Kuala Lumpur & central Vietnam with beach holiday in Hoi An

Today marks the beginning of your long-awaited adventure in Asia. You’ll fly from your selected airport to Kuala Lumpur, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

Welcome to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur! Upon arrival, you’ll pass through immigration and collect your luggage. In the arrivals hall, your guide will be waiting for you with a TourCompass sign displaying your name, after which you’ll be driven to your centrally located hotel in this vibrant metropolis.

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Perhaps take a refreshing dip in the hotel pool, or head out to explore the city’s lively centre and charming streets.

Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmark is the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which dominate the capital’s impressive skyline at 452 metres tall. At the foot of the towers lies KLCC Park – a green oasis and a welcome retreat in the heart of the city.

The Malaysian capital is also a shopper’s paradise. As one of Asia’s leading shopping destinations, Kuala Lumpur offers everything from high-end boutiques to local markets and great-value shopping centres, ensuring something for every taste and budget. Popular shopping areas such as Bukit Bintang, Mid Valley Megamall, The Gardens Mall, Central Market, and Petaling Street attract visitors from around the world.

Kuala Lumpur is also a harmonious melting pot of cultures, clearly reflected in its inviting neighbourhoods filled with colourful murals, lantern-lined streets, and beautiful colonial-era buildings. You’ll also find bustling markets and an inspiring food scene where Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian flavours come together. Street food stalls and cosy restaurants serve up authentic culinary experiences, from fragrant curries and delicate steamed dim sum to creative fusion dishes.

The capital’s many ethnic communities live side by side in modern skyscrapers, traditional districts such as Little India and Chinatown, and small villages known as “kampung”. We recommend a visit to Kampung Baru, famed for its charming wooden houses, traditional food stalls, and authentic local atmosphere – a striking contrast to the surrounding modern buildings and towering skyscrapers.

In the evening, why not enjoy a drink at one of the city’s many rooftop bars, where you can watch the sunset while soaking up Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant nightlife.

Today, an exciting city tour awaits, giving you the chance to experience Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic attractions.

Your guide will collect you from your hotel and take you to the first stop of the day: the vibrant Golden Triangle area, bordered by the main roads Jalan Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail, and Jalan Raja Chulan. The Golden Triangle is the city’s premier shopping and entertainment district, and it’s also home to KLCC Park and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, where there will be time for a photo stop.

You’ll then admire the striking architectural contrast between the Petronas Twin Towers and Central Market, a cultural marketplace located in the heart of the city. Originally built in 1888 as a wet market, it is now one of the city’s most popular markets for both locals and travellers seeking an insight into Malaysian culture and art. Here, you’ll find handicrafts such as batik, wood carvings, ceramics, and artworks representing the diverse ethnic communities of Kuala Lumpur.

The tour then continues to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a historic and remarkably beautiful landmark situated opposite Merdeka Square. Built in Moorish style with arched entrances and a 41.2-metre-high clock tower crowned by an elegant copper dome, the building originally housed the British colonial administration. Following Malaysia’s independence in 1957, it was used by various ministries and courts. Today, it stands as a symbol of Malaysia’s history and culture and is often the setting for official ceremonies and events such as Independence Day, known locally as Merdeka.

Next, you’ll visit the National Palace, Istana Negara, completed in 2011 and now serving as the official residence of Malaysia’s king. This grand building blends traditional and modern design, with golden domes and beautifully landscaped, lush gardens that create the feeling of a green oasis amid the bustle of the city.

Finally, you’ll explore the National Mosque, Masjid Negara, one of the country’s most important religious landmarks and a fine example of modern Islamic architecture. Designed by architect Howard Ashley, its most distinctive feature is the star-shaped blue concrete roof, symbolising the five pillars of Islam. The mosque is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens with reflecting pools and fountains, adding to the serene atmosphere.

You will then be driven back to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

The day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Malaysia’s vibrant capital offers plenty to see and do, and we can guarantee you won’t be bored. You can explore the city independently or join one of our exciting optional tours, which you can read more about below.

If you choose to spend the day at your own pace, start with a delicious breakfast at the hotel or venture out to a local café to sample the flatbread roti canai served with a good cup of coffee.

Afterwards, head up the Petronas Twin Towers (e-ticket required) and take in the views from the iconic Skybridge connecting the two towers or from the observation deck on the 86th floor. Both offer spectacular panoramas across Kuala Lumpur and a fantastic opportunity to experience the city from above. From here, you can continue to nearby KLCC Park, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Later, make your way to Chinatown, where Petaling Street is lined with market stalls, street food vendors and small shops. Enjoy a tasty lunch here and soak up the lively atmosphere before continuing your day’s adventures or visiting some of the city’s many shopping centres.

