Southern Vietnam

You will find a wide variety of things to do in Southern Vietnam. When planning a trip to Southern Vietnam you will find something to please everyone with the interesting range of attractions and experiences on offer.

Discover some of the best beaches in Southern Vietnam on the island of Phu Quoc. Immerse yourself in the vibrant city life and history of Ho Chi Minh City or explore the peaceful backwaters of the Mekong Delta from the city of Can Tho.  

Is Southern Vietnam worth visiting?

Southern Vietnam is one of the most popular areas to visit in Vietnam. Most people arriving in Vietnam will begin their journey from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnams largest city. 

The region is famous for its Vietnam war history. Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon and the city is dotted with buildings that not only hold war relics but tell the story of the American War from a local’s point of view.

The Mekong Delta sits on the city’s doorstep inviting you to explore the sleepy back waters and busy waterways of this vast river delta.  

If you are looking for a beach vacation the Southern Vietnam beaches of Phu Quoc, immediately come to mind. The warm sun, laid back beach vibe and turquoise waters of Phu Quoc, are waiting for you to unwind and recharge.

Regions of Southern Vietnam

Things to do in Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam has a fabulous assortment of Southern Vietnam tours to choose from. If you enjoy travelling independently get ready for sensory overload as the region’s landscapes continue to change.

Here is a glimpse of what to expect on a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and Phu Quoc in Southern Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as it is referred to by locals, is a modern city jam packed with traditional markets, modern shopping malls, elegant restaurants and character filled street food stalls.

These contrasts in style cross over to the architecture of the city, where the ornate confections of the French colonial buildings of City Hall and the Saigon Opera House, share space with the soaring skyscrapers of Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam.

Exploring the streets of Saigon is the perfect place to people watch, as the city moves at a hectic pace to a soundtrack of beeping horns. Or take a breather and escape the hustle and bustle of the city on a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc has 150 km (93 miles) of coastline which is home to the sparkling white sands and turquoise waters of Sao Beach. This stunning beach is perfect for lounging, swimming in its crystal-clear waters or relaxing with a drink at the restaurant.

Other famous beaches include Long Beach, a 20 km (12 miles) beach lined with hotels and restaurants. Among the alleyways that lead to the beach you will find small restaurants, bars, spas, and shops.

As you explore the island you will find that Phu Quoc is more than a beach resort island it is also famous for its fish sauce and pepper production.

Take the cable car to Sun World Waterpark or go shopping and dine on local seafood at the Phu Quoc Night Markets.

Can Tho

If you really want to experience the Mekong Delta, make sure to set aside time to visit the city of Can Tho, where you can take one of the many boats to explore the mighty Mekong Delta.

Wake up early and catch the sunrise on your way to the Cai Rang floating market. Pull alongside a soup vender boat and enjoy a noodle breakfast while watching locals sell their produce from the massive wooden boats that they live on.

Visit fruit farms, noodle factories and the small villages which line the peaceful canals that branch off the main river artery.

Of an evening visit the Can Tho Night Markets or stroll along the Ninh Kieu waterfront park and admire the colourful lights and the massive golden statue of Ho Chi Minh.

Southern Vietnam Map

Our map of Southern Vietnam shows Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and the island of Phu Quoc. These have been chosen as the best places in Southern Vietnam for tourists to visit.

Though these destinations are spread across the south of Vietnam map, you will find a variety of transport options to take you to these cities.

Getting Around Southern Vietnam

Getting between Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc is easy as both destinations are well connected by air with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet and Bamboo Airways.

The city of Can Tho can be reached by bus or car transfers from Ho Chi Minh City as there are no direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. Car and motorbike hire is readily available, but we highly recommend taking out travel insurance with these options included before taking to Vietnams often chaotic roads.

Travelling to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as it is also known is the main hub for travel throughout Vietnam. There are three main forms of transport through Vietnam, and they include flights, train, and bus.

There are a variety of bus companies to choose from that travel to destinations across the nation. Train travel is also a popular choice as it stops at many of the favourite tourist cities along the coast.

Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi Train

The Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi train distance is 1,718 km and takes 37 hours to complete the journey. The train stops at the cities of Nha Trang, Da Nang and the former Imperial capital of Hue.  

