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 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 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.

The day is yours to enjoy at leisure until, in the afternoon, you are collected from your hotel and driven to Ho Chi Minh City’s international airport, Tan Son Nhat. From here, you’ll fly to Buon Ma Thuot in Vietnam’s central highlands, situated around 350 km north-east of Ho Chi Minh City. The flight takes approximately 1 hour.

Your guide will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall, beyond the exit doors, wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign, making them easy to find.

Your journey then continues towards Lak Lake – the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam’s central highlands, about 50 km south of Buon Ma Thuot. The lake is surrounded by lush, rolling hills, rice paddies, and small villages inhabited by the M’nong people, who still uphold their traditional way of life. Here, you’ll have the chance to soak up the peaceful scenery, discover abundant birdlife, and get up close to authentic local culture.

Upon arrival at Lak Lake, you’ll take a boat for the final stretch to your accommodation – Lak Tented Camp – a tranquil retreat set amidst nature. After checking in, look forward to a delicious dinner at the Y LAK Restaurant before soaking up the tranquillity and unique ambience by the lakeside.

Awaken to a breathtaking sunrise over Lak Lake and a serene start to the day as the morning unfolds. The first part of the day is yours to spend as you wish – perhaps explore the area by kayak or bicycle – before enjoying a hearty breakfast at Y LAK Restaurant.

Next, set off on an adventurous walk to Bim Bip Waterfall, taking in the stunning natural scenery along the way. Upon arrival, a picnic lunch of traditional dishes wrapped in banana leaves awaits – and if you fancy, there’s the chance for a refreshing dip in the waterfall’s natural pool.

Back at Lak Tented Camp, an atmospheric evening lies ahead. Experience the mesmerising sounds of traditional gong music, sample local rice wine (Ruou Can), and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner by the campfire before retiring for the night.

After breakfast, you’ll cycle to Yang Tao village, about 12 km from Lak Tented Camp. Your journey will take you through lush green rice fields, where you may spot herds of buffalo and cattle along the way. In the village, you’ll discover the intricate craftsmanship behind traditional M’nong pottery and visit cocoa plantations, where you’ll have the chance to sample a unique, fermented cocoa wine.

Afterwards, you’ll take a boat back to Lak Tented Camp, where you’ll explore the camp’s thriving gardens and gain an insight into the M’nong people’s rich coffee culture. Learn about traditional production methods and savour the authentic taste of freshly roasted, locally grown beans.

Once you’ve enjoyed this sensory experience, it’s time to check out and bid farewell to these peaceful surroundings. You’ll cross Lak Lake by boat one last time, where your driver will be waiting to take you on to Da Lat – a charming mountain town renowned for its cool climate, fragrant pine forests, and beautiful colonial architecture. The drive takes around 4.5 hours.

Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by a visit to the colourful local market, or will you fancy a relaxing stroll along the banks of Xuan Huong Lake?

Your day will begin with a train ride to Trai Mat, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Da Lat’s gently rolling hills along the way. Upon arrival in Trai Mat, you’ll explore the surrounding countryside before continuing on to the Cau Dat tea plantation, where lush green tea bushes stretch as far as the eye can see. Here, you’ll discover how tea is produced and savour a freshly brewed cup while taking in the breathtaking highland scenery.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Prenn Waterfall, one of Da Lat’s most renowned landmarks. This picturesque cascade tumbles around 10 metres into a verdant forest, creating the perfect spot to pause and soak up both the scenery and the tranquillity of the natural surroundings.

Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. If you’d like to explore Da Lat at your own pace, why not enjoy a stroll through the city centre, where French colonial architecture stands shoulder to shoulder with bustling local markets and cosy cafés? A lakeside walk along Xuan Huong Lake, right in the heart of Da Lat, is also a wonderful option – you can hire a paddle boat or simply take in the serene water views. Alternatively, pay a visit to Da Lat’s famous flower gardens, which look especially beautiful in the afternoon light. As evening falls, round off your day at the lively night market, where stalls brim with local snacks, fresh fruit, and vibrant textiles.

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.