Comprehensive package of excursions:
The tour begins in central Vietnam, in the charming town of Hoi An, where colourful lanterns, historic merchant houses, and narrow streets set the scene for your first experiences. Here, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the UNESCO-listed old town, relax on the beach, or join one of the local excursions in the surrounding area.
Your journey then continues by plane to Ho Chi Minh City in the south – Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city. You’ll enjoy an exciting city tour, exploring some of its most famous attractions and gaining insight into the country’s more recent history. This tour offers a great overview of the city and serves as a fine introduction to the contrasts between colonial architecture, modern urban life, and traditional neighbourhoods. You’ll also have some free time to wander through the markets and soak up the lively atmosphere of the streets and districts.
From the bustling city, the tour moves on to the Mekong Delta, where the pace slows down. Here, you’ll stay in the heart of the lush river landscape and experience daily life along the many branches of the Mekong. Boat trips, small workshops, and encounters with local families offer an authentic glimpse into life in the delta. The tour also includes a visit to our social sustainability project, giving you an opportunity to see how tourism can make a positive contribution to the local community.
The tour can be extended with a relaxing beach holiday in Mui Ne or on the island of Phu Quoc, or with a stay in Siem Reap including a visit to Angkor Wat.
Today, you’ll depart from your selected airport and fly towards central Vietnam, arriving in the city of Da Nang, with connecting flights along the way.
You’ll land at Da Nang International Airport, where your guide will be waiting for you just outside the arrivals hall. The guide will be wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign, so you can easily recognise them. From here, you’ll be driven to your hotel in Hoi An.
After around an hour’s drive, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Hoi An, and once you’ve checked in, 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 leave central Vietnam behind and head towards the south of the country.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Da Nang airport. From here, you’ll fly to Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city, Ho Chi Minh City.
You’ll arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where your guide will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall. Look out for your TourCompass guide, wearing the TourCompass uniform and holding a sign with the company logo, so you can easily find him or her. You’ll then be taken to your centrally located hotel in District 1 – the very heart of the city. The area is still often called Saigon in everyday conversation and is considered the historical and cultural core of the metropolis, while the other districts together make up greater Ho Chi Minh City.
After your tranquil days in Hoi An, the energy of Ho Chi Minh City may feel a little overwhelming at first. With around ten million inhabitants – and almost as many scooters and motorbikes – the city buzzes with constant movement. Yet amidst the hustle and bustle, a fascinating and modern metropolis is emerging, ever evolving. This is reflected in the cityscape, where sleek glass skyscrapers rise alongside elegant colonial-era buildings dating back to the French period.
After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy. Perhaps you’d like to relax by the pool with a refreshing drink? Or why not try a glass of Vietnamese iced coffee at one of the city’s countless cafés? Ho Chi Minh City has a deep-rooted coffee culture, and you’ll find everything from chic coffee bars with minimalist décor to small local joints with plastic stools and coffee brewed using the classic drip method.
If you’re curious about the city’s vibrant food scene, head out to explore the lively streets around districts 1 and 3. Here, you’ll find everything from steaming bowls of pho and crispy banh xeo pancakes to fragrant street food stalls and bustling food markets.
Today brings an exciting half-day city tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, and together you’ll head to the elegant Dong Khoi Street – one of Saigon’s most iconic boulevards. The street winds through the heart of the old colonial quarter, where French architecture, fashion boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafés sit side by side. It brims with atmosphere and history, having played a central role in the city’s story, from the grandeur of colonial times and the turmoil of war to today’s bustling metropolis. It was also here that Graham Greene set key scenes in his classic novel The Quiet American.
You’ll pass the Saigon Opera House, an architectural masterpiece from 1901 and a living symbol of the city’s cultural heritage. Over the years, it has served as everything from a bomb shelter to the home of South Vietnam’s lower house of parliament – a building with a truly remarkable past.
You’ll then visit the Old Post Office, designed by world-renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel. With its graceful arches, elegant ironwork, and historical ambience, the building stands as a testament to 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 relic of the French colonial era, with its distinctive red bricks and towering spires, remains one of the city’s most cherished landmarks.
Facing the cathedral, you’ll find a grey building behind you. Some may recognise it as the “Pittman Apartments” at 22 Gia Long Street from the famous photograph taken on April 29th, 1975 by Dutch photographer Hubert van Es, capturing the fall of Saigon. It was here that a helicopter landed on the rooftop – a scene many mistakenly believed took place at the American Embassy. Your guide will share the dramatic story of the evacuation and the hidden role this building played during the final hours of the war.
The tour then continues to the historic Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War – or the American War, as it is known in Vietnam – officially came to an end. On April 30th, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank broke through the palace gates, marking the close of a bloody conflict that cost 58,000 American lives and claimed the lives of around 3 million Vietnamese. Here, you’ll explore the war rooms, grand halls, and the president’s office.
The journey will continue to the War Remnants Museum, where you’ll gain a gripping insight into the devastating impact of war. The exhibits depict the harsh realities and human cost of the conflict.
