Vietnam from north to south with Lan Ha Bay & Hué

Today, you’ll fly from your selected airport to Vietnam’s charming capital, Hanoi. There will be connecting flights along the way. 

You’ll land at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, where you’ll pass through immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall, beyond the exit doors. Wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign, they’ll be easy to spot.

You’ll then be driven to your hotel and, after check-in, the rest of the day is free to enjoy your first impressions of the Vietnamese capital at your own pace.

We highly recommend exploring the charming, lively streets of the Old Quarter, where every alleyway is filled with the scents, sounds, and scenes of everyday Vietnamese life. Or take a leisurely stroll around the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, a popular oasis in the heart of the city with its shady trees and local life. 

Today, an exciting city tour to some of Hanoi’s most iconic attractions awaits.

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 meeting place for Hanoians young and old.

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

You’ll then be driven to the Temple of Literature, a peaceful complex founded in the 12th century by disciples 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 leafy courtyards where young students still come to pray for luck in their exams.

Lunch today is at KOTO, which is more than just a place to eat. KOTO stands for ‘Know One, Teach One’ and is a social enterprise restaurant that trains and supports young Vietnamese from disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them professional training and a fresh start in life with both vocational and personal skills for lasting employment, all while serving delicious Vietnamese dishes in a relaxed setting. You can read more about the restaurant here.

The tour continues in a traditional cycle taxi – known locally as a cyclo – through the Old Quarter’s labyrinth of narrow streets and lively commerce. The Old Quarter is famous for its 36 streets, originally named after the goods once sold here: bamboo, silk, paper, and tin. Many of those names live on today, and the atmosphere oozes local charm, with Hanoians shopping, chatting, and serving steaming bowls of pho from the street kitchens. 

After your cyclo ride, you’ll visit the historic Long Bien Bridge, an iconic landmark from the French colonial era, constructed in the early 1900s. The distinctive iron bridge spans the Red River and was badly 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 of everyday life in Hanoi, with locals commuting on scooters side by side with cyclists and pedestrians. Look down from the bridge and you’ll see the bustling Long Bien Market, active from the early morning, while the views across the river provide a peaceful counterpoint to the city’s pace. The bridge is a favourite subject for photographers and travellers keen to capture the soul of Hanoi.

Your day of sightseeing rounds off with a performance of water puppet theatre, a centuries-old Vietnamese tradition where puppets dance across the water’s surface to live music and classic storytelling.

After an inspiring day, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, and your evening is free to spend as you wish.

Today, you’ll have ample time to explore Vietnam’s vibrant capital. Set your own pace. You might like to join one of our optional tours, or perhaps you’d rather discover the city under your own steam.

Hanoi is a feast for the senses. Begin early with a visit to the famous Train Street, when there are fewer people and the atmosphere is calmer. Here, the train rumbles past just inches from the street’s cafés, giving you a special glimpse of everyday life before the pace really picks up.

Then make your way towards the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, where narrow streets and French colonial buildings hide little shops, colourful art galleries, and cosy cafés. Settle in with a Vietnamese coffee and watch daily life unfold as locals and visitors cross paths. Not far from here stands the iconic St Joseph’s Cathedral; with its Gothic façade and lively square in front, it’s a popular meeting place.

For lunch, hunt down Hanoi’s celebrated street food. Try a steaming bowl of pho, breathe in the aroma of grilled bun cha, or pick up a crisp banh mi to take away.

Afterwards, head for the area around the Long Bien Bridge and the nearby Long Bien Market, where stalls piled high with fruit, vegetables, and flowers spill onto the streets, offering a vivid snapshot of the city’s everyday life. The pace is brisk and the vibe authentic at any time of day.

As night falls, Hanoi truly comes alive. Street kitchens light up the lanes and the scent of grilled meats, fresh coriander, and spiced broth drift through the narrow alleys. Stroll through the Old Quarter and soak up the atmosphere, or find a rooftop bar and enjoy views over the buzzing city below.

Early this morning, you’ll leave Hanoi and drive to the northern coast, where Lan Ha Bay unfolds just south of Ha Long Bay. The journey takes around 3 hours, carrying you through a changing landscape of urban areas, villages, and verdant rice fields. There’s a brief stop en route to stretch your legs and pick up some refreshments before continuing to the coast to board your atmospheric mini-cruise.

