Top 14 Ideal Tourist Destinations in the Southwest That Will Steal Your Heart

"They say Ca Mau is far away, at the very end of Vietnam's map..." (quote from the song "Ao Moi Ca Mau"). Ca Mau Cape is located in Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau Province. This is the only place in Vietnam where visitors can enjoy the sunrise and sunset in perfect alignment, unobstructed. It is also the only location in the country surrounded by the sea on three sides, earning it the title of Vietnam's "last land on the map".

Ca Mau Cape holds a sacred place in the hearts of Vietnamese people, with many dreaming of visiting it at least once in their lifetime. The region features a rich and diverse mangrove ecosystem, offering stunning views of the forest's grandeur and the vastness of the sea. Additionally, the area is famous for its fresh seafood, including shrimp, crab, and blood cockles, which are highly nutritious and boast an irresistible flavor. If you ever find yourself in Ca Mau, don't miss the chance to explore this poetic land!

• Location: Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau Province

Cai Mern is a place that stirs a sense of nostalgia, famous for its sweet, ripe fruits that attract anyone who visits. This orchard is located in Vinh Thanh Commune, Cho Lach District, Ben Tre Province. It’s a truly Southern Vietnamese experience, with small pathways lined with lush fruit trees bearing bountiful harvests of durian, mangosteen, mangoes, longan, rambutan, and more. The greenery is ever-present, and there’s a variety of fruits available all year round, so you won’t have to worry about not finding fresh, delicious tropical fruit to enjoy.

The best time to visit the Cai Mern Fruit Orchard is during the summer months, especially from June to August, when the fruits are in peak season. At this time, you can sample a wide variety of fruits like rambutan, durian, longan, and grapefruit. Not only will you be able to enjoy the beauty of the orchard, but you can also pick fruits directly from the trees and savor them fresh. As you enjoy these delicious tropical treats, the local gardeners will gladly share their knowledge and stories about how they cultivate each fruit to ensure its high quality. For food lovers, this is an unmissable destination!

• Location: Vinh Thanh Commune, Cho Lach District, Ben Tre Province

Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, a beautiful archipelago situated in the Gulf of Thailand, under the administration of Kien Giang Province. Known as the "Pearl Island", Phu Quoc features crystal-clear waters, tranquil streams, and an abundance of unique seafood, making it a top destination for millions of visitors each year. The island has a triangular shape, with its base in the north and the peak in the south. Covering an area of about 593 square kilometers, it is home to pristine white sand beaches, clear blue water, vast primary forests, pepper plantations, and expansive sim berry orchards.

Visitors to Phu Quoc can engage in various exciting activities, such as exploring ancient fishing villages to experience a lifestyle far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life or simply enjoying the waves on the beach. Phu Quoc is famous for its traditional fish sauce production, known for its rich flavor and purity, and for being crafted using time-honored methods. Here, you can also indulge in freshly prepared squid, shrimp, crabs, and a wide selection of seafood. With all these unique offerings, it’s no wonder Phu Quoc has earned the nickname “paradise island”.

• Location: Gulf of Thailand, Kien Giang Province

Doi Pagoda is a stunning temple that blends both Vietnamese and Cambodian architectural styles, located in Soc Trang Province. Along with many other temples in the region, Doi Pagoda plays a significant role in the spiritual life of the locals. It is the only temple in Soc Trang Province that serves as a place of worship for the Buddha of the Khmer ethnic community in the Mekong Delta. Despite its Buddhist function, Doi Pagoda’s design is deeply influenced by Khmer culture, with its characteristic orange-yellow colors standing out amidst the lush greenery.

Doi Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Soc Trang and is home to a large colony of bats, with an estimated population of millions. This explains its unique name and is also what makes the temple so special, attracting visitors from all over. The temple grounds are dotted with many towering, ancient trees, providing cool, shaded areas. Interestingly, these bats do not harm the trees or fruits in the garden; they simply reside there, contributing to the temple's charm. Intrigued? Come visit, and you might uncover the mystery that many are still wondering about!

• Location: Van Ngoc Chinh, Ward 3, Soc Trang

Thoi Son Islet, also known as Thoi Son or Lan Islet, is located in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province. Covering an area of about 1,200 hectares, it features a network of winding canals. When visiting Thoi Son, you can enjoy a variety of exciting activities such as taking a boat ride to admire the lush fruit orchards, listening to traditional Southern folk music, fishing with local villagers, and even riding horses around the island.

