Travel in Southern Vietnam: Rivers, Cities and Islands

Travel in Southern Vietnam: Rivers, Cities and Islands

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Travel in Southern Vietnam offers a vibrant journey through rivers, cities and islands, where travelers can experience the modern urban lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh City, the tropical river landscapes of the Mekong Delta, and the island beach scenery of Phu Quoc and Con Dao. From floating markets Vietnam and street food Saigon to historical war sites and warm year-round climate, the South creates an easy route for first-time visitors, families and informed travelers.

With Vietpower Travel, travelers can explore Southern Vietnam through well-planned Vietnam Tours that connect Ho Chi Minh City travel, Mekong Delta Vietnam, Phu Quoc island, Con Dao islands and Tay Ninh day trips with smooth timing, local insight and practical travel support.

1. What Are the Highlights of Southern Vietnam?

Southern Vietnam brings together some of the most rewarding travel experiences in the country. This region combines the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the slow rhythm of the Mekong Delta, colorful floating markets, tropical islands, and meaningful cultural sites.

For travelers planning a Vietnam journey, the South is a great place to enjoy city life, river landscapes, local food, history, and beach relaxation in one easy route.

A well-planned Southern Vietnam travel guide usually starts with Ho Chi Minh City travel, then continues to Mekong Delta Vietnam before ending with the island beach scenery of Phu Quoc island or Con Dao islands.

Along the way, travelers can explore floating markets in Vietnam, try street food in Saigon, join a boat tour through coconut villages, visit historical war sites, and experience spiritual culture in Tay Ninh.

These highlights make the South one of the most attractive regions for travelers who want both comfort and authentic local experiences.

Highlight	Destination	Why It Matters
Modern urban lifestyle	Ho Chi Minh City	Rooftop bars, local markets, cafés, nightlife, French colonial landmarks, and lively street food culture
Tropical river landscapes	Mekong Delta	Canals, orchards, coconut villages, boat tours, riverside communities, and peaceful countryside scenery
Floating markets Vietnam	Can Tho, Cai Rang Floating Market	Early morning boat culture, local trade, tropical fruits, river meals, and a close look at Mekong Delta daily life
Island beach scenery	Phu Quoc island, Con Dao islands	White-sand beaches, snorkeling, coral reefs, resorts, seafood, privacy, and beach relaxation
Historical war sites visit	Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Con Dao Prison	Vietnam War history, underground tunnels, wartime stories, and deeper cultural understanding
Spiritual culture	Tay Ninh	Cao Dai Holy See, Ba Den Mountain, cable car views, religious architecture, and mountain scenery

2. Ho Chi Minh City Travel: The Urban Gateway of Southern Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon, is usually the first stop for travelers starting a journey through Southern Vietnam. As the country’s largest and most energetic city, it gives visitors a strong first impression of the South through busy streets, historic landmarks, local markets, rooftop bars, street food, and modern high-rise buildings.

Best Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has a wide range of attractions, from cultural landmarks to food streets and modern viewpoints. The best places to visit are spread across history, architecture, shopping, nightlife, and local life.

Place	Address	Reference Price	Why It Should Be Included
Ben Thanh Market	Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City	Free entrance; shopping and food prices vary	A classic stop for local shopping, souvenirs, Vietnamese snacks, and street food culture
War Remnants Museum	28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City	About 40,000 VND/adult	A meaningful place to learn about Vietnam War history and the impact of conflict on local life
Notre Dame Cathedral	Cong Xa Paris Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City	Free exterior visit	A well-known French colonial landmark in the city center
Saigon Central Post Office	2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City	Free entrance	A historic building, photo spot, and symbol of colonial-era architecture
Nguyen Hue Walking Street	Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City	Free entrance	A lively public space showing the city’s modern urban lifestyle
Cho Lon / Chinatown	District 5, Ho Chi Minh City	Free to explore; temple donations optional	A cultural area with Chinese-Vietnamese temples, markets, food, and heritage streets
Thien Hau Temple	710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City	Free entrance	A valuable stop in Cho Lon for Chinese-Vietnamese culture and spiritual architecture
Bui Vien Street	Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City	Free entrance; drinks and food vary	A nightlife and backpacker area filled with bars, music, restaurants, and evening energy
Bitexco Tower / Saigon Skydeck	2 Hai Trieu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City	Around 240,000 VND/adult	A modern viewpoint where travelers can see the skyline and city lights from above
Reunification Palace	135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City	About 40,000–80,000 VND/adult depending on ticket type	A historic site connected to major events in modern Vietnamese history

Street Food Saigon: What Travelers Should Try

Street food Saigon is one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Ho Chi Minh City. The city’s food scene is fast, flavorful, affordable, and deeply connected to daily life. Travelers can find small food stalls, family-run eateries, sidewalk cafés, and busy night markets across the city.

