Best places to visit South Vietnam – When many travelers visit Vietnam, they are mistakenly assuming that they will be able to see most or even all of the country in a relatively short time. However, it takes time to travel in the nation, as in any developing nation. Visitors with a limited number of days should choose a region and explore it. For travelers heading south, seven places can’t be missed.
Vietnam is a diverse country in the north and the south, with distinct climates, cuisines, and cultural practices. There are so many wonderful places to go to Vietnam, you could easily spend years traveling through the country and not see half of it!
You should spend some time in both Northern Vietnam and the southern part of the country if you are planning a visit to Vietnam and you want to come away with a holistic picture of Vietnam. These places to visit in South Vietnam will give you a great feel for the country and take you to some of it’s most fascinating locations.
From island beaches to meandering waterways and floating markets, charming UNESCO architecture to high-rise rooftop bars, Southern Vietnam has something for every type of traveler.
Ho Chi Minh City
The dazzling, frantic town of Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s most populous and most visited city. A mixture of history and heritage and modern urbanization, it’s easy to get lost in a fast pace and overwhelmed by the surroundings. It takes a special kind of nerve to cross the street for the first time, and yet the city draws you out to explore.
Ho Chi Minh is one of the most exciting places to visit in the country. The central business zone or District 1 is the area of the city most visited by tourists. However, for the adventurous types, go to the less explored, more authentic, and interesting neighboring districts: Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, or District 3.
Several great museums, endless shopping, and vibrant nightlife are located in the city. Nguyen Hue, Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien, the Bitexco Tower, the seafood restaurants along the canal, and Binh Thanh’s maze of alleys should be explored by anyone who spends time in Ho Chi Minh.
back to menu ↑Nha Trang
Nha Trang, Vietnam’s most famous beach town, is an increasingly popular destination for foreign tourists. Lively nightlife and excellent seafoods are a great addition to the white sandy beaches and the calm blue sea.
Scuba diving has increased in popularity in the area and the bay is warm and clear all year round. The city is one of Vietnam’s most family-friendly destinations, home to many amusement parks, water parks, and resorts. Take a ride on the mile-long Vinpearl Cable Car for an unparalleled view.
back to menu ↑Can Tho
Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta and Vietnam’s fourth-largest city. It is a perfect blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and lifestyle and modernized tourist infrastructure that manages to maintain a relaxed, local feel while catering to the many Mekong Delta visitors.
One of Can Tho’s highlights is a boat tour of the Cai Rang Floating Markets. Hundreds of boats packed with fresh produce meet in the center of the Hau River to trade their goods with travelers and other Vietnamese. While it’s interesting to see the Cai Rang Floating Market, the real highlight is a tour that takes you down the picturesque canals of Can Tho. Generally, a 3-4-hour tour will only include the Cai Rang market, as it is about a 45-minute boat ride from Ninh Kieu wharf where the boats leave. Book a longer tour to see more of Can Tho’s life in the rural river.
Besides floating down the river, there are a lot of interesting temples in Can Tho. The Ong Temple is located in the vicinity of Ninh Kieu Wharf. A few kilometers away is the Binh Thuy Temple, which is also worth a visit. The Binh Thuy Ancient House is about a kilometer from the Binh Thuy Temple. The house has been in the family of Duong for six generations. The inside of the house is like a stunning antique store, filled with all sorts of pieces of French, Chinese, and traditional Vietnamese design.
At night, a stroll along the river and Ninh Kieu Wharf is the place to be. There are some bars and restaurants in front of the water, and the boardwalk will take you along the river down a lit path past some lovely gardens and lovely resorts.
back to menu ↑Phan Thiet
A lively fishing port along the South Central Coast of Vietnam, Phan Thiet serves some of the country’s best seafood. Spend the day exploring the colorful harbor surrounding the mishmash of streets. The increasingly well-traveled ward of Mui Ne, famous for its Sahara-Esque dunes and miles of picturesque coastline.
The best way to explore is on two wheels, like nearly everywhere in Vietnam. Those with a motorbike should also take the opportunity to ride along the great coastal roads south of the town.
back to menu ↑Da Lat
Take a look at this fun mountain escape when motorbike crazy becomes too much. Dalat can be reached by bus or motorbike from the country’s largest city center in 4–6 hours and is a quiet pine-scented alternative to Saigon’s concrete sprawl. The city itself can be explored in a day; just make sure you don’t skip the central store or Hang Nga Guesthouse. Outlying areas offer much more to be seen.
The region is the epicenter of Vietnam’s vast coffee industry, and the hills and valleys surrounding the city are covered in coffee plantations. For nature lovers, the forests offer some great canyoning through dense valleys and misty waterfalls. On the way in or out of town, make sure to stop at Elephant Falls, the most famous waterfall in the Central Highlands.
back to menu ↑Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc is located at the bottom of southern Vietnam. A large island with beautiful beaches, Phu Quoc, is fast becoming the capital of the resort of Vietnam. The beaches are one thing you can’t miss on Phu Quoc. The most popular beach in Long Beach, which is lined with accommodation options and is close to the city center. The beach of Sao is also a popular option, although very busy. If you’re in a quiet situation, Cua Can or Vang Bau are lovely.
Another great beach is Rach Vem or a starfish beach where the sand is covered by starfish at low tide. It’s great to see them, but remember not to get them out of the sea. The water around Phu Quoc is quite flat and very warm. It’s the perfect way to spend a couple of days.
The An Thoi Marine Archipelago is a series of islands off Phu Quoc that form a marine reserve. You can take a boat trip to the islands to snorkel. Calm clear water gives great visibility.
The Dinh Cau Night Market is where you’ll find delicious local dishes and plenty of seafood just caught in the waters of Phu Quoc Island. You’ll also find some of the most unusual Vietnamese food on the menu.
back to menu ↑Con Dao Island
If you’re looking for more activity than just hanging in your Phu Quoc hammock, then Con Dao Island would be a better fit. The Con Dao Archipelago is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and least developed destinations. It is located off the southern coast of Vietnam, a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh. The island group consists of mountainous islands, with thick forest canopies, and is a paradise for divers and nature lovers alike.
On the island, you will find endangered species such as the dugong, the hawksbill, the long-tailed macaque monkeys, the giant black squirrels, and the green turtle. The island also has some impressive ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. Go for a walk from the headquarters of the park (29 Vo Thi Sau Street).
