Top 9 Places To See In South Vietnam For First-Timers

Whether you're exploring its bustling cities or cruising down serene waterways, South Vietnam offers diverse experiences that cater to all types of travelers. For first-time visitors, this region is a perfect introduction to Vietnam's vibrant and welcoming spirit. From rich historical landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City to the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Mekong Delta, the adventures here will leave you with unforgettable memories. Let’s dive into the top 9 places to see in South Vietnam that will enrich your journey with a mix of historical sites, local culture, and natural beauty.

1. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): The Beating Heart of South Vietnam

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is situated at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and symbolizes Ho Chi Minh City's colonial past. Constructed in the 19th-century era, this architectural masterpiece stands out for its amazingly great photo action and avant-garde peek into European influence on Southern Vietnam. Whether in awe of the building's brick red facade or simply to reflect for a few moments inside, this is a site to be missed by no historian or cultural enthusiast.

• Address: 01 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Recommended Time to Visit: Early morning at around 7:00 AM to avoid crowds and capture great snaps in soft light. Mass services are held on Sunday mornings for ultimate transcendence.

Central Post Office

Directly across from the Cathedral is the Central Post Office, another architectural beauty. Designed by the well-known French architect Gustave Eiffel, the building mingles Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial styles. A lot more than just a beautiful building, it functions as a post office and makes for a very interesting stop in case anybody wishes to send postcards from southern Vietnam with historical flair.

• Address: 02 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Recommended Time to Visit: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. It is most advisable to visit in the morning because of fewer tourists and because of the impressive architecture under natural light.

Reunification Palace

No tour of Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without a visit to the Reunification Palace, a historic landmark. This is where the war came to a climax in 1975. Grand rooms, exhibitions of war artifacts, and underground bunkers complement each other in connecting Vietnam to its turbulent past, making it that place among places to see in South Vietnam which carries deep historical importance.

• Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Recommended Time to Visit: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Best to go during the week, when you would avoid groups of school children and crowds of tours.

War Remnants Museum

Prepare yourself for something of a moving but necessary experience at the War Remnants Museum, where its exhibits tell much-needed stories of the harrowing atmosphere of the Vietnam War. You will delve deep into the sad impacts of war on this country and its people through photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts. This is an extremely necessary stop for institutions aside from any other museum, in need of a comprehensible insight into the complexities of modern history in Vietnam.

• Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Recommended Time to Visit: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. It is recommended to arrive early in the morning, avoiding the heaviest crowds and allowing ample time to fully take in the exhibits.

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market No visit to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without a stop at the chaotic Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest and most famous markets in South Vietnam. Think colorful handicrafts, aromatic spices, and street food freshly prepared some of the things you will find within its walls. Wander through the teeming stalls, practice your bargaining skills, and taste local delicacies like banh mi and pho.

• Address: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Recommended Time to Visit: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Go during early morning-before 8:00 AM for "morning prices," or after 6:00 PM for the night market atmosphere.

Street Food Scene

Ah, the paradise of street food. Ho Chi Minh City is at the heart of the action. Zigzagging through busy streets will expose one to irresistible dishes: pho, bun thit nuong, and the icon of all icons, the banh mi. For the best experience regarding street food, it is advisable to take a visit to District 1 or District 3, where at every turn of a street, seemingly, vendors line up and serve delicious food for about a couple of dollars. Discreting the south of Vietnam through its food is a must, and Ho Chi Minh City should be a starting point where one dives into such a culinary experience.

• Best Locations: District 1 (Bui Vien Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street), District 3, and District 5 (Cholon – Chinatown)
• Recommended Time to Visit: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM. This is the peak time for street food vendors, and the energy in the bustling city adds to that experience.

The Cafe Apartment

For the most quirky local experience, prepare to truly veer off the beaten path to visit The Cafe Apartment on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This former residential building is in the process of a floor-by-floor renovation into a very hip space indeed, laden with eclectic cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. It is another hidden gem that reflects an ever-evolving piece of local culture that is far beyond tourists' usual guidebook suggestions. This small slice of local life brings to the forefront creativity in southern Vietnam and is highly recommended for travelers searching for something very different.

• Address: 42 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Recommended Time to Visit: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. One should try to visit it in the late afternoon, so it would be possible to enjoy a cup of coffee while the city is lighting up for the evening time.

2. Mekong Delta: Life on the Water

Cai Rang Floating Market

One of the most iconic souvenirs in the south of Vietnam, the Cai Rang Floating Market is a colorful sight full of wooden boats packed with tropical fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of local goods. The fruit vendors hang their produce on long poles for good presentation, while the cacophony and colors add to a great mixture on the river. Another great spot to visit floating markets like Cai Rang, these places give the visitor firsthand insight into the lives of people in the Mekong Delta region.

• Address: Near Can Tho City, Hau River, Can Tho Province
• Recommended Time to Visit: 5:00 AM-7:00 AM, because it is during the dawn that the market is in its most alive state.

Mekong River of Vinh Long, Ben Tre & Tra Vinh

One of the most quiet and serene ways to discover the intricate network of canals and rivers constituting the Mekong Delta is by boat trip. Moving along the river, your senses will be constantly tantalized by views of luxury orchards, coconut groves, and stilted houses on the opposite side of the rivulet, which are embedded in the sounds of nature and life along the river. Most boat trips make stops at local villages, where you may visit workshops of traditional crafts and taste the freshness of fruits. It is one of the best things to see in South Vietnam, as it allows a deep connection with the culture and highlands of the region.

• Address: Various locations along the Mekong River, including Vinh Long, Ben Tre, and Tra Vinh
• Recommended Time to Visit: From 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for an entire day of village and orchard excursions.

Practical Tips for First-Timers

Before embarking on your journey through southern Vietnam, here are some practical tips that could help you make the most of the trip:

• Visa Information: It's always a good idea to check the most recent requirements before traveling, but most visitors are okay with an e-visa or visa on arrival.
• Best Time to Visit South Vietnam: This is considered the perfect time to visit the south of Vietnam, from November to April; in fact, it's the dry season and the weather is usually warm and sunny, best for beaches and outdoors.
• Transportation Options: The most inexpensive ways to travel between major cities are by bus or domestic flights. For places less than 100 km apart, one can either rent a motorbike or take a local boat boating in the Mekong Delta region.
• Currency Exchange: The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong or VND. You'd be best to get some exchanged in the major towns and cities from banks or at an authorized exchange counter.
• Basic Vietnamese Phrases: Some basic phrases in Vietnamese include the following: Hello: Xin chào Thank you: Cảm ơn How much? Bao nhiêu tiền? Learning some of these can popularize with locals.
• Cultural Etiquette Tips: Dress conservatively when visiting temples, remove shoes before entering a residence, and do not take any pictures of locals without permission, especially in the countryside. Power outlets are also different, so you will want to come prepared with an adequate  Vietnam plug adapter for any electronics you will be using. In Vietnam, you will need type A, C, and D plugs using an ordinary 220V of electricity.

Conclusion

South Vietnam is the land of contrast and surprise. Rich culture, resplendent nature, and thrilling adventure-this region has it all in its kitty. Be it floating markets, canals, or beaches with white sand, the number of places to see in South Vietnam can make your trip unforgettable. 

So what are you waiting for? It's about time to start planning your South Vietnam adventure! Subscribe to our blog for more Vietnam travel tips & reviews, guides, and inspiration.