Top 10 things to do in the South of Vietnam

Vietnam is a destination that attracts many international tourists because of the beauty of nature, culture, and people. In particular, the South of Vietnam is a place that tourists are always eager to visit. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the area.

1. Saigon, ex-capital of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, located in the south of Vietnam, is still called Saigon by most locals. The ideal Saigon destination is always the search demand of many tourists when coming to this city. Here, you can explore many places such as Notre Dame Cathedral with its unique architecture, Independence Palace associated with national history, Ben Thanh Market District 1 - the busiest market in Saigon, the tallest building in Vietnam - Landmark 81, and so on. All those beautiful destinations will surely leave an unforgettable impression in the hearts of visitors.

>>> To know more about Saigon, you can contact us to help you or read our Vietnam tours.

Landmark 81

2. Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels tourism is increasingly developing because this is not only a destination of historical and cultural value but also a place of military value in Vietnam. Here, visitors can explore the "underground labyrinth" - one of the famous national monuments in Saigon.

This tourist spot in the southern area of Vietnam has a total length of up to 250km, with 3 different depths, the highest floor is about 3m from the ground, the middle floor is 6m from the ground and the deepest floor is up to 12m. This is one of 6 famous man-made works in the world today. Besides, the Cu Chi tunnel tourist area also entered the top 7 most exotic destinations in Southeast Asia. Exploring Cu Chi tunnels will help you and your family have a meaningful trip.

>>> Discover Cu Chi Tunnels by Scooter

Map of Cu Chi tunnels (Photo: VietNamNet)

3. Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh

Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh is considered one of the greatest religious architectural works of Cao Dai religion. This is a unique architectural work with a harmonious combination between Heaven and Earth. Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh is a very sacred place to serve the needs of contemplation and worship, a place where the unique architecture of East-West philosophy converges. Therefore, Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh is one of the ideal religious tourist destinations in southern Vietnam.

The large campus outside the Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh (Photo: Tay Ninh Magazine)

4. Cooking Class in Saigon

The best way to fully experience a trip to another country is to learn about that country's culture and cook with the locals. Coming to the South of Vietnam, visitors can choose easy-to-cook dishes such as soup, spring rolls, Pho, Bun Cha,... Here are some cooking classes that Vietnam Original Travel recommends to you:

• M.O.M Cooking Class

• HCM Cooking Class

• GRAIN Cooking Class

• Vietnam Cookery Center

• Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa Tuc

GRAIN's lovely cooking studio. | ©GRAIN Cooking Studio

5. Saigon Street Food

Saigon is not only known as an economic center, but also an ideal destination for tourists. Coming to Saigon, you will experience many different cultural colors from different regions. In particular, the culinary culture, and especially the extremely attractive southern street food. Some of the most delicious street foods in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) are Pha Lau, Bread, Duck Noodles, Mixed Rice Paper, Spring Rolls, Nam Vang Noodles and so on.

>>> For the best dining experience in Saigon, check out our Saigon Street Food Tours.

Duck Noodles

Nam Vang Noodles

Mixed Rice Paper

6. Saigon Jeep Tour

Sitting on a Jeep to join the adventure of discovering Saigon life is an interesting experience. This is a refreshing way for couples, families, and groups of friends to see a whole different side of the city. Sai Gon now has many jeep tours, passing famous places in the center of this southern city such as the Opera House, Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Notre Dame Cathedral, City Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

Source: visithcm.vn

7. Beach stations: Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc

Coming to the South of Vietnam, international tourists must definitely go to beaches like Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Vung Tau because these are beautiful and clear beaches. Mui Ne beach is very poetic with blue sea, golden sand, rolling sand dunes, fresh and cheap food, many attractive beach sports activities. This is considered one of the most beautiful and pocket-friendly beaches for tourists. Phu Quoc is no stranger to travel lovers, this is the largest tourist island in Vietnam. In particular, Bai Dai is a beautiful and unspoiled beach that attracts tourists. This is also ranked first in the top 13 most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the world in 2008. In addition, the South also has Vung Tau beaches, which possess a unique beauty worth coming to and visiting. Here are some tips to travel to Vung Tau.

Phu Quoc Long Beach with excellent beauty

8. Vespa Tours

Saigon has always been known for its poetic images and many unique cultural features. Many people who come to the south of Vietnam often have a love for this land. Saigon Vespa Tour will help tourists discover interesting tourist attractions in Saigon, the culture, and the people of the magnificent city. Sitting on old Vespas, visitors will see Saigon in the most authentic way.

Source: Vespa Adventures in Saigon

9. Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park (also known as Nam Cat Tien Tourist Area) is a green land with an extremely diverse flora and fauna system. This southern park is recognized by UNESCO as a ‘World Biosphere Reserve’ with hundreds of rare animal species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. Not only that, but the vegetation here is also extremely diverse with an ancient forest system including pine trees, sycamore trees, and cypress trees.

Cat Tien National Park is home to many rare animals. (@vietnambirds)

10. Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a southern area with great tourism potential, rich natural resources, historical values, and unique cultural quintessence of the community of ethnic groups. The Mekong Delta has a typical ecological landscape of plains and rivers, a fresh environment, and many traditional folk festivals with unique cultural identities. In particular, the people of the South possess a gentle, hospitable, liberal and harmonious character, creating really interesting tourism products for tourists. Coming to the Mekong Delta, visitors should explore floating markets on the river, fruit gardens, making Vietnamese traditional cakes,...

Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho