We have to admit that Vietnam is an excellent solo travel destination. Ride-hailing applications take you to a landmark or cafe in one tap, the locals are friendly and reaching out helping hands, hostels are offered at very affordable prices… Almost every aspect of Vietnam makes it solo travel-friendly. However, we also recognize that Vietnam is a fun destination to travel with a group of friends. You can take turns taking photos in Ninh Binh’s iconic Hang Mua Viewpoint, share big portions of fried spring rolls, to wander around the party street of Hanoi Old Quarter. Moreover, traveling in small group trips remove the logistical hurdles and give you a sense of safety if it is your first time traveling to Vietnam.
If you are looking to travel to Vietnam in a group, we highly recommend traveling in small group trips. With a maximum of 16 people on board, itineraries become flexible while you also benefit for having everything handled for you. Here is a detailed breakdown of our choice of top tour providers for small group travel to Vietnam – backed by their ratings.
| Company / Operator | Group Size | Age | Duration | Price Range | Destinations | Group Activities | Vibes |
| Deluxe Vietnam Tours | 8 – 12 people | 16 – 70 | 14 – 16 Days | €2,000 – €2,500 | Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City | Cruise tours, city tours, | Immersive, premium, and slow |
| Explore Worldwide | 10 – 16 people | 30 – 69 | 10 – 21 Days | €1,200 – €3,000 | Hanoi, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh, Lan Ha Bay | Street food tours, cave exploration, cruising, river boating, and walking tours | Active, immersive, and discovery-driven |
| JoinMyTrip | 3 – 8 people | 18 – 45 | 7 – 14 Days | €1,300 – €3,000 | Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang | Backpacking, remote working, food & drinks workshop, lantern festival, and more | Social and unique |
| Responsible Travel | 8 – 16 people | 16 – 69 | 8 – 14 Days | €1,000 – €7,000 | Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta | Food tours, cycling | Unique and experience-focused |
| Exodus | 8 – 16 people | 30 – 49 | 5 – 9 Days | €1,000 – €7,000 | Athens, Hydra, Mykonos, and Santorini | Cruising, food tours, village & city tours, wellness | Comfortable and highlight-focused |
| Intrepid Travel | 8 – 16 people | 30 – 59 | 8 – 14 Days | €750 – €1,700 | Athens, Meteora, Santorini, and Delphi | Night-train journeys, motorbiking village cycling, kayaking, and craft workshops. | Local, social, and foodie adventure |
| Intro Travel | 10 – 16 people | 18 – 45 | 10 – 21 days | €1,600 – €3,000 | Hanoi, Ninh Bin, Hoi An | City tours, cooking classes, kayaking, lantern-making, trekking, and more | Solo travel-friendly |
Best Small Group Trips to Vietnam – TL;DR
1. Deluxe Vietnam Tours
- Best for: First-time visit to Vietnam
- Group size: 8 – 12 people
- Activities: Boat trips,
- Destinations: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City
Founded by a local Vietnamese, Deluxe Vietnam Tours’ strength lies in its local expertise and knowledgeable guides.
Tailored for luxury-minded travelers, Deluxe Vietnam Tours moves away from traditional group dynamics to offer high-end, customizable journeys. Operating with intimate groups of 2 to 10 people, they focus on boutique accommodations, private transfers, and personalized service. It is a premium option designed for those who want the ease of guided travel matched with private, upscale comfort.
2. Explore Worldwide
- Best for: Active and fast-paced adventures
- Group size: 10 – 16 people
- Activities: Backpacking,
- Destinations: Hanoi, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh, Lan Ha Bay
Explore Worldwide is a classic choice for active and cultural explorers looking for moderate-paced journeys. Their trips cover Vietnam’s essential highlights, from street food walks through Hoi An to scenic cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay. Accommodating average groups of 12 to 14 people, they offer a reliable mix of structured, expert guidance paired with generous free time. Besides that, Explore Worldwide caters to physically active travelers who love cycling, walking, or trekking. Their trips allow you to discover Vietnam’s lush rice fields, serene traditional villages, or antique cities with a bicycle rather than a classic tour coach.
3. JoinMyTrip
- Best for: Incredibly small and intimate group setting
- Group size: 3 – 8 people
- Activities: Backpacking,
- Destinations: Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Hoi An, Mekong Delta
Designed to connect travelers with new people worldwide, JoinMyTrip brings out a “travel with strangers” concept. The trips are hosted by experienced travelers or local guides who simply want to share a journey with other travelers in order to make friends and not travel alone. Then, they usually design the group for only 3-8 people, making JoinMyTrip the group travel company with the smallest number of travelers. This group size is perfect if you consider yourself an introvert and wish for better connection with fellow travelers instead of a crowded and loud group.
Besides classic group trips, JoinMyTrip also provides digital nomad trips for remote workers.
4. Responsible Travel
- Best for: Immersing into local culture and exploring out-of-radar places in Vietnam
- Group size: 8 – 16 people
- Activities: Cycling, walking,
- Destinations: Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta
Functioning as a vetted network for ethical tour operators, Responsible Travel focuses on 100% sustainable tourism. Operating with small groups of 4 to 12 people, their itineraries prioritize community-based tourism, direct financial support for local villages, and minimal environmental impact. For that reason, they are the ideal option for travelers who want complete transparency regarding the social and ecological footprint of their journey.
5. Exodus
- Best for: Seniors and retirees
- Group size: 8 – 16 people
- Activities: Cycling, walking,
- Destinations: Hanoi, Hoi An, Sapa,
One of the most popular packages in Exodus is Cycling Vietnam; led by local experts. Built specifically for active and sports-oriented travelers, Exodus Adventure Travels offers specialized itineraries focused heavily on cycling and trekking. Their classic routes often span the entire length of the country, taking groups of 8 to 16 people along coastal roads from Hanoi down to Ho Chi Minh City. They back up every trip with top-tier equipment, support vehicles, and expertly mapped active routes.
6. Intrepid Travel
- Best for: Connecting with locals through foodie adventures and cultural experiences
- Group size: 8 – 16 people
- Activities: Cycling, walking,
- Destinations: Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Hue,
Famous for its grassroots approach, Intrepid Travel focuses on eco-conscious and culturally immersive journeys across Vietnam. Their itineraries heavily feature local transport, such as overnight trains, along with immersive stays in community homestays through the Mekong Delta. With average group sizes ranging from 10 to 12 travelers, Intrepid provides excellent sustainability credentials and dedicated local guides who excel at taking you beyond the standard tourist trail. Then, the real question: Are their small group trips to Vietnam great? The 4.9-star from 8.000 reviews speaks for them.
7. Intro Travel
- Best for: Solo travelers
- Group size: 10 – 16 people
- Activities: City tours, cooking classes, kayaking, lantern-making, trekking, and more
- Destinations: Hanoi, Ninh Bin, Hoi An
Geared primarily toward first-time solo travelers and backpackers in their 18-to-30s, Intro Travel delivers a high-energy, social experience. Groups average between 12 and 18 people, creating a lively environment supported by end-to-end guidance. They ease pre-trip anxiety by connecting group members on dedicated social chats well before departure, ensuring you already have a community in place before landing in Hanoi.
Whether you are a solo traveler looking for a built-in crew or simply want a stress-free trip where all the logistics are handled for you, joining a small group trip is one of the easiest ways to experience Vietnam. If you want to skip the massive tour groups and travel with a tight-knit group that feels more like friends, explore current trip departures to find your ideal Vietnam itinerary.