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From vibrant metropolises to peaceful coastal towns and scenic highlands, cities in southern Vietnam offer a rich blend of culture, nature, and modern energy. With a warm tropical climate year-round, this dynamic region is home to river ecosystems, island escapes, and heritage-filled destinations. Read on to discover the top 8 must-visit cities in southern Vietnam and plan your next unforgettable journey.
Southern Vietnam comprises two major sub-regions, the dynamic Southeast (including Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces) and the tranquil Mekong Delta, each encompassing a total of eight key provinces, corresponding to eight major cities.
The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet (May to October) and dry (November to April) seasons, offering warm and favorable conditions for travel year-round. Its diverse landscapes include expansive river networks and lush waterways, fertile highlands, pristine coastal and island ecosystems, as well as a rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of human history.
Below are eight standout destinations worth exploring on your next trip:
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolis, pulses with energy from its modern skyscrapers to historic quarters. Key attractions include the War Remnants Museum, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Travelers can savor authentic Bánh mì, Pho, and street-side coffee while exploring nightlife hotspots in District 1.
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s bustling metropolis, blending modern energy with rich history and vibrant street life (Source: Internet)
Situated 36km east of Ho Chi Minh City, Bien Hoa melds industrial growth with cultural heritage. It offers visits to historical sites such as Dong Nai Museum, along with recreational venues like Long Thanh Golf Club and Thien Tam Mineral Mud Baths. Local cuisine features traditional southern dishes and vibrant temple festivals.
Bien Hoa’s calm atmosphere allows for peaceful weekend getaways (Source: Internet)
Tan An, the capital of Long An province, charms with its tranquil canals and lush rice paddies. Visitors can explore local life at Tan An Market, sampling street food favorites like fresh banh hoi and grilled meats.
This serene city provides a restful contrast to urban bustle (Source: Internet)
Known as the Mekong Delta’s economic and cultural hub, Can Tho offers the world-famous Cai Rang Floating Market at dawn, showcasing vibrant riverside trade. Visitors can also enjoy boat tours along the Hậu River, gaze at lush garden houses, and sample regional dishes like bun rieu and freshwater fish hotpot.
Can Tho City, the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, offers a unique glimpse into river life in southern Vietnam (Source: Internet)
Nestled amid rice fields and orchards in the Mekong Delta, Vinh Long is ideal for immersive countryside adventures. It is highly recommended that travellers enjoy sampan rides through narrow canals, homestays on An Bình Islet, and visits to Tra On or Cai Be floating markets. The city also hosts pottery villages and traditional folk music (don ca tai tu) performances.
Visitors appreciate local specialties such as handmade crispy rice (banh trang) (Source: Internet)
Just 70km from Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho is a charming gateway to the Mekong Delta. Known for its peaceful river life, lush orchards, and scenic boat tours, the city offers visitors an authentic taste of southern Vietnam. Highlights include visiting floating markets and sampling local specialties like hu tieu My Tho, fresh coconut-tasting drinks, and homemade honey tea in orchard gardens.
My Tho’s blend of natural beauty and cultural warmth makes it a relaxing, memorable destination (Source: Internet)
Vietnam’s southernmost city, Ca Mau, is renowned for its untouched mangrove forests and coastal ecosystems. Visitors can journey to Cape Ca Mau, the tip of the country, explore U Minh Ha National Park, and observe wildlife in freshwater bird sanctuaries. The city’s seafood markets offer delicacies such as mud crab, roasted jing, and local river fish.
Ca Mau City marks the southern tip of Vietnam, where rivers, mangroves, and coastal life meet (Source: Internet)
As the coastal gateway to Phu Quoc Island, Rach Gia blends maritime life with historical charm. Its waterfront promenade and seafood markets are vibrant in the evenings. Key attractions include Nguyen Trung Truc Pagoda, Rach Soi Market, and boat day-trips to nearby islets like Nam Du. Signature dishes include banh xeo Rach Gia and fresh shellfish straight from the Gulf.
Rach Gia City combines delta charm with seaside living, offering scenic sunsets and easy access to offshore adventures (Source: Internet)
To have an enjoyable trip, you should remember these essential travel tips:
The following frequently asked questions provide essential insights for planning a smooth and memorable trip.
The optimal period for visiting Southern Vietnam is during the dry season, from November to April. During these months, the weather is warm, the humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal, making outdoor exploration more enjoyable.
Yes. Southern Vietnam is well-connected by air. For example, Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) serves as a major hub with hundreds of daily flights, including direct services to Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Rach Gia, and Ca Mau offered by airlines like Vietnam Airlines and others.
Southern Vietnam offers a vibrant street-food culture, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, where visitors can enjoy motorbike food tours including banh mi, hu tieu, and fresh spring rolls from hidden local stalls. In the Mekong Delta, a unique culinary highlight is enjoying a bowl of hot pho while drifting through floating markets like Cai Rang.
The cities in southern Vietnam offer a diverse and enriching travel experience. Whether you are drawn to cultural heritage, local cuisine, floating markets, or island getaways, each destination showcases a unique slice of Vietnam’s southern soul.
To make your journey seamless and comfortable, choose Vietnam Airlines – your trusted carrier with convenient flights connecting major cities across the South. Book your next adventure today and explore the beauty, flavor, and spirit of southern Vietnam with confidence.
Passengers are required to have adequate travel documents for all flights on all concerned airlines and to abide by national laws and regulations. Vietnam Airlines does not take responsible if passengers are denied entry into any country.
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