Things to do in Southern Vietnam

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Southern Vietnam

Types of activities

Where to stay

Southern Vietnam travel guide

Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden featuring a park

Saigon River featuring mist or fog, skyline and a city

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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.

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Ben Thanh Market showing markets and shopping

2. 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.

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Dong Khoi Street which includes night scenes and heritage architecture

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.

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

4. 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.

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Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden showing zoo animals and a park

5. Long Hai Beach

Stretching east from the sleepy village, Long Hai Beach is a stretch of pristine sand and is considered by many to be one of Vietnam’s finest beaches.

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Long Hai Beach showing a beach as well as a couple

What to do in Southern Vietnam

Popular places to visit

Ben Thanh Market

4/5(119 reviews)

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

4/5(80 reviews)

When you visit Bui Vien Walking Street, a popular shopping spot in Ho Chi Minh City, you can browse for souvenirs. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

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.

Phu Quoc Night Market

3.5/5(33 reviews)

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.

Ho Tram Beach

4.5/5(3 reviews)

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.

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.

Saigon Square

4/5(82 reviews)

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

4/5(29 reviews)

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.

Long Hai Beach

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Spend lazy days at this idyllic beach, sipping cocktails in resort bars, swimming in warm waters or dozing off in the shade.

Areas of Southern Vietnam

District 1

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of District 1. Make a stop by Ben Thanh Market or Bui Vien Walking Street while you're exploring the area.

Ben Thanh Market featuring shopping, night scenes and markets

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(153 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Make a stop by Ben Thanh Market or Bui Vien Walking Street while you're exploring the area.

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 Vinh Nghiem Pagoda.

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 just a few highlights of Dong Khoi. Make a stop by Dong Khoi Street or Vincom Center Shopping Mall while you're exploring the area.

Ben Thanh

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

District 7

District 7 is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Saigon Paragon Mall and The Cresent Mall.

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