Southern Vietnam Guide: Top 10 Attractions and Things to Do for a Memorable Vacation

Overview of Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam is divided into the Southeast and Mekong Delta. While the Southeast offers vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and cultural landmarks, the Mekong Delta showcases lush landscapes, floating markets, and riverside charm.

The Southeast (purple) and Mekong Delta (pink).

Southeast - Dong Nam Bo

Southeast (Dong Nam Bo) has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season (May to November) and the dry season (December to April). Easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh City, the region offers well-connected highways.

This sub-region is a vibrant mix of modernity and tradition. Ho Chi Minh City serves as its bustling economic hub, while other destinations like Vung Tau, Ho Tram, and Ba Den Mountain provide coastal relaxation and spiritual retreats. Travelers can explore historical landmarks, luxury resorts, and stunning beaches.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy water sports, hiking, and eco-tours, while urban explorers love nightlife. The cuisine is a delightful mix of street food and fine dining, featuring signature dishes like Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette), Com Tam (broken rice with caramelized grilled pork chops), and fresh seafood from coastal areas.

Mekong Delta - Tay Nam Bo

Known as Vietnam’s “Rice Bowl,” the Mekong Delta (Dong Bang Song Cuu Long or Tay Nam Bo) has a warm, humid climate with abundant rainfall from May to October. It’s accessible via highways and waterways, with Can Tho Airport serving as a gateway.

Rich in cultural heritage, the Mekong Delta is famous for its floating markets, verdant orchards, and peaceful riverside villages. Iconic destinations like Can Tho, Chau Doc, and Soc Trang showcase unique Khmer and Vietnamese traditions.

Visitors can explore traditional boat tours, experience village life, and visit pagodas. Birdwatching and cycling through fruit orchards are also popular. The Mekong Delta’s cuisine heavily relies on fresh ingredients unique to the region, including freshwater fish, tropical fruits, and specialties like Banh Xeo (turmeric crispy pancake), Hu Tieu Nam Vang (rice noodle soup), and Ca Kho To (braised fish).

10 best things to do in Southern Vietnam: Top places and activities

Now that we’ve explored the basic information about Southern Vietnam, here are the 10 best activities you can enjoy in the region.

1. Ho Chi Minh City – Explore urban and cultural landmarks

Ho Chi Minh City is the hub of commerce, culture, and history in the Southeast, offering a vibrant mix of modernity and tradition. Formerly known as Saigon before 1975, it was pivotal during Vietnam’s wartime history, which is vividly captured at the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels. Some iconic landmarks that showcase French colonial architecture include the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Ho Chi Minh City offers visitors a mix of history, culture, and urban energy in Southern Vietnam. Visitors can start exploring Ho Chi Minh City from Ben Thanh Market, located right in the center of District 1 – the city’s busiest area, for vibrant shopping, authentic Vietnamese food, and dynamic nightlife at rooftop bars. Don’t miss a walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This boulevard is a hub of activity, especially during festivals.

The Notre Dame Cathedral in District 1

Meanwhile, the Cho Lon area, also known as Saigon Chinatown, reflects a cultural blend due to the Chinese immigrants who began settling in the 16th century and continued until the 20th century, shaping the area’s architecture, festivals, and cuisine. Key attractions like Thien Hau Temple and Quan De Temple showcase this cultural mix with their intricate Chinese designs, spiritual significance, and vibrant traditions.

2. Vung Tau - Relax in a charming beach city

Situated only 100km from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau is a favorite weekend getaway for city dwellers. Known for its long, continuous strip of beaches and bustling vibe year-round, Vung Tau attracts beach lovers who only have a day or two away.

Visitors can relax on Back Beach (Bai Sau) along Thuy Van Street, popular for its soft sand and gentle waves, or hike to the Christ the King statue for panoramic city views. The city’s lighthouse on a different hill overlooking the statue adds historical intrigue.

