1. Overview of southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam is a rich land with vast plains and unique natural landscapes. Therefore, this strip of land always attracts the attention of many domestic and foreign tourists. From vast rice fields and winding rivers to fine white sand beaches and unique streets, Southern Vietnam promises to be an interesting destination for you to explore. Southern Vietnam includes 19 provinces, each with its own charm and appeal, divided into two regions:
- The Southeast region includes Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the provinces of Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, and Tay Ninh.
- The Southwest region (also known as the Mekong Delta) includes Can Tho city and the provinces of Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Dong Thap, An Giang, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau.
Endless golden season in Ta Pa fields, An Giang (Source: internet)
2. What is the most beautiful time in southern Vietnam?
Southern Vietnam has a humid tropical climate; the temperature is always stable from 25 to 35°C and is divided into two main seasons: rainy season and dry season.c
2.1. Rainy season
The rainy season starts from June to November of the year; the climate is humid, and you will often encounter sudden heavy rains in the afternoon. Traveling to the South during this time, service prices will be cheaper, and hotels always have rooms available.
- From June to September is the only time the South has many tropical fruits. You can visit the fruit gardens and enjoy them right at the garden
- The flood season starts from September to November but is considered the income season for local people because there are many types of fish and abundant vegetables. If you travel to the South during this time, you will witness the fascinating life of people in the river region.
Dau Da Ha Chau at 9 Hong Fruit Garden, Can Tho (Source: internet)
2.2. Dry season
The dry season falls from December to the end of April next year; the weather is hotter and more humid starting from late February to April. However, the dry season is the most ideal time to visit and enjoy the vibrant floating markets in the Mekong Delta. Traveling to Southern Vietnam in the dry season is the time to admire the most beautiful features of the South with clear blue skies and lush land with emerald green rice fields.
You can see more of our travel guides on: Mekong Floating Markets – Top Trading and Culture Hubs of South Vietnam
Each season of the South has its own beauty, so it is difficult to choose the most ideal time to travel. Depending on your sightseeing needs, we can plan a detailed and appropriate tour program. Don't forget to update weather information to have the most complete trip to Southern Vietnam.
You can see more of our travel guides on: Mekong Floating Markets – Top Trading and Culture Hubs of South Vietnam
Each season of the South has its own beauty, so it is difficult to choose the most ideal time to travel. Depending on your sightseeing needs, we can plan a detailed and appropriate tour program. Don't forget to update weather information to have the most complete trip to Southern Vietnam.
3. The most attractive tourist destinations in the South
3.1. Tourist destination in the Southwest region
The Southwest region is always a destination that attracts thousands of tourists each year. It has many attractive tourist destinations and diverse types of tourism. Tourists can choose ecotourism in the Southwest, such as visiting mangrove forests, wild bird gardens, or river tourism in the Southwest, or exploring floating markets, etc.
See more in this video: Best places to visit in southern vietnam
See more in this video: Best places to visit in southern vietnam
3.1.1. Long An
Long An is a province located in the Mekong Delta, 50 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Prominent tourist destinations such as Hundred Pillar House, Ton Thanh Pagoda, Tan Lap floating village, Phuoc Loc Tho ancient village, Thanh Tan ornamental flower garden, Dong Thap Muoi eco-tourism area, etc.
3.1.2. An Giang
An Giang is one of the 10 national key tourist regions, where there are rivers, mountains, mangrove forests, and fresh air. Tourist destinations not to be missed are famous An Giang tourist destinations such as Tra Su cajuput forest, Cam Mountain, Ba Chua Xu temple, Bung Binh Thien freshwater lake, Long Xuyen floating market, etc.
An Giang Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (Source: internet)
3.1.3. Kien Giang
Kien Giang is home to many well-known tourist attractions, including the beautiful island of Phu Quoc. Coming to this tropical paradise, visitors can explore Grand World Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, VinWonders Phu Quoc, Bai Dai, Bai Sao, Hon Thom Hon May Rut, Ham Ninh Fishing Village, Suoi Tranh, Phu Quoc Night Market, Su Muon Pagoda, Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc Prison, etc.
Hon Thom Phu Quoc cable car (Source: internet)
3.1.4. Ben Tre
Ben Tre is 88 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Tre is known as the land of coconuts; traveling here will immerse you in the charming scenery of the country, with the opportunity to explore and enjoy cuisine and cultural features. The best tourist destinations in Ben Tre are Con Phung, Cai Mon - Cho Lach fruit garden, Ben Tre Dong Khoi relic, Nguyen Dinh Chieu's mausoleum, Snail Islet, Tien Islet, Vam Ho bird sanctuary, Cai Mon - Cho Lach ornamental flower village, Green Village eco-tourism area, etc.