As the day draws to a close, explore charming Kwai Chai Hong. Colourful murals tell the story of old Kuala Lumpur, while restored shop houses and red lanterns create a truly special atmosphere after dark. The area is filled with cosy cafés, bars, and restaurants, making it an ideal stop before the evening continues.

When hunger strikes, visit the famous food street Jalan Alor, where you’ll find everything from satay skewers and noodle dishes to freshly grilled fish and seafood.

Round off the evening at one of the city’s many sky bars – perhaps Sky51 at Hotel EQ – and enjoy a drink overlooking Kuala Lumpur’s impressive skyline.

Today, you’ll leave Malaysia behind and set your sights on central Vietnam. Your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel and take you to the airport for your 2.5-hour flight to Da Nang. 

Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, you will pass through immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall, just beyond the exit doors, dressed in a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign so you can easily spot them. From here, you’ll travel on to your hotel in Hué, a journey of just over two hours by road. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Hué offers plenty of charming options for the evening. Take a stroll along the Perfume River, where the promenade is beautifully illuminated and small boats drift past in the dark. You’ll also find cosy cafés and street food stalls where you can sample local specialities such as bun bo Hué – the city’s signature spicy noodle soup – banh beo, delicate steamed rice cakes topped with prawns, or nem lui, grilled pork skewers served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and a rich peanut sauce.

You might like to round off the evening at one of the city’s inviting rooftop bars, where you can enjoy lovely views across Hué.

After breakfast, an exciting encounter with Hué’s most impressive attractions awaits. Today’s excursion will take you back to the splendour of the imperial era, offering fascinating insight into Vietnam’s royal history, art, and spiritual life.

You will be collected from your hotel by your guide, and your first stop is the ancient Imperial City – an impressive fortress built in the early 19th century, when the Nguyen dynasty made Hué the capital. Surrounded by moats and imposing walls, the complex once housed both the administrative quarters and the imperial family’s private residences. Inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing, the site still reflects its former grandeur, despite the destruction caused by the Indochina War and the Vietnam War. Today, UNESCO has initiated extensive restoration projects, gradually breathing new life into this remarkable historic complex.

You will then visit a small local exhibition showcasing traditional Vietnamese paintings. Here, you can not only admire the vibrant artworks but also try your hand at painting yourself, experiencing the calm immersion that characterises this delicate art form.

The day’s experiences continue with a serene boat trip along the Perfume River, where you’ll glide gently through the landscape towards Thien Mu Pagoda. This is Hué’s oldest and most iconic religious landmark and, for more than 400 years, has been an important centre of Buddhism in central Vietnam. The octagonal pagoda tower rises majestically towards the sky, creating a peaceful setting for the temple and the community of monks who still live and practise here today.

You will then continue to the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, located at the foot of Chau Chu Mountain, around 9 km south of Hué. Built in the early 20th century, the tomb stands out from the region’s other imperial mausoleums with its distinctive blend of traditional Vietnamese architecture and European Baroque and Gothic elements. The result is an impressive and intricately detailed structure that reflects the emperor’s fascination with Western art and culture.

Afterwards, you will be driven back to your hotel, and the rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy Hué at your own pace.

Today you’ll bid farewell to Hué. You’ll be collected from your hotel before setting off along one of Vietnam’s most beautiful routes towards the atmospheric town of Hoi An.

At times, the route follows the coastline, winding its way up through the Truong Son Mountains and across the spectacular Hai Van Pass, also known as the “Pass of the Clouds”. From here, the views are simply breathtaking, with lush green mountains on one side and the blue horizon of the South China Sea on the other.

After 3–4 hours, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Hoi An. Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Hoi An is an experience in itself – a town you’re sure to fall in love with. The old town, listed on the UNESCO world heritage list, is particularly renowned for its beautifully preserved architecture, proud silk-making heritage, and many skilled tailors. Here, time seems to slow down, and history can be felt in every street, façade, and little shop.

Running through the heart of the town is the Thu Bon River, which in the 16th and 17th centuries was a thriving hub of international trade. Today, its riverbanks provide a peaceful and picturesque setting for daily life and the many small boats that still glide gently across the water. Close by, you’ll find the local market, where a lively atmosphere, vibrant colours, and enticing aromas await among the small stalls and fresh produce.