Food	Suggested Area / Address	Reference Price	Content Angle
Banh Mi	Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, District 1	About 40,000–70,000 VND/serving	Iconic Vietnamese street food with bread, meat, herbs, pickles, and sauces
Com Tam	Com Tam Nguyen Van Cu, 74 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1	About 50,000–120,000 VND/serving	A typical Saigon broken rice dish served with grilled pork, egg, pickles, and fish sauce
Banh Xeo	Banh Xeo 46A, 46A Dinh Cong Trang Street, District 1	About 90,000–180,000 VND/serving	A crispy pancake popular in the South, often filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts
Hu Tieu Nam Vang	Local stalls around District 1, District 3, District 5	About 40,000–80,000 VND/bowl	A Southern noodle soup with pork, shrimp, herbs, and a light broth
Banh Cuon	Local morning stalls in District 1, District 3, District 5	About 25,000–50,000 VND/serving	A soft steamed rice roll dish filled with minced pork and mushrooms
Bun Thit Nuong	Local eateries around District 1, District 3, District 10	About 40,000–70,000 VND/bowl	A grilled pork noodle bowl with herbs, pickles, peanuts, and fish sauce
Bot Chien	Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, District 3	About 30,000–60,000 VND/serving	Fried rice flour cakes served with egg, green onions, and dipping sauce
Vietnamese Coffee	The Cafe Apartment, 42 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1	About 40,000–90,000 VND/cup	A key part of local café culture, often served with condensed milk or over ice

Historical War Sites Near Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is also a strong base for travelers who want to understand Vietnam’s modern history. Several historical war sites visit options are located in and around the city, making them easy to add to a Southern Vietnam itinerary.

Historical Site	Address / Location	Reference Price	Best For
War Remnants Museum	28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City	About 40,000 VND/adult	Travelers who want a museum-based view of Vietnam War history
Reunification Palace	135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City	About 40,000–80,000 VND/adult	Travelers interested in modern Vietnamese history and architecture
Cu Chi Tunnels	Cu Chi District, about 60–70 km from central Ho Chi Minh City	About 90,000–110,000 VND/adult for standard entrance; tours cost more	Travelers who want to see underground tunnels and wartime survival systems
Con Dao Prison	Con Dao Islands, Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province	Ticket prices vary by site or local package	Travelers connecting Southern Vietnam’s island scenery with deeper historical context

3. Mekong Delta Vietnam: River Life, Floating Markets and Local Villages

Mekong Delta Vietnam is one of the most iconic regions in Southern Vietnam. Known for tropical river landscapes, canals, orchards, floating markets, coconut villages, and fertile delta land, this region gives travelers a slower and more local travel experience than the big city.

The Mekong Delta is shaped by water. Rivers and canals connect villages, markets, fruit gardens, workshops, and local homes. Instead of rushing between monuments, travelers can take a Mekong Delta boat tour, cycle through countryside villages, taste tropical fruits, visit local workshops, and enjoy riverside meals.

This makes the delta a strong choice for travelers who want to see local life beyond the modern urban lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh City.

What Can Travelers Do in the Mekong Delta?

The Mekong Delta offers many hands-on travel experiences. These activities help visitors understand how people live, work, eat, and travel along the river.

Activity	Best Place / Address	Reference Price	Why It Matters
Take a Mekong Delta boat tour	Ben Tre, Can Tho, My Tho	From about 500,000 VND/private boat in Can Tho; day tours from Ho Chi Minh City often start around 29–55 USD/person	Explore canals, riverside homes, local boats, and daily life on the water
Visit floating markets Vietnam	Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho; Long Xuyen Floating Market, An Giang; Nga Nam Floating Market, Soc Trang	Cai Rang boat ticket often around 2–4 USD/person, or private boat from about 500,000 VND	See early morning river trade, boat vendors, tropical fruits, and local products
Cycle countryside villages	Ben Tre coconut villages	Often included in Mekong Delta day tours; bike rental or tour price varies	Experience coconut villages, quiet rural roads, gardens, and local communities
Visit fruit orchards	Ben Tre, Can Tho, Dong Thap	About 50,000–150,000 VND/person depending on garden and tasting package	Taste tropical fruits and learn about the fertile delta region
Join local workshops	Ben Tre coconut candy workshops, rice paper workshops	Often included in boat tours; standalone purchase or tasting varies	Learn how coconut candy, rice paper, and local crafts are made
Enjoy a sunset river cruise	Ninh Kieu Wharf, Can Tho	Group sunset tours can start from about 35–46 USD/person	Relax in the evening and see river life from a slower perspective
Try local food	Mekong Delta towns and riverside restaurants	About 40,000–150,000 VND/dish; seafood or set meals cost more	Enjoy freshwater fish, tropical fruits, banh xeo, hotpot, and riverside meals

