Southern Vietnam

Centered on Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Vietnam links the water towns of the Mekong Delta, the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, and the highlands of Da Lat with the sand dunes of Mui Ne.

This region follows the provincial units created by the 2025 mergers, nine in total: Ho Chi Minh City (merged with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau, which brings in Con Dao), Dong Nai (merged with Binh Phuoc), Tay Ninh (merged with Long An), and, in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, An Giang (merged with Kien Giang, which brings in Phu Quoc and Ha Tien) and Ca Mau. For travel purposes, Lam Dong Province is also included in the south as a whole. The merged Lam Dong covers Da Lat, the former Dak Nong Province and Mui Ne in the former Binh Thuan Province, and visitors usually combine these places with Ho Chi Minh City in one itinerary.

Highlights: in Ho Chi Minh City, the Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Cholon and the Cu Chi Tunnels; in the Mekong Delta, the Cai Rang floating market, the coconut groves of Ben Tre, Chau Doc and the Tra Su mangrove forest; on Phu Quoc, the beaches and the cable car across the sea, plus Ha Tien and Ca Mau Cape, Vietnam's southernmost point; on Con Dao, sea turtles and the former prison sites; in Da Lat, French-style architecture, gardens and coffee farms; and in Mui Ne, the red and white sand dunes.

Classic itineraries: 2–3 days in Ho Chi Minh City, 2–3 days in the Mekong Delta and 3–4 days on Phu Quoc; or 4–5 days combining Ho Chi Minh City with Da Lat and Mui Ne.

Getting there: Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is the main gateway, and Phu Quoc and Da Lat also have international flights. Expressways and buses link Ho Chi Minh City with Can Tho and Mui Ne.

Good to know: the dry season from December to April is best, while the rainy season brings frequent afternoon showers. From May to October the southwest monsoon makes seas rough around Phu Quoc. Visit floating markets early in the morning.

Destinations

Itineraries

Mekong Delta to Phu Quoc Island – Travel from Saigon through Ben Tre, Can Tho, Chau Doc, and Ha Tien, then take a ferry to Phu Quoc Island.
Saigon, Mekong Delta to Angkor Vietnam-Cambodia – Cross the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City, enter Cambodia by speed ferry, and travel via Phnom Penh to Angkor.
Coast & Highlands: Hoi An to Saigon – Head south along the south-central coast via Quy Nhon and Nha Trang, ascend to Da Lat, then continue to Mui Ne and Saig…
Ho Chi Minh City and Surroundings – Classic city sights plus the Cao Dai Holy See and Cu Chi Tunnels, an overnight at Vung Tau beach, and a Mekong Delta da…
Classic North-to-South Vietnam Tour – Travel south from Hanoi to Saigon, connecting Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta.
Ho Chi Minh City First-Timer's Classics – Colonial architecture in District 1, the Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum, plus half a day at the Cu Chi Tun…
Old Saigon Neighborhoods and Museums In Depth – Stay in District 3 and explore temples, churches, a cluster of museums and Cholon at a slower pace, with one day in the…
Saigon Street Food – From Ben Thanh Market and Cholon to the Ho Thi Ky food alleys, then on to the Mekong for fruit and coconut candy.
Ho Chi Minh City Family Slow Trip – Zoo and botanical gardens, the water bus, Can Gio mangrove monkey island, Suoi Tien Park and Landmark 81, with a relaxe…