Your Ultimate South Vietnam Itinerary: Best South Vietnam Places to Visit Including Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta & Phu Quoc!

South Vietnam is tropical, vibrant, and full of life year-round—but if you’re after the most ideal weather, visit during the dry season from December to April. With sunny skies and lower humidity, you’ll have the best conditions for city sightseeing, river cruising, and beach bumming. Now that the forecast looks good, here’s your ultimate guide to the best South Vietnam places to visit!

The first stop in your journey through top South Vietnam cities should absolutely be Ho Chi Minh City, the pulsating heart of South Vietnam. This city—still fondly called Saigon by locals—offers a seamless blend of history, heritage, and high-energy city life. You’ll find French colonial architecture, vibrant street food corners, and iconic landmarks at every turn.

Start with a deep dive into history at the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war. It's one of the most eye-opening places in South Vietnam and shows just how resilient and resourceful people were during wartime.

Then feel the city’s buzz on a motorbike adventure tour, zigzagging past sites like the Saigon Opera House and Central Post Office. There’s no better way to understand the rhythm of South Vietnam cities than riding through their streets on two wheels.

Wrap up your HCMC leg by heading to Ben Thanh Market, a hotbed of flavor and souvenir shopping—because no list of top South Vietnam places to visit is complete without a taste of local life.

From the high-energy streets of Ho Chi Minh, shift to the serene, slow-moving rivers of the Mekong Delta, one of the most unforgettable South Vietnam places to visit. This area is not just a scenic escape—it's a cultural immersion into the lifeblood of Vietnamese countryside living.

Kick things off in Can Tho, where the Cai Rang Floating Market wakes up at dawn in a colorful dance of boats and trade. It’s a highlight in every top South Vietnam itinerary, where you’ll watch locals buy and sell fruits, flowers, and rice straight from their wooden boats.

This part of your itinerary slows things down and lets you breathe in the beauty of rural Vietnam—a must for anyone checking off top South Vietnam places to visit.

Looking to wrap up your trip with some sand and sea? Add Phu Quoc to your list of top South Vietnam places to visit. Just off the Cambodian coast, this island is South Vietnam’s beach paradise—with turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and enough activities to fill your sun-soaked days.

Head to Sao Beach, a postcard-worthy shoreline known for its powder-white sand and calm waves. Or go island hopping down south, where snorkeling, fishing, and swimming in crystal-clear waters make this stretch of South Vietnam beach trip unforgettable.

Make time for Vinpearl Safari, Vietnam’s first open zoo, where you’ll meet giraffes, elephants, and tigers in wide natural enclosures. It’s a perfect addition to your family-friendly South Vietnam itinerary.

From motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City to floating markets in the Mekong Delta, and finally the chill island vibes of Phu Quoc, every South Vietnam city is a highlight. The best part? It’s easy to experience all three in one smooth South Vietnam itinerary with the help of Klook!