Can Tho and Cai Rang Floating Market

Can Tho is the main city of the Mekong Delta and one of the best places to experience floating markets in Vietnam. It works well as an overnight stop because the most active market hours happen early in the morning.

Experience	Address / Starting Point	Reference Price	Best Time
Cai Rang Floating Market	Cai Rang District, Can Tho City; boats usually start from Ninh Kieu Wharf	Around 2–4 USD/person for shared boat ticket; private boat from about 500,000 VND	Around 5:00–7:00 a.m.
Ninh Kieu Wharf	Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City	Free to walk around; boat and cruise prices vary	Late afternoon and evening
Can Tho sunset river cruise	Ninh Kieu Wharf or hotel pickup depending on provider	From about 35–46 USD/person	Around 4:00–6:30 p.m.
Local noodle breakfast on the boat	Cai Rang Floating Market	About 30,000–60,000 VND/bowl	Early morning
Fresh fruit from boat vendors	Cai Rang Floating Market	About 20,000–80,000 VND depending on fruit and quantity	Early morning

Ben Tre: Coconut Villages and Authentic Local Life

Ben Tre is known as the Coconut Capital of Vietnam and is one of the best places to experience local life in the Mekong Delta. Compared with busier day-trip routes, Ben Tre feels quieter, greener, and more connected to everyday village life.

Experience	Suggested Area / Address	Reference Price	Why It Matters
Ben Tre boat trip	Ben Tre City pier or riverside tour departure points	Day tours from Ho Chi Minh City often start around 29–55 USD/person; private tours cost more	Explore coconut-lined canals and riverside villages
Coconut candy workshop	Local workshops in Ben Tre villages	Usually included in boat tours; small purchases vary	See how coconut candy is made by hand
Cycling countryside villages	Villages around Ben Tre City and nearby islets	Often included in day tours; standalone bike rental varies	Enjoy rural roads, gardens, small bridges, and local homes
Fruit garden visit	Cai Mon – Cho Lach fruit garden area, Ben Tre Province	About 50,000–150,000 VND/person depending on tasting package	Try tropical fruits in the garden
Riverside local lunch	Ben Tre riverside restaurants or homestays	About 100,000–250,000 VND/person depending on menu	Taste Mekong Delta dishes in a local setting
Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary	My Hoa and Tan Xuan communes, Ba Tri District, Ben Tre Province	Entry price varies; check locally before visiting	Add eco-travel and birdwatching to a Ben Tre route

4. Phu Quoc Island: Southern Vietnam’s Main Beach Destination

Phu Quoc island is the most popular beach destination in Southern Vietnam. With white-sand beaches, clear water, seafood restaurants, night markets, snorkeling spots, and a wide choice of beach resorts, the island fits many travel styles.

Families can enjoy safe beach time and entertainment areas, couples can choose quiet resorts, while first-time visitors can add Phu Quoc as a relaxing final stop after Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta Vietnam.

The island beach scenery in Phu Quoc gives a softer ending to many Vietnam Tours. After exploring modern city life in Saigon and tropical river landscapes in the Mekong Delta, travelers can slow down by the sea, join island snorkeling tours, visit fishing villages, or spend a few days at a beachfront resort.

Thanks to its warm year-round climate, Phu Quoc works well for travelers who want a city-river-island route in Southern Vietnam.

