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Southeast
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Explore Southeast Vietnam through Ho Chi Minh City, Củ Chi, mangrove forests, coastal Vũng Tàu, Côn Đảo and Tây Ninh’s sacred landscapes.

Southeast Vietnam is the country’s most economically dynamic region, centred on Ho Chi Minh City and extending east towards the beaches and islands of Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu, north through the industrial provinces of Bình Dương and Đồng Nai, and west towards the agricultural and border landscapes of Tây Ninh and Bình Phước. The region combines a vast, fast-changing metropolis with mangrove wetlands, rubber plantations, volcanic hills, national parks and a long southern coastline. It is a useful introduction to the contrasts of modern Vietnam, where historic waterways and market districts exist alongside high-rise business centres and expanding suburbs.
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Ho Chi Minh City is the region’s principal cultural and transport hub. Its central districts contain French colonial buildings, lively markets, museums devoted to the country’s twentieth-century history and an extensive dining scene shaped by southern Vietnamese traditions and international influences. Beyond the centre, the city spreads into quieter districts and waterways, while the Củ Chi countryside preserves an intricate wartime tunnel system. To the south, Cần Giờ offers a very different environment: a tidal mangrove reserve where forest, mudflats and coastal villages lie within reach of the metropolis.
The eastern provinces provide some of the region’s most varied outdoor experiences. Đồng Nai contains forested landscapes around Cát Tiên National Park and the hồ Trị An reservoir, while Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu offers sandy beaches, historic seaside promenades and access to the more remote Côn Đảo archipelago. Vũng Tàu is the region’s most established coastal resort, with a working harbour, seafood restaurants, religious sites and hills overlooking the South China Sea. Côn Đảo has a more secluded character, combining beaches and forest with powerful memorial and prison-history sites.
In the west, Tây Ninh is associated with the Cao Đài religion and Núi Bà Đen, a prominent mountain rising above the plains. Bình Phước is known for broad agricultural landscapes, particularly rubber and cashew cultivation, and is a less developed destination for visitors seeking rural scenery. Across the region, food reflects the fertile southern lowlands: freshwater fish, tropical fruit, rice-based dishes, herbs and seafood are prominent, while urban markets reveal the scale and diversity of contemporary southern life.
Travel distances can be deceptive because traffic around Ho Chi Minh City is heavy and development is dispersed. The capital makes a convenient base for short excursions, but national parks, the coast and Côn Đảo deserve separate planning. The region is at its most rewarding when approached as a collection of connected but distinct landscapes rather than as a single urban destination.

When is the best time to visit Southeast?

Best: December–February · 27–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2720
February (best)2825
March3030
April3250
May3370
June3480
July3490
August3490
September3380
October3260
November3030
December (best)2820

Getting to and around Southeast

How to get there

Most international visitors enter through Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which is inside Ho Chi Minh City and serves the whole southeast. The city is also linked by Vietnam’s north–south railway and long-distance coaches to destinations across the country. Road connections lead east towards Đồng Nai and Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu and west towards Tây Ninh and Bình Phước. Vũng Tàu can be reached by road or water transport from the Ho Chi Minh City area, subject to current services and weather. Côn Đảo is a separate island destination and is commonly reached by domestic flight; sea travel may be available but should be checked before departure.

Transportation

Ho Chi Minh City has extensive buses, taxis and app-based ride-hailing, although congestion makes journey times unpredictable. Regional coaches and private vehicles connect the provinces, while trains are useful for some longer national journeys but do not reach every destination in the southeast. A car with a driver is often practical for Củ Chi, Tây Ninh, Cần Giờ, Vũng Tàu and rural areas, particularly when several sites are combined. Motorbikes are common but traffic is demanding, and visitors should only ride if properly licensed, insured and experienced. National parks, islands and rural attractions may require advance arrangements for transfers, guides or local boats.

Top city travel guides in Southeast

The cities of Southeast, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Southeast

Southeast Vietnam offers a broad mixture of urban culture, wartime history, religious heritage, protected landscapes and coastal recreation. Ho Chi Minh City contains major museums, markets, galleries, historic buildings and riverfront districts, while the Củ Chi Tunnels provide a carefully interpreted look at an underground wartime network outside the metropolitan centre. Cần Giờ, at the city’s southern edge, introduces visitors to mangrove forest, tidal waterways and coastal ecology. Tây Ninh combines the Cao Đài Holy See with Núi Bà Đen, whose wooded slopes and elevated viewpoints form one of the region’s most recognisable natural settings. Đồng Nai provides access to Cát Tiên National Park and the broad waters of hồ Trị An, with opportunities for guided walks, wildlife observation and rural excursions. Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu brings together beaches, seafood, seaside hills and maritime history, while Côn Đảo offers forest trails, beaches, coral-rich waters and important memorial sites. In Bình Phước, the slower agricultural landscape and rubber and cashew-growing areas provide a different perspective on the southeast, although facilities are more dispersed and independent travel requires additional planning.

