What to do in Southern Vietnam

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Southern Vietnam

Types of activities

Where to stay

Southern Vietnam travel guide

Vietnam showing a sunset, landscape views and a city

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden showing a garden

Vietnam featuring a bay or harbor and a pond

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Ben Thanh Market

Bến Thành Market is the oldest surviving market in Ho Chi Minh City and one of Vietnam’s top destinations. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this 300-year-old city. Explore the colorful stalls and buy food, souvenirs and clothing from the local vendors.

Learn more

Ben Thanh Market featuring signage and markets

2. Sao Beach

With its rows of palm trees, soft white sand and clear ocean water, Sao Beach is one of the best bays on the island of Phu Quoc. The area around it remains relatively undeveloped, providing a serene and peaceful ambiance. Admire the gorgeous views of the surrounding green hills and the blue-green water, where it meets this stretch of white sand.

Learn more

Vietnam featuring tropical scenes and a sandy beach

3. Pham Ngu Lao Street

For cheap meals, accommodation and markets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Pham Ngu Lao. It is known by Vietnamese locals as “khu tay ba lo”, which translates to “Backpacker’s area.” If you are a traveler on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao is the place to be.

Learn more

Pham Ngu Lao Street which includes shopping, night scenes and street scenes

4. Dong Khoi Street

Spend a day on busy Dong Khoi Street and hunt for luxury items in grand department stores, eat in classy cafés and marvel at beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture.

Learn more

Dong Khoi Street which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

5. Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is Vietnam’s largest zoo and one of the oldest zoos in the world. The park is home to more than a hundred species of plants and animals. Visit the creatures that call this place home or enjoy a peaceful walk through the fragrant gardens.

Learn more

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden which includes zoo animals and a park

What to do in Southern Vietnam

Popular places to visit

Ben Thanh Market

No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring this bustling market where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish or purchase souvenirs.

Bui Vien Walking Street

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Bui Vien Walking Street during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Ho Tram Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Ho Tram Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Phuoc Thuan. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or seek out the golf courses.

Phu Quoc Night Market

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Phu Quoc Night Market during your trip to Duong Dong. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Sao Beach

Lie on or under the arched palm trees and rent kayaks to go out on the brilliant blue-green ocean water in this popular bay.

Pham Ngu Lao Street

Travelers on a budget flock to this area of Ho Chi Minh City, which offers up quality rooms, delicious food and a variety of goods for very reasonable prices.

Dong Khoi Street

One of two major commercial centers in Ho Chi Minh City, this street has high-end shops, cafés and restaurants as well as some of the city’s finest architecture.

Saigon Square

During your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Saigon Square. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

Whether you want to see exotic animals or enjoy a stroll through colorful gardens, this park transports you from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

Explore areas of Southern Vietnam

District 1

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in District 1. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and HCMC Museum, and jump on the metro at Opera House Station or Ben Thanh Station to see more of the city.

War Remnants Museum which includes interior views

District 3

District 3 is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to War Remnants Museum or Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

Ben Thanh Market featuring shopping, night scenes and markets

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(153 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market, and jump on the metro at Ben Thanh Station or Opera House Station to see more of the city.

Saigon Central Post Office which includes interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Dong Khoi. Check out Union Square or Dong Khoi Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Opera House Station to get around town.

Ben Thanh

If you're spending some time in Ben Thanh, Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market are top sights worth seeing.

Ho Chi Minh City which includes street scenes, signage and a city

Little Japan

4/5(44 area reviews)

Take time in Little Japan to visit attractions like Saigon Japan Town and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Opera House Station to see more of the city.