Ho Chi Minh City Flight Times

Below are the flight times from Ho Chi Minh City to other much loved tourist destinations across Vietnam. They include Hanoi which is the capital of Vietnam, the mountain resort city of Da Lat and the coastal cities of Da Nang and Nha Trang.

• Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi – 2 hours 10 minutes.
• Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang – 90 minutes.
• Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang – 75 minutes.
• Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat – 1 hour.

Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc

The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc is around 395km (245 miles). The quickest way to reach the island is by air and is serviced by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet and Bamboo Airways.

Phu Quoc Flight Times

Phu Quoc can be reached by other cities within Vietnam. Some flights may require a layover in Ho Chi Minh City. The following cities have direct flights to Phu Quoc Island.

• Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc – 60 minutes
• Hanoi to Phu Quoc – 2 Hours 10 minutes
• Da Nang to Phu Quoc – 1 hour 40 minutes (Bamboo Airways)
• Can Tho to Phu Quoc – 40 minutes (Bamboo Airways)

Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho

The Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City distance is around 164km (101 miles) depending on which route you take. The journey takes approximately 3 hours by minivan, bus, or taxi.

Can Tho Flight Times

Though there are no direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, you will find direct flight connections from Hanoi and Da Nang.  

• Hanoi to Can Tho – 2 Hours 15 minutes
• Da Nang to Can Tho – 1 hour 40 minutes

Southern Vietnam Weather

The weather in Southern Vietnam is divided into two seasons, the dry season and rainy season. Below are the rainy season and dry season temperatures for Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc and Can Tho.

Ho Chi Minh City Weather

• Dry Season – December to April
• Rainy season – May to November

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with a consistent average temperature of around 28C (82F). The hottest months of the year are April and May, and you may experience heatwaves during this time.

The wettest months of the year are September and October, during this time of year there may be some flooding.

Phu Quoc Weather

• Dry season – December to March
• Rainy season – April to November

Phu Quoc has a monsoonal climate with average dry season temperatures ranging from 29C to 30C (84F to 86F). The hottest months are April and May when temperatures reach a balmy 35 C (95 F).

The wettest months are from June to October and there may be flooding during this period.

Can Tho Weather

• Dry Season – December to April
• Rainy season – May to November

Can Tho has a tropical climate which is divided into a rainy and dry season. Average dry season temperatures reach between 29C to 32C (84F to 90F).

Typical wet season temperatures vary from 33C to 30C (91F to 86F). The wettest time to visit Can Tho is from June to October and there may be some flooding during this time.  

Best time to visit Southern Vietnam

The best time to see Southern Vietnam will depend on which place you plan to visit. The best time to visit is during the dry season.

Of course, you can visit Southern Vietnam for most of the year, but I would avoid visiting during the wettest time of the rainy season.  

When to visit Ho Chi Minh City

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season from December to April. You will find that the temperature stays constant with hot humid weather throughout the year. Expect heatwaves in April and May when you may find walking around the city draining.  

The rainy season months of September and October are the wettest time to visit Ho Chi Minh City.

When to visit Phu Quoc

The best time to visit Phu Quoc is during the dry season from December to March, this time of year brings bright sunny days which are perfect for beachgoing.

The rainy season brings showers from April to November with the wettest months being from June to October. Travel to Phu Quoc during June to October may be unpleasant for beach enthusiasts.   

When to visit Can Tho

The best time to visit Can Tho is during the dry season from December to April when you can enjoy hot sunny days with clear skies. The coolest most pleasant months are December and January when the weather is less sticky.

The wettest months in Can Tho are June to October, if you visit during this time, you won’t be seeing Can Tho at its best.

Tools for Vietnam Travel

Check before booking if you will need a visa to visit Vietnam. Some countries are also eligible for a three-month visa which is perfect for anyone wanting to explore more in depth locations.

Click here to check if you need a Visa for Vietnam

We highly recommend taking out travel insurance to ensure you are covered for any of those unexpected incidents.

Check here for Insurance quotes

Stay online during your travels and purchase an eSim before arriving in Vietnam. Also download offline Google maps. Other handy Vietnam travel Apps include Google translate and a Vietnam currency converter.

Check here for eSim prices for Vietnam