The Best South Vietnam Trip Itinerary Ideas For First Time Visitors

South Vietnam is a rich land with many wonderful things for travellers to discover on their journey to Vietnam. It is the region where you can visit both one of Vietnam's most developed metropolises - Ho Chi Minh City and a rural area where you can immerse yourself in a quiet countryside with villages hidden among the typical river system of the Mekong Delta. Southern Vietnam also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, with clear waters, gentle slopes and white sand. Read this article to find out the best time, the best places to visit, and how to build an enjoyable South Vietnam itinerary!

1. The best time to visit South Vietnam

With weather conditions typical of the tropical Xavan climate, South Vietnam is divided into two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season. The dry season usually starts from November to April, and the rainy season runs from May to October.

In the dry season, the sky is usually blue and clear with very little rainfall, which encourages tourism and tourist activities. However, with so many hours of sunshine without rain, it is also the hottest time of the year. Therefore, you need to prepare sunscreen items such as sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen when you go out.

Referring to the rainy season in South Vietnam, you might be a little hesitant but don't worry so much. Although it is called the rainy season, these typical showers usually appear in the early morning and late evening, making the air cooler. This is also the time of fruit picking in the Mekong Delta, promising many delicious tropical fruits to enjoy such as dragon fruit (Thanh Long), rambutan (Chom Chom), mango, jackfruit (Mit), durian (Sau Rieng), mangosteen (Mang Cut)... 

Not only that, the rainy season is also the flood season (August to November), when the volume of water in the Mekong Delta is higher than at other times of the year, bringing upstream fish and shrimp to this area. Not only the landscape, but also the activities of people's lives are very beautiful and lively.

Thanks to such favourable weather characteristics, you can completely enjoy your travel in South Vietnam at any time of the year without any worries. We have only one note that if you want a beach stay in the South Seas, you should choose the dry season! The clear blue sky and white sands glistening in the sun make your vacation perfect.

2. The best places to visit in South Vietnam

South Vietnam borders the sea in the east and south, Cambodia in the west, and central Vietnam in the north. This region is divided into two main areas: the southeast - Dong Nam Bo (including the provinces of Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Ba Ria Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh City) and the southwest - Tay Nam Bo (including the provinces of Long An, Dong Thap, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, An Giang, Can Tho, Soc Trang, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau).

2.1. South Vietnam Tourist Attractions

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see destination for all travel plans in southern Vietnam. Also known as Saigon - Gia Dinh, this is a place where you can learn about Vietnam's history, culture and architecture. In Ho Chi Minh City, there are many interesting places to explore:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Ben Thanh Market
• Cho Lon Market
• Independence Palace
• Saigon Post Office
• War Museum
• FITO Museum

>> See more: Best things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City

Tay Ninh

The next destination in the southeastern region is Tay Ninh. Perhaps the name of Tay Ninh is not too famous as other destination in South Vietnam, but this is a place that possesses many impressive spots:

Ba Den Mountain, renowned as the highest peak in the southeastern part of South Vietnam. It is also home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in Asia. To reach the top of the mountain you can walk or use the cable car, admiring the natural beauty of the area from above.

The largest Cao Dai temple, which belongs to Caodaism a very distinctive religion that originated in Vietnam. The mass every noon is an important religious event that you can see once you get here.

Dong Nai

Dong Nai may not be a familiar name on the tourist map of Vietnam, but Nam Cat Tien National Park is a name that is no longer strange to nature lovers when they arrive in Vietnam. Possessing a tropical primaeval forest with a wide variety of flora and fauna, the national park also offers the opportunity to enjoy an interesting nightlife.

>> See more: Nam Cat Tien National Park - Travel Guide

2.2. Landmarks in Southwestern of Vietnam

Ben Tre

Ben Tre is a province in the southwestern region surrounded by a system of canals and braided rivers. This land is also known by the name "Coconut land" because you can see coconut gardens interspersed among simple houses everywhere. Visiting Ben Tre, you will have the opportunity to ride a bicycle to discover the serenity of South Vietnamese villages while enjoying coconut candies, cakes and coconut products. Interesting, isn't it?

>> See more: The Peaceful Ben Tre Coconut in the Mekong Delta

Can Tho

Located in the centre of the Mekong Delta area, nicknamed as Tay Do - Capital of the Southwest Region more than a hundred years ago, Can Tho is one of the most attractive destinations in southern Vietnam. Despite rapid economic development, Can Tho still retains the typical cultural characteristics of the riverine region. Things to do in Can Tho include:

• Cai Rang Floating Market
• Fruitful orchard (longan, durian, mango, rambutan, mangosteen,...)
• Handicraft villages
• Binh Thuy Ancient House

>> See more: 18 Best Things to do in Can Tho

Tra Vinh

As a coastal province surrounded by the Tien and Hau rivers, Tra Vinh has quite a diverse landscape with a system of canals, rivers, ponds and beautiful beaches that form wonderful and unique landscapes. This land is also the residence of three ethnic groups Kinh, Khmer and Hoa. Therefore, an exceptional multi-ethnic culture has been formed with many unique religious architectures. Visiting Tra Vinh, visitors will be impressed by the peaceful beauty, rich cuisine, and friendly and hospitable people.

