For many coming to the south of Vietnam the center of their world is Ho Chi Minh City. Sure, it's Vietnam's largest city by population density and also the most technology affluent, attracting many young professionals. It also attracts a fair share of international tourism because of the culture and history but we feel more tourists should plan to escape the city for a few days of their holiday too.
And this guide, we are hopeful will help influence your decision making before deciding to holiday in south Vietnam, to come and explore what the south has to offer you. Because, we have experience some of our best Vietnam moments, camped out on the Tri An Lake in Dong Nai Province: it really is just you and the jungle nature.
Steep mountains lead you to coastal lagoons, beaches and bays as domestic tourists clammer over themselves to get their piece of this beautiful province. Impressive stone cliffs and isolated Islands, Phu Yen is a precious gem of the south. Picturesque landscapes that attract and allure domestic and foreign travelers in recent years have raised awareness of the opulent beauty of Phu Yen.
Where there are no mountains there are flat plains and rivers and an acceptable alternative to Nha Trang in terms of golden sandy beaches. Less touristy and less developed, flowering cactus plants litter a flat, hilly meadow above Bai Xep Beach. You can simply sit for hours, enjoying the stunning views from a cliff overhang. It's the perfect setting for a romantic afternoon picnic lunch for two.
Another untouched piece of nature can be found at Bai Mon Beach. Climb the winding steps up to Mui Dien Lighthouse early morning and grab the sunrise, Vietnam's earliest day light can be enjoyed from here. Climbing down the second set of steps takes you to the beach.
Modern engineering today, the materials used in construction and building projects are typically reinforced concrete and steel. You certainly don't expect something made entirely of wood, do you? But this is Vietnam's longest wooden bridge and as building projects go this one is as traditional Vietnam as you're going to get.
As rickety as you might imagine the bridge is as solid as any other. What strikes you about this bridge, is that this is what Vietnam is all about, isn't it? It's the bamboo that appeals to the foreigner and how imaginative the Vietnamese have managed to cut and hew it into form. Here are people who have been building with bamboo for centuries and they're still doing so.
It says a lot about concrete and steel. When you are walking on the bridge you can't help but smile to yourself for you feel safe. Safer than what you felt before you began, anyway. Dotted all over Vietnam are bridges like this one but none as long.
What we feel would interest you about Ben Tre is its four Islands:
The best time to travel in Ben Tre is June, when the coconut trees are in full bloom. The Islands are on the My Tho River, which itself belongs to the Tien River. The mighty Me Kong Delta isn't too far away either ― a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. That's great because Ben Tre is easily accessible to more mainstream tourists.
The Islands are the most peaceful and idyllic holiday escape. You wouldn't expect such tranquility on Islands with no beaches. One in particular we are interested in is Con Quy Island. Also better known as Turtle Island. The Island is what appeals to most people about Ben Tre Province, if nothing else. It's a magical land created out of nothingness in the mid 20th century.
But don't expect to see any turtles because there are none. Of the four Islands, Turtle Island is the smallest but it's perfect:
The beauty of Ben Tre isn't only the nature that surrounds you but you are captivated by the mindfulness of a rural retreat. The locals are superb in hospitality and the fruit dishes prepared fresh must to be eaten. Traveling from Ben Tre City, the 30km by boat you are adorned with the many fruit orchards. This is another one of those unexpected but much sought after day trips. Go enjoy.
When the flowers bloom the streets of this village you are dazzled ― stunned actually, at all the color in all directions. The aroma from so many flowers is amazing and surprisingly your nose can pick out individual scents wafting in the air. The village is 35km from Ben Tre City and could very well be the highlight of your holiday to the province.
The Tay Ninh Province has two special attractions, namely Ba Den Mountain and Dau Tieng Lake. The extinct volcano mountain is an interesting prospect for trekking enthusiasts, looking for a 6 hour jaunt there and back again. The mountain is located 100km from Ho Chi Minh City, and close to the Cambodian border, which may be relevant to you.
Our thoughts are this: if you enjoy the great outdoors ― a passion for trekking ― it may be back home, you go camping a lot too? The question arises because the lake is hugely popular with those passing through the province, traveling as they do, with camping gear packed. The province is popular with the backpacker as well, obviously. You could have the most idyllic few nights on the banks of the lake before moving on ― fully satisfied and happy.
All over the area of the lake are meadows full of color and fragrance from wild flowers. Lush green forests ooze with beauty first thing in the morning as the mist evaporates. Birds land and take off from the lake regularly, adding to the contentment felt, and the beauty of nature resonates with your dream camping trip to Vietnam.