Best Beaches and Places in Phu Quoc

Place	Address / Area	Reference Price	Why It Matters
Bai Sao	An Thoi Ward, southern Phu Quoc	Free public beach access; sunbeds, food, and drinks vary by restaurant	A famous white-sand beach with clear water, soft waves, and a relaxed beach setting
Bai Dai / Long Beach	Western coast of Phu Quoc, near Duong Dong and resort areas	Free beach access in public areas; resort day-use prices vary	A long beach area with many hotels, beach bars, sunset spots, and resort stays
Ong Lang Beach	Cua Duong / Ong Lang area, northwest of Duong Dong	Free public beach access; food and drinks vary	A calmer beach area for travelers who prefer a relaxed atmosphere
An Thoi Islands	South of Phu Quoc, usually reached by boat or speedboat from An Thoi Port	Island snorkeling tours often start from about 800,000–1,500,000 VND/person depending on route and group size	A key area for island snorkeling tours, coral reefs, boat trips, and island hopping
Hon Thom	Hon Thom Island, An Thoi Archipelago	Cable car ticket often around 825,000–850,000 VND/adult for round trip; combo prices vary	Famous for the sea-crossing cable car, island activities, water park, and panoramic views
Phu Quoc Night Market	Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc	Free entrance; seafood dishes often range from about 80,000–300,000 VND depending on item	A lively evening area for seafood, snacks, souvenirs, and local atmosphere
Phu Quoc National Park	Northern and northeastern Phu Quoc	General access is often free in open areas; guided trekking or special routes may cost more	A good choice for nature, forest roads, eco-travel, and a change from beach time
Phu Quoc Prison	350 Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc	Free entrance	A historical site that adds cultural depth to a beach-focused island stay

Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc

Activity	Best Place / Area	Reference Price	Best For
Relax on the beach	Bai Sao, Long Beach, Ong Lang Beach	Free beach access in many public areas; sunbeds and drinks vary	Families, couples, first-time beach travelers
Join island snorkeling tours	An Thoi Islands, Hon May Rut, Hon Gam Ghi	About 800,000–1,500,000 VND/person depending on tour type	Active travelers, couples, groups
Visit An Thoi Islands	South Phu Quoc	Boat or speedboat tour prices vary by route	Travelers who want coral reefs, swimming, and island scenery
Try seafood at Phu Quoc Night Market	Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong Ward	About 80,000–300,000 VND/dish depending on seafood	Food lovers and evening walkers
Explore Phu Quoc National Park	Northern Phu Quoc	General access often free; guided tours cost more	Nature lovers and eco-travelers
Visit Hon Thom Cable Car	An Thoi Station, South Phu Quoc	Around 825,000–850,000 VND/adult for round-trip cable car; combo tickets vary	Families, couples, view seekers
Stay at a beach resort	Long Beach, Bai Dai, Ong Lang, Bai Khem	From mid-range hotels to luxury resorts; prices vary by season	Resort travelers, honeymooners, families

5. Con Dao Islands: Quiet Beaches, Nature and History

Con Dao islands are quieter and more private than Phu Quoc island. The archipelago is known for clean beaches, coral reefs, marine life, national park landscapes, sea turtle conservation, and historical war sites. It suits travelers who prefer nature, calm beaches, meaningful history, and fewer crowds.

While Phu Quoc offers more resorts, nightlife, and family activities, Con Dao has a slower travel pace. It is a strong choice for couples, honeymoon travelers, nature lovers, photographers, and informed travelers who want island beach scenery with historical depth.

Why Choose Con Dao?

Feature	Address / Area	Reference Price	Value
Beaches	Dam Trau Beach, An Hai Beach, Lo Voi Beach, Nhat Beach	Free public beach access in many areas; food and transport vary	Quiet, clean, less crowded beach scenery
Nature	Con Dao National Park, Con Son Island	National park entrance is often around 60,000 VND; guided activities cost more	Forest trails, marine life, sea turtles, eco-travel
Activities	Ong Dung Beach, Bay Canh Island, Con Dao marine areas	Snorkeling, diving, and boat tours vary widely by provider	Snorkeling, diving, hiking, turtle-watching season
History	Con Dao Prison, Tiger Cages, Phu Hai Prison	Around 40,000 VND/adult for main historical site ticket	Historical war sites visit and deeper cultural understanding
Travel Style	Con Son Town and nearby beaches	Accommodation and transfer prices vary by season	Peaceful, private, nature-based, suitable for slower trips

Phu Quoc or Con Dao: Which Is Better?

