Tourist guide to Southern Vietnam

Part of the appeal of South Vietnam as a destination is that besides the many attractions of Saigon, there are plenty of other places worth visiting, each with its own distinctive character. From the fertile plains of the Mekong Delta to the beaches of Nha Trang and Mui Ne, as well as the historical towns of Hue and Hoi An, visitors are spoiled for choice.

Many short-stay visitors make a day trip to the Mekong Delta, but this watery wonderland is worth staying around in for several days with its floating markets, Khmer temples, bird sanctuaries and much more. Off the western coast of the delta lies Phu Quoc Island, a real tropical paradise that is not yet overrun by tourists and provides the perfect setting for some serious relaxation.

At the southern end of the Central Highlands, Da Lat is a hill station that was built by the French, though now its refreshing climate attracts a truly international crowd, as well as busloads of Vietnamese for whom the town represents a kind of fairyland.

All along the southern and central coast of Vietnam are idyllic beaches, most of which are unknown to foreign visitors, though the towns of Mui Ne and Nha Trang are well-equipped to take care of anyone looking for sea, sand and sun. Mui Ne is a small but booming resort, while Nha Trang holds the enviable honour of being Vietnam’s number one party town.

History buffs should head directly for the towns of Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An, all of which are in easy reach of each other, to find out more about the country’s colourful past. Hue was Vietnam’s capital for 150 years, and Hoi An still has the feel of a 19th century trading port. Da Nang is the transport hub of Central Vietnam, with frequent connections with Saigon and Hanoi.

Mekong Delta
Surround yourself with waterways, rice paddies and Khmer-style temples in the colourful delta of the majestic Mekong River… more

Nha Trang
Stretch out on the beach in the daytime and dance all night at the city’s red-hot clubs in this hedonistic beach resort town… more

Mui Ne
Learn how to kite surf or just soak up the rays at the country’s newest beach destination which is fast becoming one of Asia’s hottest extreme sports spots… more

Da Nang
Find out about the Cham civilization in the local museum and laze about on nearby beaches with a good book… more

Hue
Explore the walled Imperial City and sample royal Vietnamese cuisine in this cultured town with a thrilling history… more

Hoi An
Marvel over the sturdy, timber merchants’ houses and have a new shirt tailor-made in this ancient settlement… more

Da Lat
Put on your hat and gloves for a stroll round this quirky town up in the hills with a bracing climate… more

Phu Quoc
Wiggle your toes in the sand, go diving off the coast or head for the hills on a motorbike at this undeveloped beach paradise… more