Highlights of Vietnam & Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Today you’ll fly from your selected airport towards Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam. You’ll have connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, where you’ll clear immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall, just beyond the exit doors. Look out for the guide in a TourCompass uniform, holding a TourCompass sign to help you find them easily.

You’ll then be driven to your hotel, and after check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy your first glimpses of the Vietnamese capital at your own pace.

We highly recommend wandering through the narrow, vibrant streets of the Old Quarter, where every alleyway reveals rich scents, buzzing sounds, and everyday scenes of Vietnamese life. Alternatively, enjoy a tranquil stroll around peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake, a popular oasis in the heart of the city shaded by leafy trees and frequented by locals.

Today promises an exciting city tour, taking in some of Hanoi’s most iconic attractions.

Your guide will pick you up from the hotel, and your day begins with a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a local café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake – the city’s green heart and a natural gathering spot for young and old Hanoians alike.

From here, you’ll cross the iconic Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, which sits serenely on the lake. The bridge’s name means “place touched by the morning sunlight”. Here, you’ll hear the legendary tale of the emperor, the magic sword, and the giant turtle, gaining insight into how the lake received its name and its special significance to the city.

Next, you’ll be driven to the Temple of Literature – a tranquil complex dating back to the 12th century, founded by followers of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. With nearly a millennium of history, the temple is a rare and beautifully preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, complete with colonnades, ponds, and lush courtyards where even today, young students come to seek good fortune for their exams.

You’ll enjoy lunch at KOTO, which is more than just somewhere to eat. KOTO stands for “Know One, Teach One” and is a restaurant that trains and supports young Vietnamese people from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing professional training and a fresh start in life with the vocational and personal skills needed for lasting employment, all while serving delicious Vietnamese dishes in peaceful surroundings. You can read more about the restaurant here.

The tour continues in a traditional cycle rickshaw – known locally as a cyclo – winding through the Old Quarter’s maze of narrow streets bustling with trade. The Old Quarter is famous for its 36 streets, which were originally named after the goods once sold there: bamboo, silk, paper, and tin. Today, many of these street names remain, and the atmosphere brims with local charm as Hanoi residents go about their business, exchange banter, and serve up steaming bowls of pho from the street kitchens.

After an exciting cyclo ride, you’ll visit the historic Long Bien Bridge, an iconic landmark from the French colonial era, built in the early 1900s. The distinctive iron bridge spans the Red River and was heavily damaged during the Vietnam War, yet today it stands as a powerful symbol of Hanoi’s resilience and history. From the bridge, you’ll get a vivid glimpse into everyday life in Hanoi, with locals riding scooters to and from work alongside cyclists and pedestrians. Look down from the bridge and you’ll see the bustling Long Bien Market, alive from the early hours, while the river views offer a calm counterpoint to the city’s pulse. The bridge is a favourite subject for photographers and travellers keen to capture Hanoi’s soul.

Today’s sightseeing tour concludes with a performance at the water puppet theatre—an enchanting Vietnamese tradition dating back hundreds of years, where puppets dance across the water’s surface accompanied by live music and classic storytelling.

After an exciting day, you’ll be taken back to your hotel and will have the evening free to spend as you wish.

Today, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Vietnam’s vibrant capital city – at your own pace. You might like to join one of our optional tours, or perhaps you’d rather set off and discover the city independently.

Begin your morning early with a visit to the famous Train Street, when there are fewer people around and the atmosphere is calm. Here, the train passes right next to the street’s small cafés, offering a unique glimpse of daily life before the city properly stirs to life.

Afterwards, make your way to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. The narrow streets and French colonial buildings here conceal charming shops, colourful art galleries, and cosy cafés. Settle down with a Vietnamese coffee and watch everyday life unfold, as locals and visitors cross paths. Not far away stands the iconic St. Joseph’s Cathedral – with its Gothic façade and lively square, it’s a popular meeting place for both locals and travellers.

For lunch, head out in search of Hanoi’s famous street food. Try a steaming bowl of pho, enjoy the aroma of grilled bun cha, or grab a crispy banh mi to eat on the go.

From here, you can continue towards the area around the Long Bien Bridge and the nearby Long Bien Market, where the trade in fruit, vegetables, and flowers spills out into the streets, offering a vibrant glimpse into daily life in the city. The pace is lively and the atmosphere authentic, no matter the time of day.

