I'm taking advantage of the fact that I'm getting ready to go on a road trip in northern Vietnam the day after tomorrow to give a little overview of what not to miss in the southern part of the country, which I've already visited before (hence the visit to the north this time 😉).
Ho Chi Minh City: the economic lung
The city that everyone still knows as Saigon (and in the end rarely called by its real name!), it is the largest city in the country , even surpassing the capital, Hanoi.
What strikes you immediately upon arrival is of course the chaotic traffic, where motorbikes rule, and pedestrians squeeze through this infernal merry-go-round as best they can...
Among the must-see attractions are Ben Thanh Market , Giac Lam Pagoda, and the Reunification Palace (former presidential palace). If you're feeling brave, you can also visit the War Remnants Museum.
For my part, I simply enjoyed the walk along the river and the rather wooded and green aspect of the city.
The Vietnam Delta: for its ecological diversity
The only one on the list I haven't visited myself (apart from Saigon, which is also on it). But I would have loved to, so I encourage you to go. Among the attractions? The Can Tho floating market , but also all the flora and fauna that make this region so rich.
Although it is quite close to the coast of Cambodia, it should be noted that the island of Phu Quoc is part of the delta, generally popular with travelers in the region, since it is considered one of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia, giving a good reason to take a trip to southern Vietnam!
Dalat: a “little Paris” feel on the high plateaus
Affectionately nicknamed "Little Paris" due to its popularity during the time of French Indochina, these high plateau mountains (1500 m) bring freshness and a mild climate all year round! Dalat even has the privilege of being one of the few cities nicknamed "city of eternal spring" , because the average temperature never falls below 10 °C in winter, and does not exceed 25 °C in summer.
It is a city with a welcoming atmosphere, with its lake in its center, and even romantic, with its valley of love! Nature reigns supreme in the surroundings with many crops, varieties of flowers and fruits, growing thanks to the mild climate of these mountains.
Don't miss the Dantala waterfall (you can get there by rollercoaster, yes, really!) and take the time to stroll through the streets. You'll come across the cathedral, as well as a wide variety of architectural styles, from Norman villas to Savoyard chalets and even Basque houses! And also, the "Crazy House"... a hotel with a unique look that truly lives up to its name!
We also found an excellent little bakery there which I really liked!
On the other hand, the Cam Ly waterfall is a scam to avoid… (paying to see a disgusting waterfall where sewer foam accumulates at its foot… no thanks)
Mui Né: unsuspected landscapes
Mui Ne was without a doubt one of my favorites during my visit to South Vietnam. I recently had feedback from a traveler who did not like it at all, arguing that the beach was crowded with Russians etc. For our part, it was mostly crowded with kitesurfers…
The fact is that this is not at all the beach I remember after my stay in Mui Ne… We were staying nearby, but I really preferred to explore the area by motorbike.
Among Mui Ne's well-known attractions, besides the impressive harbor with its countless boats covering the sea , is the "Fairy Stream" (locally known as the "Fairy River" ), discreetly signposted along the roadside. It's a small stream that you can walk upstream, bordered by greenery and a small red cliff, while the stream itself is more brown, creating an interesting mix of colors.
Next, the two main attractions of Mui Ne are its sand dunes. One is red , near the port, and the other is white , about 30 km away. Two colors for two completely different atmospheres. The red one offers a view of the sea, while the white one is bordered by a lake and offers much more contrasting colors.
In the end, Mui Né is a semi-desert landscape but with the sea as a backdrop, a contrast that, I insist, makes me appreciate Mui Né! To finish, I would not fail to mention the market, located right next to the port.
Hoi An: the old town, a real favorite
Another favorite, this time more my wife's initially. Jitima had already been to Vietnam and Hoi An. She was the one who advised me to include a stop in this old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We stayed there for three days! Which is quite a long time for what was ultimately a fairly short trip! So we were able to really enjoy the city. One of its symbols is the venerable Japanese bridge, which dates back to 1593!
It's also simply pleasant to walk these streets, stop in the shops, have a snack in one of the restaurants, often offering excellent dishes, desserts and other tasty products that are a bit of a change from rice 😉
We loved the walk along the river , watching the colors of the traditional lanterns at night, and just strolling around. Take the time to go all the way to the seaside too; there are lovely landscapes along the Thu Bon River, and you can stop there for a drink in an enchanting setting (okay, this paragraph is starting to sound a bit too much like a brochure…)
Also don't miss the fish market (and market in general), if you know my blog a little (I already refer to it in this very article), you know how much I love markets, the one in Hoi An is no exception!
And you? Any favorites in the south of Vietnam? Any suggestions?
