Bến Tre

Southern Vietnam is the country's economic powerhouse. Around the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta spreads with its river arms, canals, and orchards; offshore is Phú Quốc island.The climate is tropical and hot year-round. The dry season, from about November to April, is the best time to visit. From May to October, strong but brief afternoon showers are common.

The Mekong Delta, in Vietnam's far south, is a flat landscape of river arms, canals, rice fields, and fruit orchards, beginning southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. You travel there to experience life on and by the water: boat trips through narrow channels, early floating markets, and villages where coconuts and fruits are processed.Cần Thơ, about 170 km and three to four hours' drive from Ho Chi Minh City, is the delta's largest city and the best base for several days. From Ninh Kiều waterfront, boats depart early in the morning for the Cái Răng floating market. The market has become significantly smaller than before and is now strongly geared towards visitors. If you want to see more authentic trade, continue to the smaller Phong Điền market.Bến Tre, approximately 90 km from Ho Chi Minh City, is the delta's coconut region. In small workshops, you can see how coconut candies (kẹo dừa) are made, and on rowboats, you journey through canals lined with water palms. Since the administrative reform of 2025, Bến Tre has belonged to Vĩnh Long Province.

Chợ Lớn is the historic Chinese Quarter of Ho Chi Minh City, extending across the former Districts 5 and 6. It is considered the world's largest Chinatown by area and has always been home to the Hoa, Vietnamese of Chinese descent.The French founded Chợ Lớn as a separate city in 1865, and it was merged with Saigon in 1931. Its centerpiece is the Bình Tây Market, built between 1928 and 1930 and the largest and oldest preserved market in the district. Most religious sites are of Chinese origin, including the Thiên Hậu Temple at 710 Nguyễn Trãi Street and several assembly halls.

The center in former District 1 is Ho Chi Minh City's colonial heart, where most attractions are within easy walking distance. Although the districts officially ceased to exist in 2025, many still refer to it as "District 1" in daily life.On Đồng Khởi Street stands the 1900 Opera House; a few minutes away are the brick Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office (1886-1891). Further southwest lies Bến Thành Market with its clock tower, the starting point of Metro Line 1, and to the northwest, the Independence Palace.

Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many, is Vietnam's largest city and the economic hub of the south. You'll come for its blend of French colonial architecture, war history, street food stalls on every corner, and a pace that will captivate you from the very first evening.As of July 1, 2025, there are no longer any districts in Vietnam; the city is divided into Wards (phường) and has simultaneously incorporated the former provinces of Bình Dương and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu. However, in daily life and on many signs, the old district names persist, which is why they are helpful for orientation.Former District 1: The city center, home to the grand avenue Đồng Khởi, the Opera House, Central Post Office, Cathedral, and Bến Thành Market. Today, it belongs to the Wards Sài Gòn, Bến Thành, Tân Định, and Cầu Ông Lãnh.Former District 3: Quieter streets with villas, cafés, and street food stalls, plus the War Remnants Museum. Today, these are the Wards Bàn Cờ, Xuân Hòa, and Nhiêu Lộc.Chợ Lớn: The historic Chinese quarter in former Districts 5 and 6, featuring assembly halls, temples, and the Bình Tây Market.Thảo Điền: On the other side of the Saigon River in former District 2, popular with expats, with cafés, restaurants, and a Metro Line 1 station. Today, it is part of Ward An Khánh.Two to three days are sufficient for the main sights. The city also serves as the usual starting point for tours into the Mekong Delta.