An aerial view of Vung Tau as seen from the lighthouse. Source: Flickr

For seafood lovers, Vung Tau offers fresh and delicious dishes, including local specialties like Banh Khot (mini savory pancake). Vung Tau is also loved for its pulsing beachfront bars, offering refreshing drinks, stunning ocean views, and a lively atmosphere.

3. Ho Tram – Indulge in luxury beach resorts

Ho Tram, located along Vietnam’s southeastern coast, is a serene getaway known for its luxury resorts and unspoiled beaches. Once a quiet fishing village, it has transformed into a high-end destination offering tranquility and natural beauty.

Resorts like The Grand Ho Tram provide world-class amenities, including spas, golf courses, and fine dining. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve or soak in the mineral-rich Binh Chau Hot Springs.

The Hamptons Pier in Ho Tram is Vietnam’s longest pier. Source: Flickr

The Hamptons Pier in Ho Tram is Vietnam’s longest pier at 270m, offering stunning coastal views. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, snap Instagram-worthy photos, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere of this scenic destination.

4. Con Dao – Discover pristine beaches and coral reefs

Located 185km from offshore Vung Tau, Con Dao is an archipelagic paradise and a popular attraction in Southern Vietnam. Once infamous for its prison during the French colonial era, Con Dao has since transformed into a destination known for its untouched beaches and rich marine life.

History buffs can visit Con Dao Prison, particularly the Tiger Cages, to learn about the resilience of Vietnamese revolutionaries. For nature lovers, activities include snorkeling or diving in crystal-clear waters to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine species. Dam Trau Beach, with its golden sands and tranquility, is a highlight.

Con Dao is known for its untouched beaches and rich marine life. Source: Flickr

Con Dao is also a conservation hub, home to nesting and releasing sea turtles, and a protected national park. The islands’ serene environment, historical significance, and natural beauty make Con Dao a unique and unforgettable getaway.

5. Ba Den Mountain – Climb to scenic heights and spiritual sites

Located in Tay Ninh Province in the Southeast, about 100km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den Mountain, also known as Black Virgin Mountain, is the highest peak in Southern Vietnam, standing at 986m above sea level. The mountain holds cultural and spiritual significance, particularly to the local Khmer and Vietnamese communities.

One of the top activities at Ba Den Mountain is hiking to the summit, where visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. For those less inclined to hike, a cable car system offers a more relaxed way to reach the top.

Ba Den Mountain is the highest peak in Southern Vietnam. Source: Flickr

At the summit, visitors can explore the Ba Den Pagoda, a major religious site that draws many worshippers and pilgrims throughout the year.

6. Cat Tien National Park - Jungle treks and wildlife watching

Spanning across two provinces in the Southeast and one in Central Highlands, Cat Tien National Park is a huge nature reserve with a total area of over 70,000 hectares. With its verdant tropical rainforest, diverse wildlife, and serene landscapes, it’s a haven for nature lovers. The park is home to hundreds of rare flora and fauna species, many of which are enlisted in the Red List of Threatened Species.

Visitors can explore Cat Tien National Park on guided jungle treks, where they might encounter monkeys, gibbons, and a variety of bird species. Another popular activity is taking a boat tour along the Dong Nai River, offering a chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings from a unique perspective.

Visitors trekking in Cat Tien National Park can spot monkeys. Source: Flickr

In particular, the night safari tour in Cat Tien National Park covers a 12-km journey through lush gardens and wildlife habitats. Led by expert guides, visitors can spot animals like deer, porcupines, rabbits, and weasels foraging in the dark.

7. Can Tho – The heart of the Mekong Delta and floating markets

Can Tho, located in the center of the Mekong Delta, is a lively city that serves as the economic and cultural hub of the region. Known for its bustling floating markets, like the Cai Rang Market, Can Tho offers an authentic glimpse into rural life along the Mekong River. Visitors can experience the unique sight of merchants selling fresh produce and local goods from boats, creating a lovely chaos that is vibrant and colorful.

