South Vietnam combines the vibrant city life of Ho Chi Minh City with jungle and tropical beaches. This suggested itinerary (5–7 days) takes you from the metropolis to the Mekong Delta and showcases the cultural highlights of the south.
Perfect for city life, riverside scenery and nearby beaches
South Vietnam Tour – Sample Itinerary: 5–7 Days
A brief overview of the stops on your tour of South Vietnam:
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Start in the bustling metropolis, with attractions such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Market.
- Mekong-Delta (Cai Be, Vinh Long, Can Tho):Boat trip through the river maze, a visit to the floating markets and local villages.
- Cu-Chi-Tunnel: A day trip to the underground tunnel system dating from the Vietnam War.
- (Optional) Beach extension: At the end of a day at the beach, for example in Mui Ne (Dunes & Sea) or on the island Phu Quoc.
Highlights of this South Vietnam itinerary
- Ho Chi Minh City: A modern metropolis with historic buildings, street food and a vibrant nightlife.
- Mekong-Delta: Unique waterways, floating markets at Cai Be and Can Tho, traditional wooden boats and tropical plantations.
- Cu-Chi Tunnel: A historical highlight – explore the original tunnel system and hidden bunkers from the Vietnam War.
- Mui Ne / Phu Quoc (optional): Dune sands and palm-fringed beaches – perfect for unwinding after your tour.
Optional excursions and hotel recommendations are, of course, available.
An overview of specific route suggestions can be found in our sample routes for Vietnam
Who is this route suitable for?
This 5–7-day route is ideal for First-time visitors or short-stay travellers who want to experience South Vietnam in a condensed form. You combine lively City scenes(HCM-City) with unspoilt river landscapes in Mekong-Delta. Also families or couples enjoy a perfect blend of culture, adventure and relaxation. If you want to see a lot in a short space of time – without having to travel long distances – this is the ideal package for you.
the best time to visit Vietnam
As ideal time to travel to Southern Vietnam is the dry season runs from December till April. There is hardly any rain during these months and temperatures are usually around 30°C. (The rainy season runs from May to November.)
Build your own personalised trip to South Vietnam
personal advice & a tailor-made itinerary
Before you finalise your route, we recommend taking a look at our
Vietnam travel checklist with 10 essential preparation tips.
Local partners in Ho Chi Minh City
For selected activities in Ho Chi Minh City, I work with experienced local partners.
For authentic street food and city discovery tours, I particularly recommend my certified partner XO Tours – known for guided motorbike tours of Ho Chi Minh City with a culinary focus and local insider knowledge.
The specific arrangements will be made on an individual basis as part of your personal travel planning.
Our local partner Vietnam Adventure Tours will accompany you on all your tours, whether it’s a Mekong Delta tour, a trip to Phu Quoc or your own personalised tour of Southern Vietnam. The tour guides offer fantastic, unique experiences. I particularly recommend Bo Han. She’s always in good spirits and has a wealth of expertise.
Would you like to combine North and South Vietnam? I’d be happy to put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
→ Hidden gems for your special tailor-made trip to Vietnam
South Vietnam has a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round. The best time to visit is generally between December and April, when there is less chance of rain. Regions such as Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc Island are particularly well worth exploring during this period.
You can find more information about the climate, temperatures and the best months to visit Vietnam on our page about
