One of the top destinations that tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City often consider after their city tour is to explore the captivating Mekong River Delta.

The Mekong River Delta, a vibrant network of rivers, canals, and lush landscapes, begins just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Start your journey in My Tho, where you can enjoy scenic boat rides along tranquil canals and visit local candy workshops in Ben Tre. Experience the bustling floating markets of Can Tho, explore traditional ancient houses and lush fruit gardens. Continue to Chau Doc to discover its unique bird sanctuary and fish farms, before embarking on an unforgettable speedboat ride to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Mekong Delta offers an authentic glimpse into rural life, rich culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-see for any traveler.

Explore the Mekong River Delta here

Phú Quốc Island: Vietnam’s tropical paradise is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Among its top attractions are the serene Sao Beach, Khem Beach, local pepper farms, and the lively night markets. Visitors can also experience the world’s longest cable car ride, offering panoramic views over the ocean. The island is now also home to several notable attractions, including the European-style Sunset Town, the expansive Safari Park, the colourful Grand World, and the massive VinWonders Theme Park, along with countless island adventures waiting to be discovered.

How to Get There

Many international visitors often ask how to reach Phú Quốc. You can easily travel from Ho Chi Minh City by bus or take a cross-border trip from Cambodia to a small town of Ha Tien, followed by an express boat ride to the island. The fastest option is to fly – Phú Quốc International Airport receives flights from all major cities in Vietam, as well as direct international flights from many destinations like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Russia,… Notably, the island offers special visa policies for many international travelers arriving by direct flight from abroad, making it 1 of the most convenient and welcoming island escapes.

Discover Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s Dynamic Heartbeat

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is the vibrant economic and cultural heart of Vietnam. A dynamic mix of modernity and rich history, the city offers an exciting blend of architectural landmarks, bustling markets, and immersive experiences.

Start your exploration at the Independence Palace, a significant historical site, followed by the moving War Remnants Museum that offers insight into the country’s turbulent past. For a touch of colonial elegance, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the majestic Central Post Office, both iconic symbols of the city’s French heritage.

The City Hall, Opera House stand as a reminder of Saigon’s colonial era, while Ben Thanh Market immerses you in a lively marketplace full of local goods, food, and souvenirs. For an unforgettable evening, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Saigon River, offering spectacular views of the skyline and the sparkling city lights.

Ho Chi Minh City is also the gateway to several extraordinary destinations in Southern Vietnam. From here, travelers can journey into the mekong delta,, Explore the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, hike Ba Den Mountain, or escape to Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Nha Trang and Da Lat. Most tours in the South begin right here, making Saigon not just a destination but also the perfect starting point for wider adventures.

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Discover Central Vietnam: Da Nang, Hoi An & Hue Central Vietnam is home to some of the country’s most iconic destinations, and Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue make the perfect trio to explore. Da Nang is a vibrant coastal city famous for its long sandy beaches and striking natural landscapes. Visitors shouldn’t miss the thrilling cable car ride up to Ba Na Hills, where the Golden Bridge—an architectural wonder held by giant stone hands—has become an international symbol. The Marble Mountains, with their caves and pagodas, offer a mix of spirituality and adventure, while the city’s beaches provide relaxation with sweeping views of the East Sea. Da Nang also serves as the ideal gateway for tours across central Vietnam. Just 30 kilometers away lies Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient trading port enchants travelers with its lantern-lit evenings, riverside charm, and beautifully preserved merchant houses. Further north, Hue, the former imperial capital, showcases the grandeur of Vietnam’s royal heritage. Visitors can explore the old royal palace within the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, a sprawling complex of citadels, gates, and temples. A dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River is another highlight, offering views of historic pagodas and royal tombs that dot the riverside. Together, Central Vietnam promise a region every traveler should experience.

Hanoi: A Cultural Gem and Gateway to Northern Vietnam Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city where tradition and modern life blend harmoniously. At its heart lies the Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets that has been bustling with trade for centuries. Each street is named after the goods once sold there, and today it remains a lively hub filled with street food stalls, ancient shop houses, and a vibrant local atmosphere that gives visitors a glimpse into the city’s soul. Just a short walk away, the romantic Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) offers a peaceful retreat from the busy streets. Locals and tourists alike enjoy strolling around the tree-lined paths, especially in the early morning or evening when the area comes alive with cultural performances, exercise groups, and families. Hanoi is also deeply tied to Vietnam’s modern history. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the country’s beloved leader rests, is a place of reverence that draws thousands of visitors each year. Beyond its own attractions, Hanoi serves as a vital gateway to Northern Vietnam. From here, travelers can embark on unforgettable journeys to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and limestone caves best explored on a cruise. For those seeking mountain adventures, Hanoi is also the starting point for trips to Sapa, where terraced rice fields, ethnic villages, and the challenge of climbing Fansipan Mountain—the “Roof of Indochina”—await.

Travel Essentials & Souvenirs

The Son Mekong Shop is designed to bring together everything a traveler might need: Travel gear & essentials: backpacks, footwear, cameras, and practical items for different terrains. Tours & hotels: trusted booking options for your trip, whether it’s a Halong Bay cruise, a Sapa trek, or a stay in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Local specialties: authentic Vietnamese products such as coffee, tea, cashew nuts, pepper, and more—perfect as souvenirs or gifts. All products and services featured here are linked through affiliate programs, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you, but it directly supports my Travel Blog—helping me provide free travel stories, guides, and insider tips for visitors from around the globe.