Southern Vietnam Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta & Beyond
Base in Ho Chi Minh City, explore the waterways of the Mekong Delta, then add a beach or highland escape — Phu Quoc, Da Lat, or Mui Ne.
The south is Vietnam’s warm, fast-moving heart: a high-energy metropolis, a maze of river life in the Mekong Delta, and easy escapes to beaches and cool highlands. Around seven days lets you take in Ho Chi Minh City and the delta with time for one relaxing add-on.
At a glance
| Days | Base | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Ho Chi Minh City | War history, District 1, Cu Chi Tunnels |
| 4 | Mekong Delta | Floating markets, sampan canals, orchards |
| 5–7 | Beach or highland | Phu Quoc, Da Lat, or Mui Ne |
Day-by-day
Days 1–3 — Ho Chi Minh City. Settle into District 1. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral, then dive into the night markets and rooftop bars. Take a half- or full-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Day 4 — Mekong Delta. Head southwest to the delta for a day on the water — floating markets, narrow sampan canals, coconut-candy workshops, and fruit orchards. My Tho and Ben Tre make easy day trips; Can Tho rewards an overnight if you have it.
Days 5–7 — Choose your escape. Pick one:
- Phu Quoc — Vietnam’s island getaway, for white-sand beaches and sunsets (a short flight from Saigon).
- Da Lat — the cool central highlands, with pine forests, waterfalls, and flower gardens.
- Mui Ne — coastal sand dunes and kitesurfing, reachable overland.
Practical tips
- Saigon is the southern gateway — Tan Son Nhat connects to Phu Quoc and beyond.
- The delta is best as a guided day trip unless you stay overnight in Can Tho for the dawn markets.
- The south is hot year-round. See best time to visit — the dry season runs roughly Nov–Apr.
- Sort your e-visa in advance, and read getting around Vietnam.
Add a dental treatment to the trip
Since this route is anchored in Ho Chi Minh City — Vietnam’s largest dental hub — it’s an easy place to fold in treatment. Book your appointments during the Saigon city days for crowns, veneers, or the first stage of implants, then unwind on the beach or in the highlands while you recover.
Want this itinerary built around a treatment? Get a free, tailored plan.