If you’re curious about Hanoi’s history, you can also visit the ancient Imperial Citadel, which stands as a fascinating reminder of the city’s past. In the same area, you’ll also find the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks and a key site in Vietnam’s modern history.

When night falls, Hanoi truly comes alive. The streets glow with the flames of street kitchens, and the air fills with the aromas of grilled meat, fresh coriander, and fragrant broth wafting through the narrow lanes. Take a leisurely stroll through the Old Quarter and soak up the atmosphere, or settle at a rooftop bar to enjoy a view of the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Today, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and head towards one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders – the legendary Ha Long Bay. The drive takes approximately 3 hours, with a stop along the way to stretch your legs and perhaps pick up a refreshing drink.

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most distinctive natural areas. Here, hundreds of lush, limestone pillars rise vertically from the sea, which shifts in colour throughout the year from deep blue to jade green. For travellers, Ha Long Bay is above all a world-class natural spectacle, but for the Vietnamese, it’s also a place steeped in legends of dragons and drama. Covering an area of about 1,500 km², the bay was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1994.

You’ll arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, where you’ll check in and, before boarding your mini cruise ship, have time to unwind in the lounge.

Once on board, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink while the crew gives a short introduction to your mini-cruise. Afterwards, a delicious lunch is served as the boat quietly glides out onto the emerald-green waters. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Ha Long Bay’s most iconic rock formations, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island. Later, you can settle into your cabin and make yourself comfortable.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most impressive limestone cave in Ha Long Bay. To reach it, you’ll climb around 800 steps, but the effort is well worth it for the mesmerising landscape of stalactites and stalagmites that have taken millions of years to form. We recommend wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes, especially in wet weather.

Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to explore Luon Cave, either by kayak or bamboo boat.

Back on board, you can unwind with a drink at the bar before the crew invites you to a cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn how to make traditional spring rolls.

In the evening, a delicious dinner is served with a selection of local dishes prepared by the ship’s chefs.

Please note that all activities are optional. You can therefore simply choose to enjoy the view from the ship and relax on the sun deck.

PLEASE NOTE: In the event of bad weather or storms, the authorities in Vietnam reserve the right to suspend sailing in Ha Long Bay for safety reasons. This only happens a few times a year. In such cases, the mini cruise will be replaced by a hotel stay and an excursion.

Begin your day by experiencing Ha Long Bay bathed in the soft light of the morning mist.

After breakfast, you’ll head to Ti Top Island, a small limestone island with one of Ha Long Bay’s finest sandy beaches. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the emerald-green waters or climb to the island’s summit for a magnificent panoramic view of the bay.

When you return to the boat, there’s time to pack and get ready for check-out before an early lunch is served. Meanwhile, the ship quietly sails back towards the harbour, giving you one last chance to take in the bay’s stunning scenery from the deck.

You will disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, where your guide and driver will be waiting to greet you. The journey takes you back to Hanoi, and the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish before catching the night train to Da Nang. We recommend having dinner in Hanoi – perhaps in the Old Quarter, where you can also pick up food, snacks, and drinks to take on your journey.

When you arrive at Hanoi train station, you will board the night train to Da Nang. As standard, you’ll travel in a shared 4-berth sleeper compartment, but you can pay a supplement to upgrade to your own private compartment if you’d prefer more peace along the way.

If you would prefer a more comfortable tour and extra time in Hoi An, you have the option to fly from Hanoi to Da Nang instead of taking the train. This option can be selected as an optional tour and includes transfers to and from the airport, as well as an additional night’s stay in Hoi An.

You’ll wake to stunning views as the train winds its way along the coastline and through the scenic Van Hai Pass.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, your guide will meet you and take you onward to Hoi An. The drive takes around 45 minutes, passing through lush countryside and small villages in central Vietnam. Once you arrive at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

Hoi An is an experience in itself – a town that’s easy to fall in love with. The old quarter, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, is especially known for its beautifully preserved architecture, proud silk production, and talented tailors. Life here moves at a gentler pace, and history can be felt in every street, facade, and little shop.

The Thu Bon River flows through the heart of the town and, in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a bustling hub of international trade. Today, its banks offer a serene backdrop to daily life, with small boats still gliding gracefully across the water. Not far away lies the local market, a lively mix of scents, colours, and activity, where stalls overflow with fresh produce and local goods.