Comparison Point	Phu Quoc Island	Con Dao Islands
Best For	Families, resorts, beach activities, nightlife, seafood, first-time visitors	Couples, privacy, nature, quiet beaches, history, eco-travel
Travel Style	More developed, easier to combine with entertainment and resort stays	More peaceful, slower, and more nature-focused
Activities	Snorkeling, night market, island hopping, cable car, beach resorts	Snorkeling, diving, hiking, national park, sea turtle conservation
Historical Sites	Phu Quoc Prison	Con Dao Prison, Tiger Cages, Phu Hai Prison
Beach Experience	More resort choices and livelier beach areas	Cleaner, quieter beaches with fewer crowds
Best Choice	First-time beach travelers who want convenience and activity variety	Informed travelers who value tranquility, nature, and historical depth

6. Tay Ninh Day Trip: Spiritual Sites and Mountain Views

A Tay Ninh day trip is a good way to expand a Southern Vietnam route beyond Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the islands. Located around 100 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh is known for spiritual culture, mountain scenery, and two major Southern Tourist Attractions: Cao Dai Holy See and Ba Den Mountain.

This day trip from Ho Chi Minh City is ideal for travelers interested in religion, architecture, countryside views, and mountain landscapes. Many visitors combine Tay Ninh with the Cu Chi Tunnels, creating a full-day route that includes both spiritual culture and historical war sites visit.

Cao Dai Holy See

Cao Dai Holy See is the central religious site of Caodaism in Vietnam. The temple is known for its colorful architecture and spiritual symbolism, combining elements inspired by Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Vietnamese religious traditions.

Site	Address	Reference Price	Why Visit
Cao Dai Holy See	Pham Ho Phap Street, Long Hoa Ward, Hoa Thanh Town, Tay Ninh Province	Free entrance	A major spiritual and architectural landmark in Southern Vietnam
Main Temple Area	Inside the Holy See Inner City, Tay Ninh	Free entrance; donations optional	Colorful design, religious ceremonies, symbolic architecture
Holy See Complex	Around 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City	Transport or tour cost varies	A meaningful stop for cultural travelers and first-time visitors

Ba Den Mountain

Ba Den Mountain is the highest peak in Southern Vietnam, standing at 986 meters. It is one of the most famous natural and spiritual attractions in Tay Ninh. Travelers can hike, take the cable car, visit pagodas, enjoy panoramic countryside views, and explore the mountain’s spiritual complex.

Site / Activity	Address / Area	Reference Price	Why Visit
Ba Den Mountain	Thanh Tan Commune / Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area, Tay Ninh Province	Entrance and cable car prices vary by route and combo	Highest peak in Southern Vietnam with mountain views and spiritual sites
Ba Den Mountain Cable Car	Sun World Ba Den Mountain	Some cable car tickets or combo packages start from about 300,000–630,000 VND; prices vary by route	Fast and scenic way to reach the mountain area
Van Son Peak Area	Ba Den Mountain summit zone	Usually included in related cable car/combo tickets	Panoramic views, photo spots, spiritual architecture
Ba Pagoda / Spiritual Complex	Ba Den Mountain	Included or paired with cable car routes depending on ticket type	Religious visit, local pilgrimage culture, mountain atmosphere

7. How Many Days to Spend in South Vietnam?

Travelers should spend around 5 to 8 days in Southern Vietnam for a balanced first-time trip. This is enough time to explore Ho Chi Minh City, experience Mekong Delta Vietnam, and relax on Phu Quoc island.

For a short trip of 4 to 5 days, choose the route Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi – Mekong Delta. This itinerary is suitable for travelers who want city highlights, historical war sites, and a quick river experience.

For a better route, 6 to 7 days is ideal. Travelers can follow Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Can Tho – Phu Quoc. This South Vietnam itinerary combines city life, coconut villages, floating markets Vietnam, and island beach scenery.

Within 8 to 10 days, travelers can add Tay Ninh or Vung Tau. Tay Ninh is good for Cao Dai Holy See and Ba Den Mountain, while Vung Tau offers a short beach escape near Ho Chi Minh City.

For 10 days or more, travelers can explore deeper Southern Tourist Attractions such as Con Dao islands, Cat Tien National Park, An Giang, Dong Thap, or Ca Mau.

Conclusion

Travel in Southern Vietnam is a rewarding choice for travelers who want to combine city energy, river culture, beach relaxation, local food and meaningful history in one journey. Whether you spend a few days in Ho Chi Minh City, cruise through the Mekong Delta, relax on Phu Quoc island or explore Con Dao islands, the region offers many memorable experiences for every travel style.

Plan your Vietnam journey with Vietpower Travel and discover the best Southern Tourist Attractions through a personalized itinerary that brings together rivers, cities, islands, culture and comfort

Travel in Southern Vietnam: Rivers, Cities and Islands

Table of contents

1. What Are the Highlights of Southern Vietnam?