I usually love planning all our trips myself, researching the best places to visit, comparing hotel reviews, and mapping out itineraries. But when we decided to travel to Vietnam, we did something we’d never done before: we used a travel agent. And I’m glad we did.
Yes, organising everything yourself is often cheaper. Platforms like GetYourGuide* make it easy to book tours in most major destinations, and we’ve read it’s even better to choose one when you’re there to get the best price. But in our case, going through a travel agent for our trip to Vietnam made the experience smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately stress-free. Here’s why we chose to go through a travel agent for Vietnam, and why I’d recommend it, especially if you’re in a similar situation.
Why using a travel agent was the right choice for us
1. We planned the trip last minute during public holidays
We didn’t have time to research everything ourselves, and using a travel agent saved us hours of planning. Vietnam is vast and diverse, and it’s not always easy to estimate how long transfers take or how much you can fit into a day. A local travel agent already knows what’s realistic and how to optimise travel routes, so we didn’t have to waste time on trial and error.
We also booked quite late and during a busy period that included public holidays. It was Easter in Europe and Australia, Liberation Day (30 April) in Vietnam and International Labour Day (1 May), which made a 5-day long weekend for many Vietnamese. Accommodation and tour options were more limited, so having someone who could check availability and still tailor the itinerary to our needs made things a lot easier.
2. We wanted to cover a lot in a short time
In just over two weeks, we visited Hanoi, Bai Tu Long, Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, Sapa, Ha Giang, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. That’s a big itinerary! With such a tight schedule, we couldn’t afford to spend hours in each place figuring out transport, where to store luggage, or what time to leave for the next destination. The travel agent sorted all of this for us and gave us clear instructions on where we needed to be and at what time. We also had one point of contact if anything went wrong, which was very simple.
DIY travel is often cheaper, but it often means wasting time on logistics and public transport, which is not ideal when your days are limited. Attractions in Vietnam are spread out, and navigating a new country with a different language and culture can quickly become stressful. Without planning everything in advance, there’s no way we could have seen as much as we did. It would have been a completely different trip, possibly fun in its own way, but not what we were after this time. With just over two weeks in Vietnam, we wanted to maximise every day, even if it meant paying a bit more for it.
Planning a two or three-week trip to Vietnam? Check out our itinerary with iconic sights to hidden gems from north to south. We mixed cultural experiences with stunning landscapes and had an unforgettable time!
3. We were concerned about scams
We’d read about tourists being scammed with fake hotel listings and tours/transportation in Vietnam. Normally, I’d spend time cross-checking reviews and comparing options. But we didn’t have time for that level of research. A travel agent knows the reliable places and works with trusted accommodation and tour partners.
If you’re interested, I wrote an article about all the hotels we stayed at and my honest thoughts.
Have you thought about travel insurance?
We never go overseas without it, especially to cover medical expenses. In Vietnam, motorbike travel is common (for example, for the Ha Giang Loop or on city tours in Ho Chi Minh City), so we made sure our policy covered that. It’s something worth checking, as it’s not always included. Some providers, like Cover-More*, offer options to easily include motorbike coverage if that’s relevant to your trip.
4. We wanted to avoid the crowds where possible
Some areas in Vietnam get crowded with tourists. Plus, we were travelling during a peak season. We told our agent we wanted to avoid the busy spots where possible and include more authentic, off-the-beaten-track experiences. They were able to give us great advice, like choosing Bai Tu Long instead of Halong Bay and suggesting quieter locations near Sapa.
They also helped us weigh up different regions (especially Sapa vs Mai Chau) when we had to make choices, as we couldn’t go everywhere in just 17 days. We found it really helpful to get local insight on what suited our interests and the time of year given we didn’t have time to do extensive research.
Sustainable travel tip: You can ask your Vietnam travel agent to include community-based tourism experiences, staying in locally owned accommodation, and avoiding over-touristed areas where possible. In Vietnam, small villages and family-run homestays can offer a more meaningful experience while helping reduce pressure on crowded hotspots.
5. We had specific health considerations
This was my first big trip after a knee surgery, so I wanted to make sure all the activities were suitable and not too demanding physically, although I could still cycle and walk. It was too hard to judge just from the descriptions and, again, we didn’t have time to do extensive research.
I also have a food intolerance (egg), which can be tricky when travelling, especially in countries with a language barrier and where dietary restrictions aren’t always well understood. It was a relief to tell the travel agent about it upfront and have that taken into account most of the time for included meals and cooking classes. They passed it on to our guides and hosts, which helped avoid awkward situations during the trip.
6. It was great not to worry about money during the trip
Apart from dinners, souvenirs, evening activities and tips, everything was pre-booked and paid for: accommodation, transfers, entrance tickets, and activities during the day. It meant no price negotiations, no worrying about whether we were overcharged, and no need to carry too much cash, which removes some anxiety, as unfortunately, tourists can be a target for stealing.
Haggling is part of the culture in Vietnam, and while it can be fun when buying souvenirs at the market, I’d find it exhausting to constantly check if we were being quoted fair prices for every activity or transfer. The travel agent picked trusted operators, which saved us research time and stress by having this sorted out in advance. Even if we know we paid more for our trip, we felt it was worth it for peace of mind.
It might not be the cheapest option, but for this trip, using a travel agent was the right choice for us. If you’re short on time, want to see a lot, or just want a more relaxed experience without the planning stress, I’d say it’s worth considering.