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Best landmarks in Southeast

The most recognisable landmark in Southeast Vietnam is the urban ensemble of central Ho Chi Minh City, where the former Hôtel de Ville, the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica express different layers of the colonial-era civic landscape; the cathedral has undergone long-running restoration, so access and views may vary. The Reunification Palace is a powerful modern political landmark and the site associated with the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Outside the centre, the Củ Chi Tunnels are a defining physical reminder of wartime life and military engineering. In Tây Ninh, the Cao Đài Holy See is distinguished by its colourful religious architecture and importance to Cao Đài followers, while Núi Bà Đen rises prominently above the surrounding plain. Vũng Tàu’s coastal hills, the statue of Christ the King and the lighthouse form a familiar skyline above the resort city, although access conditions can change. On Côn Đảo, the former prison complex and memorial sites carry considerable historical weight. The mangrove channels of Cần Giờ and the forested landscapes of Cát Tiên are natural landmarks whose significance lies in their ecological rather than monumental character.

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Explore Southeast on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Southeast

The region’s food is rooted in the fertile southern lowlands, where rice, freshwater fish, tropical fruit, herbs and an abundance of vegetables shape everyday cooking. Ho Chi Minh City is the best place to sample the full range, from breakfast stalls and market counters to modern restaurants, while provincial towns offer a more local and often less formal dining culture. Cơm tấm, broken rice served with grilled pork and accompaniments, is closely associated with southern urban life, and hủ tiếu, a noodle soup with roots in the Mekong region, is widely eaten across the southeast. Vũng Tàu and Côn Đảo are known for seafood, although menus and prices vary with season and location. Other common regional flavours include sweet-sour broths, grilled river fish, fresh herbs and dishes using coconut and tamarind. Cà phê sữa đá, strong coffee with condensed milk over ice, is a routine refreshment rather than a special occasion. Markets, food streets, family-run eateries, cafés and southern-style restaurants provide more representative experiences than relying only on hotel dining rooms.

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Best bars in Southeast

Nightlife is concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City, where the central districts offer rooftop venues, cocktail bars, craft-beer rooms, live music, cafés and late-opening restaurants alongside the city’s long-established street-food culture. The scale and style range from informal plastic-stool gatherings to polished hotel and rooftop settings, and prices vary considerably. Vũng Tàu has a more relaxed evening scene based on seafood restaurants, cafés, hotel bars and seafront activity, with busier periods at weekends and holidays. Tây Ninh, Bình Phước and rural Đồng Nai generally favour family restaurants, coffee shops, local beer venues and small karaoke establishments rather than a large club circuit. Côn Đảo is quieter still, with evenings centred on restaurants, accommodation and the atmosphere of a small island community. Visitors should check local closing arrangements and transport options before staying out late, particularly outside Ho Chi Minh City.

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Best nightclubs in Southeast

Nightlife is concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City, where the central districts offer rooftop venues, cocktail bars, craft-beer rooms, live music, cafés and late-opening restaurants alongside the city’s long-established street-food culture. The scale and style range from informal plastic-stool gatherings to polished hotel and rooftop settings, and prices vary considerably. Vũng Tàu has a more relaxed evening scene based on seafood restaurants, cafés, hotel bars and seafront activity, with busier periods at weekends and holidays. Tây Ninh, Bình Phước and rural Đồng Nai generally favour family restaurants, coffee shops, local beer venues and small karaoke establishments rather than a large club circuit. Côn Đảo is quieter still, with evenings centred on restaurants, accommodation and the atmosphere of a small island community. Visitors should check local closing arrangements and transport options before staying out late, particularly outside Ho Chi Minh City.

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Best shops in Southeast

Ho Chi Minh City provides the southeast’s widest range of shopping, from traditional markets and independent food stalls to department stores, shopping centres, bookshops, design boutiques and air-conditioned malls. Bến Thành Market is a prominent central market, but visitors should also explore neighbourhood markets for a less souvenir-focused view of everyday commerce. Vietnamese coffee, tea, dried fruit, cashews, pepper, packaged sweets and regional sauces are practical food gifts, though travellers should check import rules in their destination country. Tây Ninh is associated with local food products including bánh tráng, rice paper used in southern cooking, while the provinces around the city offer cashews, fruit and agricultural goods. Vũng Tàu and Côn Đảo have small-scale souvenir shops, craft items and seafood products, but retail choice is more limited than in Ho Chi Minh City. Rural markets in Bình Phước and Đồng Nai are useful for observing local trade, although opening days and locations can vary.

