Top Things to Do in Southern Vietnam with Vietnam Package Tours

Southern Vietnam Overview: A Region of Diversity

To know what to do in Southern Vietnam, you need to find its two legendary regions:

Southeast (Dong Nam Bo) – Urban, Beach, and Adventure

This is a dynamic South, where Ho Chi Minh City is a whirl of skyscrapers, street food, and colonial charm. In a few hours, the seashore unfolds with beach holidays in Vung Tau and Ho Tram, and spiritual mountain trips to Ba Den.
If you’re searching for what to see in Southern Vietnam, this area offers:

• City attractions and nightlife
• Luxury resorts by the sea
• Hiking, cable cars, and eco-experiences

Mekong Delta (Tay Nam Bo) – Waterways and Local Life

The Delta offers a calm and soulful journey through floating markets, canal cruises, coconut gardens, and riverside villages. You’ll find slow-paced, immersive experiences in places like Can Tho, Ben Tre, and Soc Trang.
Key things to see in South Vietnam include:

• Cai Rang Floating Market
• Boat tours under palm trees
• Khmer temples and orchard picnics

Top 10 Things to Do in Southern Vietnam

1. Wander Through the Energy of Ho Chi Minh City

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (01 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1): Between 1863 and 1880, the French built this iconic cathedral, symbolizing Catholic supremacy in Vietnam. Red bricks were imported directly from Marseille.

Central Post Office (right next to the cathedral) (02 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1):  This post office, which was built by Gustave Eiffel, remains functional to date and features a stunning vaulted ceiling and maps of old Saigon.

Ben Thanh Market ( Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1): The busy covered marketplace is a must for sampling local staples like Bun Thit Nuong or Banh Mi, and bargaining for souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts.

War Remnants Museum (28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3): Perhaps one of the most poignant museums in Vietnam, picturing war’s reality in photographs and exhibits. An emotionally charged experience for history enthusiasts.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street (Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1): A modern walking street, ideal for taking a stroll in the evening. Locals that gather there, live concerts of street music, and celebration decorations.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street (Source: vnexpress)

2. Cruise the Floating Markets of the Mekong Delta

Cai Rang Floating Market (Start from Ninh Kieu Wharf, Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho): Southeast Asia’s largest floating market, where it is possible to buy such fresh fruits as pineapples, mangos, and jackfruits, coffee, and hot Hu Tieu noodle soup at 5:30 AM.

Phong Dien Floating Market (Phong Dien District, Can Tho): More intimate, original market perfect for travelers who prefer small-scale exposure. Best to visit on a wooden sampan early morning before 7 AM.

Coconut Candy Workshop (Tan Thach Commune, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre): Witness candy made from coconut milk, watch the process, and taste the fresh, just-wrapped candies.

Phoenix Island (Con Phung) (Tan Thach Commune, Ben Tre):  Offers live traditional music (Don Ca Tai Tu), honey tea, and cycling routes along the riverbank.

Biking Through Fruit Orchards (An Binh Island, Long Ho District, Vinh Long):  Ride through serene trails, a homestay experience, and fresh rambutan, Alphonso long/ Alphonso/longans, and guava picked from the tree.

Biking Through Fruit Orchards (Source: dulichthoidaiviet)

3. Unwind in Vung Tau – The Coastal Getaway Near Saigon

Back Beach (Bai Sau) (Thuy Van Street, Thang Tam Ward, Vung Tau City): Most crowded, with soft sand, gentle waves, and numerous umbrella and recliner rentals. Suitable for swimming and spying.

Front Beach (Bai Truoc) (Quang Trung Street, Ward 1, Vung Tau City): Smaller and less crowded, perfect for evening walks and seafood dinner by the sea.

Christ the King Statue (Mount Nho, Ward 2, Vung Tau City):  Asia’s tallest Jesus statue, standing at 32 meters high. Crawl over 800 steps for a breathtaking panoramic view. Free admission; opens daily until 5 PM.

