Just a 2-hour flight away from Singapore is a land wealthy with historical past, lush pure landscapes, and scrumptious meals! We’ve put collectively an epic Southern Vietnam itinerary to discover this beautiful nation.
First printed on: 28 September 2022
Bustling metropolis life, low cost meals and procuring haven — that’s how I pictured Vietnam as a go-to vacation vacation spot.
Never would I’ve imagined strolling on sand dunes or exploring idyllic islands on this Southeast Asian nation only a few hours away from Singapore.
But that’s precisely the attraction of Southern Vietnam. And we’ll show why it’s price visiting on this seven-day itinerary — masking the most effective of Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne, and Da Lat!
Read additionally: 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary — Heart-Pumping Experiences by Northern and Central Vietnam from Hanoi to Da Nang
Southern Vietnam Itinerary Route
We took a direct flight from Singapore to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam (~S$142 return journey).
Then we took a home flight to Phu Quoc Airport. We spent two days in Phu Quoc earlier than flying again to HCMC. We spent one other two days within the metropolis and travelled to Mui Ne by bus, staying an evening there.
From Mui Ne, we took a bus to Da Lat and after two days, flew instantly again to HCMC and returned residence to Singapore.
Day 1-2: Phu Quoc | Day 3-4: Ho Chi Minh City | Day 5: Mui Ne | Day 6-7: Da Lat
Budget Breakdown
Flights (incl. home): S$292
Accommodation: S$176.50
Transport: S$74.49
Activities: S$179.63
Misc (incl. meals): S$166.01
Total: S$888.63
Detailed breakdown for one pax right here. Note that flight costs change relying on season.
Day 1-2: Phu Quoc
Boasting pristine waters and white sandy seashores alongside the shoreline, Phu Quoc makes for an ideal getaway from town.
It’s additionally wealthy in biodiversity — greater than half of the island is roofed by a big forested space and guarded by a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2006.
However, there’s barely any public transportation so we advise reserving a personal automotive constitution for comfort!
Must-dos in Phu Quoc
Hop on a day tour and discover Phu Quoc’s close by Buom Island, Gam Ghi Island, and May Rut Island by boat! Along the way in which, snorkel within the blue waters to stand up shut and private with the unique fishes too ????.
Phu Quoc Island Hopping Day Tour
Cost: ~S$34/pax (incl. lunch and round-trip transfers)
Tour timing: 8AM – 4:30PM
Meeting level: Hotel pickup obtainable
Besides island-hopping, you may as well play at an enormous theme park in Phu Quoc! Within Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park (~S$33/pax) lies Aquatopia Water Park and Exotica Park, that includes moist and dry points of interest respectively.
Due to time constraints, we solely managed to cowl the water theme park however nonetheless had a great deal of enjoyable sliding down Poseidon’s Revenge — a yellow funnel slide with twists and turns.
If you need to cowl each parks, we advise setting apart a complete day so that you received’t should rush!
To get right here, you’ll have to take a cable automotive from An Thoi Town. It’s the longest sea-crossing cable automotive system on the earth, stretching over a distance of seven,899.9m ????!
*Note: The cable automotive solely operates at sure instances of the day, so test working hours earlier than going.
If you have got extra time in Phu Quoc
Visit Ho Quoc Pagoda, recognised for its dragon staircase marked with intricate designs from the Han dynasty, and an enormous Goddess of Mercy statue.
This is the most important temple in Phu Quoc and has among the finest dawn views because it’s located on a mountain overlooking the ocean.
*Note: Dress appropriately and keep away from sporting sleeveless or quick clothes as it is a holy temple.
Other factors of curiosity so as to add to your Southern Vietnam itinerary embody Sunset Sanato and Suoi Tranh Waterfall. The former (~S$5/pax entrance payment) is an Instagrammable seaside scattered with many attention-grabbing photograph backdrops like stone statues and jellyfish-looking sculptures.
The latter (30,000₫/pax entrance payment) is a small cascading waterfall only a 20-minute stroll from the doorway of Suoi Tranh Eco Park. Visitors can swim or have a picnic on the foot of the waterfall, surrounded by tranquil nature ????.
*Pro-tip: Book a free and simple tour to go to websites in Phu Quoc which you’ve hand-selected.
Must-eats in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is understood for scrumptious seafood and Phu Quoc Night Market is among the finest locations to strive it — with a wide range of choices to select from.
We had grilled scallops for round 120,000₫/set of eight, which is absolutely price it! Some different native specialities to strive embody Ham Ninh crab flower, crayfish with cheese, and fish cooked with mango stew.
After an extended day, drop by Buddy Ice Cream – Info Cafe for a refreshing coconut ice espresso mix (50,000₫). The Vietnamese espresso mixed with coconut cream left a wealthy and flavourful style in our mouths ????.
