Highlights of Southern Vietnam in 5 Days

Ho Chi Minh city - Mekong Delta - Cu ChiBen Tre - Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating Market - My Tho

5 days, 4 nights

From $ 330

Discover the vibrant Mekong Delta—often called the “rice bowl of Vietnam”—with this 5-day Southern Vietnam itinerary. This immersive journey offers the perfect balance of culture, nature, and local life. Cycle along peaceful, coconut-lined village paths, glide through tranquil canals in a traditional rowing boat, and experience the energy of the Cai Rang Floating Market. Ideal for families, the trip promises unforgettable memories with its rich heritage, welcoming communities, and picturesque landscapes. Embark on this adventure to truly connect with the heart of Southern Vietnam.

What unique experiences await during your trip?

  • Explore the Mekong Delta, known as “the rice basket of Vietnam,” a fertile region rich in tropical fruits, flowers, and livestock.

  • An ideal family tour for those wanting to gain deeper insight into the culture of Southern Vietnam while enjoying peaceful days in a typical Asian countryside setting.

  • Cycle along narrow village paths shaded by coconut palms, offering a relaxing and scenic experience.

  • Take a small rowing boat ride through tranquil canals lined with water palms to observe the daily life of the local people.

  • Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, where colorful boats gather, loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables, creating a lively and authentic atmosphere.

  • Join your host family in preparing dinner, featuring the famous Vietnamese savory pancake, Bánh Xèo, for a fun and immersive cultural exchange.

📅 Day 1
Ho Chi Minh Arrival
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Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! Formerly known as Saigon and once the capital of South Vietnam, this vibrant metropolis is your gateway to the south. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your local guide, who will assist with your transfer and ensure a smooth start to your 5-day journey. After a long flight, take the rest of the day to relax and adjust to the new time zone. This moment marks the beginning of your exciting Southern Vietnam adventure.

📅 Day 2
Ho Chi Minh (morning Cu Chi trip, afternoon city tour)
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Morning:

Begin your day with a visit to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, located just outside Ho Chi Minh City. This extensive underground network stretches over 200 kilometers and played a vital role during the Indochina and Vietnam Wars. Venture into the narrow tunnels—only 70 cm wide and 90 cm high—to discover former meeting rooms, kitchens, and makeshift hospitals hidden beneath the ground.

After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to the city.

Afternoon:

Continue with a half-day city tour exploring the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Start at the Independence Palace, a key landmark where the Vietnamese Revolutionary Army marked its victory in 1975. Next, visit Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both iconic examples of French colonial architecture (please note: Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation until 2027, but you may explore nearby attractions such as Book Street).

Wrap up your tour at the War Remnants Museum, which presents powerful exhibits about the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War through impactful photographs and artifacts.

After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure to further explore the city on your own.

📅 Day 3
Ho Chi Minh - Ben Tre - Can Tho
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Depart for the Mekong Delta, a fascinating region in the southernmost part of Vietnam where land and water intertwine to form a unique landscape and lifestyle.

Upon arrival in Ben Tre, a town nestled in the northern branches of the Mekong River, begin a boat trip toward Mo Cay, a peaceful rural area known for its thriving coconut industry. Here, coconuts are transformed into various products such as threads and activated charcoal.

Explore the area either by bicycle or xe lôi (a motorized rickshaw), traveling through lush, coconut-covered paths far removed from tourist crowds. Along the way, visit local farms to see how traditional sweets and coconut brooms are made.

Next, board a small rowing boat to glide through narrow canals shaded by water palms. This tranquil ride offers a close look at the everyday life of people living along the waterways.

Stop at Mr. Van’s traditional home, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and treated to homemade specialties like coconut jam, honey tea, and fresh pollen. Enjoy heartfelt moments with local residents, making this a truly authentic and memorable experience.

Conclude your day by continuing on to the city of Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta.

📅 Day 4
Can Tho city tour - back to Ho Chi Minh
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Wake up early and head to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, embark on a boat trip to experience the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, where local traders gather on the water to sell fruits, vegetables, and everyday goods—a lively display of the region’s unique river-based commerce.

After the market, continue your exploration with visits to Ninh Kieu Wharf and the beautifully preserved Binh Thuy Ancient House, offering insight into the area’s cultural and architectural heritage.

On the way back to Ho Chi Minh City, stop in My Tho to visit the peaceful and ornate Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the southern region.

📅 Day 5
Ho Chi Minh Departure
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Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy some free time to relax or explore at your own pace before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

This concludes your 5-day journey through Southern Vietnam. It has been a pleasure to accompany you on this memorable adventure. We wish you a safe and pleasant trip ahead!

Optional activities

Below are small activities or 'unique and memorable' experiences to add to your itinerary, making your trip more complete and remarkable.

$ 330

per person

Tour Price

This price, based on a group of four staying in standard hotels, may vary depending on:
• The travel period
• The number of travelers
• The level of services selected

This price includes:

  • Accommodation for the entire trip, either in hotels or with local families

  • Private car transportation as outlined in the program

  • English-speaking guide for all scheduled visits

  • All activities listed in the program, including entrance fees to tourist sites

  • Economy class domestic flights with airport taxes included

  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

  • Bottled water during guided tours (2 x 500ml per traveler per day)

  • Government taxes currently in effect (e.g., VAT)

This price does not include:

  • International flights from your home country

  • Visa fees, payable directly at airport customs (see VISA section)

  • Bank transaction fees related to payment

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Personal beverages during meals (e.g., beer, soft drinks, fruit juices)

  • Meals not specified in the program

  • SIM card and mobile phone plans

  • Tips, personal expenses, and any services not mentioned in the “Included in the Price” section

Interested in this tour?