Lan Ha Bay adjoins Ha Long Bay to the south and wraps around Cat Ba Island. Part of the same geological area, it boasts signature limestone formations, lush islands, and clear, green-tinged water. Lan Ha Bay is, however, quieter and less visited, with fewer boats, small floating fishing villages, and more unspoilt nature.

You’ll arrive at Tuan Chau Marina for check-in and then transfer by tender to your mini-cruise boat. On board, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink while the crew gives a brief introduction to your mini-cruise and to safety on board. You’ll then settle into your cabin before you can look forward to a tasty lunch. Meanwhile, the boat glides gently into Lan Ha Bay’s emerald-green waters, surrounded by limestone cliffs and small islets rising dramatically from the sea.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Dark and Bright Cave, located where Lan Ha Bay meets Ha Long Bay. Dark Cave is narrow and deep, lying partly underwater, which means it can only be viewed from the outside. Bright Cave, on the other hand, is about 3 metres high, 4 metres wide, and roughly 100 metres long. In a small bamboo boat, you’ll glide through the cave, which opens into a bright, tranquil lagoon framed by limestone cliffs and lush vegetation.

Later, you’ll return to the boat, where the atmosphere on deck is relaxed and you can enjoy the sunset over the bay. You can also join a fun cooking demonstration and learn to make Vietnamese spring rolls.

Before nightfall, the captain finds a quiet spot in the bay and drops anchor for the night.

In the evening, a delicious dinner is served on board. After that, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy: unwind in the bar with a cocktail or try your hand at squid fishing. As the day draws to a close, retire to your cabin and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of the water against the hull.

Start the day by experiencing the bay in the soft light of the morning mist. If you’re an early riser, you can join an optional tai chi session on the sun deck and gently awaken your senses to the calm, the views, and the fresh sea air before breakfast is served in the ship’s restaurant.

This morning takes you to the Tra Bau area for kayaking and a swim. This scenic spot is renowned for its beauty and featured as a filming location for the movie Kong: Skull Island.

Back on board, it’s time to check out and enjoy lunch as the ship makes a leisurely return to the harbour.

You’ll disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, where your guide and driver will be waiting to take you to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. From here, you’ll fly to Hué in central Vietnam – a flight of around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Upon arrival in Hué, you’ll meet your guide, waiting outside the arrivals hall just beyond the exit doors. They’ll be wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign to make them easy to spot. From here, you’ll be driven to your hotel in the city centre.

After check-in, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Hué offers plenty of inviting options in the evening. For example, take a stroll along the Perfume River, where the promenade is atmospherically lit and you can watch small boats glide past in the dark. You’ll also find little cafés and street-food stalls serving local specialities such as bún bò Hué, a spicy local noodle soup.

There are also several good restaurants and bars in the city centre. You could, for instance, visit one of the cosy rooftop terraces for a wonderful view over Hué.

After breakfast, you’ll set out to discover Hué’s most impressive sights. Today’s excursion transports you back to the splendour of the imperial era, offering insights into Vietnam’s royal history, art, and spiritual life.

You’ll be collected from your hotel by your guide, and your first stop will be the Imperial City, an imposing citadel built in the early 1800s when the Nguyen dynasty made Hué the capital. Surrounded by moats and massive walls, it housed the former quarters of the administration and the imperial family. Inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing, the complex still retains parts of its palaces and sacred halls despite the destruction wrought by both the Indochina War and the Vietnam War. Today, UNESCO has set in motion extensive restoration projects that are bringing new life to this historic site.

Next, you’ll visit a small local exhibition of traditional Vietnamese paintings. Here, you can not only admire the colourful works, but also try your hand with the brushes and sink into the calm, meditative focus that characterises this art form.

The day continues with an atmospheric boat trip along the Perfume River, drifting gently through the landscape towards Thien Mu Pagoda. This is Hué’s oldest and most iconic religious landmark and has been a key centre for Buddhism in central Vietnam for more than 400 years. Its octagonal tower rises majestically into the sky, creating a serene setting for the temple and the monastic community that still lives and practises here.

Afterwards, you’ll continue to the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, which differs markedly from the other imperial tombs in the area. Built in the early 1900s, the complex blends traditional Vietnamese elements with European baroque and gothic influences. The result is a grand, richly detailed architectural experience that reflects the emperor’s fascination with Western art and culture. The tomb sits at the foot of Chau Chu Mountain, approximately 9 km south of Hué.

You’ll then be driven back to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy Hué at your own pace.