The next stop takes you to one of Ho Chi Minh City’s lesser-known sites, rarely discovered by travellers: the Saigon Commandos Museum. Here, a local resident offers a rare glimpse into everyday life during the war. The museum is set in a modest 1963 house that, at first glance, appears to be an ordinary home. Behind its unassuming façade, however, lies a former operations base led by Tran Van Lai, a Vietnamese resistance fighter who, disguised as a furniture maker during the war, helped Ho Chi Minh City’s commando units hide weapons and plan missions. The exhibits here tell the story of these brave commandos’ lives – filled with strategy, secret operations, and extraordinary resilience under extreme conditions.
Finally, you can enjoy a drink in the museum’s café, where you’ll have the chance to sample the distinctive “butter beer”.
You’ll then be driven back to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to spend as you wish.
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.
The city has many faces, and you have the whole day to discover the sides that interest you most – whether that’s its history, creative urban life, or local flavours.
If you’d like to feel the city’s modern pulse, visit the Café Apartment, located right on Nguyen Hue Promenade, the city’s broad pedestrian boulevard. Once a residential building, the Café Apartment is now home to small independent coffee shops, design boutiques, and creative studios. Each floor has its own charm, offering a local glimpse into the youthful, dynamic spirit of Ho Chi Minh City.
You can also cross the river to District 2, a rapidly developing neighbourhood where modern architecture, green spaces, and innovative cafés define the streetscape. Here, you’ll find a tranquil atmosphere with a mix of international restaurants, speciality shops, and small galleries. The trendy Thao Dien area is particularly popular for its relaxed vibe that draws both locals and visitors.
As dusk falls, take a leisurely stroll along Nguyen Hue Promenade, surrounded by flowers, fountains, and beautiful architecture. This is where you can truly experience the city’s unique rhythm as locals gather with street performers, dancers, and families in a lively, charming scene. The atmosphere is both laid-back and vibrant, culminating around the city’s illuminated town hall.
After sunset, it’s the perfect time to end your day admiring the sea of lights from one of the city’s skyscrapers – for example, the Bitexco Financial Tower or Landmark 81.
After breakfast, you’ll leave Ho Chi Minh City.
Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, and together you’ll head towards the lush Mekong Delta – one of Vietnam’s most fertile and life-giving regions. The Mekong River originates in the Himalayas and flows for around 4,500 km through six countries before it branches out into the vast delta area south of Ho Chi Minh City. The delta covers about 40,000 square kilometres, and how much of it lies under water depends on the intensity of the rainy season and the time of year.
It doesn’t take long after leaving Ho Chi Minh City for the scenery to change. As you travel, you’ll pass green fields and narrow rivers and canals winding their way through the flat landscape. It’s not unusual to spot local farmers working in their fields, while water buffalo graze by the roadside and small roadside stalls tempt you with fresh fruit.
After around a three hours’ drive, you’ll arrive at our social sustainability project in Vinh Long, established by our local partner. Here, a peaceful walk through the village awaits, during which your guide will share insights into the project. You’ll be offered fresh fruit and something chilled to drink. Then, you’ll have the chance to get hands-on with traditional farming life. Together with local farmers, you’ll try your hand at rice cultivation—either by planting young rice shoots or helping with the harvest, depending on the season. It’s an educational, down-to-earth experience that gives you a unique glimpse into everyday life in Vietnam’s rural areas and the effort behind sustainable agriculture. By taking part in this tour, you’re also helping 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’ll board a motorboat to a small, peaceful island in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious, traditional lunch made from fresh, local ingredients, surrounded by lush greenery and the quiet rhythm of river life.
After lunch, you’ll sail back to the mainland to visit a local pottery workshop. Here you can watch skilled artisans keeping age-old traditions alive and hear more about their passion for their craft.
Your tour then continues with an atmospheric boat trip through Cai Be, a charming river town in the Mekong Delta. Along the way, you’ll visit a workshop where local craftspeople create beautiful items from water hyacinths, such as handbags, coasters, wall decorations, and serving trays.
You’ll then see how coconuts are processed into various products and get a glimpse of how the popular snack, pop rice, is made.
Finally, you’ll swap the motorboat for a small sampan – a traditional, hand-rowed wooden boat – and glide through the Mekong Delta’s narrow, winding canals.
After an exciting and insightful day, you’ll be sailed to your accommodation in Cai Be.
Today, you’ll gain a unique insight into daily life and the living craft traditions of Tra Vinh’s small village communities. Tra Vinh is a peaceful and authentic provincial town in the southern Mekong Delta, home to a large Khmer population. Its colourful pagodas, laid-back pace, and spiritual atmosphere lend the town a special charm, setting the scene for today’s experiences.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cai Be and driven to the tranquil Ba Om Pond in the atmospheric town of Tra Vinh, located just over two hours away. Here, you’ll enjoy a peaceful stroll around the pond before a traditional tuk tuk takes you to Ang Pagoda and the Khmer Museum, where you’ll gain an insight into the area’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
You’ll then experience a performance of traditional Khmer music and dance at a local community hall – and even have the chance to learn a few of the distinctive steps and movements yourself.
