15 Things to Do in South Vietnam 2025: Top Trending Places

Welcome to the beautiful southern part of Vietnam, a remarkable destination in Southeast Asia. I am going to share some top things to do in South Vietnam to help you plan an amazing trip. The area offers a wonderful mix of culture, nature, and delicious food that suits every type of traveler.

If you are reading this, I imagine you are getting ready for a trip to South Vietnam. I want to tell you what a great time you are going to have. The region is affordable and has so much variety in its scenery and local life, making it a perfect destination for adventure and relaxation.

1. Trending Things to Do in South Vietnam 2025

Glamping and Cloud Hunting in Da Lat

In my opinion, the highlands are a perfect place to start. Glamping is a popular choice for nature-friendly travel with comfort. You can stay in well-equipped tents set in the hills. Waking up early to watch the sunrise over a valley filled with clouds is a truly magical experiencein Da Lat. Have you ever tried camping with a bit of luxury?

Kayaking in Can Gio Mangrove Forest

From the cool mountains, you can make your way to the coast. Near Ho Chi Minh City is the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Paddling a kayak through its quiet waterways lets you see monkeys and birds in their natural home. It is a peaceful escape from the busy city life just a short trip away.

Coffee Culture in Buon Ma Thuot

Speaking of unique local products, we have to talk about coffee. Buon Ma Thuot is Vietnam’s coffee capital, famous for its strong robusta beans. You can join a tour of a plantation to see the process from farm to cup and taste the rich local coffee. Are you a big coffee drinker like I am?

Discover Lotus Land in Dong Thap

For a truly scenic view, you should see the lotus fields in Dong Thap. When the flowers bloom, the area becomes a vast pink landscape. Besides taking photos, you can ride a small boat through the fields and try local dishes made from lotus seeds and roots. The sight of endless lotus flowers is something you will not forget. If you are curious about other regions as well, you can check out our latest article about the Best Things to Do in Vietnam.

2. Things to Do in South Vietnam at Night

Bui Vien Street, Ho Chi Minh City

When the sun goes down, the cities come alive. Bui Vien Street is the energetic center of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife, often called the “backpacker street.” It is lined with bars, pubs, and clubs with music spilling onto the street. You can grab a cheap beer, enjoy street food, and meet fellow travelers from all over the world.

Night Squid Fishing in Phu Quoc

For a different kind of night out, you could try an adventure on the water. On the island of Phu Quoc, you can join a boat tour for night squid fishing. You will learn the local techniques for catching squid under the stars. Afterward, the crew usually cooks the fresh catch for you right on the boat.

Traditional Water Puppet Show

If you are looking for a cultural experience, a water puppet show is a fantastic choice. This traditional art form tells stories of Vietnamese village life and folklore with colorful puppets dancing on water. The live music with traditional instruments adds to the charm. It is a really enjoyable way to spend an evening.

Dalat Night Market

After a day of glamping, the Dalat Night Market is the place to be. This busy market is a food lover’s paradise, with stalls selling everything from grilled rice paper “pizzas” to hot soy milk. You can also shop for warm clothes, local crafts, and souvenirs. What is your favorite thing to find at a night market?

3. Interesting Places to Visit in South Vietnam

Lagi – The Emerging Beach Town

Beyond the main tourist spots, there are some wonderful hidden gems. Lagi is a quiet beach town that is becoming more popular. It has beautiful, clean beaches without the large crowds. You can enjoy fresh, affordable seafood at local restaurants right by the sea. It is a great place to relax and see a more local side of coastal life.

Nha Trang Beaches

Now, if you want a more active beach scene, Nha Trang is the spot. Its long, sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. You can also take boat trips to nearby islands for snorkeling and diving. The city has a lively promenade with many resorts and seafood restaurants.

Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho

A trip to the Mekong Delta is not complete without visiting a floating market. Cai Rang is the largest one, where locals trade fruits, vegetables, and other goods from their boats. You can hire a small boat to paddle through the market and even buy a hot bowl of noodle soup for breakfast from a floating vendor.

If you want a structured way to see this area, guided tours can handle all the planning. For a deep dive into the delta, a 4-Days Guided Mekong Delta Tour is a great option. If you also want to see the city, you could Explore Ho Chi Minh City and the Floating Market in 6 Days to get the best of both worlds.

Cham Culture in Ninh Thuan

For a dose of history, you can visit the province of Ninh Thuan. This area is a center of Cham culture, an ancient kingdom with a rich heritage. You can see impressive Cham towers that have stood for centuries and learn about their unique traditions, pottery, and textiles. It offers a fascinating look into Vietnam’s diverse history.

4. Food to Try in South Vietnam

After seeing all these places, you might be wondering how to fit them into a single trip. For more ideas on how to structure your travels, you can look at our 10 day South Vietnam Itinerary.

Lẩu Mắm (Fermented Hot Pot)

I think one of the best ways to understand a place is through its food. Lẩu Mắm is a signature dish of the Mekong Delta with a very strong flavor. The broth is made from fermented fish, giving it a powerful, savory taste. It is filled with seafood, pork, and a huge plate of fresh local vegetables and herbs.

Nem Nướng Nha Trang (Grilled Pork Sausage)

While in Nha Trang, you must try Nem Nướng. These are grilled pork sausages that you wrap in rice paper with fresh herbs, lettuce, and green mango. You then dip the roll into a special, savory peanut sauce. It is a fun, interactive meal and a delicious street food staple.

Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Noodle Soup)

This noodle soup is a breakfast favorite all over the south. It has roots in Cambodia and is lighter than pho. The clear pork broth is served with rice noodles, minced pork, shrimp, and quail eggs. It is often garnished with chives, celery, and fried shallots for a complex and satisfying flavor.

Conclusion

South Vietnam in 2025 offers such a wide range of things to see and do. You can find adventure in the mountains, relaxation on the beaches, and rich culture in the cities and countryside. It is a perfect destination for anyone, from solo travelers to families. I suggest planning your trip soon to see it all for yourself.

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