Southern Vietnam & beach holiday in Mui Ne

Today you will depart from your selected airport, heading for the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll touch down at Tan Son Nhat, Ho Chi Minh City’s international airport, where your guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall just beyond the exit doors. The guide will be easy to spot in a TourCompass uniform, holding a TourCompass sign, so you can find him or her with ease. You’ll then be driven to your hotel, conveniently located in District 1—the very heart of the city. This area is still commonly referred to as Saigon and is considered the city’s historical and cultural centre, while the other districts together make up Ho Chi Minh City.

After you’ve checked in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Perhaps you’d like to unwind by the pool with a refreshing drink, or try a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee at one of the city’s countless cafés? Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its strong coffee culture, offering everything from trendy, minimalist coffee bars to small, local joints with plastic chairs and coffee made using the traditional drip method. 

If you’re keen to explore the urban food scene, wander the streets around districts 1 and 3, where you’ll discover everything from steaming pho and crispy banh xeo pancakes to tantalising street food stalls and bustling food markets.

Your day begins with 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. This avenue winds its way through the heart of the old colonial quarter, where French architecture, boutique fashion stores, art galleries, and charming cafés sit side by side. The street is steeped in atmosphere and history, having played a central part in the city’s story – from colonial grandeur and turbulent wartime to today’s vibrant metropolis. It was also here that Graham Greene set key scenes in his classic, The Quiet American.

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

Next, you’ll visit the Central Post Office, designed by the world-renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel. With its graceful arches, elegant ironwork, and historic ambience, this building stands as a testament to the French imprint on Ho Chi Minh City.

Directly opposite the Central Post Office is the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1863 and 1880. The cathedral is an impressive relic of the French colonial era, notable for its distinctive red brick and soaring spires.

As you stand facing the church, there’s a grey building behind you. Some may recognise it as the "Pittman Apartments" at 22 Gia Long Street, made famous by a photograph taken on April 29, 1975 by Dutch photographer Hubert van Es, documenting the fall of Saigon. It was here that a helicopter landed on the rooftop – a scene many mistakenly believed unfolded at the American embassy. Your guide will share the dramatic story of the evacuation and the hidden part this building played in the conflict’s final hours.

The tour then takes you to the historic Reunification Palace, marking the official end of the Vietnam War – or the American War, as it’s known locally. On April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates, signalling the close of a bloody conflict that claimed the lives of around 58,000 Americans and as many as 3 million Vietnamese. Here, you'll see the war rooms, grand reception halls, and the president’s office.

Your journey continues at the War Remnants Museum, offering a gripping insight into the horrors of war. The exhibitions depict the harsh realities and lasting human cost of the conflict.

The next stop is something many travellers miss: the Saigon Commandos Museum. This small, often-overlooked spot offers a rare insight into daily life during the war, told by a local resident. The museum is housed in an unassuming home built in 1963 which, at first glance, looks like any ordinary house. Behind its façade, however, lies a former operations base run by Tran Van Lai, a Vietnamese resistance fighter who, while disguised as a furniture maker, helped the Ho Chi Minh City commando units hide weapons and plan missions. The items on display recount the story of these courageous commandos – their tactics, covert operations, and survival against the odds.

To round off your exploration, enjoy a drink in the museum’s café, perhaps sampling their special ‘butter beer’.

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

Today is yours to discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.

This vibrant city has many faces, and you have the full day to explore whichever aspects intrigue you most—be it its rich history, creative urban life, or local flavours.

If you’re keen to sample the city’s modern pulse, make your way to Café Apartment, directly facing Nguyen Hue promenade, the city’s bustling pedestrian boulevard. Once an apartment block, Café Apartment is now teeming with independent coffee bars, stylish boutiques, and creative studios. Each floor has its own unique atmosphere, offering a glimpse into young, dynamic Ho Chi Minh City.

You might also venture across the river to District 2, a rapidly developing area defined by modern architecture, leafy spaces, and a flurry of creative cafés. Here, you’ll find a tranquil mix of international restaurants, boutique shops, and cosy galleries. The trendy Thao Dien neighbourhood, in particular, is a favourite for both locals and travellers alike thanks to its laid-back, welcoming vibe.

As dusk falls, enjoy a stroll along Nguyen Hue promenade, where you’ll be surrounded by flowers, fountains, and atmospheric architecture. It’s here that the city truly comes alive: locals gather with street performers, dancers, and young families in a lively, enchanting blend. The relaxed, vibrant atmosphere reaches its peak as you approach the illuminated city hall.

When evening settles in, why not bring your day to a close with a drink and panoramic views over Ho Chi Minh City’s sparkling lights from atop one of its 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.

The day is yours to enjoy until the afternoon, when you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport for your flight to Buon Ma Thuot in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, around 350 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The flight will take around 1 hour.

Your guide will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall after the exit doors. He or she will be wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign, making it easy for you to spot them.

From here, you’ll be driven around 50 km south of Buon Ma Thuot to Lak Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills, rice fields, and small villages inhabited by the M’nong people, who still live according to their ancient traditions. This is a place where you can experience serene nature, abundant birdlife, and authentic local culture up close.

After a drive of about an hour, you’ll arrive at your accommodation, Lak Tented Camp – a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature. Once you’ve checked in, look forward to a late but delicious dinner at Y LAK Restaurant, before relaxing and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere by the lake.

Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over Lak Lake, which you can enjoy from the terrace of the camp or from a kayak gliding across the lake.

