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A round trip with our southern Vietnam itinerary combines many of the country’s best features. From bustling cities and relaxing beach vacations to fascinating cultural activities, you’ll experience an incredible variety. Mass tourism is still far from common in Vietnam, a country rich in history, making it a true pleasure to explore.
8 Places You Should Visit On a Southern Vietnam Round Trip
Of course, northern Vietnam also has plenty to offer. But here, we’ll focus on the south to give you a clearer overview. From smaller cities like Hoi An to vacation spots such as Nha Trang or Phu Quoc and the vibrant metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. There’s so much to see and experience. Vietnam couldn’t be more diverse!
South Vietnam Itinerary – A Country Full of Dream Destinations
Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, and for good reason. The country offers incredible diversity. On a southern Vietnam round trip, you can experience stunning landscapes, paradise islands, and lively cities. The country’s rich culture and fascinating history make every visit an unforgettable experience.
It’s not easy to decide which places to include on your southern Vietnam round trip. There are many options and countless ways to plan such a journey. If you prefer not to organize it on your own, there are several organizations offering more information about Vietnam round trips.
Below, we’ll introduce you to 8 destinations in southern Vietnam that we can absolutely recommend. These places are quite different from one another, but each offers unique and exciting experiences.
1. Da Nang
We’ll start this southern Vietnam round trip in Da Nang, a city that’s easily accessible by plane. For many travelers, Da Nang is just a stopover on the way to Hoi An (see point 2), but the city and its surroundings have much more to offer.
Da Nang is a major city with over a million residents, yet it’s located right by the sea, giving it a relaxed, beachy vibe. The roughly 6-kilometer-long My Khe Beach stretches along Da Nang Bay and is perfect for swimming and relaxing. Other beaches worth visiting include Non Nuoc Beach, Than Binh Beach, and Nam O Beach. Beach lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Da Nang.
If you don’t want to spend all day lounging on the beach, check out the city’s surroundings. The Son Tra Peninsula is home to the Linh Ung Pagoda, Da Nang’s largest temple, offering incredible views of the city. Also popular are the Ba Na Hills to the west, featuring the Golden Bridge with its giant hands and the recreated French village.
Don’t miss the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, especially on weekends when shows take place at 9.00 PM, during which the dragon breathes fire. For a bit more nature, head south of Da Nang to explore the Marble Mountains, a popular day trip destination. There’s already so much to see and experience at the very start of your journey.
2. Hoi An
Just 45 minutes south of Da Nang lies the second stop on our southern Vietnam round trip. Hoi An is one of the country’s most popular cities for tourists and offers a complete contrast to Da Nang. The small city isn’t actually that small, but tourism mainly focuses on its Old Town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
The best way to explore Hoi An is on foot or by bicycle. There are plenty of sights to discover, and most of the Old Town is free of motorized traffic (from 8.30 AM to 11.00 AM and from 3.00 PM to 9.00 PM). However, you’ll need a ticket to visit some attractions, which costs 120,000 VND (about 4,60 €). Once you have it, you’re ready to start exploring.
With your ticket, you can visit Hoi An’s highlights. These include the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese assembly halls (Fujian, Quang Trieu, or Hai Nam), several well-preserved historic houses (Duc An is a favorite), and various museums (such as the Hoi An Museum or the Folklore Museum). You only pay once and can then explore the city at your own pace, visiting the sights that interest you most.
If you’ve had your fill of culture and the Old Town, it’s time to head to An Bang Beach. Located just outside the city, it’s the perfect place to unwind from the bustle of Hoi An. Some travelers even prefer staying at the beach and making a day trip to the Old Town, which is about 3 kilometers away – a great alternative.
Tip: If you’ve already explored Hoi An and still want more cultural experiences, consider a day trip to My Son. You’ll find over 70 temple ruins here, which were also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Admission is 150,000 VND (about €5.80). Another great excursion is a visit to the Tra Que Herb Village, where you can experience authentic rural life in Vietnam.
