Tour Recommendations

Here is a list of all the best tours and activities we booked and links to book through for Thailand, Bali and Vietnam.

If you plan on booking a tour please consider using my affiliate links below. This way, I can earn a small commission. Every booking truly contributes to supporting my work without any expense to you whatsoever :)

Tour Company Recommendations

Select Region:

Thailand

Krabi

Private Tour By Long Tail Boat with Visa Travel Phi Phi

National Park Fee: 200 Baht per person.

I recommend starting at 6 am to enjoy these places without too many people. Bring some food/snacks with you.

Places to Visit:

  • Maya Bay
  • Pi Leh Lagoon
  • Viking Cave
  • Bamboo Island
  • Monkey Beach

Krabi: 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner and Snorkeling

National Park Fee: 200 Baht per person.

Hotel pickup and drop-off services in Krabi are included in this tour. You will take a longtail boat to snorkel at Koh Yawasam and Koh Tan Ming, and visit the sandbar that connects Koh Tub, Koh Mor and Koh Kai (chicken island). Enjoy a BBQ dinner on Koh Poda while watching the sunset. Before returning to Ao Nang Pier dive into the deep dark ocean waters near Koe Raeng to see bio-luminescent plankton.

Hong Islands by Private Longtail Boat

National Park Fee: 300 Baht per person. Email Swiss Chalet Tour Company to book at tour@swisschalet- thailand.com.

Book a private longtail boat tour to take you to Koh Lao Lading, Hong Lagoon and Hong Island (make sure to do the viewpoint on Hong Island!). You can ask the boat driver to take you to Koh Pak Bia (another small island nearby) but if you love Hong Island I recommend spending your time there. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off services to and from your hotel.

For only a small additional cost you can order a lunchbox which I recommend as there are no restaurants on the islands.

Phuket

From Phuket or Khao Lak: Similan Islands Snorkeling Day Trip

National Park Fee: 500 Baht per person

The tour cost includes light breakfast, lunch, & dinner, as well as hotel pickup & drop-off services & snorkelling gear.

Tickets to Carnival Magic Phuket

Purchase your tickets on Headout and receive an 8% discount using code: ALIKA8

The park is only open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 5:30 pm. Listen out for an announcement during the night for the street parade time. Prepare to be wowed by the spectacular float show at 8:30 pm in the theatre. Taking photos and videos are not permitted. The show was incredible, featuring floats, dazzling costumes, lights, and even fire. Once the show ends, the Kingdom of Lights opens, and it’s so enchanting. It’s about a 20-minute walk through some light displays. Here you will see the world’s largest LED structure.

Note: There are no animal shows at Carnival Magic.

Phuket: Coral and Racha Islands Hype Luxury Catamaran

Experience a luxury catamaran trip to paradise islands near Phuket with Hype Boat Club. There are two levels on the catamaran and it depends on what ticket you purchase as to where you will be seated. The first level has tables and day beds for sharing and is perfect for those who want to party. If you’re after a more luxurious and relaxing vibe, the second level is for you with its private day beds.

Phuket: Khai Nok, Khai Nai, and Khai Nui Island Day Trip

The best thing about this tour is how affordable and convenient it is. If you want to see some beautiful islands and only have a few hours to spare in Phuket then this tour is perfect. The Khai islands are only a short 15-minute speedboat ride away. The tour is only 4 hours and not a full-day tour so you can work this around any schedule and it’s only 28 USD per person!

This tour takes you to 3 islands:

  • Khai Nai (Cat Island)
  • Khai Nui for snorkelling
  • Khai Nok for swimming and relaxing

Koh Samui

Koh Samui: Coral and Pig Island Long Tail Boat Tour

The cost includes hotel pickup & drop-off, entrance fees, lunch, snorkelling equipment, and kayaking.

Ang Thong Marine Park Full-Day Big Boat Economy Tour

National Park Fee: 300 Baht per person. The tour cost includes a light breakfast, a buffet-style lunch, & hotel pick-up and drop-off services.

Khao Sok

Khao Sok Overnight Bungalow Tour

We booked our tour package with Smiley Bungalows and it cost us 3000 Baht (85 USD) per person for 2 nights and 3 days including 1-night accommodation at Khao Sok Smiley Bungalow or Dome Camp, 1-night accommodation at Smiley Lake House, 2 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, 1 x dinner, transfer from Khao Sok Smiley to Cheow Lan Lake, roundtrip longtail boat, kayaking, evening boat trip, morning wildlife safari boat trip and insurance.