Tell us about your travel plans! We will prepare a personalized program and quote that meets your desires.

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Frequently Asked Questions

As a general guideline, a 2-week trip to Vietnam costs approximately $1,450 per person when traveling as a pair (excluding international flights).

For longer stays:

  • 3 to 4 weeks: Budget between $1,900 and $2,500 per person, depending on your travel style and preferences.

  • Larger groups (4–6 people): The overall cost per person is usually more economical due to shared services.

Please note that the total cost varies based on factors such as travel dates, trip length, activities, and service level. For a personalized estimate, we recommend sending us a quote request—one of our travel advisors will be happy to assist you with a detailed itinerary and pricing.

Customized travel is a flexible service where your trip is personally tailored to match your preferences in terms of dates, length of stay, activities, accommodations, and budget.

A local travel advisor will assist you from the planning stage to your journey itself, handling every detail including transportation, guided visits, lodging, and on-the-ground support.

This option ensures you enjoy a well-organized, stress-free experience that fully reflects your travel style and expectations.

If you are satisfied with the itinerary provided by one of our travel advisors, please send us an email confirming your wish to book the tour with our agency. Your advisor will then send you the necessary booking documents, which include:

  • A reservation form detailing your selected tour, along with sections for your personal information and contact details. This form must be filled out and returned to us, accompanied by a scanned copy of your passports. These documents are required for organizing your trip.

  • A travel invoice requesting a 25% deposit of the total tour cost.

Your trip will be officially confirmed once we receive the completed reservation form and the deposit payment. We will then provide you with a travel contract that outlines the specifics of your tour, including travel dates, duration, the deposit paid, and your personal information.

The price shown on our website is based on a group of 4 people staying in standard hotels and does not include international flights.

Since our tours are private and fully customized, the final cost may vary depending on:

  • Your travel dates

  • The number of participants

  • The category of services selected (accommodation, activities, etc.)

For an accurate and personalized quote, please contact us directly, and our travel advisor will be happy to assist you.

Vietnam’s climate varies significantly from north to south due to its geography and length of over 2,000 km. This means while one region might be rainy or cool, another can be sunny and dry at the same time.

In general, the most favorable time to visit is between October and April, when weather conditions across the country are more comfortable. The best months are typically October–November and March–May, thanks to mild temperatures and low rainfall.

If you’re considering a trip in July or August, expect hot weather (30–35°C), but you’ll often find sunshine in places like Halong Bay, and it’s also a beautiful season for seeing lush green or golden rice terraces.

In the southern regions, even during the rainy season, showers tend to be short—often just an hour or two—while the rest of the day remains dry and sunny.

If you already have preferred travel dates in mind, feel free to let us know. We’ll be happy to advise on the best destinations and timing for your journey.

Whether or not you need a visa depends on your nationality and the length of your stay:

  • If you’re from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Belarus, you are exempt from a visa for stays of up to 45 days.

  • Additionally, travelers from Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic joining organized tours are granted a special exemption from March 1 to December 31, 2025.

However, citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States must obtain a visa in advance. There are three available options:

  1. E-Visa (valid up to 90 days, single or multiple entries): Apply online via the Vietnamese Immigration website. Processing time is typically 3–5 days.

  2. Visa on Arrival (VOA): For air travel only, requires a pre-approval letter from a licensed travel agency.

  3. Visa from a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate: Submit your application in person or by mail in your country of residence.

We strongly recommend using the E-Visa for its simplicity and reliability. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months, and have proof of onward travel when you arrive. Feel free to contact us for assistance with the visa application process.

Absolutely. Our trips are fully private and tailor-made, so you’re welcome to make any adjustments to the itinerary to suit your preferences. Whether it’s the pace, destinations, activities, or travel dates, our travel advisors are here to customize every detail of your program based on your wishes and needs.

You can make payments in Vietnam using various methods:

  • International credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, be aware that local banks often charge an additional fee of 3% to 4% for card transactions.

  • In major cities, euros (EUR) and US dollars (USD) may also be accepted at some businesses (especially hotels and restaurants), but this is less common outside urban areas.

  • For everyday expenses, using Vietnamese Dong (VND) is usually more convenient and cost-effective. You can easily exchange money at banks, gold and jewelry shops, or your hotel.

  • ATMs are widely available across the country, allowing you to withdraw VND using most international cards.

We recommend carrying a small amount of local currency for smaller purchases, tips, and local markets.

You can pay the remaining balance of your trip using one of the following methods:

  • In cash upon arrival: We accept US dollars (USD) and euros (EUR). The exchange rate will be calculated based on the rate on the day of payment. Please ensure your banknotes are clean and not damaged, as old or torn notes may not be accepted.

  • By credit card at our office upon arrival: Payments can be made using Visa, Mastercard (3% bank fee), or American Express (4% bank fee). Please note that all card payments are processed in Vietnamese Dong (VND).

  • By bank transfer: This must be completed at least 10 days prior to your departure date to ensure the funds reach our account in time.

Feel free to choose the method that works best for you.

To confirm your booking, a deposit payment is required. You can choose from the following two payment methods:

  • Bank Transfer: Our bank details will be included in the travel invoice we send you.

  • Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex): Payment is made via our bank’s secure online platform. This method often includes travel-related insurance benefits provided by your card (e.g., cancellation, medical, repatriation). Please note that bank fees apply:

    • 3% surcharge for Visa or Mastercard

    • 4% surcharge for American Express

    • All payments are processed in Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Feel free to select the method that best suits your preferences.

Still have questions or hesitations?

Tap into the expertise of our local experts to get all the information for your trip.

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Highlights of Southern Vietnam in 5 Days