3. Nha Trang
Heading further south, the next stop is Nha Trang. One of the most beautiful beach destinations on a Vietnam round trip. This coastal city, which offers visitors a long, sandy beach right in town, is becoming increasingly popular and has plenty of attractions and nearby excursions to enjoy. For a few relaxing days, head to Nha Trang Beach, the main beach, or visit Bai Dai Nha Trang Beach.
If you’re ready for sightseeing, don’t miss the Long Son Pagoda with its giant white Buddha, the Nha Trang Cathedral, or the Po Nagar Temple Complex. For some serious shopping, check out the Dam Market, where you’ll find everything from souvenirs and clothing to all kinds of accessories.
If you’ve explored Nha Trang and want to see more, there are plenty of great day trips to choose from. Visit the Nha Trang Hot Springs, the Bo Ha Waterfalls, or the Vinpearl Amusement Park, which you can reach via cable car from the mainland. You can also take boat tours to the nearby islands such as Hon Tam Island and Hon Mun Island.
4. Mui Ne
A harbor filled with colorful fishing boats, white and red sand dunes, and a long, sandy beach with stunning sunsets. Welcome to the fishing village of Mui Ne, located about 200 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Over the years, this once small harbor town has transformed into a popular travel destination in southern Vietnam. It’s also a top spot for sports enthusiasts, as Mui Ne offers ideal conditions for kitesurfing (depending on the season).
The charm of this small town is undeniable. The colorful fishing boats in the harbor are a sight to behold, and it’s fascinating to watch the fishermen at work. In the surrounding area there are sand dunes , some as high as 30 meters, are another must-see in Mui Ne. Walking through them feels almost like trekking through a desert. A unique experience in southern Vietnam!
In addition to its natural beauty, Mui Ne also offers something for culture lovers. The Po Shanu Towers, located just a few kilometers west of the town, are well worth a visit. These ancient towers are remnants of the Cham culture in Vietnam and should definitely be on your list during your southern Vietnam round trip.
5. Ho Chi Minh City
Ready for the ultimate urban adventure? Ho Chi Minh City is the definition of a concrete jungle and one of the most fascinating cities in Vietnam! Few other cities in Southeast Asia have such dense motorbike traffic. It’s mesmerizing to watch. Whether you’re sipping a delicious Vietnamese coffee or grabbing a banh mi sandwich from a street vendor, the atmosphere is simply unforgettable.
A trip to Saigon can be exhausting, but in return, you’ll experience countless Ho Chi Minh City things to do and activities. Once you’ve mastered the art of crossing the street amid the sea of motorbikes, things get a lot easier. Just watch the locals and follow their lead.
If you’re into history, the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace are must-visits. If you’re more interested in culture, the city offers plenty of temples, such as the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the Thien Hau Temple. And of course, the Vietnamese metropolis is packed with markets. Bargain hunters and souvenir seekers will love the famous Ben Thanh Market. For a less touristy and more local experience, visit the Binh Tay Market.
Vietnam’s largest city isn’t all tradition, though. It’s also the most modern place in the country, filled with skyscrapers that symbolize Vietnam’s rapid progress. Some of them were built only in recent years, such as the Vincom Landmark 81. For a great panoramic view of the city (plus a café and sometimes live music), visit the Saigon Skydeck.
Saigon is constantly evolving, and with every visit, there’s something new to discover. The under-construction metro line will make exploring the city even easier and more exciting in the future. In our opinion, Ho Chi Minh City is an absolute must-visit on any southern Vietnam itinerary!
6. Con Dao
Still a hidden gem on a Vietnam round trip, the Con Dao Islands lie in the South China Sea. Tourism is almost nonexistent here, and English communication can sometimes be challenging. This is truly an “off the beaten path” destination. Most travelers stay on the main island, Con Son, where you’ll find most of the accommodation options.
So, what can you actually do on the Con Dao Islands? There aren’t many tourist attractions, apart from the Con Son Prison, the Van Son Tu Temple, and the Hang Duong Cemetery, but if you love nature, this is the place for you.