Beyond the river spreads a maze of charming narrow streets. Here you’re met by a vibrant mix of Japanese wooden houses, Chinese assembly halls, French colonial buildings, and the town’s distinctive merchant houses. Cars are not permitted in the old quarter, allowing you to explore the town more peacefully on foot. Colourful lanterns hang like garlands above the streets, creating a magical atmosphere – especially as evening falls. Shops and restaurants line the streets inviting you to slow down, explore, and enjoy the moment. Hoi An is also renowned for its unique coffee culture, and across town you’ll find cosy cafés where you can settle in and savour a Vietnamese coffee – perhaps the classic variety with condensed milk.

The days are yours to spend as you please, and Hoi An offers endless possibilities – whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or a taste of local culture.

Perhaps a peaceful day by the sea appeal to you? Hire a bicycle and ride out to one of the nearby beaches, Cua Dai or An Bang, where soft sand and swaying palms create the perfect setting for a swim in the warm sea. You could also go cycling through the lush rice fields outside the town, where small villages and everyday glimpses of local life offer a wonderful insight into the Vietnamese countryside.

In Hoi An, you can also immerse yourself in the local cuisine on a cookery course, take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River, or see the town from a different perspective as the lanterns light up towards the end of the day. You might even fancy visiting a local tailor to have an outfit made – a lovely keepsake to take home.

If you’re curious about the area surrounding Hoi An, you can choose from one of our exciting optional tours, which you can read more about below.

Today, you’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to Da Nang airport, a journey of just under an hour. From here, you’ll catch a flight south to Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city, Ho Chi Minh City.

You’ll arrive at Ho Chi Minh City’s international airport, Tan Son Nhat. Your guide will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall, beyond the exit doors. Look out for the TourCompass uniform and sign, which will help you spot your guide easily. From there, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, located in central District 1—the very heart of the city. The area is still commonly known as Saigon and is considered the historical and cultural core of the city, while the remaining districts together form present-day Ho Chi Minh City.

After a few peaceful days in Hoi An, your first encounter with Ho Chi Minh City can feel rather overwhelming. The city is home to around ten million people—and almost as many scooters and motorbikes. Yet, amid the hustle and bustle, you’ll find a modern, captivating metropolis evolving at a rapid pace. Glass-clad skyscrapers rise alongside elegant colonial buildings from the French era, creating a cityscape where the old and new blend seamlessly together.

The city has many faces, and the rest of the day is yours to discover whichever aspects interest you most – whether that’s history, creative urban life, or local flavours.

If you’d like to experience the city’s modern vibe, make your way to Café Apartment, situated right on Nguyen Hue promenade, the city’s bustling pedestrian street. Once a residential block, Café Apartment is now home to independent coffee shops, designer boutiques, and creative studios. Each floor has its own unique character, offering a local’s introduction to youthful Saigon.

For those curious about the city’s culinary scene, the streets around districts 1 and 3 are perfect to explore. Here, you’ll find everything from steaming bowls of pho and crispy banh xeo pancakes to aromatic street food stalls and lively food markets.

Alternatively, you could cross the river to district 2, a rapidly developing neighbourhood where contemporary architecture, green spaces, and creative cafés set the scene. It’s a laid-back area with a blend of international restaurants, speciality shops, and small galleries. The trendy Thao Dien area is especially popular, exuding a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to both locals and travellers alike.

Around dusk, take a leisurely stroll down Nguyen Hue promenade, lined with flowers, fountains, and charming architecture. Here, you’ll experience the city’s unique character as locals gather with street performers, dancers, and young families in a lively and enchanting atmosphere. The vibe is relaxed yet vibrant, reaching its peak around the beautifully illuminated town hall.

After the sun has set, there’s no better way to end the day than by admiring the city’s sparkling sea of lights from the top of one of the skyscrapers, such as the Bitexco Financial Tower or Landmark 81.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel and you’ll set off towards the lush Mekong Delta, one of Vietnam’s most fertile and life-giving regions. The Mekong River originates in the Himalayas and journeys roughly 4,500 km through six countries before branching out into the sprawling delta south of Ho Chi Minh City. The delta covers about 40,000 square kilometres, and the extent of flooded areas here depends on the intensity of the rainy season and the changing seasons.

