Highlights of Vietnam from North to South

Today, you’ll fly from your selected airport to Vietnam’s enchanting capital, Hanoi, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you’ll pass through immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall after you exit. Look for the guide in a TourCompass uniform, holding a TourCompass sign to make finding them easy.

You’ll then be taken to your hotel, where, after check-in, you will have the rest of the day at your leisure to soak up your first impressions of Vietnam’s fascinating capital city at your own pace.

We highly recommend taking a stroll through the Old Quarter’s narrow, bustling streets, where every alleyway is alive with scents, sounds, and glimpses of everyday Vietnamese life. Alternatively, you might like to enjoy a leisurely walk around the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, its shady trees and the local atmosphere making it a favourite oasis right in the heart of the city.

Today you’ll embark on an exciting city tour to discover some of Hanoi’s most iconic attractions.

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

From here, cross the iconic Huc Bridge to reach the Ngoc Son Temple, which sits gracefully in the middle of the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake. The bridge’s name means ‘the place touched by the sun’s morning rays’. Here, you’ll hear the legend of the emperor, the magical sword, and the giant turtle, and gain insight into how the lake received its name and why it holds such a special significance for the city.

You will then be taken to the Temple of Literature, a tranquil complex built in the 12th century by followers of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. With almost a millennium of history, the temple is a rare and exceptionally well-preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, featuring elegant colonnades, ponds, and leafy courtyards. Even today, young students come here to pray for luck in 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.

Your journey continues by traditional cycle rickshaw – known locally as a cyclo – meandering through the labyrinthine narrow streets and vibrant commercial life of the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter is renowned for its 36 streets, which were originally named after the goods traded there: bamboo, silk, paper, and tin. Many of the street names remain to this day, and the area is brimming with local charm, as Hanoians still haggle, chat, and serve steaming pho from bustling 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.

The day’s sightseeing tour concludes with a show at a water puppet theatre – a centuries-old Vietnamese tradition, where puppets dance across the water’s surface to the accompaniment of live music and classical storytelling.

After an exciting day, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, and the evening is yours to enjoy as you please.

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 journey takes around 3 hours, with a stop on the way, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and pick up a refreshment.

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most distinctive natural attractions. Here, hundreds of lush limestone pillars rise dramatically from the emerald sea, which changes hue throughout the year, from deep blue to jade green. For travellers, Ha Long Bay is first and foremost a breathtaking world-class landscape, but for the Vietnamese, it also holds countless legends of dragons and adventure. The bay covers an area of around 1,500 km² and has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1994.

You’ll arrive at Tuan Chau Marina for check-in, where you can unwind in the lounge before boarding your mini cruise ship.

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’ll disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, where your guide and driver will be waiting to welcome you. Then it’s back to Hanoi, where you’ll have a few hours at your leisure before your night train to Da Nang. We recommend having dinner in Hanoi—perhaps in the Old Quarter, where you can also pick up snacks and drinks for your journey.

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s railway station, you’ll board the overnight train to Da Nang. By default, you’ll travel in a shared four-berth sleeper compartment, but for an additional charge, you can upgrade to a private compartment if you’d prefer a bit more peace and quiet on the way.

If you’d like a more comfortable journey and some extra time in Hoi An, you have the option to fly from Hanoi to Da Nang instead of taking the train. This upgrade can be purchased 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 fly south to Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City.

You’ll arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, where your guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall, just past the exit doors. The guide will be easy to spot, wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel, located in District 1 at the very heart of the city. This area is still commonly referred to as Saigon and is widely considered the city’s historic and cultural core, while the other districts together make up Ho Chi Minh City.

After spending a few days in the tranquil surroundings of Hoi An, your first impression of Ho Chi Minh City may feel a little overwhelming. The city is home to around ten million people – and almost as many scooters and motorbikes. Yet amid the apparent chaos, you’ll find a modern and fascinating city that’s thriving and rapidly evolving. This is clearly reflected in the cityscape, where glass-clad skyscrapers sit side by side with elegant colonial structures from the French era.

The city has many faces, and you will have the rest of the day to explore whichever sides interest you most – whether that’s its history, vibrant creative scene, or local flavours.

If you’re keen to experience the city’s modern pulse, pay a visit to Café Apartment, located directly on the Nguyen Hue promenade, the city’s broad pedestrian street. Once a residential block, Café Apartment is now home to independent coffee shops, design boutiques, and creative studios. Each floor has its own unique charm, offering a taste of youthful Saigon in a truly local setting.

