Southern Vietnam

Beaches, islands, highlands, and southern culture

Country: Vietnam 🇻🇳

Video

Overview

This itinerary covers Southern Vietnam, a region best visited during the winter. It combines tropical islands, coastal cities, cooler highlands, and urban culture.

The route is flexible and modular:

  • It works for a short vacation
  • It scales well for slow travel or long stays
  • Most distances are manageable by domestic flights or buses
📷 Photo albums
instagram Phu Quoc instagram Ho Chi Minh City instagram Nha Trang
Phu Quoc – Island Beaches & Snorkeling ▾


Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s most developed island destination and a popular winter escape.

Highlights:
• Vinpearl Safari – large open zoo and conservation park
• Starfish Beach – shallow water and white sand (very popular)
• Sao Beach – photogenic white sand beach
• Ong Lang Beach – quieter, good for relaxation
• Long Beach – long coastline with restaurants and resorts

Activities:
• Snorkeling in the southern part of the island
• Boat trips to nearby islands
• Sunset views along the west coast

Recommended stay: 3–6 days.
Phu Quoc works well both for resort-style stays and quieter beach time.

How to get there:
• Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City and other regional hubs

Nha Trang – Coast, Temples & Relaxation ▾


Nha Trang is a lively coastal city with a mix of beaches, culture, and leisure activities.

Highlights:
• VinWonders Nha Trang – large amusement park on an island
• Po Nagar Cham Towers – ancient Cham temple complex
• Long Son Pagoda – city viewpoint and giant Buddha
• Chùa Ngọc Sơn – local Buddhist temple
• Traditional mud baths – popular for relaxation

Activities:
• Island-hopping boat trips
• Snorkeling and diving
• City walks and seaside cafes

Recommended stay: at least 4 days.

How to get there:
• Flight from Ho Chi Minh City/Phu Quoc
• Night train from Ho Chi Minh City
• Buses connect Nha Trang with Da Lat and central Vietnam

Da Lat – Highlands & Cooler Climate ▾


Da Lat is located in the central highlands and offers a completely different climate and atmosphere.

Highlights:
• Linh Phuoc Pagoda – elaborate temple decorated with mosaics
• Datanla Waterfall – accessible waterfalls with short hikes
• Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery – peaceful setting above the lake
• Cable car – panoramic views over forests and hills
• Crazy House – unique and unconventional architecture

Activities:
• Easy hikes and nature walks
• Coffee plantations and countryside exploration
• Cooler temperatures compared to the coast

Recommended stay: 1-3 days.
Da Lat is an excellent break from heat and humidity.

How to get there:
• Bus from Nha Trang (~3–4 hours)
• Domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City – History & Urban Life ▾


Ho Chi Minh City is the cultural and economic center of southern Vietnam.

Highlights:
• Independence Palace
• War Remnants Museum
• People’s Committee Building (French colonial architecture)
• Ho Chi Minh City Museum
• Zoo and Botanical Garden
• Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng)
• Vinh Nghiem Buddhist Temple

Activities:
• Street food exploration
• Colonial-era architecture walks
• Cafes, markets, and riverfront areas

Recommended stay: 2–4 days.
This is also the main transport hub for southern Vietnam.

Optional side trips:
• Mekong Delta (day trip or overnight)
• Cu Chi Tunnels

Best season

Southern Vietnam is best visited during:

  • December–March – dry, warm, and relatively comfortable
  • April–May – hotter, but still travelable
  • Rainy season (May–October) – short tropical rains, fewer crowds

Phu Quoc and coastal areas are especially pleasant in winter.