Cultural Tours in Vietnam for Foreign Tourists

Vietnam, an S-shaped country, is famous not only for its pristine beaches and majestic natural landscapes but also as a treasure trove of ancient culture and history. For international visitors, Cultural tours in Vietnam offer a profound journey of discovery, connecting them with the core values of a resilient and hospitable nation.

What Do Cultural Tours in Vietnam Offer?

In modern travel trends, tourists no longer just admire beautiful scenery but also seek more authentic and meaningful experiences. Cultural tours in Vietnam provide unique opportunities to:

• Explore History: From ancient capitals to war relics, each site reflects a part of Vietnam's glorious history.

• Experience Local Life: Meet the local people, participate in daily activities, and feel their warmth and hospitality.

• Discover Diverse Cuisine: Savor world-renowned street food and learn about the sophisticated culinary art of the Vietnamese.

• Understand Beliefs and Customs: Visit ancient pagodas and temples, and witness unique traditional rituals.

Cultural Highlights

1. Historical Heritage and Ancient Architecture

Vietnam proudly boasts many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its rich history and distinctive architecture.

• Hanoi: The thousand-year-old capital, where visitors can stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy, and the Old Quarter with its traditional tube houses.

• Hue Imperial City: A place that preserves the cultural values and royal architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. The Imperial Citadel of Hue, royal tombs, and Thien Mu Pagoda offer a glimpse into Vietnam's golden era.

• Hoi An Ancient Town: A bustling trading port from the 17th century, with ancient houses, colorful lanterns, and a romantic ambiance. It's an ideal destination to learn about architecture, handicrafts, and local cuisine.

>>> Hanoi City Tour

>>> Hue City Tour from Da Nang 

>>> Da Nang - Coconut Forest - Hoi An Full Day Tour

2. Traditional Beauty and Unique Festivals

Exploring Vietnamese culture also involves witnessing and participating in traditional festivals, where national identity is clearly expressed.

• Traditional Festivals: Vietnam boasts countless traditional festivals held throughout the year, reflecting a rich spiritual life and vibrant community culture. Visitors can experience the lively atmosphere of festivals like Huong Pagoda Festival (Hanoi), Hung King Temple Festival (Phu Tho), Co Loa Festival (Hanoi), or other unique folk festivals in various localities, complete with solemn rituals, traditional games, and special festive foods.

  >>> Hanoi - Huong Pagoda 1 day trip

• Traditional Handicrafts: Visiting craft villages like Bat Trang pottery village, Van Phuc silk village, or conical hat making villages allows visitors to witness the skill and meticulousness of Vietnamese artisans.

• Performing Arts: Enjoy water puppetry, a unique Vietnamese folk art form, or royal court dances, ca trù, and quan họ folk singing.

3. Diverse Culinary Journey

Cuisine is an indispensable part of the Vietnamese cultural experience. Each region offers unique specialties with distinctive flavors, clearly reflecting the geography, climate, and lifestyle of its people.

• Northern Cuisine: Characterized by its subtlety, elegance, and balanced flavors. Dishes are typically not too spicy or greasy, focusing on the natural taste of ingredients.

  • Pho: The national dish, with clear, sweet broth simmered from bones, soft rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef or chicken.

  • Bun Cha: A perfect combination of fresh vermicelli, grilled pork patties, and a rich sweet and sour dipping sauce.

  • Banh Cuon: Thin, silky rice noodle rolls made from steamed rice flour, served with Vietnamese pork sausage and a dipping sauce.

>>> Amazing Hanoi Morning Foodie Tour

>>> Amazing Hanoi Foodie By Night

>>> Amazing Hanoi Cooking Class

Pho is a must-try dish for any tourist coming to Hanoi

• Central Cuisine: Rich in distinctive flavors, often spicier and saltier than Northern dishes, with a diverse range of spices and elaborate preparation methods.

  • Bun Bo Hue: Famous for its spicy and rich broth infused with lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste, thick vermicelli noodles, beef, and pork hock.

  • Mi Quang: A signature dish of Quang Nam, featuring flat noodles, a small amount of rich broth, served with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and crispy rice crackers.

  • Banh Xeo: Crispy savory pancakes with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and sweet and sour dipping sauce.

This is Mi Quang, a local specialty from Quang Nam Province in Vietnam

• Southern Cuisine: Tends to be sweeter, richer, and uses more coconut milk, sugar, fresh herbs, and seafood.

  • Hu Tieu: A popular noodle soup with many variations like hu tieu Nam Vang or hu tieu My Tho, typically featuring clear broth, chewy noodles, and a variety of toppings.

  • Com Tam: A common dish with broken rice, grilled pork chop, egg meatloaf, shredded pork skin, and sweet fish sauce.

  • Lau Mam: A distinctive hotpot of the Mekong Delta, with a rich broth made from fermented fish (linh fish or sac fish), served with various local vegetables and seafood.

  • Banh Mi: A globally recognized street food, combining a crispy baguette with diverse fillings.

  • Vietnamese Iced Coffee: A characteristic beverage with a rich, unforgettable flavor.

>> Street food by Motorbike Tour 

>> What's good to eat?

Banh Mi is also a Vietnamese street food you simply can't miss.

4. People and Lifestyle

Vietnamese people are known for their friendliness, hospitality, and optimism. Throughout Cultural tours in Vietnam, visitors have the opportunity to interact with locals, listen to their stories, and feel their sincerity. The smiles in the rice fields or the enthusiasm of street vendors leave a deep impression.

• Northerners: Often known for their elegance, prudence, and preservation of traditional values. They have a reserved lifestyle, value loyalty, and prioritize family and social relationships. Sophistication in communication and conduct is also a characteristic trait of Northerners.

• Central Highlanders: Bearing the strong imprint of a harsh land, people from Central Vietnam are often hardworking, resilient, enduring, and thrifty. They have straightforward, honest personalities and are very strong in the face of difficulties. Their hospitality and deep affection are also prominent qualities.

• Southerners: Have a free-spirited, open-minded, dynamic, and adaptable personality. They are often enthusiastic, generous, love freedom, and are not overly concerned with minor details. A harmonious, cheerful lifestyle and an optimistic spirit are always present in the daily lives of Southerners.

Cultural tours in Vietnam are designed to provide profound experiences, helping visitors not only see but also truly immerse themselves in the cultural atmosphere of this country.

>> Vietnam travel agency specializing in cultural tours

Photographs depicting world leaders during their visits to Vietnam, at ease as they engaged in conversations, shook hands, and posed for pictures with the local populace.

Contact for Organizing Cultural Tours in Vietnam

To embark on a journey to explore Vietnamese culture with the most authentic experiences, contact INBOUND VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CO., LTD – a professional and reputable tour operator in Vietnam. We are committed to providing tailor-made Cultural tours in Vietnam that suit every need of international travelers.

Contact Information:

• Address 1: 16 Nguyen Van Ngoc Str., Cong Vi Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City

• Address 2: 8th floor, 151 Vo Thi Sau Str, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• 24/7 Tour Advice Hotline/ WhatsApp: (+84) 965.87.88.77

• Email: tours@inboundvietnam.com