Today, you will fly from your chosen airport to Ho Chi Minh City with connecting flights along the way.

You will land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, pass through immigration, and collect your luggage. In the arrivals hall, you’ll meet your local guide, holding a TourCompass sign, who will transfer you to your centrally located hotel in the heart of the city.

Upon arrival at the hotel, check-in takes place, and the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

The day promises a fascinating, guided city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, and your first stop will be the impressive Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, a hidden gem among the city’s temples. Here, you can witness classic Vietnamese architecture, featuring finely carved wooden details and a particularly tranquil atmosphere. The pagoda houses a large Buddha statue and a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to the Mother Goddesses, considered the female protectors of nature’s forces and human prosperity.

The tour continues to the gripping War Remnants Museum, offering profound insights into Vietnam’s dramatic history. The exhibitions reveal the harsh realities of war and the human consequences it has left behind.

Next, you will visit the historic Reunification Palace, the site where the Vietnam War, or the American War as the Vietnamese call it, officially came to an end. On April 30^th, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates of the palace, marking the end of a bloody conflict that cost approximately 58,000 American and 3 million Vietnamese lives.

You will also see the Old Post Office, an architectural masterpiece designed by the world-renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel. With its magnificent arches, detailed ironworks, and historic ambience, the building stands as a testimony to the colonial era’s impact on Ho Chi Minh City.

Just opposite the Old Post Office is the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1863 and 1880. The cathedral is an impressive relic of the French colonial period, with its distinctive red bricks and towering spires. As you face the church, a grey building stands behind you, which history enthusiasts might recognise: “Pittman Apartments” at 22 Gia Long Street. This building gained world fame when Dutch photographer Hubert van Es captured the iconic image of a helicopter landing on its roof during the fall of Saigon on April 29^th, 1975. Many believed it to be the American Embassy, but the building was actually home to the American aid office, USAID, and CIA officer Conrad LaGueux. The photograph captured the dramatic moment as American employees were evacuated at the last minute while North Vietnamese troops approached the city.

From here, you’ll stroll down the elegant Dong Khoi street, one of Saigon’s most iconic boulevards. Between exclusive shops and historical buildings, you will feel the city’s pulse and might recognise the atmosphere from Graham Greene’s classic novel “The Quiet American,” where the street played a central role.

The tour concludes at the Saigon Opera House, built in 1901 and an architectural masterpiece in French colonial style, standing as a vibrant symbol of the city’s cultural heritage.

You can then choose to be driven back to your hotel or stay in the area for lunch. Find a cosy eatery and treat yourself to some of Vietnam’s most beloved dishes, such as pho (noodle soup), banh xeo (crispy pancakes), or fresh spring rolls.

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. The city is full of contrasts, from historical landmarks and colourful markets to modern skyscrapers and cosy coffee shops.

If you enjoy shopping and experiencing local city life, explore the lively Ben Thanh Market, where you’ll find everything from street food and exotic fruit to textiles and handcrafted souvenirs. If you prefer a more modern shopping experience, both Saigon Square and Saigon Centre offer a wide selection of international brands.

When you’re in need of a break, settle down in one of the city’s many charming coffee shops. Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee and watch the bustling street life go by.

In the evening, take a stroll down the wide pedestrian street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, which stretches from the City Hall to the Saigon River. Here, locals and tourists gather among street performers, light shows, and a unique evening atmosphere. From here, it’s ideal to end the day in one of the city’s skyscrapers, such as Bitexco Financial Tower or Landmark 81, offering a stunning panoramic view of the illuminated Ho Chi Minh City.

You can also opt for one of our exciting optional tours, which you can read more about below.

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide and driver for a journey to the lush Mekong Delta, one of Vietnam’s most fertile and life-giving areas. The Mekong River, originating in the Himalayas and running 4,500 km through six countries, finally branches out into the vast delta region south of Ho Chi Minh City. The delta covers an area of about 40,000 square kilometres, but the extent covered by water varies depending on the intensity of the rainy season and the changing seasons.