Where to remain: M Resort Phu Quoc — the backyard twin room was actually spacious and clear, with a recent set of sheets supplied day by day (from ~S$58/night time). We had been additionally greeted with a tropical citrusy drink upon arrival. For these on a price range, Phu House Hostel (from ~S$30/night time) is an efficient choice, boasting a gorgeous inside adorned with crimson lanterns.
Day 3-4: Ho Chi Minh City
Flight to Ho Chi Minh City from Phu Quoc: ~1hr
*Note: You may also take a ferry, adopted by a bus to succeed in HCMC however we opted for flight because it’s the quickest and most handy manner ????.
Formerly often known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest metropolis and monetary hub. Its historical past dates again lots of of years, with many points of interest showcasing its conventional tradition and wartime previous throughout the French occupation.
Must-dos in Ho Chi Minh City
Head as much as Saigon Skydeck (~S$12/pax), HCMC’s second-tallest constructing, by way of a high-speed elevator. Here, you’ll have a panoramic view of town from the forty ninth ground of Bitexco Financial Tower.
While there, stroll by the Ao Dai Gallery on the identical degree to study extra about conventional Vietnamese costume tradition!
*Pro-tip: Visit between 5PM and 6PM for a mesmerising view of town lighting up because the solar goes down.
Speaking of tradition, the Golden Puppet Water Show (~S$18/pax) is a singular method to study extra about native historical past. Located on the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater in Tao Dan Park, watch as performers use puppets in opposition to a water stage to showcase people tales.
Although it’s totally in Vietnamese, we may nonetheless admire the creativity and dedication to the craft on this 50-minute efficiency!
Don’t miss a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels too! We joined a half-day tour and had an area information share about Vietnam’s historical past — we learnt that the tunnels had been a part of a serious battleground throughout the Vietnam struggle!
Soldiers as soon as used these underground tunnels to move communications and provides and even arrange booby traps for his or her enemies.
We acquired to stroll by a brief part of the tunnels — which was very darkish and cramped, so at instances we couldn’t even get up straight. But it was nonetheless a worthwhile expertise, particularly because it’s a part of Vietnam’s wealthy historical past!
Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour
Cost: ~S$31/pax for a 7hr tour (incl. round-trip transfers)
Meeting level: Hotel pickup is accessible
*Pro-tip: Opt for a full-day tour to go to the long-lasting Mekong Delta along with the Cu Chi Tunnels too!
If you have got extra time in Ho Chi Minh
Presenting Vietnam’s well-known Cafe Apartments — an outdated house constructing was a hipster cafe paradise, spanning 9 flooring. It’ll take a while to cowl all the pieces, so we advise a fast espresso run if you wish to catch ’em all.
Southern Vietnam additionally has loads of native markets to discover, with Ben Thanh Market being the largest in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s fashionable amongst each locals and vacationers, promoting all the pieces from meals to garments and even souvenirs!
Here’s a lesser-known one although — 200 Market was launched to us by our Cu Chi Tunnel tour information and boasts many native delicacies like bahn mi (30,000₫) and prawn omelette (40,000₫). Food right here is affordable, and the most effective half is that you simply received’t discover giant vacationer crowds right here ????!
Must-eats in Ho Chi Minh City
Rather than trying to find what’s good to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, we requested locals for suggestions and got here throughout Banh Mi Ba Huynh.
We ordered the banh mi home particular (55,000₫) and in comparison with the same old ones we discovered on the road, this was significantly beneficiant with its components — consisting of many kinds of chilly cuts and pickled greens.
Noodles-lovers may also strive Nam Giao Restaurant, hidden in a aspect alley which we truly found on TikTookay! It’s situated simply throughout the road from Ben Thanh Market, so drop by for dinner after a day procuring.
We ordered the bánh canh cua (crab tapioca noodles), bún bò huế (spicy beef noodle soup) and bún thịt nướng (grilled pork noodle salad) for round 70,000₫/dish. The meals was so satisfying that we returned a number of days later and ordered the very same factor ????.
As for drinks, we cherished the iced egg espresso (40,000₫) at Little HaNoi Egg Coffee! What makes the espresso particular is the froth on the high, made by whipping egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk collectively ☕.
Where to remain in Ho Chi Minh City: Dai Nam Sai Gon Hotel — a deluxe room with a snug queen mattress (from ~S$32/night time). It’s situated close to points of interest like Japan Town, Opera House and Ho Chi Minh City Hall Square.
Read extra: 9 Best Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City — A Less Touristy HCM Guide
Day 5: Mui Ne
Bus to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City: ~4.5-5hrs (~S$12/pax)
*Pro-tip: Hire a personal switch as a substitute when you’re not snug sharing an extended journey with 40 strangers ????.