An Giang

An Giang impresses visitors with the idyllic beauty where there is an inference and convergence of many unique cultures of the communities of the Kinh, Khmer, Cham and Hoa peoples. In addition, An Giang also attracts many tourists for the enchanting natural scenery with the green rice paddies, rows of palm trees soaring to the sky. An Giang's super beautiful tourist destinations to visit:

• Long Xuyen floating market
• Cajuput forest of Tra Su
• Cham ethnic villages
• Ba Chua Xu Temple
• Tay An pagoda
• Floating village of Chau Doc

>> See more: Exploring picturesque An Giang province: things to see and do in Long Xuyen and Chau Doc

Dong Thap

Dong Thap is famous for its rice fields stretching along gentle canals, primaeval forests and fragrant lotus ponds. Not only is there brilliant nature, this land in the Southwest region also has many interesting places for travel enthusiasts.

• Sa Dec Flower Village
• Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House
• Xeo Quyt relic area
• Tram Chim National Park

>> See more: Sa Dec Flower Village - The Most Instagrammable Flower Field in Vietnam

Tien Giang

Although Tien Giang is the smallest province in the Southwest region, it is rich in natural beauty and steeped in the cultural history of the people of southern Vietnam. When you come to Tien Giang, do not forget the following places:

• Vinh Trang Pagoda
• Cai Be
• Ba Kiet Ancient House
• Fruit gardens
• The islets on the Tien River: Thoi Son, Tan Phong

2.3. Outstanding Islands in South Vietnam

Phu Quoc Island

Well-known as the largest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc is granted with clear waters, fine white sandy beaches, and pristine forests. If you set foot on this ''Pearl island", enjoy some fresh sea air under the gentle sunshine of Long Beach to the west of Phu Quoc and Bai Sao to the east of Phu Quoc. Phu Quoc tourism is not only about the sea, you will have the opportunity to experience various interesting activities such as exploring the island by motorcycle, visiting Vinpearl Land amusement park, snorkelling or kayaking. Finally, don't forget to enjoy delicious seafood when you arrive in Phu Quoc!

>> See more: 10 Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc Island

Con Dao Archipelago

Con Dao, a beautiful island in the "Top 10 most fascinating islands on the planet", is an ideal destination for those who want to leave the hustle and bustle of the city to explore the unspoiled beauty and learn the history and experience more unforgettable moments with the tranquil blue sea and white sand. Don't miss this destination when you are in South Vietnam.

>> See more: Con Dao National Park - Guide of Highlights

3. Tips for planning the most interesting South Vietnam itineraries?

Currently, there are 2 international airports in South Vietnam, Phu Quoc International Airport in Phu Quoc and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Considering a large number of international flights and many airline options, most travellers choose Tan Son Airport as their first destination in South Vietnam. Depending on your needs and the time you can arrange, you can fully spend 3 -10 days in this area.

So, let's explore some suggestions for the most interesting itinerary for your South Vietnam trip.

3.1. Spend 5 days in South Vietnam

Five days is a good duration if you want to take a glimpse of the lands in South Vietnam. With the program below, you can explore the beauty of the "Pearl of the Far East" - Saigon, the religious land of Tay Ninh and the bustling Mekong Delta.

• Day 01: Ho Chi Minh arrival
• Day 02: Ho Chi Minh city tour
• Day 02: Cu Chi tunnels - Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh
• Day 03: Sightseeings in Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Can Tho
• Day 04: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh
• Day 05: Ho Chi Minh departure

>> Read more: Top Things to Do in the Mekong Delta

South Vietnam Itinerary 5 days Map

3.2. South Vietnam Itinerary 7 days

If you have about a week to travel in South Vietnam, you can definitely consider the 5-day program as mentioned above and spend more time delving deeper into the southwest of the country to the Cambodian border at An Giang. The beautiful scenery of the sprawling fields, rows of palms and the Tra Su Cajuput forest will surely make you fall in love.

• Day 01: Ho Chi Minh arrival
• Day 02: Ho Chi Minh city tour
• Day 03: Cu Chi visit - Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh
• Day 04: Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Long Xuyen
• Day 05: Long Xuyen - Chau Doc
• Day 06: Chau Doc - Ho Chi Minh
• Day 07: Ho Chi Minh departure

South Vietnam Itinerary 7 days Map

3.3. South Vietnam Itinerary 10 days

With a 10-day duration in South Vietnam, you can fully combine sightseeings with a 3-day leisure beach vacation. You can evaluate between the two most beautiful islands in the region, Con Dao and Phu Quoc, both of which have heavenly beaches and many activities to explore. Take a look at the 2 programs below!

• Day 01: Ho Chi Minh
• Day 02: Ho Chi Minh visit
• Day 03: Cu Chi visit - Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh
• Day 04: Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre
• Day 05: Ben Tre - Tra Vinh
• Day 06: Tra Vinh - Sa Dec - Long Xuyen
• Day 07: Long Xuyen - Rach Gia - Phu Quoc Island
• Day 08: Phu Quoc Island
• Day 09: Phu Quoc Island
• Day 10: Phu Quoc Island - Ho Chi Minh City

South Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days Map

• Day 01: Ho Chi Minh
• Day 02: Ho Chi Minh
• Day 03: Visit Cu Chi - Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh
• Day 04: Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Tra Vinh
• Day 05: Tra Vinh - Sa Dec - Can Tho
• Day 06: Can Tho - Con Dao Island
• Day 07: Con Dao Island
• Day 08: Con Dao Island
• Day 09: Con Dao Island - Ho Chi Minh
• Day 10: Ho Chi Minh departure

These are just some of the dozen itineraries you can refer to for your South Vietnam trip. As you can see, there are many interesting tourist attractions in this area. Just find the places of interest and build your favourite South Vietnam itinerary. If you need any advice or a quote for your itinerary, please contact us via email: sm@izitour.com or Whatsapp: +84 382 536 266. Enjoy your journey!