The Khao Sok National Park Fee and Cheow Lan Lake Pier Cleaning Fee (20 Baht per person) are not included in the total package cost.

On this tour, you will visit Guilin of Thailand Rocks, enjoy an evening and morning boat safari, go cave trekking in Nam Taloo Cave (high season only) and stay in an overwater bungalow on the lake.

Bangkok

Bangkok: River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess

I have done this cruise a few times with different cruise companies and can confirm that Chao Phraya Princess is the best company to book your Bangkok Dinner Cruise with. The ticket includes an international buffet dinner and live entertainment.

Chao Phraya White Orchid Cruise with Dinner & Free Flow Beer

Purchase your tickets on Headout and receive an 8% discount using code: ALIKA8

Experience a fun evening filled with an all-you-can-eat buffet, bottomless beer, Thai dance performances, dancing and seeing Bangkok city at night.

The White Orchid dinner cruise offers two departure times: sunset and night. Choose the night cruise for a more enjoyable time. Boarding starts at 7:45 pm, with departures from Icon Siam or Asiatique. The 2-hour cruise concludes at the starting point.

Bangkok River Dinner Cruise

Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, transportation between places (minivan), hotel pick-up and drop-off services and a firefly boat tour.

From Bangkok: Erawan Park & Kanchanaburi Small-Group Tour

The national park is around 3 hours from Bangkok so it is best to take an organized tour. On this tour not only will you visit the national park but you will also visit the JEATH museum. Entrance fees to all attractions are included on this tour. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the 7th waterfall from the parking lot. It’s not a hard trek, it’s fairly flat.

From waterfalls 4-7 there are some stairs to climb but not a lot. Highly recommend making the trek to the 7th waterfall even through the heat as it’s the best one. You have to rent a life jacket and wear it if you want to swim at the waterfalls. It’s 20 Baht to rent one and you need to leave your ID. If you have plastic water bottles with you, you’ll need to leave a 50 Baht deposit per water bottle and collect it on the way back.

Ancient City

Ancient City is one of the world’s largest outdoor museums featuring a 200-acre city with 109 scaled-down copies of Thailand’s most famous monuments and architectural attractions. The fee is 700 Baht per person if you pay on entry, but if you book online through Klook, you can save 50% and only pay 350 Baht per person.

Chiang Mai

From Chiang Mai: Inthanon National Park 9-Hour Group Tour

Doi Inthanon National Park is over 1 hour drive away from Chiang Mai and there is so much to see here!

On this day tour you will get to:

  • Stand on the highest point in Thailand
  • See the famous twin pagodas of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit
  • Visit a local market where you can taste nuts, dried fruits and even spirits and wine
  • Indulge in a delicious Thai lunch at a local restaurant
  • Explore the Karen Hill Tribe Village
  • View the stunning rice fields of Mae Klang
  • Marvel at the majestic Wachirathan Waterfall

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off services, transportation to Doi Inthanon, an English-speaking guide, admission fees and lunch.

Elephant Jungle Expedition 1 Day Tour with Chai Lai Orchid

Tour Cost: 3,500 Baht per person. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off services in Chiang Mai city, lunch and an English-speaking guide.

Make sure to reserve ahead of time on their website. If you are staying at Chai Lai Orchid I still highly recommend you book this tour as it includes free pick up and drop off service in Chiang Mai City (the sanctuary is located over an hour away and in a remote area).

Pattaya

Sanctuary of Truth Museum

You’ll need to enter with a guided tour at certain times of the day (they run pretty frequently during the morning and then on the hour in the afternoon). For cheaper tickets book in advance on Klook. It costs 500 Baht if you pay on entry or 375 Baht on Klook.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya is the largest man-made dinosaur park in the world. It covers 1600 acres which makes it easy to spend a whole day here. Walking around can be tiring due to the heat, there is an optional trolley ride around the park for an additional fee. Book your tickets in advance on Klook as it’s cheaper than purchasing tickets on entry.

Tappia Floating Cafe Pattaya Transfer & Drink

Perched on the water, this floating cafe is a unique fun experience. Here you can listen to live music, try squid fishing, eat the squid once you catch one or many and enjoy the beautiful sunset views & instagrammable spots at the cafe. The best time to visit is during sunset to see sunset views and also experience squid fishing at night.

