Top 5 must-visit destinations in Southern Vietnam

We began with the Top 7 Must-Visit Destinations in Northern Vietnam and then the Top 7 Must-Visit Destinations in Central Vietnam. Here we are for the third in this series: the Top 5 Must-Visit Destinations in Southern Vietnam.

The landscape is far flatter in the South, with a lower elevation. Forget the four seasons because the South has two: the dry season and the rainy season. It’s hot regardless of when you’re there, so pack your sunglasses and shorts, and we’ll get started.

1. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Officially named Ho Chi Minh City and known commonly by locals and the expats living there as Saigon, it is Vietnam’s economic capital and most populous city. With a population of over 14 million, Saigon is the beating heart of Vietnamese trade and commerce.
However, Saigon is more than an economic powerhouse or monument to modernity and industry. It’s a highly romanticised destination for its bustling streets, easy-going and remarkably friendly people, and its unique blend of modern, French colonial, and Southeast Asian architecture.
Those searching for money-laden modernia need only enjoy the skyline from the downtown riverside, Bitexco Tower, or Vietnam’s tallest Skyscraper, Landmark 81.
Those who hope to immerse themselves in the history, culture, and more antiquated styles of architecture need to amble around the historic heart of Saigon, with Frankish architectural delights, such as the City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, and Independence Palace. It’s also worth appreciating the contrast of these structures with the many pagodas and temples throughout the city. The Jade Emperor Pagoda and Phap Hoa Pagoda are just two of many of Saigon’s serene spiritual spots.
Saigon’s sweet food sets southern Vietnamese cuisine apart from its Northern and Central neighbours. It has its own Pho, Bun Bo, and Banh Mi styles and flagship dishes, such as Bun Thit Nuong.
Its reputation for vibrant nightlife supersedes that of Hanoi and Da Nang effortlessly. Bui Vien Walking Street is just one of many Saigon streets awash with places to eat local food and to have a drinking session, or, as the locals say, “đi nhậu”.
For those who wish to take it easier for the evening and those who want to relax during the day, the coffee culture here is inescapable, with places to sip fortifying robusta coffee from Vietnam’s central highlands in their tens of thousands. Some of these outlets will remain open until the early morning hours, further solidifying the common saying among locals, “Saigon never sleeps”.

2. Cu Chi Tunnels

On the outskirts of Saigon and accessible from the downtown area by bus or motorbike in an hour, the Cu Chi Tunnels were dug by the Viet Cong during the war with the Americans so they could observe and ambush the enemy. This intricate and multi-layered network of tunnels was one of many tunnel systems in Vietnam. These guerrilla fighting tactics were highly significant in the victory against the man and firepower of the American military.

Today, you can explore the tunnels in Cu Chi either with a guide or alone. The stretches of tunnels open to the public are within the encompassing museum, where visitors walk among disused artillery and military vehicles. The tunnels were necessarily widened to accommodate typically taller and broader Western tourists. Whether travelling alone or accompanied, a trip to the Cu Chi tunnels really brings the history of guerilla warfare during the war with the Americans to life.

3. Mui Ne

Mui Ne is the ideal place to sojourn, surf, slide down sand dunes, and stroll through the fairy stream. The bus heading east from Saigon to the beaches in Mui Ne takes just over three hours on a good run. When you arrive, it is easy to find a taxi to your accommodation at any time of day/night.

Mui Ne is a small town with clean beaches frequented by windsurfers, surfers, jet skiers, and holidaymakers, so the beaches have something to offer everybody. The seafront town has excellent amenities. Bars, restaurants, coffee shops, convenience stores, spas, and pharmacies are everywhere. The town harbour provides a picturesque view and insight into the life of the local fishing community. At night, the flashing lights on the masses of boats create a different but no less stunning ambience.

The Fairy Stream is great for anyone who doesn’t mind a stroll while knee-deep in the water while passing through a valley of red rock formations which look like a scaled-down version of The Grand Canyon. It is conveniently located in the town, and anywhere between 90 minutes to two hours is sufficient for this excursion.

On its outskirts, Mui Ne boasts two sets of sand dunes. Photographers and fun-seeking families flock to the White Sand Dunes to get snaps and slide down the steep slopes on mats. Just a little further away by car/motorbike, The Red Sand Dunes attract many tourists for motorised madness in its Martian setting. Quadbikes and Motorbikes are available for hire, and there are guides to accompany you. These guides also drive dune buggies for more daring groups. It is advisable to take plenty of water, sunglasses, sufficient sunscreen and a hat to counter the intense heat and sunshine visitors experience here.

4. Tay Ninh/Nui Ba Den (Black Virgin Mountain)

Just 2-3 hours away from Saigon, Tay Ninh city is home to the 996-metre-tall Black Virgin mountain.

According to legend, the Black Virgin and Goddess of the Sea, whose spirit is believed to protect Fishermen, once resided on this mountain. Legend also has it that while her fiance was at war, her beauty made her vulnerable to the appetites of other predatory men in the mountain community. To preserve her chastity and remain faithful to her fiance, she threw herself from the mountain to her death. Soon after, a local monk received a visitation from the Black Virgin in a dream telling him where her body could be found. Upon discovering the body, he entered her and built a temple in her honour.

While this may be a legend and not a set of historical facts, the mountain remains an important site for many pilgrims to pray for good fortune, good health, and a prosperous future. Its spiritual significance today is plainly evident because of the immense statues of the Black Virgin, Budai, the large-bellied Buddhist monk whom many confuse for the Buddha, who also has imposing structures built in his memory on the mountain.

5. Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is a peaceful island getaway for domestic and international tourists. The island is abundant with greenery and wildlife, which can be seen simply by driving around the island by car or motorbike. Among its impressive natural features is the Suoi Tranh Waterfall, but make sure you time it right as water only usually cascades down this fall during the rainy season. For those hoping to delve deeper into nature, Phu Quoc National Park’s vast expanses are the ideal destination when visiting the island.

VinWonders Phu Quoc offers an amusement park, theme park, and aquarium, making it a desirable destination for all travellers. It is a highly popular destination among Vietnamese family holidaymakers.

The island also offers snorkelling and diving opportunities so tourists can see marine life in its natural habitat. Sao Beach is a sought-after location for these activities. The Hon Thom Cable Car is the longest cable car circuit suspended over the sea in the world and offers an impressive view of the Phu Quoc coastal skyline.

For some insight into the local life, visitors can head to the quaint fishing village of Ham Ninh, where there are boats galore and cheap local places to eat. After sundown, the vibrant Night Market, although it can be hectic, is ideal for delicious local food and insight into local life. Near the night market, plenty of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and some nightclubs make Phu Quoc nightlife options plentiful.

Final word

So there you have them, folks: the five top places to visit in Southern Vietnam. If you want to learn more about travel in any of Vietnam’s wonderful regions, see Top 7 Must-Visit Destinations in Northern Vietnam and Top 7 Must-Visit Destinations in Central Vietnam. Please don’t hesitate to contact me in the comments or email enquiries@earthlifewriter.com.