9 Vietnam Boat Tours: Various Vietnam Boat Enjoyment You’ll Love

Vietnam, a country with a diverse coastline and picturesque waterways, offers many opportunities to explore its natural beauty through boat tours.

With many boat types and enchanting destinations, Vietnam provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure and tranquility among Southeast Asia Tours.

This essay explores the types of boats in Vietnam, the reasons to choose a Vietnam boat trip, popular boat tours across the country, engaging activities associated with Vietnam boats, and essential tips for an enjoyable experience.

What Boats Were Used in Vietnam

Basket boats (Thuyền Thúng): These small, round boats are made from bamboo and are traditionally used by fishermen in central Vietnam. They have a unique shape that resembles a basket and are lightweight, allowing them to navigate shallow waters and narrow channels.

Sampan boats: Sampan boats are flat-bottomed wooden boats commonly found in Vietnam's rivers, canals, and deltas. They are used for various purposes, including transportation of people, goods, and produce. Sampan boats can be paddled or propelled by a small outboard motor.

Fishing boats: Vietnam has a vibrant fishing industry, and different fishing boats are used nationwide. Some common fishing boat types include trawlers, longliners, gillnetters, and purse seiners. These boats vary in size and equipment depending on the fishing method and the targeted species.

Fishing Boats

Wooden junks: Traditional wooden junks are iconic boats used for centuries in Halong Bay and other coastal areas of Vietnam. These boats feature distinctive curved sails and are often used for tourism, offering overnight cruises and day trips for visitors to explore the stunning limestone karsts and islands.

River ferries: In Vietnam's riverine regions, ferries are crucial in transporting people, vehicles, and goods across waterways. These ferries range from small, manually operated boats to larger motorized vessels capable of carrying trucks and buses.

River ferries

Dragon boats: Dragon boat racing is a popular traditional sport in Vietnam, especially during festivals and celebrations. Dragon boats are long and narrow with ornately carved dragon heads and tails. They are powered by a team of paddlers who row in unison to propel the boat forward.

Tourist boats: With its scenic waterways and natural landscapes, Vietnam attracts many tourists, and various tourist boats cater to different destinations. These can include luxury cruise ships, speedboats, and smaller vessels for exploring rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

Military boats: Given Vietnam's strategic location and historical conflicts, the Vietnamese Navy and other security forces use various military boats. These include patrol boats, gunboats, landing craft, and support vessels.

Why choose a Vietnam boat to have a trip to Vietnam?

Opting for a boat tour in Vietnam offers many benefits and memorable experiences.

Firstly, it allows travelers to witness the country's stunning natural landscapes from a unique perspective, gliding through serene waters surrounded by lush greenery and awe-inspiring karst formations. Boat trips also provide opportunities for adventure and exploration, allowing visitors to reach secluded islands, hidden caves, and remote fishing villages often inaccessible by land. Moreover, Vietnam's boat tours offer a blend of cultural immersion and relaxation, with the chance to witness traditional fishing practices, interact with local communities, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets on the water.

Basket boats (Thuyền Thúng)

Boat Tour in Vietnam

Halong Bay Boat Tour

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. A Halong Bay Cruise here offers a mesmerizing experience, cruising through the bay's enchanting maze of karsts and visiting iconic attractions such as Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. Overnight cruises provide an opportunity to savor delicious seafood, engage in activities like kayaking and squid fishing, and witness the ethereal beauty of sunrise and sunset over the bay.

Wooden junks

Recommended Vietnam Boat Tour with Halong Bay:
4 Days Hanoi Tour with Halong Bay Cruise
Travel Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi

Lan Ha Bay Boat Tour

Adjacent to Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay offers a less crowded alternative with equally breathtaking scenery. A boat tour here allows visitors to explore pristine beaches, indulge in water activities like snorkeling and swimming, and discover hidden lagoons and caves. The tranquil ambiance of Lan Ha Bay makes it an ideal choice for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Lan Ha Bay

Tam Coc Boat Tour

Located in Ninh Binh province, Tam Coc is often referred to as "Halong Bay on land" due to its stunning karst landscape. A boat tour along the Ngo Dong River takes visitors through rice paddies, limestone caves, and towering cliffs. The journey passes through three caves, providing a unique experience as local oarsmen navigate the boats using their feet. It’s a suitable place to find the best Vietnam for families.

Tam Coc

Recommended Vietnam Boat Tour with Tam Coc:
5 Days A Glimpse of North Vietnam Tour
Travel Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay Cruise

Perfume River Boat Tour

In Hue, the Perfume River offers scenic Vietnam river boats that take travelers past historical landmarks and cultural sites. The tour showcases attractions like the Thien Mu Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel, and the Royal Tombs. Immersed in history and surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the Perfume River boat tour offers a glimpse into Vietnam's imperial past.

Dragon boats

Recommended Vietnam Boat Tour with Perfume River:
12 Days Vietnam Nature and Culture Tour
Travel Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Danang - Hoi An - Hue – Saigon

Nha Trang Boat Tour

Nha Trang is a coastal city famous for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. A boat tour here allows visitors to explore the colorful underwater world with travel highlights in Nha Trang through activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. Additionally, island-hopping tours allow relaxing on secluded beaches and enjoying water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.

Nha Trang

Recommended Vietnam Boat Tour with Nha Trang:
20 Days Vietnam Beach Relaxing Tour
Travel Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Saigon - Can Tho - Saigon

Mekong Delta Boat Tour

The Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam's "rice bowl," is a vast network of rivers, canals, and floating markets. A Mekong River Cruise here allows visitors to witness the bustling floating markets, interact with local traders, and experience the unique way of life along the river. Exploring fruit orchards, visiting traditional craft villages, and sampling regional delicacies are among the highlights of a Mekong Delta boat tour.