Mui Ne is most well-known for its lovely sand dunes and quite a few seaside resorts — incomes it the moniker, the Resort Capital of Vietnam.
But do you know that this coastal city as soon as got here from a humble starting? It began as a fishing village and continues to have a robust fishing tradition, producing its personal native fish sauce!
Must-dos in Mui Ne
Mui Ne’s White and Red Sand Dunes are a must-visit in your Southern Vietnam itinerary.
It might not be as enormous because the Sahara Desert, however you possibly can nonetheless expertise many thrilling actions there reminiscent of using an ATV alongside the White Sand Dunes (600,000₫/hour) or sandboarding down the Red Sand Dunes (30,000₫/board).
My favorite was the White Sand Dunes, as a result of all I may see had been rows and rows of white sand, making for a really scenic image. It undoubtedly felt like I used to be transported to a different world and away from civilisation!
We suggest catching the dawn or sundown at both sand dune as you’ll be rewarded with an impressive view of the world when the rays hit the sand. Plus, you’ll keep away from the sweltering noon solar too ????.
Apart from the sand dunes, try the Fairy Stream too. Legend says that the limestone rock formations on the sides of the stream could possibly be the proper hiding place for fairies and that’s the place its identify comes from.
So maintain a lookout as you wade by the ankle-deep stream alongside the canyon panorama. Don’t fear when you miss the fairies, you’ll nonetheless be rewarded with a mini waterfall on the finish of the hour-long stroll.
*Pro-tip: Book a personal jeep tour to discover all these points of interest in a single go, with an area information sharing attention-grabbing details concerning the areas!
Mui Ne Private Jeep Tour
Cost: From ~S$30/jeep (max 4pax)
Tour timing: 4:30AM – 9AM or 1PM to 6PM
Meeting level: Hotel pickup obtainable
If you have got extra time in Mui Ne
Instead of heading to Australia, why not go for browsing classes in Vietnam? It’s cheaper and fewer crowded — we went for a personal lesson at 700,000₫/hour by Mui Ne Local Surf School at a hidden seaside behind Allezboo Beach Resort.
For those that don’t thoughts venturing just a little additional out of Mui Ne, go to Prince’s Castle atop Ong Hoang Hill. Unlike its identify although, all that stands now could be an outdated watchtower and army bunkers as soon as used throughout the French occupation of Vietnam.
Photo credit score: @victor.glmt by way of Instagram
Browse by Phan Thiet Central Market and snag some recent produce or home items reminiscent of textiles and ceramic bowls!
Must-eats in Mui Ne
Being a coastal city, there’s recent seafood in each nook of Mui Ne! We had scrumptious grilled tiger prawns and seafood noodles for dinner at Pho Mui Ne Restaurant, with a aspect of steamed veggies dipped in a savoury, native fish sauce — totalling 248,000₫ for all the meal.
Pandora Doner Kebab can be famed for its shish kebabs (99,000₫) and shawarma beef (67,000₫), which is thinly sliced meat wrapped in pita bread.
But one among our favourites was the melt-in-your-mouth beef stew or bo kho (40,000₫) at Momo Cafe Restaurant — really helpful to us by our browsing teacher ????.
Where to remain in Mui Ne: Muine Bay Resort — two-bedroom house with a rest room and backyard view (from ~S$57/night time). There’s even a pool and complimentary breakfast buffet serving each native and worldwide cuisines!
Day 6-7: Da Lat
Bus to Da Lat from Mui Ne: ~4.5-5.5hrs (~S$14/pax)
Surrounded by hills, pine forests, lakes and waterfalls — Da Lat is called the City of Eternal Spring in Vietnam. Despite the serene environment, there’s no lack of actions for adventure-seekers right here!
Must-dos in Da Lat
Conquer your worry of heights on Da Lat’s excessive rope course journey amongst lush pine timber, with seven totally different sections of impediment programs to strive.
There are various ranges of issue for individuals of all ages, together with a follow part with monkey bridges, and a extra superior part — zipline 39m throughout the panorama and finish off with a 15m-cliff soar into the Datanla Waterfall!
Alternatively, take it up a notch and go for the Datanla Waterfall Canyoning Tour as a substitute. Other than ziplining, you’ll additionally interact in actions like rappelling and sliding at waterfalls. There’ll be a information alongside the way in which, so relaxation assured you’re in protected palms!
Elevate your expertise even additional with the Datanla New Alpine Coaster — the longest in Asia at 2,400m-long! Don’t fear although, there are sensor breaks put in so riders can management their velocity accordingly ????.
*Pro-tip: Book the combo bundle for the excessive rope course journey and alpine coaster by way of Klook at discounted costs!