Here, you’ll have the chance to experience the beauty of nature on traditional small boats, called “ba la” canoes, while observing the simple, everyday life of the locals. Once ashore, you can explore the area on foot, or take a bicycle or horse-drawn cart to visit local workshops and traditional crafts of the Mekong Delta. You’ll find unique souvenirs like coconut candy, coconut rice paper, and handmade craft products that make great gifts for friends and family. Rated as one of Vietnam’s best eco-tourism destinations, Thoi Son Islet is sure to provide unforgettable experiences.

• Location: My Tho City, Tien Giang Province

During the annual flood season, An Giang attracts both domestic and international tourists, and one of the most famous spots here is the Tra Su Tram Forest, where rows of lush trees create cool, shaded paths. The best time to visit is between September and November, during the flood season when the area is at its most picturesque. For nature enthusiasts, this is a must-see destination.

Tra Su Tram Forest is renowned for its flooded cajeput forest and its rich biodiversity. During the flood season, water hyacinths cover the surface, creating a lush, velvet-like green carpet. The journey to the forest takes you along a red dirt path, with endless green rice fields and straight rows of sugar palms. At the end of the path, you'll encounter a long canal, and from there, the adventure continues by small boats or canoes, making you feel like you’ve entered a magical, verdant wonderland.

• Location: Tinh Bien District, An Giang (about 30 km from Chau Doc)

Thi Tuong Lagoon is considered the largest and most beautiful natural lagoon in the Mekong Delta. Located in Ca Mau Province, adjacent to the Ba Keo Canal leading to the Gulf of Thailand, it has been formed by the accumulation of alluvial deposits from the My Binh River, Ong Doc River, and numerous other canals. Often described as a picturesque watercolor painting, Thi Tuong Lagoon is especially charming at sunrise and sunset.

This vast lagoon serves as a fish and shrimp farming area, with the local population mainly relying on aquaculture. When visiting Thi Tuong Lagoon, you can enjoy freshly caught seafood at affordable prices, all harvested right from the lagoon itself. It’s an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway, offering unique experiences where you can connect with nature, meet the friendly locals, and savor delicious dishes in a serene setting.

• Location: Ca Mau Province, adjacent to the Ba Keo Canal leading to the Gulf of Thailand.

When mentioning Long An, one cannot miss Tan Lap Floating Village. This ecotourism destination is incredibly popular and continues to attract tourists year after year. Known for its untouched charm, the village, also called Tan Lap Tram Forest, offers a unique wetland ecosystem that reflects the distinctive characteristics of Southern Vietnam. Here, everything is simple and rustic, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Visiting Tan Lap Floating Village, you’ll immerse yourself in the lush green surroundings of the tram forest, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy traditional local dishes. The 5-km trail through the forest is surrounded by towering trees, making it a popular spot for photos among visitors. The village welcomes tourists year-round, especially from the 8th to 11th lunar months, when the lotus flowers are in full bloom. You can also savor local delicacies at reasonable prices.

• Location: Moc Hoa District, Long An Province

Nam Du Archipelago - Kien Giang consists of 16 small islands that have captured the hearts of travelers both near and far. Often compared to the Maldives of Vietnam, Nam Du is known for its pristine beauty and natural allure. Located within the equatorial monsoon zone, the rainy season lasts from April to November, so it's best to avoid visiting between June and August to steer clear of storms.

Tranquil, clear, and unspoiled, with friendly locals, Nam Du has quickly become a must-visit destination in Western Vietnam. Key spots to visit include Hon Lon, Bai Chong, Nam Du Lighthouse, Bai Cay Men, Bai Chet, and Bai Ngu. Blessed with abundant seafood, the archipelago is famous for its unique dishes such as dried fish, ginger-steamed squid eggs, grilled scallops with onion oil, banana leaf-wrapped grilled fish, and fish cooked in tamarind.

• Location: An Son and Nam Du communes, Kien Hai District, Kien Giang Province

Floating markets are a unique cultural feature of the Mekong Delta. If you're planning a trip to the Southwest, a visit to one of these markets should definitely be on your itinerary. One of the most well-known floating markets in the region is Nga Nam Floating Market, a must-see spot whether you're on a guided tour or exploring independently in Soc Trang. At this market, visitors can experience the simple, rustic life of the locals and shop for local specialties to bring home.

Located at the convergence of five rivers—Cà Mau Lên, Vĩnh Quới, Long Mỹ, Thanh Trị, and Phụng Hiệp—the market is a lively hub of activity. Boats filled with fresh produce and regional delicacies create a vibrant scene that is rare in the bustling cities. Tourists can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the market and learn about the river-based lifestyle of the locals. The market typically starts at 3 AM, with the busiest time being between 5 AM and sunrise.

