gai Port) – Gateway to Hanoi
- Da Nang (Tien Sa Port) – Access to Hoi An & Central Vietnam
- Hue (Chan May Port) – Imperial capital & cultural heart
- Nha Trang (Cam Ranh Port) – Coastal city & countryside escapes
- Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My Port) – Bustling Saigon & Mekong Delta
Our Signature Vietnam Shore Excursions
Hanoi Shore Excursion from Ha Long Bay (Cai Lan Port)
This is one of our most popular full-day shore excursions — and for good reason.
Hanoi is approximately 2.5–3 hours from Ha Long Bay port, but we turn the journey into part of the experience. Once in the capital, you’ll dive straight into the energy of the Old Quarter, explore hidden alleyways, and sit down for authentic local dishes that most visitors never find on their own.
Highlights include:
- Hanoi Old Quarter walking experience
- Street food tastings (tailored to your preferences)
- Local coffee stop (yes, Hanoi egg coffee included)
- Hanoi Craft brewery stops, craft beer tap room tastings
- Cultural landmarks & hidden local spots
Perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing — this is Hanoi through a local lens.
Hue Shore Excursion from Chan May Port
Step into Vietnam’s imperial past with a journey to Hue — the former royal capital.
This shore excursion focuses on depth, not just ticking boxes. Explore the Imperial City, visit ancient temples, and enjoy a slower, more cultural experience that reflects the heritage of Central Vietnam.
Highlights include:
- Hue Imperial Citadel exploration
- Royal tombs & historic landmarks
- Thiên Mụ Pagoda- the moving tribute to a self-sacrificing monk
- Traditional Hue cuisine experience- amazing set lunch
- Scenic drive through coastal landscapes
Da Nang & Hoi An Shore Excursion from Tien Sa Port
Docking in Da Nang gives you access to one of Vietnam’s most charming regions.
Our private shore excursion takes you beyond the typical highlights — blending history, culture, and local life. Wander the lantern-lined streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, explore local markets, and enjoy regional cuisine that defines Central Vietnam.
Highlights include:
- Guided walk through Hoi An Ancient Town
- Local food experiences & regional specialties
- Optional basket boat or countryside bicycle tour add-ons
- Rhum distillery tour optional add on
- Banana Hills half day and other half day in Hoi an old town
- Flexible pacing based on your schedule
Nha Trang Shore Excursion from Cam Ranh Port
Looking for something more relaxed? Nha Trang offers a mix of coastline, countryside, and local life.
We design this excursion around your interests — whether that’s cultural exploration, food discovery, or simply enjoying a laid-back day away from the crowds.
Highlights include:
- Local market visits
- Countryside visits and city highlights
- Po Nagar Cham Towers
- Coastal viewpoints & hidden spots
- Authentic Vietnamese cuisine
- Flexible half-day or full-day options
Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port
Experience the energy of Saigon with a private shore excursion designed to balance history, food, and local life.
Phu My Port is about 1.5–2 hours from the city, and once you arrive, the contrast is immediate — modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks, and some of the best street food in Vietnam.
Highlights include:
- War history & cultural landmarks
- Cu Chi tunnels- famous war time tunnels
- Street food experience in local neighborhoods
- Coffee culture & hidden cafes
- Optional Mekong Delta extension
What Makes Our Shore Excursions Different?
Most cruise excursions follow the same formula — big groups, tight schedules, and surface-level experiences.
We do things differently.
At A Taste of Hanoi, our shore excursions are built around real experiences:
- Sitting down on small plastic stools for a bowl of local noodles
- Going to see a craft beer brew master in Hanoi
- With private small groups we can take you to the more local spots big tour groups can’t
- Meeting vendors who have been cooking the same dishes for generations
- Exploring neighborhoods that never make it into guidebooks
This is Vietnam beyond the checklist.
Designed for Cruise Travelers
We understand the logistics that come with cruise travel — and we build every tour around it.
- ✔️ Timed precisely with your ship’s schedule
- ✔️ Real-time flexibility if docking times change
- ✔️ Direct port pickup with clear meeting points
- ✔️ Comfortable transport for longer distances
Your time in port is limited — we make sure every moment counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get back to my cruise ship on time?
Yes — every shore excursion is carefully planned around your ship’s docking schedule. We always allow buffer time to ensure a stress-free return to port.
Are your shore excursions private or shared?
All of our Vietnam shore excursions are 100% private. This allows us to customize the experience based on your interests, pace, and travel style.
How far is Hanoi from Ha Long Bay port?
Hanoi is approximately 2.5+ hours from Cai Lan or Hon Gai Port. We structure the day to maximize your time in the city while ensuring a smooth return to your ship.
Can tours be customized?
Absolutely. Every shore excursion can be tailored — from food focus to cultural depth to pacing. Just let us know what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Ready to Plan Your Vietnam Shore Excursion?
Whether you’re docking for a few hours or a full day, we’ll help you turn your time in Vietnam into something memorable.
👉 Contact us today to plan your private Vietnam shore excursion and secure your preferred date!
Cruise Ships We Welcome Across Vietnam Ports
Planning your Vietnam shore excursion? We regularly host guests arriving on a wide range of international cruise ships docking at Vietnam’s main ports — including Ha Long Bay, Chan May (Hue/Da Nang), and Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City).
Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying overnight, our private shore excursions are carefully timed to match your ship’s schedule — with reliable port pickup, flexible start times, and a guaranteed return to your cruise.
We frequently welcome guests traveling on ships such as:
Ha Long Bay (Hon Gai Port) – Hanoi & Northern Vietnam
- Celebrity Solstice
- Ovation of the Seas
- Quantum of the Seas
- Westerdam
- Noordam
- Silver Muse
Chan May Port – Hue, Da Nang & Hoi An
- Queen Mary 2
- Spectrum of the Seas
- Celebrity Millennium
- Azamara Pursuit
- Viking Orion
Phu My Port – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- Celebrity Millennium
- Norwegian Spirit
- Sapphire Princess
- Westerdam
- MSC Bellissima
No matter which ship you’re arriving on, we ensure a smooth, stress-free experience — with clear communication, easy port pickup, and fully customized itineraries designed around your time in Vietnam.
👉 Not sure if your ship is listed? Just reach out — we’ve got you covered.