Amidst the bustling and lively atmosphere of the city, exploring the vibrant and diverse areas surrounding Ho Chi Minh City offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from historical sites to natural wonders. Without venturing too far, you can discover the peaceful beauty of the Mekong Delta, the historical allure of the Cu Chi Tunnels, the coastal charm of Vung Tau, or the cultural and spiritual heritage of Tay Ninh. This guide will take you through these must-visit locations revealing a unique aspect, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the heart of Southern Vietnam.
Table of Contents
1. Mekong Delta
“A charming maze of rivers and culture in Southern Vietnam’s Rice Bowl”
Distance: ~2-3 hours drive
In Southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is home to numerous captivating destinations and a unique ecosystem that will make your trip truly memorable. Visiting the Mekong Delta offers a distinctive and unforgettable experience, providing a glimpse into rural life in Vietnam. The region is famous for its picturesque landscapes, vast rice fields, gentle rivers, and lush orchards. Located in Southern Vietnam, this expansive delta is renowned for its scenic beauty, including places like Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, Hang Pagoda, as well as floating markets like Cai Be and Cai Rang, fruit gardens, and traditional craft villages. Visitors to the Mekong Delta can enjoy eco-tours, explore nature reserves, visit fruit orchards, experience local rural life, and savor the unique cuisine of this riverine region.
2. Cu Chi Tunnels
Distance: ~1.5 hours drive
In the Cu Chi District, the Cu Chi Tunnels are located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels were built in the late 1940s and were widely used during the resistance wars.
When visiting, you will have the chance to explore a complex underground tunnel system that stretches about 250 kilometers. This system includes multiple levels with narrow pathways, field hospitals, living quarters, kitchens, weapon storage areas, and command rooms. The Cu Chi Tunnels became a stronghold and a symbol of the creativity and resilience of the Vietnamese soldiers and civilians during the war.
3. Vung Tau
Distance: ~2 hours drive or ferry ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau via the Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway and National Highway 51.
When it comes to nearby destinations from the city, Vung Tau is an unmissable destination, a popular choice for families and friends during vacations. With its beautiful beaches like Bai Sau and Bai Truoc offering fresh air and various attractions, the area always draws a large number of tourists. Vung Tau is famous for its fresh seafood, which can be enjoyed at seaside restaurants or night markets. Some standout dishes include steamed crab, grilled squid, and various types of snails. The area is also ideal for water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. From Vung Tau, you can easily take a boat or canoe to visit surrounding islands like Con Dao, Hon Ba, or Long Son Island.
Additionally, visitors can visit the Long Tan Cross, a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Tan. At Nui Dat, the former base of Australian forces, tourists can see the remnants of military structures, offering deep insights into the past. The Long Phuoc Tunnels provide a vivid experience of the underground life of the soldiers. Horseshoe Hill is not only a historical site but also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Finally, Luscombe Airfield, a former military airstrip, stands as a testament to the vital role of aviation operations during the war.
4. Tay Ninh
Distance: ~2 hours drive
Tay Ninh is a province located in the Southeast region of Vietnam, bordering Cambodia to the northwest. It is a popular tourist destination known for its combination of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique religious values. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can easily reach Tay Ninh via National Highway 22, which is around 100 kilometers away.
Visitors can explore Ba Den Mountain, the highest peak in Southern Vietnam, and the Cao Dai Holy See, the center of the Cao Dai religion, known for its unique architecture. Dau Tieng Lake, the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia, is an ideal spot for outdoor activities. Tay Ninh is also famous for its specialties like dew-dried rice paper and shrimp salt. With its diverse landscapes and culture, Tay Ninh is an appealing destination for travelers looking to discover the Southeast region of Vietnam.
5. Can Gio Biosphere Reserve
Distance: ~1.5 hours drive
If you want to immerse yourself in pristine nature, surrounded by lush mangrove ecosystems and unique brackish water forests that embody the true essence of Vietnam without having to venture far from the city, head to Can Gio. The Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, located about 50 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, is one of Vietnam’s standout ecological destinations. This reserve has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.
Can Gio is famous for its diverse mangrove ecosystem, home to many rare species of plants and animals, including fish, birds, and amphibians. Notably, the area serves as a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, such as crocodiles, long-tailed macaques, and spoonbills. Additionally, Can Gio features attractive landmarks like Monkey Island, Can Thanh Beach, and the Thuy Tuong Whale Mausoleum, Vam Sat Eco Park which houses the skeleton of a large whale. This biosphere reserve is an ideal destination for nature lovers and a place to explore and better understand the importance of biodiversity conservation.