The experience includes:

  • Round trip speed boat transfer from Bali Hai Pier
  • A welcome drink
  • Squid hook

If you catch a squid they will make it into sashimi or grill it for you as well as give you some sauces to go along with it.

Pattaya Full-Day Sunset Yacht Exclusive Island Excursion

This is by far my favourite yacht day excursion I’ve done in Thailand. I loved it because it was a small group, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful (the best customer service I’ve had on any tour in Thailand), the boat was exceptionally clean and luxurious, the buffet Thai food was tasty and there were so many activities to do onboard.

Activities onboard:

  • Waterslide into the ocean
  • Fishing off the boat
  • Stand-up paddleboarding
  • Floating ocean pool
  • Snorkelling
  • Boat to take you to the beach on the islands (Sun umbrellas are set up for shade)

The tour takes you to 2 beautiful tropical islands Koh Phai and Koh Rin and you get to enjoy the sunset views on the way back to Pattaya. It starts at 11 am and finishes around 7 pm.

What’s included in the tour cost: 

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Fishing rod and bait
  • Waterslide
  • Paddleboard
  • Floating pool
  • Premium Thai lunch
  • Coffee and tea
  • Bottled water
  • Towels
  • Tropical fruits
Pattaya Sunset Yacht Cruise, Thailand

Bali

Kecak Fire and Dance Show Ticket

Kecak Dance Performance is held every day between 6 pm- 7 pm at Uluwatu Temple. What can you expect? Traditional dance, a musical drama, a famous Balinese story, fire, beautiful costumes and lots of chanting! It’s best to book your tickets on Klook in advance, especially in the busier months.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is the third largest statue in the world at 122 meters tall.
Book tickets on Klook in advance as it’s slightly cheaper than purchasing at the venue.

Komodo Islands

I booked through Udarider Tour & Travel (IG: @udariderofficial or email: udariderkuy@gmail.com). Our sailing tour cost 450 USD (2 people) for 2 nights and 3 days and includes an air-conditioned room with a balcony and TV, all meals, snorkelling equipment, round trip transfer between airport/accommodation and pier, DSLR, underwater and drone camera footage.

3 Day 2 Night Komodo Island Tours usually include the following places:

  • Kanawa Island
  • Kalong Island
  • Padar Island
  • Pink Beach on Padar Island
  • Manta Point
  • Taka Makassar
  • Kelor Island

Vietnam

Hanoi

From Hanoi: Incense Village and Train Street Guided Tour

I highly recommend booking a tour so you can learn about the traditional craft of making incense sticks from bamboo chopping to dying the sticks and crafting the aromatic incense paste. If you decide to go on your own, you’ll miss out on learning about incense stick making, you can still take photos here but there is no tour guide at the venue. Don’t expect it to be a huge village/field it’s not very big but it is a great spot for taking photos!

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in The Old Quarter Area, a knowledgeable tour guide, entrance fees and an egg coffee or an optional drink at Train Street.

Halong Bay

Mon Cheri Cruise

We chose Mon Cheri Cruise Line and couldn’t have been happier. They have 1 and 2-night tour packages, so you can choose what suits you best. We did 1 night and honestly think that 1 night is all you need.

Other than enjoying the stunning views of Halong Bay there are other activities on board, including kayaking, a cooking demonstration, squid fishing, Tai Chi, and a visit to Cat Ba Cave.

Ha Giang

Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour

The most scenic and adventurous motorbike route in the northernmost province of Vietnam. It has the best landscape scenery I have ever seen in my travels and one to add to your Vietnam Bucket List. Here are a few things to note:

  • If you want to drive the loop yourself you must have an international motorbike license (types A, A1) to avoid fines at police checkpoints. There are many police checkpoints along the route.
  • The best time to visit is in August and September when the rice terraces are green and the weather is sunny and warm.
  • You can complete the loop in 2 to 4 days depending on the pace and stops taken.
  • I booked with Ha Giang Vision and I highly recommend them! Both our tour guides were so friendly, kind and helpful. Hieu my driver and tour guide spoke good English and was very knowledgeable.
  • The reason you should book with this company is because they do small group tours to ensure top-notch service. Plus, they offer a complimentary stay at Quiri Peninsula Bar & Restaurant and Hostel upon arrival and when you finish the loop.
  • The total cost is USD 106 for self-driving and USD 147 for Easy Rider not including bus tickets and drinks.
  • Regular buses will be 350,000 VND for VIP cabins and 300,000 VND for regular buses from Hanoi. They also provide pick-up in Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Giang, and Cat Ba.
  • To book their tour you can book on their website or contact Alex via WhatsApp at +84981623096.