Your tuk tuk will continue along the quiet village roads. The first stop is the home of a wonderfully sweet elderly couple, where you’ll taste com dep and see how this local delicacy is made from young green rice, which is roasted and pounded into soft, delicate flakes.
The tour continues with a visit to a talented Khmer artist who creates statues and masks for the region’s pagodas. His work is truly impressive!
You’ll then visit the Lo Gach Pagoda, where a monk will offer you a traditional Buddhist blessing before you take a stroll through the surrounding gardens and learn about the rare macapuno coconut. This local delicacy is famous for its creamy, almost jelly-like flesh and its sweet, aromatic flavour.
Finally, you can enjoy a delicious lunch.
After an exciting day in Vinh Long, you’ll be driven to your hotel in Ben Tre for the night, breaking up the day’s travel more comfortably. Ben Tre is a lush province in the Mekong Delta, particularly famous for its abundance of coconut palms – a reputation that has earned it the nickname ‘Vietnam’s coconut capital’. Here, you’ll find a peaceful pace of everyday life, with small shops and local street food stalls in the town centre.
Today marks the end of your Vietnam adventure. You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to Ho Chi Minh City’s international airport, Tan Son Nhat, a journey of around three hours with stops along the way. From here, your flight back to Europe begins, with connecting flight(s) along the way.
You’ll land at your selected airport after a wonderful tour brimming with impressions, experiences, and memories to last a lifetime.
From £489 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £439
Single room supplement from £169
Phu Quoc lies off of Vietnam’s west coast in the Gulf of Thailand, close to Cambodia, and is known for its palm-fringed sandy beaches, laid-back holiday vibe, and warm, inviting seas. It’s the kind of island where you unwind amid beautiful scenery, letting the days drift by between the beach, the pool and gentle sea breezes.
A large part of Phu Quoc is protected as a National Park, giving the island a lush, green feel. Along the coast you’ll find long sweeps of golden sand, while the waters around the island are ideal for snorkelling and diving, particularly around the An Thoi Islands in the south.
In the main town, Duong Dong, you’ll experience the island’s livelier side, with local restaurants, cafés, and shops. Come evening, watch Phu Quoc’s glorious sunsets from a beach bar and browse the atmospheric night market, where you can sample freshly caught fish and seafood alongside Vietnamese specialities. Beyond town, a calmer mood awaits, with small, sheltered coves setting a slower pace.
Phu Quoc also offers fascinating insights into the island’s culture and history. Visit traditional pepper plantations or learn how the island’s famous fish sauce is produced. In the south stands the former Coconut Prison, which tells the story of the island’s role during the Vietnam War. Not far from here you can ride the world’s longest cable car across the sea to Hon Thom island, with superb views over the turquoise-blue water.
The extension includes a 3-night beach holiday stay on Phu Quoc at a hotel with breakfast, plus a flight to Phu Quoc.
From £399 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £279
Single room supplement from £89
Extend your tour with a few atmospheric days in Siem Reap, Cambodia, combining magnificent temple visits with time at your leisure.
On this extension, the extraordinary temple complex of Angkor awaits, a site inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list. Here, you’ll experience some of the area’s most iconic temples. You’ll visit Angkor Thom with the Bayon’s many smiling faces, the Phimeanakas temple, and the Terrace of the Elephants. The tour also takes you to Ta Prohm, where enormous trees and roots have woven themselves through the ancient ruins, creating an almost otherworldly scene. Your day will round off at Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s national icon and the world’s largest religious monument, followed by the sunset from Phnom Bakheng.
Your final day in Siem Reap is free to spend as you please. Relax by the hotel pool, explore the city, or choose from a range of exciting optional tours.
In the evening, the area around Pub Street buzzes with life with restaurants, bars, and street food stalls where you can enjoy local specialities and the laid-back atmosphere.
This Siem Reap extension gives you ample time to immerse yourself in Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and is the perfect finale to an experience-filled tour of Southeast Asia.
From £369 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £329
Single room supplement from £159
Originally a small fishing village, Mui Ne has developed into a lovely, cosy beach holiday destination. The beach has fine, golden sand, and the sea is wonderfully warm. Along the beach, you’ll find small, local eateries serving delicious Vietnamese dishes.
Mui Ne is also famous for its huge red and white sand dunes. Discover how the wind constantly blowing in from the sea shapes the red and pale yellow sand into beautiful Sahara formations.
In southern Mui Ne, on the road to Phan Thiet, are the Po Shanu Cham towers, which were built by the Cham people in the 9th century. Neighbouring the towers is a fine Chinese temple. Both the towers and the temple are located on a hilltop with a nice view of the bay.
In the evening, you can stroll along the beach road, which is approx. 10 km long. Along it lie cosy coffee bars, restaurants and shops.
You can also head into Phan Thiet itself, where you can buy the town’s famous fish sauce, known throughout Vietnam.
The extension includes a 3-night beach holiday at a hotel with breakfast and transfers between Ho Chi Minh City and Mui Ne.
Children under 12 years from £1459
Single room supplement from £309
Special offers for groups of 6 or more. Request a quote today for more info.
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