• Location: Ward 1, Nga Nam Town, Soc Trang Province

One of the most captivating spots to visit in An Giang is Ta Pa Lake. The lake is known for its serene and picturesque scenery with vast expanses of green. Often referred to as the “Tuyet Tinh Coc” (the Heaven's Abyss) of the Mekong Delta, the lake offers a breathtaking view from above, resembling a green carpet with stretches of rice fields dotted with tall sugar palm trees. The water of the lake is crystal clear, often changing its color depending on the rocks below and the skies above. It may appear deep blue, light green, or even golden, adding to the allure for adventurers and young travelers alike.

With a depth of around 17 meters, the lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The water is solely replenished by rainwater and underground springs, yet remains exceptionally clear. The lake is nestled among majestic mountain ranges, creating a romantic and idyllic atmosphere. While visiting Ta Pa Lake - An Giang, you can also explore nearby attractions such as Nui Pagoda, Ta Pa Hill, and the Tà Pạ rice fields. The road to the lake is not overly difficult, but to fully experience the beauty of the Seven Mountains region, it is recommended to travel by motorbike for easy access to the lake.

• Location: Nui To Commune, Tri Ton District, An Giang Province

Located in Tam Nong District, Dong Thap, Tram Chim National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Mekong Delta. Every year, this park attracts numerous visitors, thanks to its beautiful natural landscapes and the rare red-headed cranes, along with many other species listed in the Red Book. The park spans over 7,313 hectares of lush greenery, with vast Tram forests and thousands of bird species, just as its name suggests. Notably, the park is home to rare bird species, including the red-headed crane, storks, wild ducks, herons, and large flocks of white cranes numbering in the tens of thousands.

The best time to visit Tram Chim National Park is during the flood season. At this time, visitors can witness the “islands” rising above the vast waters, with a stunning mix of yellow from the dien dien flowers, pink lotus blossoms, and the vibrant green of the natural Tram forests. It’s a breathtaking scene that captivates all who see it. Inside the park, there are numerous small canals and streams forming a vast network of waterways, perfect for exploring by boat. As you drift along the water, you’ll have the chance to observe the vibrant birds in flight. For a panoramic view of the park, you can climb the observation tower, where an awe-inspiring vista awaits. In addition to the amazing scenery, you can savor local specialties such as grilled snakehead fish, crispy fried fish cakes, and fresh crab hotpot.

• Location: Tam Nong District, Dong Thap Province

Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the largest floating markets in Can Tho. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it specializes in selling fruits and specialties from the Mekong Delta. Visiting the Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences in Can Tho, and one that you absolutely cannot miss. This market stands out as one of the most distinctive in not only Can Tho but the entire Mekong Delta, drawing numerous tourists both from within Vietnam and abroad to experience its charm.

The market typically operates early in the morning, from dawn until around 8 or 9 AM when things start to quiet down. Since it's a floating market, vendors sell their goods directly from boats. Each boat specializes in particular items such as fruits, local foods, or clothes. The vibrant hustle and bustle of buyers and sellers creates a lively atmosphere, making it a fascinating experience for visitors. The lively nature of the market and the warmth of the local people will leave a lasting impression, as you'll get a glimpse into the life of the Mekong Delta’s riverine communities, where the people live happily and full of joy, a sight rarely seen in the cities.

• Location: 46 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho

If you’ve read the book 'The Land of the Southern Forests', you may have heard of U Minh Forest. U Minh Forest, or U Minh National Park, is one of the rarest and most precious forests in the world, split into two areas: U Minh Thuong (Kien Giang) and U Minh Ha (Ca Mau). These two regions are separated by the Trem River and the Cai Tau River. The forest is home to an incredibly diverse ecosystem, boasting the highest biomass in Vietnam with around 250 plant species, over 180 bird species, and more than 20 reptile species.

Here, you can explore the untouched beauty of nature and also visit historic revolutionary sites, such as the U Minh war zone, which served as a base for Vietnam’s resistance against both French and American forces. Although the area has been developed and modified by humans, it still retains its natural beauty, which captivates all who visit. In U Minh, you’ll have the chance to experience rural river life firsthand. You can ride boats on the calm rivers, fish in the forest, or join the locals in catching fish in the canals of Ca Mau, fishing for eels, or collecting wild herbs like water lilies and bồn bồn. Another unique experience is enjoying the local specialties right in the forest. You can follow honey hunters into the woods, taste fresh honeycomb, or try grilled snakehead fish, bồn bồn with salt, and fried field rats while sipping local spirits under the shade of the trees. Exploring the pristine U Minh forest is like embarking on a journey to reconnect with the peaceful culture of the Mekong Delta, far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

• Location: U Minh and Tran Van Thoi Districts, Ca Mau