Not far from Ho Chi Minh City, the landscape begins to change. You’ll see green fields and pass small rivers and canals meandering through the flat landscape along the road. It’s not uncommon to see local farmers working in the fields, with water buffaloes grazing on the edge, and roadside stalls tempting with fresh fruit.

The climate is ideal for agriculture here, and many farmers plant and harvest up to three crops a year. Due to its massive production of rice, fruit, and vegetables, the delta is rightly called Vietnam’s pantry.

After about a two hours’ drive, you will arrive in My Tho, the gateway to the mighty Mekong Delta. Here, you will board a traditional, motorised sampan boat made of wood, and glide through the wide waters of the river, sailing around the islands of Tan My and Thoi Son. Along the way, you’ll pass countless floating fish farms and houseboats that have been moored here for generations, still serving as both home and workplace for many families.

You’ll stop at one of the fish farms, where you will have the chance to meet local fishermen, hear about their daily lives, and learn more about the area’s fishing practices. Then you will board a smaller rowboat and quietly glide through narrow canals, surrounded by dense water coconut palms.

Back on land, you’ll swap the boat for a bicycle and explore a green and fertile island, covered in fruit plantations including grapefruit, coconuts, bananas, durian, jackfruit, and longan. Along the way, visit a local family and gain insights into mushroom cultivation—a process that requires both experience and patience.

You will also visit Mr Hai Phuong, experiencing his diverse farm with cows, pigs, chickens, and a small fish pond. Here, you’ll also have the chance to taste fresh fruit, which you can pick straight from the trees.

Next, you’ll cycle to a lunch stop at a local family’s home, where you will be served a delicious lunch consisting of local specialties from the Mekong region. You’ll also get to watch the host prepare banh khot, which are small, crispy pancakes popular among the locals.

After lunch, continue cycling along small paths through the island’s peaceful backstreets. Along the way, visit local artisans and small, family-run businesses. You will experience, among other things, how to make homemade rice wine and visit a small apiary where old tools for both farming and fishing are displayed. You’ll also meet a skilled craftsman who weaves hats, baskets, and jewellery from water hyacinth and straw.

Finally, you’ll board the boat again, sailing back to the mainland. Here, you’ll bid farewell to the captain and be driven back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon.

Today, you will fly to the island of Phu Quoc, located off the west coast of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, near Cambodia. You will be picked up at your hotel and driven to Tan Son Nhat Airport, where you will catch a flight of just over an hour. Upon arrival at Phu Quoc Airport, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel, and after check-in, the rest of the day is yours. Get your swimwear ready and enjoy a refreshing dip in the hotel pool or on the golden sandy beach.

The next few days are reserved for relaxation.

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island. It is a tropical holiday gem with palm-fringed, golden sandy beaches and dense, green forests in the middle. The water around the island is clear and calm, perfect for relaxing swims. At the southern An Thoi Islands, you will find great opportunities for both diving and snorkelling among colourful coral reefs.

Phu Quoc has a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere with small beach bars and local restaurants serving freshly caught fish and seafood, as well as classic Vietnamese dishes.

Inland, the island hides lush forests and small villages, offering an authentic insight into local life. You can also visit the island’s famous pepper plantations or see how the traditional fish sauce, for which Phu Quoc is renowned, is made.

A visit to the historical Coconut Prison from the Vietnam War provides insight into the island’s dramatic past, while Cao Dai temples and small fishing villages along the coast showcase another, more everyday side of the island.

In the evening, take a trip to the atmospheric night market in the main town, Duong Dong. Here, you can taste local delicacies, buy souvenirs, and soak up the relaxed island ambiance. Duong Dong also offers a wide selection of restaurants and cafés. You might also want to visit the picturesque Dinh Cau temple, a popular spot to enjoy the sea breeze and the island’s spectacular sunsets.

Today marks the start of your return journey. You’ll be picked up at your hotel and driven to Phu Quoc Airport, where your flight back to Europe begins. There will be connecting flight(s) along the way.

You will arrive at your selected airport after a delightful tour with many new memories and well-deserved relaxation.