After breakfast, you’ll be taken by boat across to the opposite shore and driven around 10 km to the starting point of your hike to the hidden Bim Bip waterfall. During the boat trip, you can catch a glimpse of local fishermen at work and the surrounding plantations. Upon arrival, set off on a roughly 2 km walk through dense tropical forest, where the trail winds between plantations and towering trees. Along the way, you’ll walk on both narrow dirt paths and more uneven stretches with stones and roots, requiring a bit of attentiveness. The final part of the trail follows a broader track with solid ground underfoot. The forest hums with the sound of cicadas, and your guide will share insights about the plants and trees you encounter along the way.

When you reach the Bim Bip waterfall, which stands around 10 metres high, your efforts are rewarded with time to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. The waterfall springs from the mountain slopes of the Yang Tao range, cascading down the rocks in several tiers. At its base, large boulders create the perfect spot to sit and dip your feet in the cool water – or even take a refreshing swim in the natural pool.

Depending on your physical ability, the guide will decide whether lunch will be enjoyed on a platform at the foot of the waterfall or up at the top. If you make your way to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the surrounding area, and you can also sit with your feet in the cool water. Lunch consists of traditional dishes served on banana leaves – including grilled meat, fresh vegetables, bread, eggs, and rice.

Afterwards, you’ll return the same way you came.

Back at Lak Tented Camp, you can take a kayak trip on the lake before getting an exciting insight into the M’nong people’s coffee culture. Here, you’ll learn about traditional coffee production methods and taste freshly roasted beans grown in the local area.

In the evening, look forward to traditional gong music and local rice wine (Ruou Can), followed by a delicious dinner before retiring for the night.

After breakfast, you’ll cycle approximately 12 km from Lak Tented Camp to the village of Yang Tao. You’ll borrow a bike and helmet from the camp, and the route follows flat gravel roads past lush green rice fields. Along the way, you may be lucky enough to see herds of buffalo and cows heading out to the fields with the local farmers.

In the village, you’ll cycle past local houses where children often wave and call out a cheerful “hello” as you ride by. Here, you’ll also get a glimpse of the beautiful craftsmanship behind traditional M’nong pottery and visit a cocoa plantation, where you’ll have the chance to taste a unique fermented cocoa wine.

You’ll leave your bike behind and hop onto a tractor with a trailer for a bumpy but fun ride back to the camp. Don’t forget your sun hat and sunscreen, as the trailer isn’t covered. If you’d prefer, you’re also welcome to cycle back to the camp instead.

Afterwards, it’s time for check-out and lunch, and you’ll bid farewell to these peaceful surroundings. A boat will take you across Lak Lake, where your driver will be waiting to take you on to Da Lat – a charming mountain town known for its cool climate, countless greenhouses, its flowers and vegetables, and its beautiful colonial architecture. The drive takes around 4½ hours.

Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps a relaxing stroll along the banks of Xuan Huong Lake will tempt you? You could also drop by the city’s St. Nicholas Cathedral.

In the evening, the city’s night market becomes a lively meeting point. Here, you’ll find everything from fresh strawberries and large avocados to dried fruit. Warm soy milk, Vietnamese pizza (bánh tráng), and avocado ice cream are must-tries when visiting Da Lat.

Throughout the city, you’ll also come across plenty of great local restaurants, whether you’re in the mood for Korean cuisine or the Hanoian version of pho.

You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to Da Lat’s charming old railway station. The yellow station building, with its symmetrical design and flower beds in front, exudes colonial-era charm and sets the perfect scene for the day’s adventure. You’ll board the vintage train bound for Trai Mat, as the landscape gradually unfolds around you. Along the way, you’ll pass Da Lat’s rolling highlands, dotted with greenhouses that reveal the area’s rich production of flowers and vegetables. The journey takes place in classic carriages, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Trai Mat, your driver will meet you and take you to the lush green tea plantations, where the tea bushes spread gracefully across the rolling hills. You’ll then visit the Long Dinh Tea Museum to gain a fascinating insight into the tea production process, finishing your visit with a cup of freshly brewed tea.

Next, you’ll visit the Prenn Waterfall, one of Da Lat’s most famous landmarks, located in a beautifully maintained green park. The waterfall cascades around 10 metres into a pool below, and you’ll have the opportunity to walk behind it, giving you a completely different perspective as the water tumbles down right in front of you.

You’ll then be driven back to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish.

Today, you’ll leave Da Lat behind and set off for the coastal town of Mui Ne – a scenic drive of approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. The journey takes you through stunning mountain landscapes, past lush valleys, coffee plantations, and quaint villages. Gradually, the scenery shifts as you draw closer to the coast and its warm climate and sun-kissed beaches.

Upon arrival at your hotel, it's time to check in and the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. Grab your swimwear and unwind beside the hotel pool or on the golden sands of the beach.

The coming days are dedicated to relaxation and your own adventures.

Mui Ne was once a small fishing village, but has since blossomed into a charming beach holiday destination. Here, you can stretch out on wide, golden beaches of soft sand and enjoy the inviting, warm sea. Dotted along the coastline are small, local restaurants where you can savour authentic Vietnamese dishes in a laid-back setting.

This area is especially famous for its impressive sand dunes, which the sea breeze continually shapes into rolling landscapes reminiscent of the Sahara.

Head south, towards Phan Thiet, and you'll discover the historic Po Shanu Cham towers, built by the Cham people in the 9th century. Right next to them stands a beautiful Chinese temple. From the hilltop, where these two architectural gems are located, you'll have a breathtaking view over the coastline and the sea.

As the sun sets, why not take an evening stroll along the 10-kilometre stretch of seaside road? You'll find inviting cafés, little shops, and plenty of restaurants along the way. Alternatively, pop into Phan Thiet town itself, where you can pick up the region’s famous fish sauce – treasured and loved throughout Vietnam.

Today marks the start of your journey home. You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. From here, your flight back to Europe begins, with connecting flights along the way.

You’ll arrive at your selected airport after a wonderful tour filled with exciting experiences and some well-deserved relaxation.