You can see more of our travel guides on: Most Unique Things to do in Mekong Delta – Explore Southeast Asia’s rice bowl like a local
You can see more of our travel guides on: Most Unique Things to do in Mekong Delta – Explore Southeast Asia’s rice bowl like a local
3.1.5. Dong Thap
Dong Thap is known for its fragrant lotus fields and vast melaleuca forests. Traveling to Dong Thap is most beautiful during the flood season, experiencing delicious dishes and cuisine from the Western region. The most prominent destinations of Dong Thap that you should explore are Thap Muoi lotus field, Go Thap relic site, rare crane garden in Tam Nong, Lai Vung fruit granary, Nguyen Sinh Sac mausoleum, Tram Chim national park, Sa Dec ornamental flower village, Gao Giong eco-tourism area, Xeo Quyt cajuput forest ecological area, etc.
Sa Dec flower village in the days leading up to Vietnamese traditional Tet (Source: internet)
3.1.6. Soc Trang
Soc Trang is a land of cultural interference with a long-standing bond between the three ethnic groups Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese. Soc Trang is home to many tourist attractions and temples with unique architecture, such as Bat Pagoda, Clay Pagoda, Som Rong Pagoda, Chen Kieu Pagoda, Binh An tourist area, Nga Nam floating market, Kh'leang Pagoda, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, etc., and colorful festivals introducing traditional rituals and celebrations in Soc Trang.
Unique Soc Trang Style Chen Kieu Pagoda made of "Bowl" (Chen) (Source: internet)
3.1.7. Ca Mau
Ca Mau is the southernmost piece of land in Vietnam with 3 sides adjacent to the sea. Cape Ca Mau, where the GPS coordinate marker 0001 (kilometer 0) is located, is definitely one of the stops you cannot miss when coming here. Besides, Ca Mau has many other attractive places for you to explore, such as Ca Mau Cape National Park, U Minh Ha National Park, Da Bac Islet, Thi Tuong Lagoon, Hon Khoai Island, Khai Long tourist area, Ca Mau Forest Park, Fishery Forest 184, Ngoc Hien Bird Sanctuary, etc.
Cape Ca Mau - Southernmost point of Vietnam (Source: internet)
3.2. Tourist destination in the Southeast region
Tourism in the Southeast region is an intersection, combining cultural and urban architecture with natural scenery. The tourist areas in the Southeastern region that you should experience when coming to Vietnam include:
3.2.1. Vung Tau
Vung Tau, a coastal city just a few hours from Ho Chi Minh City, is famous for the pretty beaches and many other attractions such as the Christ the King statue, Guanyin Nam Hai, Lighthouse, Ho May cable car tourist area, etc. Vung Tau promises to be an extremely ideal destination for tourists who can both visit and travel to the sea.
3.2.2. Tay Ninh
Tay Ninh province on the map of South Vietnam is known for its religious significance, especially the Cao Dai Holy See. This unique religious complex combines elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Christianity, making it a fascinating place to visit. Some notable destinations include Ba Den Mountain, Dau Tieng Lake, Tay Ninh Holy See, Binh Thanh ancient tower, Lo Go - Xa Mat national park, Long Dien Son tourist area, etc.
You can see more of our travel guides on: Top Vietnam Mountains to satisfy your Adventurous Souls
The tallest Buddha statue of Ba Tay Bo Da Son in Asia is located on the top of Ba Den mountain, Tay Ninh (Source: internet)
3.2.3. Dong Nai
Dong Nai is a province connecting the South with the Central and Central Highlands and is also considered an important gateway to Ho Chi Minh City. You can refer to famous tourist destinations such as Nam Cat Tien National Park, Buu Long, Giang Dien Eco-Tourism Area, Bo Cap Vang Tourist Area, Chua Chan Mountain National Tourist Area, etc.
Image of lenticular clouds covering Chua Chan mountain peak (Source: internet)
3.2.4. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the busiest metropolis, offering a blend of history and modernity. Here, you should visit iconic attractions such as Bui Vien West Street, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Ton Duc Thang Museum, Saigon Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.
Unique architecture of Saigon Central Post Office (Source: internet)
3.2.5. Binh Dương
This place is known as the homeland of ceramics, so this is a tourist destination of interest to many tourists, especially tourists interested in the ancient ceramic village. Outstanding tourist destinations of Binh Duong: Dai Nam tourist area, Thuy Chau tourist area, Phu An bamboo village, Phuong Nam tourist area, Din Ky tourist area, etc.
You can book our "Go adventure to South Vietnam: fascinating 6-day tour" tour now to explore Southern Vietnam.
4. Final thoughts:
With diversity and richness in both nature and culture, Southern Vietnam promises to bring you many new and interesting things to explore. Get ready to embark on a journey to explore Southern Vietnam and enjoy memorable experiences. You can read more Viland Travel blogs to find more attractive and extremely useful travel experiences.
