Midsize Woman

Planning a longer trip through Vietnam? This South Vietnam itinerary offers a slower, more relaxed way to travel, moving through lively cities, quiet river islands, breezy coastlines, and cool pine-covered mountains.

It’s made for travelers who prefer depth over rushing, with room to rest, explore, and connect along the way.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip with more time to spare, this route blends the energy of Saigon, the calm of An Binh Island, and the quiet character of Kon Tum, before continuing on toward Laos.

This isn’t about cramming in highlights. It’s about taking a full month to travel with intention.

South Vietnam Itinerary at a Glance

Region	Destination	Highlights
South	Ho Chi Minh City	Street food, coffee culture, rooftop sunsets
Mekong Delta	Can Tho	Floating markets, riverside charm
Mekong Islands	An Binh Island	Homestays, bike rides, fruit orchards
Southeast Coast	Mui Ne	Sand dunes, seafood, red canyons
Central Highlands	Da Lat	Pine forests, tea houses, mountain stillness
South Central Coast	Nha Trang	Island hopping, mud baths, night markets
Central Vietnam	Da Nang	Beach walks, temples, local eats
Central Vietnam	Hoi An	Old Town charm, lanterns, tailor shops
Northern Highlands	Kon Tum	Indigenous culture, wooden churches, border hop

This itinerary covers cities, coastline, countryside, culture, and highlands, all in a part of Vietnam that’s best experienced slowly. If you’re not into rushing from place to place or squeezing multiple cities into a single day, this route gives you the time to settle in, explore at your own pace, and actually live in each destination for a while.

Let’s dive in the details!

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Start here. Saigon is loud, spicy, and full of contrasts — motorbikes rushing past incense-filled temples, rooftop bars rising above old war-era bunkers. It can feel overwhelming at first, but give it time. The rhythm starts to make sense.

Local tip:
Order the bánh mì chảo (sizzling breakfast pan) at Bánh Mì Hòa Mã in District 3. The eggs arrive still bubbling, the bread is just right, and locals have been coming here since 1958.

Things to do:

• Visit the War Remnants Museum (leave space afterward)
• Have a sunset drink at Sky XX Rooftop
• Walk Nguyen Hue in the evening when the city comes alive
• Ride a GrabBike through District 5’s old Chinese quarter and watch daily life unfold

Can Tho

You notice it immediately: warm river air, soft morning light, and a pace of life shaped by the water. This is the Mekong, where daily routines begin early and unfold along the river.

Local Tip:
Book a sunrise floating market tour in your homestay. You’ll eat noodle soup from a small boat while gliding past vendors cooking breakfast on the water. It’s unhurried, genuine, and easy to remember.

Also Explore:

• Cacao farm tours
• Ninh Kieu night market snacks

An Binh Island

This one’s special. A hidden patch of land in the Mekong Delta where you bike past mango trees, nap in hammocks, and share long meals with your hosts. It’s slow-travel heaven.

Local Tip:
Stay at Nam Thành Homestay. Their quiet surrounding, fruit picking, and tea by candlelight made this one of my most peaceful memories.

What to Love:

• Slowing down the travel pace
• Coconut candy workshops
• Starry nights with nothing but frog sounds

Mui Ne

The ocean appears like a surprise after the river. Palm trees, fishing boats, and towering white dunes stretch into the sky. Mui Ne is beachy, yes but still low-key if you avoid weekends.

Local Tip:
Book a sunrise jeep tour to the White Sand Dunes with a small group. They bring hot tea and know the best photo angles (without the crowds).

Also Worth It:

• Fish market at 6 AM
• Fairy Stream barefoot walk

Da Lat

Pines instead of palms. Mornings in mist. Cafés in greenhouses. Da Lat is dreamy cool weather, slow walks, and a bit of romance in the air.

Local Tip:
Visit La Viet Coffee Farm, just outside town. Their lavender dessert and slow-drip brew are art.