We booked the 3 day 2-night tour package and it included:

  • A local guide
  • New generation semi-automatic motorbike
  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
  • 2 nights of accommodation in a beautiful homestay. All are dorm beds (an additional USD 5 per person to upgrade to a private room)
  • Raincoat, protective bag
  • Motorcycle safety gear
  • Gasoline for Motorcycle
  • Motorcycle damage insurance

Da Nang

Full-Day My Son Sanctuary Tour 

My Son Sanctuary, pronounced as “Mee Sun,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins of ancient towers and temples. During the Vietnam War, many of these ancient towers and temples were bombed, some were rebuilt while there are only a few that remain as the original (built in the 4th century).

To get to My Son Sanctuary by car it will take about 50 minutes to 1 hour from Da Nang city. To fully grasp the rich history and significance of this site, booking a guided tour is highly recommended. We booked our tour through GetYourGuide, which conveniently provided pick-up and drop-off services in Da Nang, inclusive of entrance fees (150,000 Dong per person) and a knowledgeable tour guide. While we choose a private tour, group options are also available.

In the Performance Hall of My Son Sanctuary, you can enjoy a Cham Folk Art Performance scheduled four times daily at 10 am, 10:45 am, 2 pm, and 3:30 pm. The show lasts approximately 15 minutes and is not to be missed.

My Son Sanctuary, Da Nang, Vietnam

Explore Hai Van Pass by US Army Jeep

The Hai Van Pass is one of Vietnam’s most famous and beautiful mountain passes, connecting Da Nang and Hue. Rising approximately 500 meters above sea level, it offers incredible views of Da Nang Bay, Lang Co Beach, mountains and expansive fields.

You can explore it by scooter however booking a US Military Army Jeep tour is the safer option and also fun! In just one day, you get to see everything— from the historic streets of Old Da Nang to the mountains, beaches, and waterfalls.

On this tour, you will be taken to the top of Hai Van Pass where you can see an old Miltary Fort, scenic stops along the way, jump in the most refreshing clear water at Dream Spring and have lunch at Lang Co Bay.

Sightseeing spots in the program include:

  • Hai Van Pass
  • Lap An Lagoon
  • Lang Co Bay
  • Dream Spring (my fave)

Hai Van Pass, Vietnam

Hoi An

Hoi An Memories Land Show Tickets

The show takes place in an open-air theatre, where a mesmerizing combination of lights, music, and dance brings to life the captivating story of Hoi An.

The show runs every evening except Tuesdays. It starts at 8 pm and lasts for 1 hour. The park is open from 5 pm where you can explore historical architecture and miniature-themed villages, as well as mini-shows and creative workshops.

Tickets range in price based on seating preference. There are 3 classes of seating: economy, high and VIP. We chose the combo ticket which included a Vietnamese set menu meal, entrance to the park and high seating. If you are visiting during the rainy season I recommend purchasing the high or VIP seating as it’s covered. They do provide ponchos and umbrellas if you are seated in the economy seating and it rains.

Purchase your tickets on Headout and receive an 8% discount using code: ALIKA8.

Phong Nha

Phong Nha National Park Guided Tour with Lunch

This tour includes walking 1km into Paradise Cave (the longest dry cave in Asia at 31.4km in length), BBQ Vietnamese lunch, zip lining to the entrance of Dark Cave, mud bathing, kayaking and water activities (you have the option to take a boat ride through Phong Nha Cave instead of the adventurous activities at Dark Cave).

Make sure to bring your swimmers with you and a waterproof phone case cover if you want to bring your phone as you are not allowed to bring anything down to the dark cave.

This tour includes all entry fees, lunch, water, an English-speaking tour guide, pick-up and drop-off to your hotel, zip lining, mud bathing and kayaking.

This is a group tour, I usually prefer private tours but this one is more fun to do as a group tour.