Today, you’ll bid farewell to Hué. You’ll be collected from your hotel and then travel along one of Vietnam’s most scenic routes to the atmospheric town of Hoi An.

At times, the road hugs the coast before winding up through the Truong Son Mountains, where you’ll cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass, also known as the ‘Pass of the Clouds’. From here, the views are nothing short of breathtaking, with forest-clad mountains on one side and the South China Sea’s blue horizon on the other.

After three to four hours, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Hoi An and, once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Hoi An is an experience in itself – a town easy to fall in love with. The old quarter, which is listed on the UNESCO world heritage list, is especially known for its well-preserved architecture, proud silk-making tradition, and many skilled tailors. Time seems to move a little slower here, and history lingers in every street, facade, and little shop.

The Thu Bon River runs through the heart of the town and, in the 17th and 18th centuries, was the hub of a flourishing international trade. Today, its banks provide a beautiful, peaceful backdrop to daily life and to the many small boats that still glide across the water.

Beyond the river, a maze of small, atmospheric lanes spreads out. Here, you’ll find a colourful mix of Japanese wooden houses, Chinese assembly halls, French colonial buildings, and distinctive merchant houses. Colourful lanterns hang like garlands over the streets, creating a special ambience, especially after dark. Shops, street food stalls, cafés, and small restaurants line the streets, inviting relaxed moments and curious discoveries.

Even though Hoi An attracts many visitors, the town manages to retain its calm, authenticity, and warm atmosphere. That’s thanks in no small part to the ban on cars and motorised traffic in the historic quarter, giving you the chance to wander in peace and simply soak up the atmosphere.

Your next days are at your own pace, and Hoi An offers endless possibilities whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences.

Fancy a quiet day by the sea? Hire a bicycle and pedal out to one of the nearby beaches, Cua Dai or An Bang, where soft sand and palm trees set the perfect scene for unwinding and a dip in the warm sea. Or set off to explore Hoi An’s charming lanes, with unique shops, cosy cafés, and colourful markets. You might even feel tempted to have a local tailor take your measurements and create a garment to bring home as a keepsake.

If you’re curious about the area around Hoi An, you can choose one of our exciting optional tours – read more below.

Today, you’ll be picked up at your hotel and driven to the airport in Da Nang – a journey of just under an hour. From here, you’ll fly south to Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city, Ho Chi Minh City.

You’ll arrive at Ho Chi Minh City’s international airport, Tan Son Nhat. Your guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall, just beyond the exit doors. Wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign, they’ll be easy to spot. From here, you’ll be driven to your hotel, centrally located in District 1, the heart of the city. The area is still commonly called Saigon and is considered the historical and cultural core, while the other districts together make up Ho Chi Minh City.

After the peaceful days in Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City can feel a little overwhelming. Around ten million people live here – and there are almost as many scooters and motorbikes. Yet amid the apparent chaos, a modern, fascinating city is rapidly evolving. You’ll notice it in the skyline, where glass-clad skyscrapers stand shoulder to shoulder with elegant colonial-era buildings from the French period.

The city has many facets, and you’ll have the rest of the day to follow whichever side interests you most, whether that’s history, the creative urban scene, or local flavours.

To feel the city’s modern pulse, visit the Café Apartment, which faces directly onto the Nguyen Hue promenade, the city’s broad pedestrian boulevard. Once a residential block, it’s now home to independent coffee bars, design boutiques, and creative studios. Each floor has its own charm, and it’s a great introduction to youthful Saigon.

If you’re curious about the city’s food scene, explore the streets around Districts 1 and 3. You’ll find everything from steaming pho and crispy banh xeo pancakes to fragrant street food stalls and bustling food markets.

You can also cross the river to District 2, a fast-growing neighbourhood defined by modern architecture, green spaces, and creative cafés. Here, you’ll find a calmer setting with a mix of international restaurants, speciality shops, and small galleries. The trendy Thao Dien area is especially popular, with a laid-back vibe that attracts both locals and travellers.

Around dusk, take a stroll down the Nguyen Hue promenade, lined with flowers, fountains, and atmospheric architecture. This is where you can soak up the city’s character as locals gather with street performers, dancers, and young families in a charming mix. The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, culminating around the illuminated city hall.

After dark, round off the day with views over a sea of city 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 head for the lush Mekong Delta, one of Vietnam’s most fertile, life-giving regions. The Mekong River rises in the Himalayas and flows roughly 4,500 kilometres through six countries before fanning out into the vast delta south of Ho Chi Minh City. The delta covers around 40,000 square kilometres, and how much of it lies under water depends on the intensity of the monsoons and the time of year.

