Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City & the Mekong Delta

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 place that captures your heart almost instantly. The old town, listed on the UNESCO world heritage list, is especially famous for its beautifully preserved architecture, skilled tailors, and proud silk-making tradition. Time seems to slow down here, and history can be felt in every street, façade, and little shop.

The Thu Bon River runs through the heart of the town, once a bustling trade hub during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, its banks provide a peaceful and scenic backdrop to daily life, with small boats still gently gliding across the water.

Beyond the river, you’ll find a maze of charming narrow streets filled with a colourful mix of Japanese wooden houses, Chinese assembly halls, French colonial buildings, and distinctive merchant homes. Strings of colourful lanterns hang across the streets, creating a magical atmosphere – especially as night falls. Shops, street food stalls, cafés, and small restaurants line the streets like beads on a string, inviting you to unwind and explore at your own pace.

Although Hoi An attracts many visitors, the town has managed to retain its tranquillity, authenticity, and warm atmosphere. This is largely because cars and motorbikes are banned from the historic centre, allowing you to wander freely and simply soak up the ambience.

The next days are yours to spend as you wish, and Hoi An offers an endless array of experiences – whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural discoveries.

Perhaps a peaceful day by the sea sounds appealing? Rent a bicycle and ride to one of the nearby beaches, Cua Dai or An Bang, where soft sands and swaying palms create the perfect setting for unwinding and taking a refreshing dip in the warm waters. You might also prefer to explore Hoi An’s charming streets and alleyways, which are lined with unique boutiques, cosy cafés, and colourful markets. You could even visit a local tailor and have a piece of clothing made – a special keepsake to bring back home.

If you’d like to explore the area around Hoi An further, 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 29^th, 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 30^th, 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 2½ hours’ drive, you’ll arrive in the town of Cai Be – a charming riverside community in the Mekong Delta, known for its lush fruit orchards and authentic rural atmosphere. Here, you’ll board a boat and glide out onto the fertile delta. You’ll visit local workshops, where skilled artisans create beautiful products from coconuts. Afterwards, you’ll continue your journey in a small sampan – a traditional hand-rowed wooden boat – along the Mekong Delta’s narrow, winding canals.

The boat trip takes you to a peaceful island in the middle of the Mekong River, where you’ll enjoy a Vietnamese lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients, surrounded by greenery and the tranquil rhythm of life on the river.

Following lunch, you’ll sail back to the mainland and stop by a ceramics workshop, where you can see how local craftspeople keep age-old traditions alive while sharing their passion for the craft.

The journey continues to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long, initiated by our local partner. You’ll take a gentle walk through the village while your guide explains more about the project. You’ll also have the chance to experience traditional farming life first-hand. Alongside local farmers, you’ll try your hand at rice cultivation – either planting young rice shoots or helping with the harvest, depending on the season. It’s an educational and down-to-earth experience that gives you a real insight into daily life in Vietnam’s rural areas and the dedication behind sustainable agriculture. By joining this tour, you’re also making a positive impact on the families in Vinh Long, as a percentage of the tour’s price goes directly to the project, which you can read more about here.

After an exciting and enriching day, you’ll be driven to your accommodation in Cai Be, which is about an hour’s drive away.

Today offers you a unique glimpse into everyday life and the living handicraft traditions of the small rural communities around Tra Vinh. Tra Vinh is a peaceful and authentic provincial town in the southern Mekong Delta, home to a large Khmer population. Its colourful pagodas, unhurried rhythm, and spiritual ambience lend the town its distinctive character and set the scene for today’s experiences.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Cai Be and driven to the tranquil Ba Om Pond in the charming town of Tra Vinh, located a little over two hours away. After a leisurely walk around the pond, a traditional tuk-tuk will take you to the Ang Pagoda and the Khmer Museum, where you’ll gain insight into the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Next, enjoy a performance of traditional Khmer music and dance in a local community hall – an atmospheric introduction to the area’s rich cultural legacy.

Your tuk-tuk will then take you along the village’s quiet roads. The first stop is at a local family’s home, where you can sample com dep (green rice flakes) and see how popped rice is made.

The tour continues with a visit to a skilled Khmer artisan who creates statues and masks for the region’s pagodas.

Afterwards, you’ll visit Lo Gach Pagoda to take part in a private blessing ceremony, followed by a stroll through the adjoining gardens. Here you’ll learn about the rare macapuno coconut – a local delicacy known for its creamy, almost jelly-like flesh and sweet, aromatic flavour.

The day concludes with a delicious lunch featuring the best of Khmer cuisine.

After an inspiring day, you will be driven to your hotel in Ben Tre, where you’ll spend the night. Ben Tre is a lush province in the Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam’s coconut capital. Here you are greeted by picturesque waterways, green palms, and a relaxed atmosphere that offers an authentic glimpse into life along the river.

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.