Da Lat

Explore the Best of Dalat Countryside Tour (Private Car)

We booked a 1 Day Countryside Tour by Private Car for our first day in Da Lat and it couldn’t have been a better introduction to this gorgeous region. You can choose the easy rider tour, cruising around on the back of a scooter instead of the private car if that’s more your thing.

My favourite part of the tour was Pongour Waterfall (we visited during the dry season so I can only imagine how beautiful it would be in the rainy season) and I found it fascinating learning about how silk is made at the Silk Worm Factory.

Places you visit on this tour:

  • Paradise Lake
  • Chicken Village
  • Mushroom Village
  • Pongour Waterfall
  • Lunch with a view of Linh An Pagoda
  • Elephant Waterfall
  • Linh An Pagoda
  • Silk Factory
  • Rice Wine Production
  • Weasel Coffee Farm
  • Flower Garden

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, an English-speaking tour guide and all entrance fees.

Ho Chi Minh

From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong (My Tho) & Floating Market 2D1N

The Mekong River is the 12th largest river in the world. The river flows through six countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

We booked a Private 2 Day 1 Night tour to take us to the coconut kingdom (Ben Tre), the rice kingdom and also the largest city in Mekong Delta (Can Tho) to visit the authentic local Cai Rang Floating Market.

During our Private Mekong Delta tour, we visited a honey bee farm, observed the process of making popcorn rice, visited a coconut candy workshop, took a boat ride through a mangrove palm canal, experienced an authentic local floating market, learned about the rice noodle-making process, witnessed a genuine local land market, indulged in local cuisine, visited a Koi Cafe, and toured Binh Thuy Ancient House, famously featured in the movie “The Lover”.

You can also book a group tour as a more cost-effective option. However, a private tour provides a more personalized experience especially for the floating market. I saw boats with many people on them as opposed to our tour where it was just us. With a private tour, you have the flexibility to set your own pace and arrive at the floating market early to avoid the busiest time.

The tour includes 1 night of accommodation, pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, entrance fees, a boat ride, fresh fruits and honey tea and lunches for both days.

Saigon: Night Craft Beer and Street Food Tour By Vespa

On this tour, ride on the back of a Vespa through the busy streets of Saigon, watch the sunset from a local rooftop bar while enjoying craft beer, learn about history at a war bunker, visit the biggest flower market in Saigon and try Vietnamese pizza and local foods at an authentic food market.

This tour is 65 USD per person and includes hotel pickup and drop off for districts 1, 3, and 5, an English-speaking guide, Vespa and helmet, and all food and drinks.

From Ho Chi Minh To Mui Ne 2 Days Tour

This tour has a fun itinerary, you will visit Fairy Stream, a local fishing village, ATV riding at white sand dunes, sandboarding and watching the sunset at the red sand dunes. My favourite thing we did on this tour was the ATV riding on the white sand dunes!

The tour costs 128 USD per person and includes one 1-night accommodation in a 4 Star Beach Resort, Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Round-trip Luxury Sleeper Bus, Mui Ne Private Jeep Transfers, English Speaking Tour Guide and Entrance Fees.

This tour is a semi-private experience, as you will have a private Jeep ride but will join a small group at the destinations.

On the second day you will have time to relax by the pool and beach before heading back to Ho Chi Minh.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc: 3 Islands Speedboat Private Tour

This tour packs so much into one day, with activities such as island exploration, snorkelling, a water park visit, and a scenic cable car ride to Sunset Town. It’s like experiencing two days in one but without feeling rushed.

You will visit the following places:

  • May Rut Island (sea walking)
  • Gam Ghi Island (snorkelling)
  • Xuong Island (relaxing at the beach)
  • Hon Thom Island (buffet lunch and water park)
  • Cable Car (my fave)
  • Sunset Town

The Hon Thom cable car holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest 3-wire cable car.

Kiss of the Sea Show

The “Kiss of the Sea” show, held daily at 9 PM in Sunset Town (except Tuesdays), is a must-see when visiting Phu Quoc Island.

This multi-experience art show combines cutting-edge projection technology with stage performance art, creating a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional, and multi-emotional spectacle. The immense screen and space deliver boundless visual effects, stimulating all senses with fire, water, light, 3D mapping, music, fireworks, and more.

Book your tickets on Trip.com for the best price.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, I link these websites because they give the best value/service and not because of the commission I receive. The decision is yours, and whether or not you pay using these links is completely up to you. I only recommend websites to book through that I use myself and that I know will be beneficial!