The main island of Con Dao is ideal for hiking, as large parts of it are a national park. You can hike on your own or with a local guide who can show you the island’s flora and fauna. Expect beautiful landscapes, secluded beaches, scenic viewpoints, and lots of wildlife. From macaques and exotic birds to snakes.
The Con Dao National Park is also perfect for diving and snorkeling, spanning multiple islands and surrounding waters. A visit to Hon Bay Canh Island is especially worthwhile, as it’s a nesting site for sea turtles. You might even get to watch them laying eggs. You can learn more about the island in our article about Con Dao.
7. Mekong Delta
If you’re craving nature and a slower pace of life after the big city buzz, a tour of the Mekong Delta is well worth it. There are several options, from day trips to multi-day excursions aboard a houseboat.
A day trip from Ho Chi Minh City is possible but not ideal, as the drive alone takes around two hours. If you can fit it into your schedule, we recommend spending one or two nights in the Mekong Delta to make the most of the experience.
With a local guide, you’ll get the best insight into life along the Mekong Delta. You’ll visit villages such as Sa Dec or Cu Lao Gieng and explore the waterways by boat. Passing by vibrant green rice fields, floating markets, and lush vegetable farms, time here moves at a slower pace than in the busy cities. For many travelers, this is one of the highlights of a southern Vietnam round trip!
8. Phu Quoc
After an adventurous and eventful round trip through southern Vietnam, it’s time to relax. On Phu Quoc, you can unwind on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches. Vietnam’s most popular holiday island offers plenty of tranquility and a laid-back tropical atmosphere.
One of the most popular areas to stay is around Long Beach, where you’ll find a wide range of hotels, restaurants, beach bars, and shops. All framed by stunning sunsets. Occasionally, local beach vendors wearing conical hats will pass by, selling fresh fruit, coconuts, and other snacks. It’s a charming scene and a must-see on Phu Quoc, even though more large resorts are being built in this area. Still, there are plenty of quiet corners with cozy bars and small restaurants to enjoy.
If you prefer peace and quiet and want to escape the crowds, head to the island’s north or east. One of our favorite beaches is Ganh Dau Beach near the Peppercorn Beach Resort. The eastern side of the island is still much more untouched, and adventurous travelers will love exploring it by motorbike.
Day trips to nearby islands are also possible. The area around Phu Quoc is dotted with smaller islands waiting to be explored. Unfortunately, some of them have become quite touristy in recent years, for example, Fingernail Island. Still, if you’re lucky (especially in the off-season or early in the morning), you might find this little paradise all to yourself.
Conclusion to the Southern Vietnam Itinerary
As you’ve probably noticed, southern Vietnam offers countless destinations for a round trip. There are certainly even more than the 8 we’ve listed here, but this serves as a great first impression of this beautiful region of the country.
Depending on the length of your trip, you may not be able to visit all of these places, and that’s totally fine. Don’t limit yourself too much; simply choose the destinations that appeal most to you. If you fall in love with Vietnam, you can always plan another trip and explore new areas you haven’t seen yet.
Whether it’s culture, beach life, or big cities. Vietnam is a country full of diversity. To explore all the places we’ve mentioned at a relaxed pace, we recommend a trip duration of around four weeks. However, if you have less time, don’t stress yourself. Skip a few stops and enjoy the journey. Sometimes, less is more, and your Vietnam round trip should be an unforgettable experience.
Have you ever taken a round trip through southern Vietnam? Did you enjoy it, and which places did you visit? Give us your feedback in the comments.
Photos: Photo 1 (Da Nang): Quang nguyen vinh/shutterstock.com – Photo 2 (Hoi An): Big Pearl/shutterstock.com – Photo 3 (My Son Tempelruinen): Zaruba Ondrej/shutterstock.com – Photo 4 (Nha Trang): Mrkela/shutterstock.com – Photo 5 (Mui Ne): Elena Ermakova/shutterstock.com – Photo 7 (Con Son): Tran Van An/shutterstock.com – Photo 8 (Mekong Delta): M Selcuk Oner/shutterstock.com
