Southern Vietnam Tours 2023-2024

To the east, bordering the China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, the South (in Vietnamese means Nam Bo) is a multifaceted region. This region is also known as the breadbasket of Vietnam, as it brings 40% of food production to the country.

Boat on Mekong River

The administration of the South divides into 2 main parts:

Southeast – 6 provinces
Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Binh Dương, Đong Nai, Ba Ria–Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh City.

Mekong Delta – 13 provinces
Long An, Dong Thap, Tien Giang, An Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Soc Trăng, Bac Liêu, Ca Mau, Can Thơ.

Southern Vietnam begins from the Mekong Delta to the mystical Central Highlands of Vietnam with the fine white sandy beaches of Phan Thiet on the coast. Must-see sites on South Vietnam Tours include the floating market on the Mekong, the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, elephant rides near Lak Lake, the mystical culture of ethnic minorities in the highlands of central Vietnam, the romantic city of Da Lat, the matriarchal village of Ede, the plateau of Buon Ma Thuot, the spice and rubber town of Pleiku, etc.

HOW TO ORGANIZE SOUTH VIETNAM TOURS?

1. Best time to go

Southern Vietnam has a hot and humid tropical climate. The region records the highest annual temperature in the country. The ideal time to go there is from November to March. The intense heat of April, May and June can bother some visitors. The monsoon from June to September is accompanied by heavy rains, but it is generally short.

It is possible to travel all year round in the south of our country. Otherwise, we would avoid planning any South Vietnam Tours during the rainy season. During this time of year, you should visit the center of the country, especially the beaches of Hoi An.

2. Best destinations to visit

Ho Chi Minh City:

Economic pole of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a dynamic city, overflowing with activity and life. It looks to the future while showcasing the architecture of its colonial past. Unlike Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is no more than 4 centuries old.
During your South Vietnam Tours, especially in Ho Chi Minh, you will cross the modern districts of the city center, the authentic alleys and vast shaded parks lined with colonial houses.

It is also a lively city at all times. You will observe its inhabitants practicing their daily sport in the squares of the center since the morning. During the day, the traffic will reach an impressive density. Later in the evening, the parks will be taken over by young people and street vendors. Ho Chi Minh is a city that we experience the most when we visit it. You will particularly notice the exploration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office. You can walk around Cho Lon or Binh Tay market. You will appreciate the colors of the countless kiosks and the eternal animation that reigns there.

It is also from Ho Chi Minh City that you can go to the Mekong Delta, the great pagodas of Cao Da or the Mui Ne seaside resort – the kitesurfing spot or even the resort town of the French during the colonial era. – Da Lat.

Mekong Delta

The mythical Mekong is divided mainly into nine essential arms (hence the name “river of the nine dragons” – Cuu Long given to it by the Vietnamese) and multiple tributaries to form a country of water, islands and islets.

The Mekong River originates in China and travels thousands of kilometers through Asia. It flows into the China Sea in southern Vietnam and forms a vast delta with hundreds of rivers, streams and canals. A circuit around the Mekong Delta offers as many natural discoveries as cultural visits. It crosses villages of farmers and fishermen in the middle of plains covered with rice fields and orchards. There are many waterways to reach the famous floating markets.

In addition, from the coast of Ba Tri to the Cambodian border at Chau Doc, you can meet several different ethnic groups (including Khmer or Cham) and different religions (Buddhist, Catholic, Caodaist, etc.).

>> Recommended tour : Southern Vietnam Sightseeing and Beach Relaxation for families in 9 Days

Nha Trang

Comfortably installed on the shores of the China Sea, a trip to Nha Trang allows you to enjoy accommodation with various amenities and admire the landscapes of mountains and beaches bordering the islets.
Nha Trang is one of the most famous resorts in Vietnam. To get there, the easiest way is to take a plane from Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh.

Nha Trang Beach

Nha Trang is the perfect place for a lazy break during your trip or to relax a bit at the end of your stay.
You can access its main beach, but it mostly has stately resorts that don’t always offer the glamor and privacy one might ask for on a peaceful trip.
Also, to find more exclusive addresses, it is best to deviate somewhat from the city center and reach the south of the main beach or the small neighboring bays. In these quieter places, you will find small structures and discreet and careful service.

Phu Quoc

South Vietnam Tours cannot miss a few seaside days in Phu Quoc to take advantage of an ideal setting to extend your circuit by extending it by the sea. The island is located in the south-west of the country, in the Gulf of Thailand, off the city of Ha Tien. It is accessible by ferry from the mainland, but we highly recommend arriving by plane. Indeed, the boats serving the island are not very comfortable and the travel time from Ho Chi Minh will be too long. Your holidays in Phu Quoc will make you discover the largest and most welcoming of the 22 islands that make up its archipelago. Its mountainous terrain is covered with thick tropical forests. Relatively far from the coast, Phu Quoc has crystal clear waters and a beautiful coastline, the most famous of which are the bays of Thom, Khem and Sao. Most of its coastline stretches along the west coast of the island. Some comfortable hotel addresses welcome you to enjoy the special landscape during your trip to Phu Quoc.

3. Best dishes to taste

A good trip cannot miss the local gastronomic discovery. From North to South of Vietnam, Vietnamese cuisine offers different flavors, alliances, combinations. Discover the rich cuisine of South Vietnam through some specialties not to be missed!

Banh Xeo – Vietnamese savory pancake

This crispy and delicious Vietnamese pancake is made with rice flour and turmeric. Stir-fry and fold in half, topped with thinly sliced or ground pork, shrimp and bean sprouts.

Banh Xeo

We eat “banh xeo” with mustard greens or salad leaves as well as herbs and sauces made from fish sauce. The “banh xeo” from southern Vietnam is distinguished by the addition of coconut milk to the batter.

Banh Canh

Banh Canh is a dish not to be missed among the specialties of southern Vietnam. There are many versions of this dish such as “banh canh” with pork, duck, blood clot, beef dumplings, crab, shrimp and coconut milk… “Banh canh” has become popular in the delta and southern Vietnam.

Com Tam

This very popular dish, especially in Saigon, is made from broken rice grains, the cheapest type of rice produced during the threshing process.

Com Tam Saigon

This broken rice is served with thinly sliced ​​roast pork and pork skin mixed with grilled rice flour, grilled pork loin or ribs, steamed omelette or fried egg and vegetables sweet and sour, minced cucumber. All are dipped in shallot oil and sweet and sour fish sauce.

“Hu Tieu” or the signature soup of Saigonnaise

Served in a large bowl, the noodle soup consists of a clear broth simmered with pork bones, vermicelli, pork, prawns and quail eggs. Like pho, Hu Tieu is the proper name for the type of rice noodles used as an ingredient for dishes in southern Vietnam. This type of rice clearly comes from the Mekong Delta and the paste is less thick. For “Pho”, seasonings have an elective place in the recipe, but for “Hu Tieu”, you have to add sweetness otherwise it will never be accepted by the people of South Vietnam!

Hu Tieu

Elephant ear fish

This is a Mekong Delta staple that will be served to you in a restaurant or on a river cruise. The fish is fried then served upright on a wooden grill.

Each guest cuts a piece of meat then places it in a sheet of rice, with a few lettuce leaves, mint and chopped vegetables. Then we make a small roll and dip in the sauce. It’s fresh, light and delicious!

ENJOY YOUR TOUR IN SOUTH VIETNAM!