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 social enterprise 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. The largest island, Cat Ba, is home to several villages, while smaller islets harbour tiny fishing communities. 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, and the crew will provide a brief introduction to the adventure that awaits. You can then settle into your cabin and prepare for a delicious lunch featuring both Vietnamese delicacies and international cuisine. As you dine, the ship glides gently out onto the emerald green waters, and along the way, you’ll be treated to views of some of Ha Long Bay’s most iconic limestone formations, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island.

Later, the boat docks at a local pearl farm, where you’ll gain fascinating insight into traditional pearl cultivation. You’ll also have the chance to hop into a kayak and paddle quietly through the breathtaking natural surroundings.

The journey will continue to Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most striking limestone cave in Ha Long Bay. Here, you’ll be rewarded with a magical subterranean landscape of stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millions of years. We recommend sturdy, closed shoes, especially if the weather is wet.

Back on board, you can enjoy a drink at the bar.

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

The rest of the evening is yours to spend as you wish. You might relax on deck and take in the multi-coloured sunset, or try your hand at squid fishing from the stern. When you’re ready, retire to your cabin and drift off to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the hull.

Please note: In the event of bad weather and storms, the Vietnamese authorities reserve the right to suspend sailing in Ha Long Bay for safety reasons. This only happens a few times a year. In such cases, your 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. If you’re an early riser, you will have the option to join a tai chi session on the sun deck—allowing your senses to awaken to the peace, views, and fresh sea air—before a light breakfast is served in the ship’s restaurant.

After breakfast, you’ll head off to Ti Top Island, a small limestone island boasting one of Ha Long Bay’s finest sandy beaches. Here, you can enjoy a swim in the emerald waters or hike to the top of the island, where you’ll be rewarded with an exceptional view over the bay.

Once back on board, there’s time to pack up and prepare for check-out before lunch is served. Meanwhile, the boat will make its gentle return towards the harbour, giving you a chance to soak up the final magical views of the bay’s enchanting landscape 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 truly an experience in itself—a town that quickly captures your heart. The old quarter, listed on the UNESCO world heritage list, is especially renowned for its beautifully-preserved architecture, proud silk-weaving tradition, and its many talented tailors. Life here seems to move at a gentler pace, and the city’s rich history can be felt in every street, façade, and little shop.

The Thu Bon River flows through the heart of the city, and during the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a hub for thriving international trade. Today, the riverbanks provide a beautiful and tranquil backdrop to daily life, with countless small boats still drifting gently along the water.

Away from the river, you’ll discover a maze of small, atmospheric streets. Here, you’re greeted by a vibrant blend of Japanese timber houses, Chinese assembly halls, French colonial buildings, and the distinctive merchant houses. Colourful lanterns hang like garlands above the streets, creating a truly special atmosphere – especially once darkness falls. Shops, street food stalls, cafés, and small restaurants dot the lanes like beads on a string, inviting you to unwind, explore, and soak up the unique character of the place.

Although Hoi An attracts plenty of visitors, the town still manages to retain its tranquillity, authenticity, and welcoming atmosphere. This is partly due to the ban on cars and motorised vehicles in the historic part of town, allowing you to stroll around peacefully and simply take in the charm of your surroundings.

These days are entirely yours to spend as you please, and Hoi An has an abundance to offer, whether you’re seeking pure relaxation, a little adventure, or cultural experiences.

Perhaps a restful day by the sea appeals to you? Hire a bicycle and ride out to one of the nearby beaches—Cua Dai or An Bang—where soft sands and swaying palms set the perfect scene for some downtime and a swim in the warm sea. Alternatively, you might want to wander Hoi An’s enchanting lanes, which are lined with unique shops, inviting cafés, and vibrant markets. Or perhaps you’ll be tempted to visit a local tailor, have something custom-made, and take home a bespoke garment as a special memory of your journey.

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 2.5 hours on the road, you’ll reach the town of Cai Be. Here, you’ll board a boat to begin your journey into the lush Mekong Delta. You’ll visit local workshops where skilled artisans craft products from coconut. Your journey continues aboard a small sampan—a traditional, hand-rowed wooden boat—taking you through the Mekong Delta’s narrow, winding channels.

Your boat journey continues to a tranquil island in the heart of the Mekong River, where you’ll savour a Vietnamese lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle rhythm of the river’s life.

After lunch, you’ll sail back to the mainland and make a stop at a pottery workshop. Here, you can witness local artisans keeping age-old traditions alive, and you’ll have the chance to hear about their passion for their craft.

Your tour then takes you to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long, established by our local partner. Here, a peaceful walk through the village awaits, with your guide offering insights into the project as you go. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience traditional rural life firsthand. Together with local farmers, you’ll get involved in rice cultivation – either planting young seedlings or helping with the harvest, depending on the season. This hands-on and enlightening activity provides a unique glimpse into daily life in rural Vietnam and the dedication that drives sustainable farming. By taking part in this tour, you’ll also be supporting families in Vinh Long, as a percentage of the tour price goes directly towards the project, which you can learn more about here.

Afterwards, you’ll return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, where the evening is yours to spend as you wish.

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.