As we venture to the south of Vietnam, the land becomes more fertile as the Mekong Delta draws near.  The coast is lined with magnificent beaches and, traveling inland, tourists can find a wealth of history in Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City.  With options for cycling, hiking, swimming, boating, touring, eating, and much, much more, Southern Vietnam offers something for everyone.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (still commonly referred to as Saigon) is most well known for the important role that it played in the Vietnam War.  However, since the end of the war in 1975, Ho Chi Minh City has come to redefine itself as one of the busiest hubs in Southeast Asia.  Full of culture, history, food, and shopping, Ho Chi Minh city is the perfect place for anyone looking to roam the streets and discover all of the hidden (and not so hidden) gems the metropolis has to offer!

Attractions

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is full of information and exhibits pertaining to the Vietnam War as well as the first Indochina War.  A humbling experience, it is a good place to go to learn more about the tragic and bloody history in Vietnam and how it continues to impact the country today.

Ben Thanh Market

One of the biggest marketplaces in Vietnam, Ben Thanh Market is a wonderful place to visit as a guest in the country.  Located in an already bustling area of the city, you can spend hours in Ben Thanh Market visiting the many different stalls, speaking to the vendors, eating street food, and buying souvenirs for your jealous friends back home!  The market is also a perfect place to sit for awhile and watch the world go by, the perfect way to gain some insight into daily life in Vietnam.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Come learn about one of the most important time periods of Vietnamese history at this iconic, historical, underground landmark beneath Ho Chi Minh City.  The Cu Chi Tunnels are a huge network of tunnels that run through the ground below Ho Chi Minh City.  The tunnels served as a strategic meeting and hiding place for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a coastal city in Vietnam known for stunning views, gorgeous resorts, amazing beaches, and lots and lots of parties!  The perfect place to visit with friends, have some drinks, and soak up the sun while enjoying a good book, Nha Trang never fails to amaze beach-lovers.  While many people choose Nha Trang to relax for a few days and enjoy the sun and the sand, there are also several popular tourist attractions to visit.

Attractions

Po Nagar Cham Towers

These four towers, located in Nha Trang, are hundreds of years old and are still actively used for worship by Cham, Chinese, and Vietnamese Buddhists.  Built between the 7th-12th centuries, the ancient towers offer a stark contrast to the modern, party city of Nha Trang.  Take a visit to learn about the history of the towers and their importance to the surrounding areas.

Ban Ho Waterfalls

Join a tour or rent motorbikes to ride just out of Nha Trang to the beautiful Ban Ho Waterfalls. Hike along the surrounding pathways, swim in the deep, cool pools of water, take pictures under the falls, and enjoy a delicious, local lunch.  Spend a wonderful day at this peaceful oasis, before heading back to Nha Trang for an evening of festivities.

Hon Khoi Salt Fields

Hon Khoi is an especially unique experience in Nha Trang.  Due to ample coastline, Vietnam is a major exporter of salt.  Come to these salt fields to learn about the process behind salt production and to see the amazing salt mountains protruding from the shallow waters.

Mekong Delta & Phu Quoc

This area in the southern region of Vietnam consists of winding rivers, fertile land, swampy areas, and small islands.  The region also plays host to floating markets and Khmer pagodas and villages.  Spend several days cruising through these rivers, shopping in the markets, learning about local culture, and don’t forget to hop over to Phu Quoc afterwards for some well-deserved rest and relaxation!

Attractions

Cai Rang Floating Markets

The biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang is an impressive daily occurrence.  Starting early in the morning and lasting until about midday, this is not the place to come for souvenirs but rather to buy food in bulk.  Take a boat tour through the market to learn more about its history, traditions, and how everything works.

Sam Mountain

Sam Mountain is the biggest mountain in the Mekong Delta and is a sacred place for Buddhists, playing host to a number of religious sites and relics.  You can either hike the mountain (there are plenty of places to stop for a cold drink or a snack) or you can pay a small fee and take a motorbike to the top to see the magnificent views and learn about the history surrounding the area.

Phu Quoc

Travelling just south of the Mekong Delta is the island Phu Quoc between the coasts of Vietnam and Cambodia.  The island is known for its gorgeous beaches and resorts as well as the local wildlife and plantlife.  The perfect place to relax with a good book, Phu Quoc is also full of opportunities for trekking, exploring, shopping, and eating.

Activities in Southern Vietnam

Beaches

With such an extensive coast, of course Vietnam is famous for its beaches!  Come to the south of the country to experience some of the most beautiful beaches, relax in the sun, and swim in the refreshing waters.

Cycling

Cycling is another exciting activity in this area of Vietnam.  The Mekong Delta is full of opportunities for cycling tours and it proves to be an excellent way to see this area of the country – providing many opportunities to stop and interact with locals and experience local life along the way.

Boat Tours

One of the most popular activities in Southern Vietnam is to take a boat tour through the Mekong Delta.  There is so much to see, explore, taste, and buy, what better way to do it than by boat!  What an adventure!