Northern Vietnam & Ho Chi Minh City

Today, you’ll depart from your selected airport, flying towards Vietnam’s charming capital, Hanoi, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll arrive at Hanoi’s international airport, pass through immigration, and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall, just beyond the exit doors. The guide will be wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign, making them easy to spot.

You will then be driven to your hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you to begin exploring the fascinating first impressions of Vietnam’s capital.

We highly recommend venturing into the narrow, bustling alleyways of the Old Quarter, where each lane reveals the sights, sounds, and scents of everyday Vietnamese life. You could also enjoy a peaceful stroll around the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, where shady trees and local city life come together to create a popular oasis in the heart of the city.

Today, you’ll head off on an exciting city tour to some of Hanoi’s most iconic attractions.

Your guide will collect you from your hotel, and the day will begin with a Vietnamese coffee at a local café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake – the city’s green heart and a lively meeting place for Hanoians of all ages.

From here, you’ll cross the iconic Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, located in the middle of the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake. The bridge’s name means “the place touched by morning sunlight”. Here, you’ll hear the legend of the emperor, the magic sword, and the giant turtle, and discover how the lake got its name and its special meaning for the city.

Next, you’ll be driven to the Temple of Literature – a peaceful complex built in the 11th century by the students of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. With almost a thousand years of history, the temple is a rare and well-preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, complete with colonnades, ponds, and green courtyards where young students still come to pray for good fortune in their exams.

Lunch will be served at the KOTO restaurant, which stands for “Know One, Teach One”. KOTO is more than just a place to eat – it’s a restaurant that educates and supports young Vietnamese people from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with professional training and a new start in life, along with the skills they need for lasting employment. Meanwhile, you can enjoy flavourful Vietnamese dishes in peaceful surroundings. You can read more about the restaurant here.

The tour continues by cyclo – a traditional bicycle taxi – through the Old Quarter’s maze of narrow streets and bustling trade. The Old Quarter is famous for its 36 streets, which were originally named after the goods once sold there, such as bamboo, silk, paper, and tin. Even today, many of these street names live on, and the area oozes local charm as Hanoians go about their daily lives, chatting, and serving steaming bowls of pho from their street kitchens. 

After an engaging 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 stretches across the Red River and was heavily damaged during the Vietnam War, yet today stands as a powerful symbol of Hanoi’s resilience and history. From the bridge, you’ll gain a lively glimpse of daily life in Hanoi, with locals commuting on scooters alongside cyclists and pedestrians. Looking down, you’ll see the busy Long Bien Market, buzzing from early morning, while the view over the river provides a calm contrast to the city’s energy. The bridge is a favourite subject for photographers and travellers looking to capture the true spirit of Hanoi.

The day ends with a performance of traditional water puppetry – a centuries-old Vietnamese art form where wooden puppets dance on the water’s surface to live music and storytelling.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, where you can enjoy the evening at your leisure.

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 Hanoi and head towards the village life of Mai Chau, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque valleys. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven through the scenic northern Vietnamese countryside. The journey takes around 3½ hours along well-maintained roads, with a short stop en route to stretch your legs and enjoy the view.

As you arrive, the valley unfolds before you with its lush green rice fields, dramatic limestone mountains, and small villages where ethnic minorities still live according to age-old traditions.

After checking in at your hotel, a traditional and delicious lunch awaits.

In the afternoon, you’ll borrow a bicycle from the hotel and set off with your guide along small paths through the peaceful landscape of the valley. The route is flat and covers 10–12 km. The roads wind their way between small village communities and verdant rice paddies where water buffalo graze. The air is filled with the sounds of children playing and chickens clucking as everyday life carries on around you. Along the way, you’ll visit the villages of Pom Coong and Na Phon, gaining an insight into the daily life of the Thai people, one of the largest ethnic groups in the area. The tour also passes by a local market, where the stalls are brimming with every imaginable item. Here, you can soak up the local atmosphere and take some time to wander around at your own pace. Afterwards, you’ll cycle back to the hotel, passing fields and watching local farmers at work as the sun gently sets.

Back at the hotel, you can unwind on your veranda with a good book and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Mai Chau and drive to our social sustainability project in Quyet Thang, which was initiated by our local partner. The journey takes about 1½ hours and passes through a beautiful, hilly landscape with rice paddies, small villages, and green mountain slopes.

