South Vietnam

Absolutely. South Vietnam mixes a big, energetic city with quiet river life and island beaches. You can see Ho Chi Minh City, take a boat through the Mekong Delta and relax on Phu Quoc or Con Dao, all within a few hours of each other.

Allow at least 4 to 5 days for Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. With 7 to 10 days you can add a beach stay on Phu Quoc or Con Dao without rushing.

The most popular places are Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta towns of Can Tho and Ben Tre, and the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao. Vung Tau is an easy beach escape, and Chau Doc is a good stop near the Cambodian border.

The dry season from December to April is the best time, especially for Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and the islands. From May to November there are short, heavy showers, mostly in the afternoon. March to May is the hottest period. Tet, in late January or February, is busy, so book early.

My Tho and Ben Tre are about 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City and take less than 2 hours by road. Can Tho is about 170 km, or 2.5 to 3 hours by car on the expressway and 3 to 4 hours by bus. Phu Quoc is about 1 hour by plane, and Con Dao 40 to 60 minutes. You can also reach Phu Quoc by ferry from Ha Tien or Rach Gia after a long bus ride.

Yes. A day trip to My Tho or Ben Tre works if you are short on time, but you will spend three to four hours on the road. A round trip to Can Tho in one day is tight. To see the floating market in the early morning, stay overnight in Can Tho.