Original cultural travel
in Vietnam and Australia.
Hung King Temple, Saigon
© Mark Bowyer
Welcome to Old Compass Travel
We run walking tours and cultural experiences in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam and Sydney, Australia. We’re interested in the the known and less-known stories, beautiful places and the contemporary life of the cities we call home. Everything we do is small-scale and unique. Our people are dedicated specialists.
We also operate specialised tours for visiting delegations, universities and schools, expert talks, and unique corporate events mixing education and fun activities.
Contact us at [email protected]
Travel well!!
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Saigon – tales of the city
Saigon – Tales of the City, is a half-day heritage walking tour that tells the incredible story of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) through its bustling streets, and its most evocative historical sights. It’s a unique experience of hist...more
A small group heritage walking tour of Saigon led by experts – history, architecture, food and more.
- Daily: 3.00PM 3 hrs and dinner. Price: 1,625,000VND or $65 US per person – small group walk of history, heritage, architecture, Saigon’s fascinating stories told by professionals (dinner after the walk).
- Includes – Small group (max 8) walking tour, approx. 3.5km, expert leader, delicious dinner, coffee stop, drinks at Old Compass Cafe
- Check out our tour combining Saigon – Tales of the City with An alternative tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Cu Chi Tunnels – the alternative tour
Cu Chi Tunnels – the alternative tour, focuses on the history and solemnity of the Cu Chi tunnels site, 70kms from Saigon. Most tours treat the tunnels complex like a theme park. We’ve created a small group tour that looks at...more
An alternative tour of the Viet Cong tunnels at Cu Chi, focused on the history and solemnity of this remarkable battleground. Expert-led small groups (max 8).
- Price: 2.950 mill VND or $118 US per person
- Operates Daily: 7.00AM for best experience from downtown location (Pasteur St, District 1).
- What’s included: Small group experience, comfortable, quality transport, expert guide, drinks, entrance fees, tablet presentation, delicious meal at The Old Compass Cafe.
- Ask about private tours to Cu Chi, Saigon walking tours and experiences of history, architecture and art
Sydney, Australia
Sydney – tales of the city
Sydney – Tales of the City is a private history walking tour through stunning Sydney highlights and fascinating history. With the intimacy and low-impact of a small group (maximum 8), we experience the big stories, architecture, ar...more
Private history walking tour of Sydney – expert leaders, history, architecture, parks, gardens and stunning, Sydney scenes.
- $640AUD per group (1 – 5 people) incl. GST drinks and snacks. Ask about pricing for larger groups. Recommended for adults and children older than 12.
- Expert led – Sydney and Australia insights – history, architecture, politics and culture.
- Operates any day by prior booking. Recommended timings for light and weather conditions – Summer – 8.30 – 11.30 (approx) OR 3.30 – 6.30 (afternoon recommended in summer). Winter – 9 AM- 12PM OR 2PM – 5PM (approx).
- Email: [email protected] / Call or WhatsApp +61426638642
- Mobility essential – up to 8000 steps (ask about customised walks with fewer steps.
- Ask about customised walks of architecture, art, neighbourhoods, beaches, historic houses and Sydney’s National Parks.
Sydney, Australia
The Rocks, Sydney – an alternative walking tour
A private alternative history walking tour of Sydney’s historic Rocks – Tallawoladah district. With the intimacy and flexibility if a privarte tour, we’ll see where the harsh convict settlement of New South Wales was establishe...more
A private alternative walking tour of the lanes and harbour views from The Rocks, Sydney – where dispossession and convict history began and a colonial outpost was transformed into a trading powerhouse. Stunning Sydney scenes, extraordinary stories.
- Private walk – $560AUD per group incl. GST (1 – 4 travellers).
- Expert led – Sydney and Australia insights – history, architecture, politics and culture.
- Active walking tour – 2.5 – 3hrs hour approx – around 600o steps.
- Operates on request mornings and afternoons. Recommended times Mornings: 9AM to 11.30AM Afternoon: 3PM to 5.30PM (winter) 4PM – 6.30PM (summer). We recommend walking in optimal light and temperature conditions.
- Includes: Expert Sydney guide, presentation, coffee stop (coffee or soft drink).
- Ask about customised Sydney walks of the Rocks, history, heritage, architecture, historic houses, harbour parks and more
- Text or WhatsApp on +61426638642 or email [email protected]
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam by the Book
Join our travelling book club on an unforgettable journey through the history, culture, cuisine and unique beauty of Vietnam, based around 3 books. Our tour only operates a couple of times each year. Our next tour commences in Hanoi in Februa...more
- 16 days from north to south commencing in Hanoi
- $4990USD per person twin share / $1490USD single traveller supplement
- Focused on 3 books and including Hanoi, Dien Bien Phu, Phong Nha, DMZ, Hue, Hoi An and Saigon
- Led by Mark Bowyer our founder and a team of local experts.
Cultural travel ideas from our travel guides over at Rusty Compass. Our videos feature museums, walks, cycling, architecture and more. Check out our blog on Sydney beyond the harbour.
...more
In this video and blog post, on the back of our recent Vietnam by the Book tour, I think aloud about three decades of change I’ve witnessed in Vietnam, from its opening to the world in 1990, to its current status as a regional economic and geopolitica...more
CONTACTS
Questions?
Send us an email: [email protected]
or come and visit us in Saigon at
The Old Compass Cafe
3rd Floor, 63/11 Pasteur St., Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
In Sydney, email us at
[email protected]
or call us on +61426638642