Quyet Thang is located in the southern part of Hoa Binh province and is made up of 23 small villages inhabited, among others, by the Muong people. Here, families mainly make a living growing cassava and maize on exhausted soil, and the poor road conditions make it difficult to transport and sell their crops. At the same time, the ancient Muong traditions are under pressure as many of the younger generation leave the area to find work in larger towns and cities.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a local representative from the village. Together, you’ll take a walk through the village, witnessing everyday life up close. You’ll pass fields and traditional stilt houses, greet the families, and meet the village children, who’ll shyly wave to you as you wander past. You’ll also visit the village’s community house, where residents hold meetings and the children come to do their homework. 

You’ll then reach a tranquil river, where a peaceful boat trip on a traditional bamboo raft awaits. You’ll be given a life jacket, and as the raft drifts upstream, you can lend a hand with the paddling if you fancy it.

After the boat trip, you’ll visit a local village home where, together with your hosts, you’ll help prepare traditional dishes. Lunch is served at a beautifully laid table featuring local specialities, enjoyed in good company and offering an authentic insight into the region’s culinary culture. There’s also time to chat with your hosts and learn more about the Muong people’s daily life, culture, and traditions.

Next, you’ll visit an elderly couple and gain an insight into the Muong people’s traditional crafts of weaving and bamboo plaiting, which have been passed down through generations. The luong bamboo species is used, among other things, to make baskets, fish traps, and mats. Each pattern and technique reflects part of the Muong people’s cultural heritage, and the products serve as both sustainable alternatives to modern materials and unique souvenirs. You’ll have the chance to try your hand at the craft yourself and weave your own small basket to take home as a keepsake.

By joining this excursion, you’ll actively contribute to improving life for the families in Quyet Thang. A percentage of the tour price goes directly to the project, helping to fund education and improve infrastructure, such as building roads and installing solar-powered streetlights. You can read more about the project here.

After a day filled with meaningful encounters, cultural insights, and local experiences, your journey continues to your hotel in Ninh Binh. Along the way, the scenery changes—green mountains gradually give way to a flat delta of mirror-like rivers and dramatic limestone cliffs rising steeply from the rice fields. Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll check in, and the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore as you wish.

If you fancy it, you can head into the centre of Tam Coc, where life unfolds along the main street with cosy cafés, local restaurants, and a few small shops. 

After breakfast, you’ll head towards the Gia Vien district, where today’s cycling tour of around 14 km begins. Here, you’ll hop on your bike and cycle at a leisurely pace along narrow roads past lush green rice fields and local villages on your way to the Van Long Nature Reserve. Along the route, there will be time for photo stops, including one at a local Catholic church, before continuing through the open landscape. The area surrounding Van Long is known for its peaceful wetlands, striking limestone cliffs, and a rich birdlife, creating a beautiful backdrop for your ride.

Your bike tour continues to a local family home in the village of Mai Trung, where you’ll receive a warm welcome. Here, you’ll gain an insight into rural life as you take part in seasonal activities such as working in the rice fields, gardening, or feeding fish and poultry.

Afterwards, the family will invite you into their kitchen for an informal cooking class, where you’ll be introduced to Vietnamese cuisine and help prepare the meal yourself. The experience concludes with a homemade lunch enjoyed in relaxed surroundings.

You’ll then cycle back to the starting point, a short ride away. After returning your bicycle, you’ll be driven to the Trang An caves, a spectacular natural area of dramatic rock formations and hidden caverns. You’ll board a traditional sampan and glide quietly along the calm river through a network of caves, including the Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, and Thanh Truot Cave. Along the way, you’ll also pass the Cao Son, Suoi Tien, and Vu Lam temples, as well as Skull Island — the filming location for the 2017 film “Kong: Skull Island”.

After a two-hour boat trip, you’ll return to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at your leisure.

From Ninh Binh, you’ll be driven to Ha Long Bay, where you’ll embark on a mini cruise. The drive takes around four hours, with a stop along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy a refreshment.

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most distinctive natural wonders. Here, hundreds of emerald-covered limestone cliffs rise vertically from the sea, whose colour shifts throughout the year from deep blue to jade green. On the largest island, Cat Ba, you’ll find several villages, while some of the smaller islands are home to cosy fishing communities. For travellers, Ha Long Bay is first and foremost a world-class natural paradise; for the Vietnamese, it’s also a place steeped in legends of dragons and heroic tales. Covering an area of approximately 1,500 km², it was inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1994.