For a really memorable expertise in Da Lat, take a half-day kayaking tour alongside Tuyen Lam Lake. After a scenic journey by the lake, we arrived at Lux Camp Da Lat the place we indulged in freshly brewed Vietnamese espresso for breakfast!
Tuyen Lam Lake Kayaking Tour
Cost: ~S$23/pax for a 3hr tour
Tour timings: 5AM, 8AM, 2:30PM
Meeting level: Hoa Cam Tu Cau, Ward 3, Da Lat, Vietnam
Lang Biang Mountain (50,000₫/pax entrance payment) can be price including to your Southern Vietnam itinerary for some wonderful views of the Silver and Golden Streams.
Named the roof of Da Lat, it’s one of many highest mountains within the metropolis at 2,167m. Either hike this difficult route for round 2 hours or take the straightforward manner out (like us) and go for a jeep journey (100,000₫/pax) up as a substitute.
If you have got extra time in Da Lat
We had some spare time and an area really helpful visiting Da Lat Flower Park! We had been handled to a gorgeous flower association of tulips, roses, and hydrangeas — good for a vibrant photo-op ????.
And in contrast to common temples, the Linh Phuoc Pagoda or Ve Chai Pagoda is influenced by each European and Asian cultures. It’s constructed from particles of glass, pottery bowls and porcelain, and distinguished by iconic shapes of flying dragons.
Fumble your manner across the Maze Bar (AKA 100 Roofs Cafe) as you cross by totally different themed rooms with creepy faces, vines and underwater creatures. It actually felt like a labyrinth as we stored bumping into lifeless ends.
*Pro-tip: Book a personal automotive to take you round Da Lat metropolis and its environment. Thanks to that, we acquired to squeeze in a pair extra locations in our Southern Vietnam itinerary ????.
Must-eats in Da Lat
Da Lat Night Market affords loads of avenue meals however one among our high picks was the Da Lat pizza (25,000₫). It’s manufactured from grilled rice paper stuffed with egg, ham, and dried shrimp bits topped with chilli sauce.
We additionally tried recent strawberries drizzled with fish sauce and shrimp powder. Contrary to the way it sounds, the flavours mix collectively fairly nicely!
Desserts-wise, head to the highly-raved Cafe Tui Mo for espresso, fairly truffles and good vibes.
Bonus: If you’re searching for one thing much less touristy, one other native really helpful Cabin within the Woods. The meals isn’t a lot to brag about however the views had been well worth the journey!
Where to remain in Da Lat: Crazy House — aptly named, this complicated has distinctive themed rooms starting from bears and tigers to extra regular ones like bamboo (from ~S$43/night time). While the animal statues form of scared us, it was a very attention-grabbing expertise in our Vietnam itinerary!
Read extra: 3D2N Da Lat Itinerary — A Magical Alpine Adventure in Southern Vietnam
Getting Around Vietnam
Public transport: There are buses and trains obtainable inside metropolis areas like Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat. But when you’re travelling from metropolis to metropolis, take sleeper buses to calm down in consolation on the lengthy journey.
Private constitution: Consider personal automotive charters too when travelling round locations with barely any public transport reminiscent of in Phu Quoc.
Grab/Taxi: Alternatively, take a Grab or hail a taxi in Vietnam. We most popular this to public transport as a result of it’s low cost (round ~S$2-4 per automotive journey) and provides us extra flexibility for our Southern Vietnam itinerary.
Motorbike: You may also lease a bike if Grab isn’t obtainable! In Mui Ne, we rented motorbikes for 150,000₫ per bike per day and saved on journey time by zipping previous visitors.
Tips for Planning Your Southern Vietnam Itinerary
Before you go, listed here are some ideas for planning your Southern Vietnam itinerary:
1) Bring adequate money as not all retailers settle for playing cards, particularly in native markets.
2) Download the native Taxi Mai Linh app — Grab works in Ho Chi Minh City however not in different areas like Mui Ne. Use the app to get an area taxi as a substitute to journey across the space!
3) Pre-book your journey necessities reminiscent of journey insurance coverage, SIM playing cards, airport transport and even lodging by way of Klook! The costs are aggressive and it helps to have all of your essential bookings in a single App. You may also reserve actions on-line at a reduced value to avoid wasting a couple of dollars ????.
Compared to its extra well-known Northern and Central elements, Southern Vietnam is actually a hidden gem. We weren’t anticipating huge sand dunes and epic mountain backdrops in a rustic identified for its bustling metropolis life — however we hope you’ll get to expertise them your self with the assistance of this itinerary.
Read additionally: Ultimate Southern Vietnam Guide — 13 Best Things to do in Ho Chi Minh, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Mui Ne
Are there any cities you’d like to see on this Southern Vietnam itinerary? Share them with us within the feedback!
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