Have you used a local travel agent in Vietnam? Share in the comments below what your experience was like!
A few tips if you’re thinking of using a travel agent in Vietnam
Look for well-reviewed agencies
We asked two agencies for quotes (Your Vietnam Travel* – the one we ended up booking with – and Agence Vietnam Découverte*, which is reputed for French-speaking travellers) with thousands of positive online reviews from different sources. It helped us feel confident that we were avoiding scams.
Be clear with your expectations
Whether you want to pack a lot in or take it slow, let your agent know your travel style, any health considerations, or specific interests.
Be upfront about your budget and comfort level
It will save time to mention your budget early in the process. It helps the agency suggest hotels and activities that match your expectations from the start. We allowed 90USD/person/day for our budget, which is I reckon mid-range (3-star hotels, some private tours and transfers, many destinations at an extra cost to avoid crowds – like Bai Tu Long, Ha Giang or Sapa).
Check what’s included or excluded
Both quotes we received clearly listed what was and wasn’t included or when we’d be on a private or group tour. Each day was broken down with details like included meals (not a major expense in Vietnam, but still helpful to know how much cash you need for the day). When we asked for a cheaper itinerary, some key elements like guided tours were removed. The price fit our budget, but the trip no longer felt as rich or immersive, and we would have ended up paying extra along the way.
Vietnam is a cultural destination, and having a guide (not just a driver) really enhanced the experience, something we felt we missed when we travelled to Thailand.
Don’t forget to budget for tips
While tipping isn’t compulsory in Vietnam, we found it was expected after massages and on some activities included in a tour, like boat rides in Ninh Binh or Hoi An. Most guides on group tours also mentioned tips for themselves and their driver. It didn’t feel forced, but it’s worth budgeting for as it’s clearly appreciated. Even if you just plan for small cash tips (e.g. 50,000 VND for short activities, 200,000 VND for guides and drivers on group tours, and ~500,000-600,000 VND for private tours), it can add up so we budgeted 25 USD per day for us.
Use a money transfer service like Wise
It’s an easy way to send money internationally with lower fees and better exchange rates than your regular bank. If you have time before your trip to organise a Wise card, you’ll be able to pay by card in Vietnamese dongs with a good exchange rate and no bank fees (but retailers often charge 3.5% for card payments compared to cash).
Do you need a SIM card for your trip to Vietnam? We find that when travelling abroad, nothing beats the ease of setting up and topping up an eSIM. It’s very convenient as you can plan ahead and don’t waste time during your trip visiting a shop. Plus, you can say goodbye to the anxiety of risking your precious home SIM card. We use Airalo* and have always been satisfied with their service. You can check your phone compatibility here*.
Why we chose a local travel agent based in Vietnam
We deliberately chose a local travel agent based in Vietnam rather than going through one from home. It just made more sense to deal with people who know the country inside out. We also liked the idea of supporting a local business directly. Looking back, it was definitely the right call, and there were a few extra benefits we hadn’t even thought of at the time:
- More affordable – Local agents often offer better value for money than international ones. You’re not paying international agency markups, and they usually work directly with local hotels and guides, which keeps the cost down (although it’s still more expensive than booking it yourself).
- Custom experiences – They’re more flexible. Instead of cookie-cutter packages, we got a personalised itinerary with a mix of group and private tours that matched our travel style, mobility needs, and even food preferences.
- Support during the trip – Having someone on the ground was great. We could message our contact on WhatsApp any time during the trip for advice, if we had questions or to reorganise our schedule when our plane was delayed. No long waits or time zone issues. Before the trip, the agent was available to respond to all our questions quickly and provide valuable tips.
Have you used a local travel agent in Vietnam? Share your experience in the comments below!
Why we didn’t choose a group tour like Intrepid Travel
With our last-minute decision, we considered joining a group tour with a company like Intrepid Travel, especially because they’re known for responsible travel – they’re B Corp certified, carbon neutral and committed to reducing emissions. But in the end, it didn’t feel like the right fit for us:
- We didn’t want to be tied to a group the whole time – Spending our two weeks in Vietnam with the same group of travellers isn’t really our thing. We liked having a mix of private and group day tours, where we could meet new people along the way, but still have time to enjoy the trip as a couple and interact with locals.
- The itineraries weren’t flexible – We had specific interests and priorities for this trip, especially cultural experiences and mountain scenery. With a local agent, we had full control of our route and pace.
- Group tours were more expensive – For the same budget, we were able to see a lot more of Vietnam by working with a local travel agent. Most of the group tours skipped remote places like Ha Giang, Sapa and Pu Luong (one of our highlights), and often charged extra for activities we were able to include upfront.
Group tours can be great if you’re travelling solo, or if you’re really short on time to plan – you don’t have to think about anything beyond how many days you have and which itinerary suits you. But for us, this personalised approach gave us the experience we were really after.
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I love planning and traveling on my own, but I wish we had used an agent for Vietnam, as it is not so easy to navigate! And your article just confirms that 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
I must admit that I do the research and plan most of my trips on my own because I absolutely love the process; however, if I’m going somewhere very far away and don’t know much about the culture, I consider using a travel agent. I would probably use one in Vietnam after reading your article!
I usually plan my own trips but it takes quite a lot of time so it must be really nice actually just to let someone else take care of everything! I’ll have to give it a go sometime!