Mekong River Cruise

Recommended Vietnam Boat Tour with the Mekong Delta:
12 Days Essential Vietnam Tour
Travel Route: Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi - Hoi An – Saigon

Can Tho Floating Market Boat Tour

Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, is renowned for its vibrant floating markets. A boat tour immerses visitors in the lively atmosphere of Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets, where vendors sell fresh produce and local goods. It's an opportunity to witness the rich trading traditions of the region and savor the flavors of Mekong Delta cuisine. Have a relaxing tour in Can Tho!

Can Tho

Recommended Vietnam Boat Tour with Can Tho:
10 Days Vietnam Highlights Tour with Can Tho
Travel Route: Saigon - Can Tho - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi

Phu Quoc Boat Tour

A boat tour in Phu Quoc, a picturesque island off Vietnam's southwestern coast, offers many of the best things to do in Phu Quoc. You can enjoy island-hopping, snorkeling, and scuba diving to explore the island's stunning marine life and coral reefs. Fishing excursions allow you to experience traditional fishing techniques, while sunset cruises provide breathtaking views of the island's beautiful sunsets. Visiting pearl farms and relaxing on Bai Sao Beach are popular Phu Quoc boat tour highlights. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, a boat tour in Phu Quoc promises an unforgettable experience in this tropical paradise.

Phu Quoc

Recommended Vietnam Tour with Phu Quoc:
7 Days Southern Vietnam Luxury Honeymoon Tour with Phu Quoc Island
Travel Route: Saigon - My tho - Can tho - Phu Quoc Island – Saigon

PBR Boat Tour

The PBR (Patrol Boat, River) boat tour is an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore Vietnam's wartime history. Riding on authentic or replica PBR boats used during the Vietnam War, participants can navigate rivers, visit historical sites, and learn about the challenges soldiers face during combat operations. It's a unique opportunity to gain insights into the war and appreciate the significance of Vietnam's waterways during that time.

Military boats in Vietnam War

Various Vietnam Boat Fascinating Activities

The activities enhance the overall experience and provide a deeper immersion into Vietnam's culture, nature, and traditions. Here are some captivating activities to consider during a Vietnam boat tour:

Fishing Excursions: Fishing plays a significant role in Vietnamese culture, and joining a fishing excursion allows visitors to experience the traditional fishing practices firsthand. Accompanied by local fishermen, you can learn techniques such as net casting, fish trapping, or even squid fishing at night. Engaging in these activities provides insights into the daily livesof fishermen and their reliance on the sea for sustenance.

Kayaking and Swimming: Many boat tours in Vietnam offer opportunities for kayaking and swimming in the pristine waters surrounding the country's coastal regions. In places like Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, or Nha Trang, kayaking allows you to navigate through hidden caves, lagoons, and picturesque islets. Swimming in crystal-clear waters offers a refreshing break, connecting you with the natural beauty of Vietnam.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Vietnam is home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Locations such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc Island, and Cham Islands offer excellent opportunities to explore the underwater world, encountering colorful coral reefs, exotic fish species, and other fascinating marine life.

Phong Dien Floating Market

Visiting Floating Markets: Vietnam's floating markets are an integral part of the country's culture and provide a unique and lively experience. Joining a boat tour to visit floating markets, such as Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho or Phong Dien Floating Market in the Mekong Delta, allows you to witness the vibrant trade activities, interact with local vendors, and savor traditional Vietnamese dishes and fresh produce.

Exploring Cave Systems: Vietnam is renowned for its captivating cave systems, and many boat tours include a Vietnam Cave Tour to these natural wonders. In Halong Bay, tours often stop at Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) or Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave), where you can marvel at impressive rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Similarly, the Trang An complex in Ninh Binh province offers boat tours that take you through caves, revealing stunning landscapes and ancient relics.

Sung Sot Cave

Cultural Immersion: Boat tours in Vietnam often provide opportunities for cultural immersion, allowing you to interact with local communities and witness traditional activities. This may include visits to fishing villages, where you can learn about the daily lives of fishermen, observe traditional crafts like net weaving or boat making, or even participate in cooking classes to learn the art of Vietnamese cuisine.

Sunset and Sunrise Viewing: Vietnam's picturesque waterways offer breathtaking moments during sunrise and sunset. On a boat tour, you can witness the sky ablaze with vibrant colors as the sun rises or sets over the tranquil waters. Whether it's the iconic sunrise in Halong Bay, the ethereal glow on the Perfume River in Hue, or the golden hues reflecting on the Mekong Delta, these quiet moments create unforgettable memories.

Tips For Vietnam Boat

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during a Vietnam boat tour, it's essential to consider a few tips.
It's advisable to book boat tours with reputable operators or travel agencies to ensure safety and quality service.
Packing essentials such as sunscreen, hats, and comfortable clothing suitable for weather conditions is also essential.
Bringing a waterproof bag to protect electronic devices and valuables is recommended.
Respecting local customs, following safety instructions, and practicing responsible tourism contribute to a positive and sustainable boat tour experience in Vietnam.

To Sum Up

Vietnam's diverse coastline and waterways offer an array of boat tours that captivate travelers with their natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. From the iconic Halong Bay to the enchanting Mekong Delta, each boat tour in Vietnam provides unique insights into the country's rich heritage and stunning landscapes. Whether it's the tranquility of Tam Coc, the bustling floating markets of Can Tho, or the vibrant marine life of Nha Trang, a boat tour in Vietnam is a captivating journey that leaves visitors with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the country's maritime wonders.

You can contact us to tailor your brilliant Vietnam boat tour to the scenery, sites, and things you want.