Relax at Vung Tau Front Beach (Source: vielimousine)

4. Ho Tram – Soak in the Serenity

The Grand Ho Tram Resort & Casino (Ho Tram Hamlet, Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau): High-end beach resort offering 5-star accommodations, infinity pools, spa services, and the country’s first international casino.

Binh Chau – Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve (Highway 55, Bung Rieng Commune, Xuyen Moc District): An 11,000-hectare sea forest with diverse wildlife, mangrove, and hiking trails. Ideal for ecotourists.

Binh Chau Hot Springs (Binh Chau Commune, Xuyen Moc District): Relax in natural mineral waters, try mud baths, or cook eggs in geothermal pools.

The Hamptons Pier (Inside Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort, Xuyen Moc District): This is Vietnam’s longest seaside pier at 270 meters long – perfect for a sunset walk and sea photography.

Relax at Binh Chau Hot Springs Ho Tram (Source: seaproperty)

5. Con Dao Islands – Step Into History

Con Dao Prison – Tiger Cages (Ton Duc Thang Street, Con Son Island, Con Dao District): Tour the French-built prison complex and the infamous “tiger cages" where Vietnamese revolutionaries were imprisoned. A haunting but worthwhile tour.

Hang Duong Cemetery (Con Son Island, Con Dao District): National shrine where individuals go to honor fallen heroes, including Vo Thi Sau – the first female martyr to be killed by the French.

Bay Canh Islet – Sea Turtle Conservation (Tour via Con Dao National Park HQ): May to October, witness nesting sea turtles and hatchlings under protection by park rangers.

Dam Trau Beach (Near Con Dao Airport, Con Son Island): Renowned for silky beach sand, soothing turquoise waters, and proximity to snorkeling sites full of coral.

Tiger Cages in Con Dao Prison (Source: mia)

6. Ba Den Mountain – Trek or Take the Cable Car

Ba Den Cable Car (Sun World Ba Den) (Ward Ninh Son, Tay Ninh City): The cable ride transports travelers up 986 meters against the scenic backdrops of rice paddies and rolling hills beneath.

Ba Den Pagoda (Mid-slope of Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh): A sacred Buddhist site that attracts thousands of pilgrims, especially for Tet and full moon occasions.

Ba Den Hiking Trail (Trailhead from Thanh Tan Hamlet, Tay Ninh): Travelers can trek across forest-shaded trails to the top – a 2–4 hour climb based on fitness.

Ba Den Cable Car (Source: vecaptreonuibaden)

7. Cat Tien National Park – Go Wild in the Jungle

If your plans for what to do in Southern Vietnam involve wildlife, rainforest, and adventure, Cat Tien National Park has a very experiential kind of affair waiting for you.

Cat Tien National Park Headquarters (Tan Phu District, Dong Nai Province): Main entrance with lodges, bicycle hire, and trail maps. Guided tours are available daily.

Jungle Trekking Trails (Inside the core zone, Dong Nai section): Short nature walks, half-day, or full-day jungle hikes across dense forest, where you can glimpse gibbons, hornbills, or langurs.

Dong Nai River Boat Ride (Start from the Park Center Dock): Peaceful boat cruise through riverbanks and into inner forests – ideal for early-morning or early-evening bird-watching.

Night Safari Experience (Organized by park rangers, starts 7 PM daily): Open jeeps ride through secure sections to see nighttime animals like hawk-eyed civets, deer, owls, and porcupines roaming freely.

Jungle trekking adventure in Cat Tien (Source: gostay)

8. Soc Trang – Embrace Khmer Culture in the Mekong South

Bat Pagoda (Chua Doi) (Ward 3, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang Province): Built during the 16th century, this serene pagoda is surrounded by extremely old trees that serve as a refuge to thousands of fruit bats. A religious but quite exotic place.

