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Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Ca Mau are 3 cities/provinces in Southern Vietnam. It covers Mekong Delta, where the Mekong River meets the sea. This fertile region is a wonderful landscape of rice fields and greenery. The delta accounts for roughly half of Vietnam's agricultural production, yielding more rice than Korea and Japan combined.
Mekong Delta stretches endlessly
Visitors to this area are treated to timeless scenes of farmers tending to their crops, planting and harvesting rice in the heart of this agricultural powerhouse. Not only rural areas, this region is also the economic hub of Vietnam. This will promise an interesting journey blending traditional and modern. Asia King Travel gladly suggested an itinerary for a 7-day tour in Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho - Ca Mau to you.
Ho Chi Minh City is the pulsating heart of Vietnam’s economic and cultural life. It is a dynamic city where old meets new. French colonial buildings next to sleek skyscrapers, crowded ferries docked near luxurious cruises The city has lively nightlife streets like Bui Vien making it a must-visit for backpackers.
Urban areas are springing up in the countryside here every day.
Can Tho is like a chill getaway from the city rush. It's all about the Mekong River, with floating markets where you can grab breakfast from a boat. You'll see how people live on the water and get a taste of that laid-back delta vibe.
Ca Mau is a whole other world. It's the southernmost point of Vietnam, surrounded by mangrove forests. Ca Mau Cape brings diverse untouched wildlife on fertile alluvial land. In Ca Mau, you will see human life in harmony with nature. Through a journey to these destinations, you surely have well-rounded experiences from urban to rural.
Due to the tropical climate, Southern Vietnam has hot weather all year round. However, December to April is the best time to visit during the dry season. There is minimal rain and temperatures are not too high. This is also when floating markets are most active, such an ideal time to witness the local life along waterways.
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In a city with a complex history like Ho Chi Minh City, not too hard to find historical landmarks. Let's start the journey at Independence Palace. This was the headquarters of South Vietnam government during Vietnam War. Walk along the palace, you will see rooms preserved in 1970s decor. To earn more Vietnam War knowledge, head to War Remnants Museum. It exhibits documents and items to condemn the crimes of war.
Independence Palace is now a symbol of peace and reunification
Afterward, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, an impressive example of French colonial architecture. The cathedral's red brick facade and twin bell towers make it a striking landmark. Just across from the cathedral is Saigon Central Post Office with intricated ironwork. In the evening, take a walk to Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This pedestrianized street is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
Start your second day early by paying a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels were made by North Vietnam army just 70 kilometers from Saigon. This is a one-of-a-kind war relic with 250 kilometers of tunnels spreading like a spider web underground. Coming to Cu Chi, you should experience exploring the war zone recreation area.
Inside Cu Chi Tunnels
Upon returning to the city, visit Jade Emperor Pagoda, a Taoist pagoda built in 1909. This sacred pagoda is filled with deity statues in a Chinese architectural style. You can worship Jade Emperor and other gods for health. Conclude your day at Ben Thanh Market to try some local cuisine.
Vietnam tour 7 days continue at Vincom Landmark 81. This modern skyscraper dominates the city skyline with an impressive height of 416 meters. From the 79th floor above, Landmark SkyView gives you a panoramic view of the entire city. In addition, the tower is also a huge mall with hundreds of shops and entertaining spots.
Vincom Landmark 81 was the tallest building in Southeast Asia until 2023.
After descending from the heights of Landmark 81, make your way to Saigon Opera House. The building features a Gothic style prevalent in the late 19th century. The Opera House is decorated with many reliefs from the exterior to the interior. When the day winds down, choose your best outfit to go to Bui Vien Street. Bui Vien at night is a sleepless street with loud music and exciting activities.
Goodbye Southeast, arrive in Can Tho - the biggest city in Mekong Delta. Start your exploration in Binh Thuy Ancient House. This well-preserved house is a beautiful example of traditional Southern Vietnamese architecture with French colonial influences. Visitors can also ask the homeowner for further explanations about the architectural style and the hidden meanings behind each house arrangement.
You are welcomed as guests by the homeowner. Source: Vietnam Tourism
In the afternoon, let’s visit the largest Buddhist religious site in Southwest. Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery impresses with tiled roof and ironwood columns. The walls, floors, and pathways are paved with Chinese bricks. Even a free clinic using traditional Vietnamese medicine inside the monastery. Once you are here, thurify to pray for happiness for your loved ones.
Rise early to experience the highlight of Mekong Delta – Cai Rang Floating Market. The floating market is located at the intersection of three rivers, where many boats gather and pass by. The marketplace must be at moderate water depth for boats to stop and move around. Due to the vast space and noisy atmosphere, vendors cannot use verbal calls like on land. Instead, they hang their goods on a pole so customers can easily identify them.
Small boats without poles are selling breakfast. Call them over and enjoy a bowl of hu tieu right on the river. Even famous Ched Gordon Ramsay was amazed by this humble dish. "This bowl of hu tieu, a stunning, delicious slow-cooked Vietnamese pork noodle soup, is the greatest dish I've ever had," Ramsay said.
Gordon Ramsay once went to Cai Rang Floating Market to try hu tieu. Source: aFamily
After an afternoon at a fruit orchard, end your day at Ninh Kieu Wharf. This wharf is a popular riverside area in Can Tho, has been mentioned in South Vietnam folk songs. Ninh Kieu Wharf is a long-standing tourist attraction with an advantageous location overlooking the Hau River. You can take a short boat trip to see the city from the water, leave the last love to Can Tho.
Continue southward fertile land to reach Ca Mau. Set out to explore Dam Doi Sanctuary. The distinctive feature of Dam Doi is brackish water lakes, home to crocodiles and turtles. Additionally, you can observe firsthand the habitat of numerous rare migratory birds. Sit on a boat and drift along the waterways to fully appreciate the exquisite beauty of Southwest river region under the shade of trees.
Enjoy your afternoon on Khai Long Beach. On Khai Long Beach, visitors can take in the full view of Hon Khoai Archipelago. When you need to relax, simply lie back on a hammock swaying under the shade of the trees and sip on a refreshing coconut drink.
Khai Long Beach may be the southernmost beach in Vietnam
We will leave the last for the last. Visit Vietnam’s last point from North to South on the last day of Vietnam trip 7 days. Here, the national coordinate landmark at GPS0001 (kilometer 0) is one of the four poles marking the sacred sovereignty of Vietnamese territory on the mainland.
People often visit Ca Mau Cape to check in at the country's geographical landmark, forgetting that there is also a unique ecosystem right next door. Walking under the canopy of the mangrove forest, visitors can breathe in the fresh air and listen to the sounds of birds.
Milestone marking kilometer 0 at Ca Mau Cape
Discover more about Ca Mau nature at the final destination, U Minh Ha National Park. This place is famous for the melaleuca forest ecosystem formed in acidic, waterlogged conditions on peat soil. Taking a boat ride on the swamp river, visitors can admire the beautiful scenery on both sides while listening to stories about the pioneers reclaimed Southern land.
On the trip, you'll encounter many friendly and hospitable Vietnamese people. Combined with the generous nature of Southerners, they'll make your trip an unforgettable experience. Don’t wait any longer, plan your connection to create memories that will last a lifetime with Asia King Travel.
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