You should discover southern Vietnam, an amazing region that offers a wide range of captivating destinations. It is good to live in this sunny region all year round, between discovering Saigon, the hectic megalopolis of southern Vietnam, the vestiges of the Vietnam War, and the tropical forests of Cat Tien National Park or the plant and aquatic labyrinth of the Mekong Delta. And since it's the south, there's always a seaside getaway to end your stay in style!

Discover Ho Chi Minh City

The bustling metropolis of southern Vietnam is an essential stopover on your trip to ancient Cochinchina. Come and appreciate the blend of dynamism and modernity, featuring superb colonial architectural heritage, lively picturesque markets, museums, Chinatown, temples, pagodas, and divine gastronomy with southern accents.

>> Read more: Top 10 what to do in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh city

Beach Break in Vung Tau

Vung Tau is a pleasant destination for a seaside vacation to break away from the hustle and bustle of Saigon. Formerly called Cap Saint Jacques during the colonial era, Vung Tau was the first seaside resort in southern Vietnam during the 20th century. Today, Vung Tau is a popular beach getaway on the country's southside, especially on weekends. You can easily get to Vung Tau in no more than two hours by bus or boat from Ho Chi Minh City.

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

An excursion in the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels is a great activity to engage in while you are in southern Vietnam. This remarkable network of tunnels, extending over 250 kilometers and encompassing multiple levels, showcases the ingenuity of its creators. Originally created by the Viet Minh during French colonialism, the Cu Chi Tunnels sheltered thousands of Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam resistance against the Americans.  A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels offers a profound opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Vietnam War and to truly appreciate the remarkable resilience and strategic brilliance of a people who, like ants overcoming an elephant, demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

>> Read more: Cu Chi Tunnels - Top most attractive underground works in the world

Discover the Caodaist temple of Tay Ninh

Not far from the Cu Chi Tunnels is located the astonishing Tay Ninh Cao Dai Temple (or Tay Ninh Holy See), the holy land of Caodaism. Appeared in the 1920s, Caodaism is an indigenous religion of Vietnam and has become the country's third-largest religion. Caodism has been regarded as a synthesis amalgamation of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam. The Tay Ninh Caodaist Temple stands as a remarkable testament to this spiritual synthesis, boasting exquisite decorations and a vibrant palette that captivates the senses. Attending one of the daily masses is an awe-inspiring experience, where the devoted gather in pristine white robes amidst the temple's breathtaking architectural beauty, creating a striking and unforgettable spectacle.

>> Read more: Cao Dai Temple, Holy See of Caodaism in Tay Ninh

Embark on a trip to the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is definitely a must-visit while you are in southern Vietnam. Characterized by a labyrinth of waterways, lush orchards, lively floating markets, and rustic yet tasty cuisine, the fascinating region of the Mekong Delta promises unforgettable experiences. While you are in the Mekong Delta,  make sure not to miss the floating markets, canoe rides in the maze of arroyos, or bike rides along winding village roads through the checkerboard rice fields.

>> Read more: Top 10 unmissable activities in the Mekong Delta

Hike in Cat Tien National Park

Dear nature lovers and everyone eager to get off the beaten track, Cat Tien National Park is a destination that you should prioritize during your trip to southern Vietnam. Located 180 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and extending over an area of 74,000 hectares on the Bao Loc plateau, Cat Tien National Park is a veritable natural sanctuary that is home to more than 1,610 different plants, 105 species of mammals, 351 species of birds, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, 130 species of freshwater fish, several hundred species of butterflies and insects, and a small population of Javan Rhinoceros which made the park famous. An exceptional biodiversity was classified by Unesco as a biosphere reserve in 2001 and recognized as a Ramsar site for the importance of its wetlands since 2005. Hiking in the park with a local guide will allow you to appreciate this extraordinary fauna and flora. You can consider the possibility of spending the night in the tropical forest to better appreciate this natural setting.

End your trip to Phu Quoc Island in style

Let your trip to southern Vietnam come to an end in style with a seaside stay on the paradise island of Phu Quoc, which is located in the far South of the country in the Gulf of Thailand. You can take advantage of the long white sand beaches fringed with coconut palms that lap a crystal clear sea. The island is home to a full range of accommodations, capable of meeting all desires for comfort and relaxation. Discover the island, its national park which largely covers this paradise, visit its pepper plantations, its factories of “Nuoc mam” - the famous Vietnamese fish sauce, its pearl oyster farms and its small villages of fishermen. You can end your stay under the sign of the sun and relaxation.

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