Aside from the floating markets, Can Tho is rich in cultural heritage, with attractions like the Pitu Khosa Rangsay or Munirangsyaram Pagoda, which reflects the city’s strong Khmer influence. Can Tho also showcases Chinese influence through landmarks like Ong Temple (Quang Trieu Hoi Quan), with its traditional rectangular layout, and Truc Lam Phuong Nam Monastery, blending spiritual heritage with traditional design.

A boat tour around the Cai Rang Floating Market is the most popular activity in Can Tho. Source: Flickr

A boat tour along the Can Tho River is one of the most popular things to do in Southern Vietnam – one that every tourist chooses to do first while in Can Tho. This experience offers a chance to interact with locals and explore the vibrant floating markets. For a more luxurious experience, a cruise tour from Ninh Kieu Wharf, best tried before sunset, provides better facilities and convenience, allowing visitors to relax while enjoying the stunning river views.

8. Ben Tre – Explore the Coconut Capital of Vietnam

Located in the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre is the “Coconut Capital of Vietnam” due to its sprawling coconut plantations that dominate the landscape. This charming province offers boat tours through its waterways, orchards, and rural communities.

Historically, Ben Tre played a big role during the Vietnam War, being the birthplace of the “Dong Khoi” revolutionary movement in 1960. Visitors can explore monuments and museums that commemorate this pivotal period in Vietnam’s history.

Ben Tre offers boat tours through its waterways, orchards, and rural communities. Source: Flickr

Top activities in Ben Tre include boat tours along its winding canals, where travelers can experience the daily lives of locals and enjoy fresh tropical fruits straight from the orchards. Participating in a coconut candy-making workshop or visiting coconut processing factories offers insight into the province’s famed industry.

9. Soc Trang – Immerse in culture and visit Khmer temples

Located in the Mekong Delta, Soc Trang is known for its rich culture and strong Khmer influence. It’s home to a large Khmer community (about 30% of the population), making it one of the best places in Vietnam to experience Khmer culture and traditions.

Soc Trang is dotted with ancient pagodas and temples, many of which showcase stunning architecture and spiritual significance. One of the top attractions is the Bat Pagoda (Chua Doi), built in the late 16th century. The pagoda’s lush surroundings are home to thousands of bats, which adds an intriguing touch to the spiritual site.

The Bat Pagoda is one of the most significant attractions in Soc Trang. Source: Flickr

For a deeper cultural experience, visitors can explore the local markets, where traditional Khmer handicrafts, textiles, and food are sold. The Ok Om Bok Festival, a celebration in the 10th month of the Khmer lunar calendar, is another way to immerse in Soc Trang’s cultural richness, with lively boat races and traditional dances.

10. Phu Quoc – Discover the home to Vietnam’s best beaches

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand under the administration of Kien Giang Province, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island with a total area of about 570km². As a premier southern Vietnam destination, Phu Quoc is well-known by both domestic and international tourists for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island is rapidly transforming into a massive tourist destination, largely driven by two major conglomerates, Vin Group and Sun Group.

Due to its remote location, Phu Quoc is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam. Visitors can relax at Long Beach (Bai Dai), Sao Beach (Bai Sao), Truong Beach (Bai Truong), and Ganh Dau Beach (Bai Ganh Dau) – some of the best beaches in Phu Quoc, probably in Vietnam, too. Snorkeling at the An Thoi Islands and hiking in Phu Quoc National Park are ideal for outdoor lovers and fitness enthusiasts.

Phu Quoc is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam.

The Grand World Phu Quoc, part of the Vinpearl complex, is a vibrant “city that never sleeps,” featuring entertainment, shopping, and cultural experiences around the clock. Meanwhile, Sun Group’s Sunset Town captivates visitors with its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, stunning cliffside location, and the picturesque Kiss Bridge (Cau Hon), making it a prime spot for sunsets and wedding events.

Which destination in Southern Vietnam has impressed you the most? Whether it’s the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the serene Mekong Delta, or the tranquil Phu Quoc, Southern Vietnam offers diverse experiences for every traveler.

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