You won’t travel far outside Ho Chi Minh City before the scenery starts to change. As you drive, you’ll pass verdant fields and weave past small rivers and canals winding their way through the flat landscape. It’s common to spot local farmers tending to their crops while water buffalo graze by the roadside, and small roadside stalls enticing you with fresh fruit.

After around 2½ hours of driving, you arrive in the town of Cai Be. Here, you board a boat and set off into the lush Mekong Delta. Your first stop is a local workshop, where skilled artisans craft beautiful products from coconut. You’ll also see how puffed rice is made. From here, you continue your journey in a small sampan – a traditional wooden rowboat – gliding through the Mekong Delta’s narrow, winding waterways.

Next, you switch to a larger, motorised boat that takes you to a peaceful little island in the heart of the delta. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious traditional lunch, freshly prepared with local ingredients from the Mekong Delta, surrounded by verdant greenery and the gentle rhythms of river life.

After lunch, you cruise back to the mainland and stop at a pottery workshop. Here, you can watch local artisans keep age-old traditions alive and learn more about their passion for craftsmanship.

You then continue on to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long, founded by our local partner. A tranquil walk through the village awaits, while your guide shares insights into the project along the way. You’ll be treated to fresh fruit and a refreshing drink before having the chance to take part in traditional rural life. Together with local farmers, you can try your hand at rice cultivation – either planting young seedlings or helping with the harvest, depending on the season. It’s an educational, down-to-earth experience offering a unique glimpse into everyday life in Vietnam’s countryside and the hard work behind sustainable farming. By joining this excursion, you’re also helping to make a difference for the families in Vinh Long, as a percentage of the tour price goes directly to the project, which you can learn more about here.

Afterwards, you return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, where you have the evening at leisure.

Today, you’ll enjoy an exciting half-day city tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the elegant Dong Khoi Street, one of Saigon’s most iconic boulevards. Winding through the heart of the old colonial quarter, it’s lined with French architecture, designer boutiques, art galleries, and inviting cafés. The street is steeped in atmosphere and history, having played a key role in the story of the city – from the grandeur of colonial days, through the turmoil of war, to today’s vibrant metropolis. It’s also here that Graham Greene set important scenes in his classic novel, The Quiet American.

You'll pass by the Saigon Opera House, an architectural masterpiece dating back to 1901 and a vibrant symbol of the city's cultural heritage. From serving as a bomb shelter to later housing the lower house of the South Vietnamese parliament, the opera house has a truly remarkable past.

Next on the itinerary is the Central Post Office, designed by the world-renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel. With its beautiful arches, elegant ironwork, and historical atmosphere, this building stands as a testament to the French influence on Ho Chi Minh City.

Directly opposite the Central Post Office is the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1863 and 1880. The cathedral, with its distinct red bricks and towering spires, is an impressive relic of the French colonial era.

Stand facing the cathedral and you'll have a grey building behind you. Some might recognise it as the 'Pittman Apartments' at 22 Gia Long Street, made famous by the Dutch photographer Hubert van Es' iconic photograph taken on April 29^th, 1975 during the fall of Saigon. This was the rooftop where a helicopter landed—an image many mistakenly thought showed the American embassy. Your guide will share the dramatic story of the evacuation and the hidden role the building played in the final hours of the war.

The tour continues to the historic Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War—or the American War, as it is known by the Vietnamese—officially came to an end. On April 30^th, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates of the palace, drawing a close to a brutal conflict that claimed the lives of approximately 58,000 Americans and a staggering 3 million Vietnamese. Here, you can explore war rooms, grand reception halls, and the president’s office among other fascinating spaces.

Your journey then takes you to the War Remnants Museum, offering a powerful insight into Vietnam’s recent history. The exhibitions vividly depict the harsh realities of war and its lasting human impact.

The next stop is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s lesser-known landmarks, often missed by most travellers: the Saigon Commandos Museum. Here, you gain a rare perspective on daily life during the war, through the eyes of a local resident. Housed in a modest 1963 building that, at first glance, seems like any ordinary home, the museum in fact hides a former operations base, once led by Tran Van Lai—a Vietnamese resistance fighter who, during the war, posed as a furniture factory owner. He assisted Ho Chi Minh City’s commando units in concealing weapons and plotting missions. The exhibits reveal the story of these courageous commandos’ lives, showcasing strategy, covert operations, and survival under extreme conditions.