Slow Things to Do:

• Walk around Xuan Huong Lake
• Big Lady Buddha
• Visit the Crazy House for a fun photo detour
• Unique bar

Nha Trang

Time to heat things up again, the beach is back, but different. Nha Trang is a little louder, a little busier, but you can find your pocket of calm.

Local Tip:
Try the glass-bottom Mỹ Á Island tour. They take you snorkeling in calmer spots with a fisherman family. No blasting music boats.

Good Eats:

• Grilled sea urchin with scallion oil
• Bánh căn filled with shrimp

Da Nang

A bit of everything, beach cafés, city buzz, food markets, mountain hikes. Da Nang is underrated, easy to love, and a soft landing after Nha Trang.

Local Tip:
Get lunch at Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng, sizzling crepes filled with pork and bean sprouts, eaten with hands and herbs. It’s a crunchy, savory mess you’ll crave again.

Explore:

• Hai Van Pass
• My Khe Beach at sunrise
• Han Market for snacks and fabric

Hoi An

You don’t need long here, just the right time. A lantern-lit walk, a good bowl of noodles, a quiet tea house. Hoi An is delicate, like a watercolor.

Local Tip:
Visit Reaching Out Tea House, run by hearing-impaired women in a silent setting. The stillness deepens the flavor of your tea. One of the most beautiful spots in town.

Kon Tum

Few travelers reach Kon Tum, but it’s worth every mile. The roads narrow. The air cools. The hills rise. This is where Vietnam softens again, calm villages, wooden cathedrals, tribal stories.

Local Tip:
Look for the traditional house and church. Stay a few days and slow your thoughts.

Why End Here?
It’s the perfect exit. From Kon Tum, you can cross overland to Laos at the Bo Y / Phou Keua border, and into Pakse in southern Laos, another slow-travel haven.

Why This Itinerary Works

• Slow pace that honors both adventure and downtime
• Nature-rich experiences across coastlines, highlands, and river deltas
• Cultural depth from war history to minority village life
• Border-smart route for those heading onward to Laos
• Budget-friendly but comfortable (think: homestays, bikes, local cafés)

FAQ: South Vietnam Itinerary

What’s the best way to get around South Vietnam?

For most of this route, you can travel by bus, train, or domestic flights.

• Sleeper buses are cheap and efficient for longer distances.
• Trains run between major cities like Nha Trang and Da Nang.
• Flights (e.g., from Da Lat to Da Nang) are time-saving and budget-friendly.
• Scooters or bikes are great for exploring towns like Da Lat or An Binh Island.

Is it safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Vietnam is generally very safe for solo female travelers. People are friendly, crimes are rare, and homestays often feel like extended family. As with anywhere, trust your instincts, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and let someone know your route.

When’s the best time to do this South Vietnam itinerary?

Dry season (December to April) is ideal, with sunny days and comfortable temperatures.
But even during the rainy season (May to October), the weather is often manageable, just pack a rain jacket and enjoy quieter destinations.

Can I cross the border to Laos from Kon Tum?

Yes. From Kon Tum, you can head to Bo Y International Border Gate, then continue on to Attapeu or Pakse in Laos. Buses, private cars, and some travel agents can help with this transfer. Make sure to check visa requirements for Laos in advance.

Is this itinerary budget-friendly?

Definitely. With a mix of homestays, local transport, and street food, you can travel on $25–$45 per day comfortably. Even higher-end travelers will find excellent value in Vietnam.

Final Thoughts

This South Vietnam itinerary is all about taking it easy and really enjoying each place you visit. From the lively streets of Saigon to the calm Mekong Delta, cool mountain towns, and relaxing beaches, you’ll get a great mix of what southern Vietnam has to offer.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re coming back with more time to explore, this route gives you the chance to slow down, enjoy good food, meet friendly people, and experience the beauty around you.

When you’re ready, crossing into Laos from Kon Tum is a great way to keep the adventure going. So get ready to take your time, enjoy the journey, and have an amazing trip!