You’ll arrive at Tuan Chau Marina for check-in, where you can relax in the lounge before boarding the cruise ship.

Once on board, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a refreshing drink as the crew gives a short introduction to your mini cruise. A delicious lunch will then be served while the boat quietly glides out onto the emerald-green water. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Ha Long Bay’s most iconic limestone formations, including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island. Afterwards, you can settle into your cabin and make yourself comfortable.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most impressive stalactite cave in Ha Long Bay. To reach the cave, you’ll need to climb around 800 steps, but your efforts will be rewarded with a mesmerising landscape of stalactites and stalagmites shaped over millions of years. We recommend wearing sturdy, closed shoes, especially in wet weather.

Afterwards, you’ll have the option to explore Luon Cave either by kayak or bamboo boat.

Back on board, you can unwind with a drink at the bar before the crew invites you to a cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn how to make traditional spring rolls.

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

Please note that all activities are optional. You can therefore also choose to simply relax on the sun deck and take in the stunning views from the ship.

PLEASE NOTE: In the event of bad weather or storms, the authorities in Vietnam reserve the right to prohibit sailing in Ha Long Bay for safety reasons. This only happens a few times a year. In such cases, the 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.

After breakfast, you’ll sail to Ti Top Island – a small limestone island with one of Ha Long Bay’s finest sandy beaches. Here, you can take a refreshing swim in the emerald-green water or climb to the island’s summit for a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay.

When you return to the boat, there’ll be time to pack and prepare for check-out before an early lunch is served. Meanwhile, the ship gently cruises back towards the harbour, giving you a final chance to enjoy the beautiful views of the bay from the deck.

You’ll disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, where your guide and driver will be waiting to take you to Hanoi Airport. From here, you’ll fly to Ho Chi Minh City – a flight of around 2 hours and 10 minutes.

When you land in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll be met by your guide, who will be waiting outside the arrivals hall beyond the exit doors. The guide 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 to your hotel, which is centrally located in District 1 – the beating heart of the city. The area is still affectionately called Saigon in everyday speech and is considered the city’s historical and cultural core, while the remaining districts together form Ho Chi Minh City.

Your first encounter with 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, amidst the bustle, a modern and fascinating metropolis in rapid development reveals itself. This is clear to see in the cityscape, where glass-clad skyscrapers stand side by side with elegant French colonial buildings.

After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps you’d like to unwind by the pool with a drink? Or maybe enjoy a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee at one of the city’s countless cafés? Ho Chi Minh City boasts a vibrant coffee culture, offering everything from stylish coffee bars to small local spots with plastic chairs and coffee brewed using the traditional drip method.

If you’re curious about the city’s food scene, take a stroll through the streets around districts 1 and 3. Here you’ll find everything from steaming bowls of pho to crispy banh xeo pancakes.

Today includes an exciting half-day city tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, and you’ll head to the elegant Dong Khoi Street, one of Saigon’s most iconic boulevards. This street cuts through the heart of the old colonial quarter, where French architecture stands side by side with fashionable boutiques, art galleries and cosy cafés. It’s full of atmosphere and history, having played a central role in the city’s story – from colonial grandeur to wartime unrest and the vibrant metropolis of today. 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. Having served as an air-raid shelter before later housing the Lower House of the South Vietnamese parliament, the Opera House has quite a remarkable history.

Next, you’ll visit the Old Post Office, designed by the world-renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel. With its graceful arches, elegant ironwork, and nostalgic atmosphere, the building stands as a striking reminder of the French influence on Ho Chi Minh City.

Just across from the Old Post Office is the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1863 and 1880. This impressive relic from the French colonial period is noted for its characteristic red bricks and soaring spires.

When you’re facing the cathedral, you’ll notice a grey building behind you. Some may recognise it as the “Pittman Apartments” at 22 Gia Long Street, immortalised in a famous photograph taken on April 29^th, 1975 by the Dutch photographer Hubert van Es during the Fall of Saigon. It was here that a helicopter landed on the roof – a scene that many mistakenly believed took place at the American Embassy. Your guide will recount the dramatic story of the evacuation and the hidden role this building played in the war’s final hours.

