You are traveling to the South of Vietnam and wondering where you should go, this below blog gives you several ideas to plan your perfect South Vietnam tours.
Ho Chi Minh city
As the nation’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh is one of the most visited Vietnam holiday destinations. Not only a modern city with big buildings and central shopping center, Ho Chi Minh is a home of historical sites and colonial buildings. Therefore, it will give you an insight into the history of this metropolis city.
To fully discover the city, you should spend at least two days; as there are many things to do and see here. Visiting War Remnant Museums, Independence Palace, Post office and Cathedral are should-not-miss if you are interested in history. Also, walking to vibrant Pham Ngu Lao, Nguyen Hue streets, Ben Thanh Market or enjoying the city view on a rooftop bar is highly recommended.
On the following day, you should have a half-day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels to learn more about the Vietnam War. It is the over 120km of underground tunnels that were used by Vietnamese soldiers. A full-day tour can be combined with Cao Dai Temple to learn about Caodaism. It is a glorious combination of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity.
>> Suggested tour: Cu Chi & Cao Dai Day Tour
Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta is a must-see destination for everyone who visits Southern Vietnam. It is a glamorous land with many canals and rivers.
My Tho/Ben Tre
If you just have a day trip to Mekong Delta, visiting My Tho or Ben Tre Vietnam is suggested due to short time travel. Although with limited time, you will have many experiences such as visiting coconut workshop, rice paper making, Bricklin workshop, biking through small villages and trying delicious seasonal fruits.
Can Tho
Can Tho is most well known for Cai Rang floating market – one of the biggest Mekong Delta floating markets in the region. Due to modern development get smaller, the market is not busy like before. Still, it is interesting to see floating boats full of pineapple, watermelons and other seasonal fruits. In order to see the busiest market, you should get up early around 5:00 am, then get a small boat to cruise around the markets. An arranged tour will help you see other workshops in Can Tho such as making mattresses or hu tieu (a traditional dipping sauce).
Chau Doc – Tra Su Cajuput Forest
Home to a great diversity of birds, reptiles, fish and other species, Tra Su Cajuput Forest is an ideal choice for those who have around more than 2 days to discover Mekong Delta Vietnam. From Can Tho, you can get a bus to Chau Doc and then to Tinh Bien district to visit Tra Su Mangrove Forest. Enjoy a tranquil paddle along narrow channels through the gnarled and green sunken forest.
If you have more time in Chau Doc, pay a visit to the other sightseeing post of cities such as Sam Mountain, Ba Chua Xu Pagoda and Thoai Ngoc Hau Temple to learn more about local culture.
Depending on your time schedule and travel budget, you can pick up the best itinerary for the Mekong part. If you just have one day, a getaway day trip to My Tho and Ben Tre is a good choice. For two days, staying overnight in Can Tho for an early visit to the floating market. If your tour lasts 3 days, especially intending to travel overland to Phnom Penh, Chau Doc is absolutely on your list. With an overnight trip, you can either book a hotel or sleep on one of Mekong river luxury cruises. There are not so many options for Mekong cruise and the price is more expensive rather than staying at the hotel; but cruising along the river, witnessing sunrise and sunset on a wooden boat/sampan is a great experience.
>> Suggested Mekong Delta day trip: Feel The Mekong 1 Day Tour
Phu Quoc island
Being famous for its stunning beaches, high-end beach resorts, modern facilities, and international dining venues, Phu Quoc – pearl island becomes a perfect gateway to those who want to relax and enjoy beautiful nature and beach.
Besides, Phu Quoc Vietnam has the best marine life, making it a great destination to explore underwater. There are many opportunities for diving and snorkeling around the island and it is even a great place for a beginner as the water is calm.
It is very easy to get to Phu Quoc from different cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang; as there are many flights from these cities to Phu Quoc. The best Airlines to go with is Vietnam Airlines, other cheap flight option is Vietjet, Jetstar or Bamboo Airways. Moreover, you can always get to Phu Quoc island after your Mekong Delta trip from Can Tho, either taking a flight or taking a ferry. There is only one flight every day from Can Tho airport operated by Vietnam Airlines, please check again time schedule on your departure date. If you want to go by ferry, from Can Tho, you need to get on 3 hours bus ride to reach Rach Gia. There are ferry departs at the different times in Rach Gia: 7:20 am, 11:00 am, and 13:45 pm.
The best time to travel to Phu Quoc is in the dry season from November to March when the sky is always blue. Most of its rainfall happens from July to September, still, you can enjoy the warm weather all year round due to its tropical monsoon climate.
>> Suggested Phu Quoc tours: Phu Quoc Luxury Escape 5 Days
Suggested Vietnam tours
- Southern Vietnam Discovery 6 Days
- Classic Adventure Vietnam 12 Days
- Southern Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery 13 Days
If you have more time to travel up north a bit, Dalat and Nha Trang should be on your list also. Dalat is the most romantic city in Vietnam where you can see roses, hydrangeas along the streets, cool and chill all year round. Nha Trang is a beautiful beach city with many beautiful floating villages to discover.
I hope you find the most suitable itinerary for your South Vietnam tours!
Van Do – Travel Specialist
