TOURIST PLACES IN SOUTH VIETNAM

The Mekong River has just under 4500 kilometers of diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. During my trip, I took a two-day tour of the Mekong, which was a fantastic experience.

These excursions are very reasonably priced, usually ranging between $15 and $25.

Most excursions will also include a visit to the bizarre and fascinating island of coconut monk, a tour of the coconut candy factory (for a coconut themed day), and an amazing lunch at a local restaurant.

2. Coconut Island

My tour does include a motorbike ride up the Vietnamese highway, with spectacular views of rice fields and rainforests on both sides. I spent the day sleeping in a residence fabricated on stilts on the riverbank.

3. Ho Chi Minh City

Even though Hanoi is the country’s capital, Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) is most likely its heart. This bustling city of around 7 million people is a hive of activity around the clock.

The constant stream of scooters and pedestrians going about their business as if it were daytime kept me awake in the early hours. There is a lot to do in the city, but the main tourist attraction is probably the Reunification Palace, which is where the Vietnam War symbolically ended.

I took a lot from the War Remnants Museum, which is dedicated to Vietnam’s struggle for independence. Many of the exhibits are gruesome, so anyone with small children should avoid going.

Interestingly, the city has a cathedral named after Notre Dame in Paris (shown below) – visiting hours are limited, but it is well worth a look.

As previously stated, the nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is similar to that of any other city in the world. Bars and nightclubs stay open until the early hours of the morning, serving cheap beer, cocktails, and the Vietnamese version of western cuisine. There are large elegant bars that resemble the finest in Europe, as well as corner bars with polycarbonate tables and chairs belting out 80’s pop songs.

Furthermore, you can’t go into the Vietnam or not do karaoke; HCM has the best selection, so if you’re looking to find your karaoke voice, this is the place to be.

4. Cu Chi Tunnel

I strongly advise anyone visiting southern Vietnam to go to the Chu Chi Tunnels. If you’re pressed for time, it’ll only take a morning or afternoon out of your day, but it’s a fantastic experience. It is about 30 to 40 minutes outside of Ho Chi Minh City and can be reached by taxi, organized tour, or car.

The tunnels are part of a vast network of communication tunnels built by the Vietcong to avoid American soldiers during the Vietnam War. The ones at Chu Chi have largely remained unaltered since the war, though they have been widened for Western tourists (though it is still a tight fit) and most booby traps have been deactivated.

Visitors to the tunnels will be led by a guide through a maze of tight dark tunnels where they will get a true sense of how the Vietcong lived. A tour of a Vietcong headquarters, entire with maps on the walls, concludes with tasting some of the rations that the Vietcong would’ve have eaten during times when they couldn’t escape.
You may also be able to try out some of the leftover military hardware, such as M16 and AK47 rifles, on the onsite shooting range.

5. Cat Tien National Park

It’s as if you’ve entered another world once you’ve entered one of Vietnam’s largest areas of rainforest.

The dense jungle is obviously a dangerous place for someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing; as a result, you should always travel with a guide. If you’re lucky, you might see Asian elephants, bears, tigers, and hornbills.

6. Phu Quoc

Although the peaceful island of Phu Quoc is located just off the coast of Cambodia, it is part of Vietnamese territory and is growing in popularity.

Because of its beautiful beaches, clear seas, and excellent bars, it has earned a legendary status among Vietnam’s backpackers.

When I was in Vietnam, it was always recommended to me by the locals; it is similar to any high-end beach destination in the world.

And apart from lounging by the pool or at the bar with a mixed drink or two, there is plenty to do in Phu Quoc.

7. Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam’s most famous beach town, is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. A vibrant nightlife and delicious seafood complement the white sand beaches and calm sea. Scuba diving is very popular here, and the bay is sunny and concise all year. The city is one of Vietnam’s more relatives vacation spots, with several amusement parks, water parks, and resorts. Take a ride on the mile-long Vinpearl Cable Car for an unforgettable view.

8. Can Tho

Can T is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta and residence to some of the country’s most fascinating markets. For centuries, the commercially advantageous location along the banks of the Hau River has made this a major trading center. Visitors should plan a day to attend the wholesale Cai Rang Floating Market and the general merchandise Phong Dien Floating Market. A day trip exploring the region’s numerous narrow canals and tributaries is highly recommended, with stops at rice paper manufacturings and crocodile or python farms.

9. Phan Thiet

Phan Thiet, a bustling fishing port on the country’s south-central coast, offers some of the best seafood in the nation. Spend the day discovering the maze of streets that surround the vibrant harbor. Mui Ne, just north of the city center, is becoming increasingly popular for its Sahara-esque sands and miles of majestic coastline. The best way to explore Vietnam, like almost everywhere else, is on two wheels. Those who own a motorcycle should use it to ride south from the city along the wonderful coastline roads.

10. Da Lat

When the thrill of riding a motorcycle becomes too much, take a trip to this cool mountain retreat. Da Lat is a peaceful pine-scented substitute to Ho Chi Minh City and can be reached by bus or motorbike from the country’s largest urban center in four to six hours. The city can be explored in a single day – just don’t miss out on the central market or the Hang Nga Guesthouse. The region is the epicentre of Vietnam’s massive coffee industry, and the hills and valleys surrounding the city are enveloped in coffee plantations, so there’s even more to see in the surrounding areas. Nature lovers will enjoy backcountry camping through dense canyons and over misty waterfalls in the surrounding forests.