The tour continues to the historic Reunification Palace, 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 broke through the palace gates, marking the end of a bloody conflict that claimed the lives of 58,000 Americans and some 3 million Vietnamese. Here you can see the war rooms, grand reception halls, and the president’s office.

You’ll then head to the War Remnants Museum for a moving insight into the horrors of war. The exhibitions depict the harsh realities of conflict and the devastating human cost it left behind.

Next is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s lesser-known sights – the Saigon Commandos Museum – a place few travellers discover on their own. Here, you’ll get a rare glimpse into daily life during the war, told by a local resident. The museum is housed in a modest home dating back to 1963, which at first glance appears to be nothing more than an ordinary dwelling. Behind its façade, however, lies a former operations base led by Tran Van Lai, a Vietnamese resistance fighter who lived undercover as a furniture maker during the war. He helped Ho Chi Minh City’s commando units hide weapons and plan missions. The artefacts on display tell the story of these courageous commandos – their strategies, secret operations, and incredible resilience under extreme conditions.

Finally, you can enjoy a drink in the museum café, where you’ll have the chance to try their special “butter beer”.

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

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the lush Mekong Delta – one of Vietnam’s most fertile and life-giving regions. The Mekong River originates in the Himalayas and runs for approximately 4,500 km through six countries before branching into the vast delta area south of Ho Chi Minh City. The delta covers around 40,000 square kilometres, and how much of it is submerged 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 landscape to change. Along the way, you’ll see green fields, small rivers, and winding canals cutting through the flat countryside. It’s not unusual to spot local farmers working in their fields while water buffalo graze by the roadside and small stalls tempt you with fresh fruit.

After around a 2½ hours’ drive, you’ll arrive in the town of Cai Be. Here you’ll board a boat and set sail into the lush Mekong Delta. You will visit local workshops, where skilled artisans craft coconut products. Afterwards, you’ll continue your journey in a small sampan – a traditional hand-rowed wooden boat – gliding through the Mekong Delta’s narrow, winding canals.

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

After lunch, you’ll return to the mainland and stop at a pottery workshop. Here, you can watch local artisans keeping ancient traditions alive and learn more about their passion for their craft.

Your journey will continue to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long, initiated by our local partner. A leisurely walk through the village awaits, during which your guide will introduce you to the project. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience traditional rural life firsthand. Together with local farmers, you can try your hand at rice cultivation – either planting young rice shoots or helping with the harvest, depending on the season. It’s an enriching and hands-on experience offering a rare insight into everyday life in Vietnam’s countryside and the efforts behind sustainable farming. By joining this tour, you’re also making a real difference for families in Vinh Long, as a percentage of the tour price goes directly to the project, which you can read more about here.

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

Today, you can experience Ho Chi Minh City entirely at your own pace.

The city has many different sides, and with a full day ahead of you, you are free to explore whatever interests you most – whether that’s history, creative city life, or local flavours.

If you want to get a feel for the city’s modern pulse, head to The Café Apartment on Nguyen Hue Promenade, the city’s wide pedestrian street. Once an old residential block, The Café Apartment is now home to small independent coffee bars, design shops, and creative studios. Each floor has its own character, offering a taste of the youthful, modern Ho Chi Minh City.

You could also cross the river to District 2, a rapidly growing area defined by contemporary architecture, green spaces, and creative cafés. Here, you’ll find a calm atmosphere with a mix of international restaurants, independent boutiques, and small art galleries. The trendy Thao Dien area is especially popular, known for its relaxed vibe that attracts both locals and travellers.

As dusk falls, take a leisurely stroll along Nguyen Hue Promenade, surrounded by flowers, fountains, and elegant architecture. This is where city life comes alive as locals gather among street performers, dancers, and young families in a charming, lively mix. The atmosphere is vibrant yet laid-back, culminating around the beautifully illuminated city hall.

After sunset, it’s the perfect time to end your day with sweeping views of the city’s glittering lights from the top of one of its skyscrapers, such as Bitexco Financial Tower or Landmark 81.

Today, it’s time to bid farewell to Vietnam after an incredible adventure. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Ho Chi Minh City International Airport for your flight to your selected airport, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll land at your selected airport with your luggage full of wonderful memories from your unforgettable tour through northern and southern Vietnam.