It won’t be long after leaving Ho Chi Minh City before the landscape begins to change. Along the way, you’ll see green fields and pass small rivers and canals that meander through the flat countryside. It’s not uncommon to spot local farmers working in the fields, water buffalo grazing by the roadside, and little stalls tempting you with fresh fruit.

After about a 2½ hours’ drive, you’ll arrive in the town of Cai Be. Here, you’ll board a boat and cruise out into the lush Mekong Delta. You’ll visit local workshops where skilled artisans craft coconut products. Then, you’ll continue in a small sampan – a traditional, hand-rowed wooden boat – along the Mekong Delta’s narrow, winding canals.

Your boat trip then will carry 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 verdant nature and the river’s gentle rhythm.

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

Continue to our social sustainability project in Vinh Long, founded by our local partner. A gentle walk through the village awaits, during which your guide will give you insight into the project. You’ll also have the chance to get involved in traditional farming life. Alongside local farmers, you’ll try your hand at rice cultivation, either planting young rice seedlings or lending a hand with the harvest, depending on the season. It’s a hands-on, eye-opening experience that offers a unique window onto everyday life in rural Vietnam and the work that underpins sustainable agriculture. By joining this tour, you’re also helping make a difference to families in Vinh Long, as a percentage of the tour price goes directly to the project, which you can read more about here.

You’ll then return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, with the evening at your leisure.

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 take you to the elegant Dong Khoi Street, one of Saigon’s most iconic boulevards. The street cuts through the heart of the old colonial quarter, where French architecture, fashion boutiques, art galleries, and cosy cafés sit side by side. Steeped in atmosphere and history, it has played a central role in the city’s story, from colonial-era grandeur to wartime upheaval and on to today’s vibrant metropolis. It’s also where Graham Greene set key scenes in his classic, The Quiet American.

You’ll pass the Saigon Opera House, a 1901 architectural masterpiece and a living symbol of the city’s cultural heritage. Having served as an air-raid shelter and later as home to the lower house of the South Vietnamese parliament, the opera house has had a remarkable history.

Next, you’ll visit the Central Post Office, credited to the world-renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel. With its graceful arches, elegant ironwork, and historic ambience, the building stands as a testament to the French imprint on Ho Chi Minh City.

Directly opposite the Central Post Office stands the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, built between 1863 and 1880. With its distinctive red bricks and soaring spires, it’s an impressive relic of the French colonial era.

When you face the church, there’s 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 29th, 1975 by the Dutch photographer Hubert van Es during the Fall of Saigon. This was where a helicopter touched down on the roof — a scene many mistakenly thought took place at the US Embassy. Your guide will share the dramatic story of the evacuation and the building’s hidden role in the war’s final hours.

The tour then 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 smashed through the palace gates, bringing to a close a bloody conflict that claimed around 58,000 American lives and some 3 million Vietnamese. Inside, you’ll see war rooms, banqueting halls, and the president’s office.

The journey continues to the War Remnants Museum, offering a powerful insight into Vietnam’s recent history. The exhibitions portray the harsh realities of war and its human cost.

Next is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s lesser-known spots, which few travellers find on their own: the Saigon Commandos Museum. Here, you gain a rare glimpse of life during the war, told through the eyes of a local resident. The museum occupies a modest 1963 house that, at first glance, looks like an ordinary home. Behind the façade, however, lies a former operations base run by Tran Van Lai, a Vietnamese resistance fighter who, during the war, worked undercover as a furniture manufacturer and helped Ho Chi Minh City’s commando units hide weapons and plan missions. The exhibit tells the story of the courageous commandos’ lives of strategy, clandestine operations, and survival under extreme conditions.

To round things off, enjoy a drink in the museum café, where you can try the special “butter beer”.

You’ll then be driven back to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Perhaps you fancy unwinding by the pool with a drink? Or how about a Vietnamese iced coffee at one of the city’s countless cafés? Ho Chi Minh City has a thriving coffee culture, and you’ll find everything from hip, minimalist coffee bars to tiny local spots with plastic stools and coffee brewed the classic drip-filter way. 

Today, your Vietnam adventure draws to a close for now. You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll fly to your selected airport with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll land at your selected airport with your luggage full of memories after an unforgettable tour through Vietnam from north to south.