Away from the river, a labyrinth of small, atmospheric streets unfolds. Here, you’ll encounter a vibrant blend of Japanese wooden houses, Chinese assembly halls, French colonial buildings, and the town’s distinctive merchant houses.

Cars are not permitted in the old town, leaving you free to explore at a gentler pace on foot. Colourful lanterns hang like garlands above the streets, creating a magical atmosphere – especially after nightfall. Shops and restaurants line the lanes like pearls on a string, inviting you to linger and explore at leisure. Hoi An is also renowned for its unique coffee culture, and throughout the town, you’ll find charming cafés where you can settle in with a Vietnamese coffee – perhaps the classic version with condensed milk.

The day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, and Hoi An offers something for everyone – whether you’re dreaming of culture, relaxation, or authentic local experiences.

Take a stroll through the atmospheric old town, browse the colourful markets and small temples, or find a cosy café where you can savour a cup of Vietnamese coffee while soaking up the town’s laid-back charm. Hoi An is also famous for its skilled tailors, so you might be tempted to have a garment made – a truly special memento of your tour.

If you fancy a day of pure relaxation, you can stay at the hotel and soak up the sun by the pool in peaceful surroundings.

If you’d like to discover even more of the area around Hoi An, you can choose one of our exciting optional tours, which you can read more about below.

Enjoy a day filled with authentic local experiences just outside Hoi An, where you’ll get close to nature, meet local families, and learn about some of the region’s traditional crafts.

You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to the starting point of today’s cycling tour. Here, your guide will run through the day’s programme, adjust the bike to suit your height, and provide you with a cycle helmet.

You’ll then set off on a gentle and easy 16–20 km ride, with several stops along the way. You’ll cycle along quiet village roads and narrow paths through lush rice paddies.

Your first stop will be the village of Tra Que, renowned for its fragrant vegetables, fresh herbs, and traditional farming methods. Here, you’ll stroll through the kitchen gardens with your guide and learn how local farmers plant, fertilise, and harvest their crops according to age-old traditions. You’ll also have the chance to try your hand at gardening, raking the soil, and sowing seeds. Afterwards, you’ll take part in a short cooking demonstration before enjoying a delicious lunch made with fresh vegetables straight from the fields.

The tour then continues to a small lantern workshop, where you’ll be introduced to one of Hoi An’s most iconic crafts. Here, local artisans demonstrate how silk and bamboo are transformed into the colourful lanterns for which the town is famous. You’ll choose your own colours and patterns and create your very own lantern to take home as a personal keepsake.

The final stop of the day is the village of Cam Thanh, peacefully surrounded by water coconut palms. Here, you’ll visit a local family and gain an insight into their daily life and traditions. Afterwards, you’ll step aboard a round bamboo basket boat and glide quietly through the waterways of the coconut palm forest.

After a day filled with experiences, you’ll cycle back to Hoi An with a deeper understanding of the region’s culture, craftsmanship, and natural beauty.

Today, you’ll bid farewell to Hoi An’s charming streets and historic atmosphere as you make your way towards the coast. From your hotel, you’ll be driven the short distance to Cua Dai Beach, located approximately 7.5 km from the town.

As check-in is available from 2 pm, you may wish to enjoy a leisurely lunch or relax in the hotel surroundings before receiving your room. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by a relaxing afternoon by the pool or a gentle stroll along the beach, taking in the views across the South China Sea?

Now it’s time to slow down and savour your final days by the coast. The coming days are therefore set aside for relaxation and exploring at your own pace.

Cua Dai beach is perfect for unwinding, with its soft sand, swaying palm trees, and views across the South China Sea. Spend your days lounging by the pool, taking a refreshing dip in the sea, or simply relaxing as you let the impressions of your tour sink in.

If you’re tempted by more experiences, both Hoi An and Da Nang remain within easy reach. You might also consider a day trip to Cham Island, known for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkelling, and laid-back atmosphere.

As evening falls, it’s well worth heading into Hoi An. Browse for a few last souvenirs, enjoy a gentle stroll along the river, or settle in for dinner at one of the town’s charming restaurants.

Today your tour will be drawing to a close, but you’ll be travelling home with a suitcase full of memories – and perhaps a little sand in your shoes.

You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport in Da Nang, approximately a one-hour journey. From here, your journey back to Europe will begin, with connecting flights along the way. 

You’ll land at your selected airport after a tour filled with vibrant city life, fascinating historical experiences, cosy moments, and relaxing days by the beach.

Perhaps your journey has inspired you to return to Vietnam one day and discover even more of the country’s rich diversity.