If you’re curious about the city’s food scene, take a wander through the streets around districts 1 and 3. Here, you’ll find everything from steaming pho and crispy banh xeo pancakes to fragrant street kitchens and bustling food markets.

Alternatively, cross the river to district 2, a fast-growing neighbourhood where sleek architecture, green spaces, and inventive cafés shape the landscape. Here, you’ll discover tranquil surroundings with a mix of international restaurants, specialist shops, and small galleries. The trendy Thao Dien area is especially popular, known for its relaxed atmosphere that appeals to both locals and travellers alike.

Around dusk, you can take a leisurely stroll along the Nguyen Hue promenade, lined with flowers, fountains, and atmospheric architecture. Here, you’ll get a true sense of city life as locals gather with street performers, dancers, and young families in a charming, bustling mix. The mood is relaxed yet vibrant, crescendoing around the illuminated city hall.

Once the sun has set, it’s the perfect time to end your day with breathtaking views across 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 brings an exciting half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

Your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the elegant Dong Khoi Street, one of Saigon’s most iconic boulevards. This road runs through the heart of the old colonial district, lined with French architecture, fashion boutiques, art galleries, and cosy cafés. It’s steeped in atmosphere and history, having played a central role in the city’s story—from the splendour of the colonial era, through the turbulence of wartime, to the vibrant metropolis it is today. It was also here that Graham Greene set key scenes in his classic novel, The Quiet American.

You’ll pass by the Saigon Opera House, an architectural masterpiece from 1901 and a vibrant symbol of the city's cultural heritage. Once used as an air raid shelter and later home to the South Vietnamese parliament’s lower house, the opera house boasts a remarkable and storied past.

Next, you’ll visit the Old Post Office, designed by world-renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel. This beautiful structure, with its graceful arches, elegant ironwork, and historic ambiance, stands as a reminder of the French influence on Ho Chi Minh City.

Directly opposite the Old Post Office stands the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1863 and 1880. This impressive landmark from the French colonial era is distinguished by its striking red brick façade and soaring spires.

Facing the cathedral, you will have a grey building behind you. Some may recognise it as the "Pittman Apartments" at 22 Gia Long Street, featured in the famous photograph by Dutch photographer Hubert van Es, taken on April 29^th, 1975 during the fall of Saigon. It was on this rooftop that a helicopter famously landed—an event many mistakenly believed took place at the American embassy. Your guide will share the dramatic story of the evacuation and the building’s hidden role 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’s known amongst the Vietnamese—officially came to an end. On April 30^th, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the palace gates, marking the end of a bloody conflict that claimed the lives of around 58,000 Americans and as many as 3 million Vietnamese. Here, you can see war rooms, grand reception halls, and the president’s office, among other fascinating sights.

Your journey will then take you to the War Remnants Museum, providing a moving insight into Vietnam’s recent history. The exhibitions present a stark depiction of the grim realities of war and its lasting human consequences.

The next stop is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s lesser-known sites, a place rarely discovered by travellers: the Saigon Commandos Museum. Here, you will gain a rare perspective on daily life during the war, told through the eyes of a local resident. Housed in a modest building dating from 1963, which at first glance appears to be a typical home, the museum hides a secret history. Behind its unassuming exterior lies a former operations base led by Tran Van Lai, a Vietnamese resistance figure who, under the guise of a furniture maker, aided Ho Chi Minh City’s commando units by concealing weapons and planning missions. The artefacts on display tell the story of brave commandos living a life of strategy, covert operations, and survival under the harshest of conditions.

To round off your visit, why not treat yourself to a drink in the museum café, where you can sample the unique 'butter beer'.

Afterwards, you will be driven back to your hotel, with the remainder of the day free for you to spend as you wish.

Perhaps you fancy unwinding by the pool with a drink, or enjoying a glass of Vietnamese iced coffee at one of the city's countless cafés? Ho Chi Minh City boasts a vibrant coffee culture, with everything from trendy coffee bars with minimalist decor to local haunts with plastic chairs and coffee brewed using the traditional drip method.

Today marks the end of your Vietnam adventure – at least for now. You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the international airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Son Nhat, from where you will fly home to your selected airport, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll touch down at your selected airport with your luggage full of memories after an unforgettable journey through the highlights of Vietnam, from north to south.