To round off your visit, you can savour a drink in the museum café, where you’ll have a chance to sample the famous ‘butter beer’.

You will then be driven back to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to spend as you please.

Perhaps you’d like to unwind by the pool with a refreshing drink? Or maybe enjoy a glass of Vietnamese iced coffee at one of the city’s countless cafés? Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its vibrant coffee culture, offering everything from trendy coffee bars with minimalist interiors to cosy neighbourhood spots featuring plastic chairs and the classic Vietnamese drip brew.

Today you will bid farewell to Vietnam, but your Asian adventure thankfully carries on a little longer. You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to Ho Chi Minh City’s international airport, Tan Son Nhat Airport, where you’ll fly north-east to Cambodia and the atmospheric city of Siem Reap.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, you’ll pass through immigration and collect your luggage. In the arrivals hall, your guide from TourCompass—easily spotted in TourCompass’ uniform and holding a TourCompass sign—will be there to welcome you. From the very moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the warmth of Cambodia’s friendly and proud locals. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in central Siem Reap—a journey of approximately an hour and a half.

After your arrival and check-in, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

Siem Reap is a laid-back and charming town that invites you to stroll through the French Quarter or along the banks of the shaded Siem Reap River. Here, you'll discover little shops, cafés, and bustling markets. In the evening, explore the lively night market, where the mouth-watering aroma of Khmer delicacies fills the air. Tuck into a tasty grilled meat skewer or a spicy noodle dish, and take a seat on one of the many stools among the locals, who gather to enjoy a bite to eat. Feeling adventurous? You might even try a grilled cricket on a skewer.

An unforgettable day lies ahead as you visit one of the world’s greatest wonders: the spectacular Angkor Wat temple, set amidst the ruins of Angkor, a UNESCO world heritage site.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel by your guide and driver and driven about 15 minutes out of town to the awe-inspiring temple complex. As the site is enormous, longer distances are covered by car, while you and your guide explore individual attractions on foot.

Your day begins at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where statues of both benevolent and sinister gods guard the entrance. From here, you’ll make your way to the iconic Bayon temple, famous for its hundreds of smiling faces adorning the tall towers. The intricate bas-reliefs are particularly striking, depicting scenes of daily life as well as dramatic battles between the Khmer and the ancient Thais.

You’ll also visit Phimeanakas, a pyramid-shaped temple with two ponds behind it, once used for religious rituals. Climb to the top of the temple and take in wonderful views over the Angkor complex.

Discover the Elephant Terrace, where an extensive wall is decorated with rows of intricately carved elephant heads. From here, King Jayavarman once surveyed his army. Nearby, you’ll find the Terrace of the Leper King, which features a statue of Yama, the Hindu god of death.

After a short drive, you’ll arrive at Ta Prohm, which stands out from the rest. Here, towering trees have taken root amongst the ruins, so nature and stone seem to merge, creating an enchanting and unique atmosphere.

You will return to Siem Reap for lunch and a break from the midday sun.

In the afternoon, today's main highlight awaits: the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and Cambodia’s best-preserved temple. It’s hard not to be awestruck by this spectacular masterpiece, rising in three tiers and crowned with five lotus-shaped towers. Within the inner courtyards and vaulted passageways, you can admire the endless friezes and intricate carvings. From the uppermost level, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views over the entire area.

The day will come to a close with sunset over the jungle from the top of Phnom Bakheng temple, before you return to your hotel.

The day is free for you to relax by the pool, explore the city at your own pace, or book one of our exciting optional tours, which you can read more about below.

If you decide to discover the city, you might visit the small park, Royal Gardens. Or perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the charming backstreets, where you’ll come across tiny temples with golden roofs and exquisite gardens. Alternatively, you could settle down in one of the many inviting cafés along the riverbank and watch the city’s life flow by.

In the evening, Pub Street becomes the vibrant heart of Siem Reap, buzzing with life and laughter. With its endless choice of restaurants and bars, it’s the natural meeting place for both locals and travellers alike.

Today, it’s time to bid farewell to Cambodia and begin your journey home. You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport for your flight to your selected airport, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You will touch down at your selected airport, your suitcase brimming with memories – from Vietnam’s enchanting cities and breathtaking landscapes to the tranquil ruins and peaceful atmosphere of Siem Reap. An unforgettable tour comes to an end, but the memories will stay with you.