6. My Tho
Distance: ~1.5 hours drive
My Tho offers visitors an authentic and profound experience of the lifestyle in the Mekong Delta, with its warm, hospitable people and rich, vibrant river culture. Located on the banks of the Tien River in Tien Giang Province, My Tho is known as one of the main gateways to the Mekong Delta, making it an ideal destination to explore the rural river life and savor the unique local cuisine. The city is famous for its lush orchards, especially star apples, mangoes, plums, and durians. My Tho is also renowned for its rustic yet flavorful dishes that capture the essence of the Mekong Delta, such as My Tho noodle soup, Hang Bong Market’s banh beo, and grilled snakehead fish.
Visitors to My Tho should not miss the opportunity to explore the islets on the Tien River, such as Thoi Son Islet and Phung Islet. Here, they can experience boat rides along small canals, visit traditional craft villages, enjoy fresh tropical fruits, and watch captivating performances of “đờn ca tài tử” – a traditional Southern Vietnamese musical art form. Additionally, My Tho features many historical and cultural landmarks, such as Vinh Trang Pagoda and My Tho Cathedral, a Catholic architectural masterpiece with significant historical and artistic value.
7. Bien Hoa, Dong Nai
Distance: ~1 hour drive
Dong Nai is an appealing destination for those who want to experience the blend of modern industry and the cultural and agricultural values of Southeast Vietnam. Located near Ho Chi Minh City, this region stands out with its beautiful waterfalls and streams, creating a picturesque and romantic natural landscape in the Southeast.
Dong Nai offers a variety of prominent attractions and rich specialties. Cat Tien National Park is a natural reserve with a diverse tropical forest ecosystem and many rare species of flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and researchers. The Mango Garden Ecotourism Park near Bien Hoa provides entertainment activities, fruit tasting, and the opportunity to explore rural landscapes. Buu Long Pagoda, known for its unique blend of traditional and modern architecture, offers a serene atmosphere for visitors. Dong Nai is also famous for its local delicacies such as bánh canh (thick noodle soup) and grilled “nem”, along with a variety of traditional markets and diverse food courts.
8. Mui Ne
Distance: ~4-5 hours drive
Mũi Né is a famous tourist destination located in Binh Thuan Province. This coastal area is known for its long stretches of white sand and clear blue waters, making it ideal for beach activities and water sports. When visiting Mũi Né, you definitely shouldn’t miss the sand dunes resembling the Sahara Desert, namely the Red Sand Dunes and White Sand Dunes. Whether you’re jumping, sliding, or simply running across the dunes, it’s hard not to be captivated by their stunning beauty.
Here, visitors can participate in beach activities, scuba diving, and explore famous spots such as Bàu Trắng, White Sand Dunes, Fairy Stream, and the Cham Towers. Additionally, Mũi Né is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes like grilled squid, grouper fish, and lobster. The region’s signature delicacies also include bánh căn, bánh xèo, and various dishes made from fresh seafood. Mũi Né offers a wide range of eateries and restaurants serving these dishes with rich and diverse flavors.
9. Ho Tram
Distance: ~2.5 hours drive
One of the most prominent destinations for relaxation and leisure is Hồ Tràm, located in Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu province, not far from Ho Chi Minh City. Hồ Tràm is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fine white sand, creating an ideal environment for unwinding and enjoying the beauty of nature. It’s the perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, and engaging in water sports like surfing and kayaking.
Hồ Tràm is also famous for its fresh seafood, including delicacies like grouper, lobster, crab, and squid. Restaurants and eateries in Hồ Tràm typically serve these dishes with various preparation styles and distinctive coastal flavors. Besides seafood, visitors can also enjoy local and international cuisine at upscale resorts and restaurants.
10. Ben Tre
Distance: ~2 hours drive
Bến Tre is a province located in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam, renowned for its coconut specialties and the beauty of its water landscapes. Bến Tre is famous for its coconut trees, where every part of the tree is utilized to create various products such as coconut candy, coconut mats, and household tools. Visitors can explore vast coconut gardens and participate in the traditional process of making coconut candy.
Bến Tre also features islets like Con Phung and Con Quy, which are excellent destinations for nature lovers and those interested in history. Tourists can take boat trips to explore fruit orchards and serene rural areas. The Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary and vibrant night markets offer local delicacies like crab salad and sour fish soup. With its network of canals and rural scenery, Bến Tre is an ideal choice for eco-tourism activities such as cycling tours, visiting orchards, and boat rides along the canals.
