The short answer
- Best for couples and families
- Private tours
- Best for solo travellers
- Small group tours
- Cruises
- Shared on both
- Price gap
- Often small for two or more
Vietnam is easy to tour either way. Private tours give you a guide and driver in each region and let you choose the hotels and pace; group tours bundle everything at a lower price for solo travellers.
One thing is the same on both: Ha Long Bay cruises are usually shared with other guests unless you charter a whole boat.
Side by side
| Private tour | Small group tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is with you | Your party, with local guides and drivers | Usually 10 to 16 travellers and a tour leader |
| Dates | Any day | Fixed departures |
| Pace | Flexible | Set schedule |
| Hotels | Your choice of standard | Chosen by the operator |
| Cost for a solo traveller | Higher | Usually lower |
| Cost for two or more | Often close to a group tour | Similar |
Private tours
Want a private tour quoted?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 14 days, built around your dates.
Small group tours
Rather have a trip to Vietnam made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
Is a private tour of Vietnam expensive?
For two or more people, often only a little more per person than a group tour. Compare the live prices on this page.
Can I travel Vietnam independently?
Yes, Vietnam is easy to travel independently, but a tour saves time on transport, cruises and guides, especially on a first visit.
Vietnam month by month
More Vietnam guides
Best time to visit Vietnam: north, central and south explained
Vietnam has three climates. March and April are good everywhere; the north is best in spring and autumn, the centre from February to August and the south from December to April.
Updated 14 October 2026
Vietnam month by month: weather, festivals and where to go
A month by month planner for Vietnam: the weather in each region, the festivals worth timing a trip around, and where to go.
Updated 14 October 2026
How many days in Vietnam? Routes for 7, 10, 14 and 21 days
One week suits the north or the centre, two weeks covers north to south with a Ha Long Bay cruise, and three weeks adds Sapa, the Mekong and a beach.
Updated 14 October 2026
Ha Long Bay cruise guide: which bay, how long and what it costs
One night is the sweet spot. Choose Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long Bay for fewer boats, or Ha Long Bay for the famous caves. Live prices for 1 and 2 night cruises.
Updated 14 October 2026