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 Saigon through its bustling streets, and its most evocative historical sights. It’s a unique Saigon experience of history, archite...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: 1,350,00VND or $58 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 Tales of the City with 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: 2.7 mill VND or $115 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 history walking tour through Sydney’s stunning places and fascinating history. With the intimacy and low-impact of a small group (maximum 8), we experience the big stories, architecture, art and en...more
Heritage walking tour of Sydney – small groups, expert leaders, real history, Sydney Harbour, stunning scenes
- $95AUD incl. GST (adult / child over 12 years)
- Operates Thu / Fri / Sat / Sun : 2pm – 5pm including breaks and drinks (autumn / winter)
- Email: [email protected]
- Call +61426638642
- Minimum: 2 people – min. age 12.
- Drink by the harbour and expert guide included
- Ask about private Sydney walking tours
Sydney, Australia
The Rocks, Sydney – an alternative walking tour
An alternative walking tour of Sydney’s historic Rocks – Tallawoladah district. With the intimacy and access of a small group (8 or less), we’ll see where the harsh convict settlement of New South Wales was established in 1788....more
An alternative walking tour of The Rocks, Sydney, where dispossession and convict history began and a colonial outpost was transformed to a trading powerhouse.
- Price: $65AUD pp incl. 10% GST
- Walking tour – 2.5 hour approx.
- Operates Thu / Fri / Sat / Sun The Rocks @ 9.30AM
- Includes: Expert Sydney guide, presentation, coffee stop (coffee or soft drink).
- Ask about private Sydney walks of the Rocks, history, heritage, architecture and more
- Call us on +61426638642 or email [email protected]
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam by the Book
Join Mark Bowyer on an unforgettable journey through the history, culture, cuisine and unique beauty of Vietnam. Our tour only operates a couple of times each year. Our next tour commences in Hanoi in February 2025. We use the works of thre...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 – 2 dates per year February / March
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