Kh’leang Pagoda (5 Ton Duc Thang Street, Soc Trang City): The oldest Khmer pagoda in the province, which is marked by golden tones, gold leaf decoration, and refined Angkor-style design.

Ok Om Bok Festival (Held annually in lunar October, around Soc Trang City Center): A Khmer full moon and harvest celebration. Activities include boat racing, performances of folk arts, and sticky rice offerings. Schedule your day around this powerful celebration!

Celebrate Ok Om Bok in Soc Trang (Source: vietnam)

9. Ben Tre – Coconut Kingdom Adventures

Boat Tours along Shaded Canals (Depart from Hung Vuong Wharf, Ben Tre City): Cruising in small palm-lined canals in a sampan boat and hearing the gentle slap of paddles and birdsong.

Visit Coconut Farms and Candy Workshops (Tan Thach Commune, Chau Thanh District): See how locals transform coconuts into candy, oil, ropes, handicrafts, and even charcoal. Savor a piece of warm, fresh coconut candy!

Tuk-tuk Ride through Fruit Gardens (Tan Thach and An Khanh Communes): Drive on serene rural roads, visit longan and mango orchards, and talk with welcoming locals going about their daily lives.

Candy Workshops in Ben Tre (Source: anbinhtravel)

10. Phu Quoc – Relax on the Iconic Shores of Vietnam’s Island Gem

Sao Beach (An Thoi Town, South Phu Quoc): Gentle white sand and blue crystal water – one of Vietnam’s most photographed beaches.

Long Beach (Duong To Commune, West Phu Quoc):  Perfect sunset location with beachfront cafes and swaying coconut palms.

Ganh Dau Beach (Northwest coast, Ganh Dau Commune):  Unspoiled and serene, and a view of Cambodia on a clear day.

VinWonders Phu Quoc (Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc):  Vietnam’s largest theme park featuring rides, water worlds, and fairy-tale castles.

Vinpearl Safari (Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc): There are over 150 species of animals here, including white tigers and giraffes. A favorite for families.

Sunset Town by Sun Group (Southwestern tip of the island): A Mediterranean-style beach town with terracotta roofs, fountains, and Kiss Bridge (Cau Hon) of Instagram fame, perfect for honeymoon couples.

Vinpearl Safari (Source: vinwonders)

When to Visit & How to Get Around Southern Vietnam

Best Time to Visit

Two seasons (dry season from December to April, and wet season from May to November) are found in Southern Vietnam. If you are planning on what to do in Southern Vietnam during the dry season, sunny days are what you can expect for good weather for beach vacations in Phu Quoc Island, jungle treks in Cat Tien National Park, and strolling city streets in Ho Chi Minh City.

The rainy season, while humid, is not unattractive, particularly in the Mekong Delta, where river life turns green and alive. There are festivals such as Ok Om Bok in Soc Trang during this period (usually in October or November, based on the lunar calendar).

Getting Around

Wondering how to get from one province to another while checking off your list of things to see in South Vietnam? You’ve got several great options:

• Sleeper Buses & Mini Buses: Ideal for budget travelers, from major bus terminals in Ho Chi Minh City to all cities of the Mekong Delta.
• Domestic Flights: Quick and easy when going further, especially to Phu Quoc or Con Dao Islands.
• Motorbike Rentals: Excellent option for scenic rides in coastal areas like Vung Tau and Ho Tram, a great way to experience local scenery.
• Boats & Ferries: Especially useful in Ben Tre, Can Tho, and the river-route Delta.

Conclusion

Southern Vietnam invites with vibrant cities, peaceful rivers, golden beaches, and cultural treasures ready to be unearthed by you. From a culinary street sojourn, spiritual pilgrimage, or nature escape, there is always something exciting when discovering what to do in Southern Vietnam.

Ready to turn inspiration into a reality? Call Impress Travel today for a tailored adventure through best places Southern Vietnam. Let our local experts lead you through the essence, flavor, and beauty of this unforgettable region.