From the peak of the 1000m tall mountain you can look down and see the lake, naked. Scramble to the top and pick out a spot where you're going to camp ― the excitement of an adventure enthralls you. Or you can take the cable car to the summit if you save time and energy. And, are you still wondering where Cambodia comes into it? The thing is this, it's not uncommon for those on a road trip or camping tour to do so over several countries.
From Tay Ninh City, the Cambodia border is just an hour away, at 40km. If this is something that entices you, remember to pack your fishing gear, where applicable.
As good as the Dead Sea mud is for your skin and health, full of minerals, the black sands of Tan Thanh Sea may be therapeutic for your skin too. You must visit for the unique experience of the black sands and how it feels underfoot. This one-off beach is roughly 50km from the provincial capital of My Tho or 80km from Ho Chi Minh City ― it's an ideal one-day trip, in other words.
Don't go expecting a beach to swim and sunbathe on though, it's not for that.
A 40-minute boat trip from My Tho City and a prime ecotourism hot spot for many a nature lover. Traditional houses with fruit gardens occupy the acreage, to your delight. Fragrance from the fruit trees tease your senses:
The fruits ripen all year round. You are guaranteed a lush fruit dessert to enjoy in any one of the quaint, off-street restaurants. Stop to rest in one of the gardens for honey tea before you continue strolling the streets admiring the ancient bonsai trees. On many occasions you may hear the sound of traditional folk music in the breeze. It's just one more thing creating beautiful memories to remember the Island and its people.
Dong Nai is renowned for its ecological efforts in preserving the natural world and its wildlife. The Cat Tien National Park is one of the best examples of this conservation. It's the perfect place for beauty in landscapes and our recommendation is you visit from December through to April for the best weather, avoiding the monsoon season.
The national park is situated 150km from Ho Chi MInh City and has one of the richest eco systems in Vietnam. Altogether, the park plays host to over 1200 plant species and more than 60 animal species. As a tourist you can experience all manners of activities on the park:
It's a fun packed adventure perfect for families, to get out into the great outdoors and find nature. Before you make your way back to Ho Chi Minh, take care to also visit:
A popular tourist area found in the small city of Bien Hoa ― just 30km from Ho Chi Minh. Just take a private taxi for the best convenience as soon as you get settled into your accommodation.
A reservoir created for hydroelectricity, from the Dong Nai River, has resulted in a beautifully still and peaceful lake. You could journey the 80km if you wanted, or you could continue on from Bien Hoa and only travel about 50km instead? Either way, the lake is waiting for you. There are areas for having a picnic. It's possible for camping and fishing too.
This amazingly beautiful lake has two Islands, accessible from Vinh An Town. From many places around the lake there are stunning sights of Cat Tien Mountain in the distance.
As a bonus, we have included Dak Nong Province in our guide. It's the UNESCO listed Dak Nong Geological Park that draws in an international tourist, within the Dak Nong Province. The great thing about this geopark and what earned it its UNESCO status are incredible features:
The volcanic activities over millennia have shaped the landscape resulting in a valuable resource in mineral deposits, on which fauna and flora thrive. It's the perfect natural escape for nature lovers, backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts wanting to uncover Vietnam's secrets. And no better are those secrets other than the parks top waterfalls:
Dray Sap Waterfall and Dray Nur Waterfall are close to each other, where Dray Sap waterfall is about 30km from the small city of Buon Ma Thuot. It's a city surrounded by natural landscapes, including coffee plantations and we recommend you visit Trung Nguyen Coffee Village for some of the best Vietnamese coffee you'll ever drink. It's not actually a village but a shop with a wide open seating area and artificial water features, with a nice cared for garden.
It's possible to get to those three waterfalls by private taxi or a tour operator. The locals are more than happy to offer information about the area. Any tour operator will have already organized biking and light trekking for you and maybe a little rafting thrown in for good measure.
You can travel by train from Ho Chi Minh City if you want but we touched down in Buon Ma Thuot, in a little more than 2 hours by direct flight. Because it's at least 8 hours by train. It's a grand day out for everyone:
There are many holiday experiences waiting for you from the central Ho Chi Minh City. You can enjoy a one-day boat trip on the Me Kong and stay within the vicinity of the city or you can enjoy longer trips. Set sail for days or more:
You could of course, be coming to Vietnam from elsewhere and from Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy exploring the south with anticipation of more great holiday moments. Or. You can tour the south from Ho Chi Minh to My Tho and onto Can Tho. From those three city locations, you get to see a great deal of south Vietnam within any 10-day holiday. Our guide has pinpointed some great ideas for you to think about.