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Southeast essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Vietnamese đồng, written as VND. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in established hotels, shopping centres, supermarkets and many urban restaurants, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Cash remains useful for markets, street food, small family-run businesses, rural transport and some provincial attractions. Carry smaller notes where possible, check whether prices are quoted in đồng, and use reputable banks or authorised exchange services. Payment facilities can be less reliable in remote national-park areas and on islands.
Safety
The main everyday risks are traffic, road crossings, petty theft in crowded areas, heat, sun exposure and dehydration. Keep phones and bags away from the road edge and take care when walking or riding in busy urban streets. In Cát Tiên, Cần Giờ and other natural areas, use marked paths or authorised guides, follow advice about water and wildlife, and protect against mosquitoes and ticks. Beaches and boat trips require attention to local conditions, tides and operator instructions. During heavy rain, flooding can affect roads in low-lying urban and coastal areas.
Emergency Situations
Vietnam’s national emergency numbers are 113 for police, 114 for fire and rescue, and 115 for ambulance services; 112 is the national emergency and search-and-rescue number. English-language assistance may not always be available, so hotel staff, tour operators or Vietnamese-speaking companions can be helpful when communicating location details. On coastal or island trips, confirm the operator’s emergency arrangements before departure. Keep travel insurance information, passport details and accommodation addresses accessible, and seek medical advice promptly after serious illness, injury or an animal bite.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully at temples, Cao Đài sites, pagodas, memorials and historic religious buildings, covering shoulders and knees where requested and removing shoes when instructed. Ask before photographing worshippers, ceremonies, military-related sites or local residents. Queueing and public transport etiquette are appreciated, although practice can differ between crowded urban settings and rural areas. Bargaining is normal in some markets but not in most fixed-price shops. At beaches, parks and islands, take rubbish away and follow conservation rules. Tipping is not uniformly required, but a modest amount for good service is welcomed in some tourist settings.
Local Tips
The southeast is geographically compact on a map but slow roads and urban congestion can make day trips tiring, so group destinations by direction. Củ Chi and Tây Ninh are best planned separately from Cần Giờ or Vũng Tàu. Cát Tiên is most rewarding with time for forest walks and wildlife excursions rather than a rushed visit. Ho Chi Minh City’s markets and food streets are busiest in the evening, while coastal Vũng Tàu is particularly busy at weekends and public holidays. Check weather and transport conditions before travelling to Côn Đảo.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloChào[Chow]
GoodbyeTạm biệt[Tahm byet]
YesCó[Koh]
NoKhông[Khong]
Please/You're welcomeXin vui lòng[Sin voo-ee long]
Thank youCảm ơn[Gahm un]
Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi[Sin loy]
How are you?Bạn có khỏe không?[Bahn koh kweh khong?]
Fine. And you?Tốt. Còn bạn?[Toht. Kohn bahn?]
Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?[Bahn koh noi tee-ehng Anh khong?]
I don't understandTôi không hiểu[Toy khong hee-u]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseXin vui lòng cho tôi xem thực đơn[Sin voo-ee long cho toy sem thook doon]
I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt[Toy khong an theet]
Cheers!Một ly![Moht lee!]
I would like to pay, pleaseXin vui lòng cho tôi thanh toán[Sin voo-ee long cho toy thanh toan]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Cứu![Kew!]
Go away!Đi đi![Dee dee!]
Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát![Goi kahnh saht!]
Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ![Goi bahk see!]
I'm lostTôi bị lạc[Toy bee lahk]
I'm illTôi bị ốm[Toy bee ohm]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...[Toy muon mua...]
I'm just lookingTôi chỉ đang xem[Toy chee dahng sem]
How much is it?Cái này giá bao nhiêu?[Kah-ee nai zah bao nyew?]
That's too expensiveCái đó đắt quá[Kah-ee dah dat kwah]
Can you lower the price?Bạn có thể giảm giá không?[Bahn koh tay zahm zah khong?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Mấy giờ rồi?[May yuh roi?]
It's one o'clockBây giờ là một giờ[Bay yuh lah moht yuh]
Half past (10)Mười rưỡi[Moo-ee roo-ee]
MorningBuổi sáng[Boo-ee sahng]
AfternoonBuổi chiều[Boo-ee chee-ehw]
EveningBuổi tối[Boo-ee toy]
YesterdayHôm qua[Hom kwah]
TodayHôm nay[Hom nai]
TomorrowNgày mai[Ngai mai]
1Một[Moht]
2Hai[Hai]
3Ba[Bah]
4Bốn[Bohn]
5Năm[Nahm]
6Sáu[Sow]
7Bảy[Bye]
8Tám[Tahm]
9Chín[Cheen]
10Mười[Moo-ee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Ở đâu có...?[Uh dow koh...?]
What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?[Dee-uh chee lah zee?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ)?[Bahn koh tay chee cho toy (tren ban doh)?]
When's the next (bus)?Khi nào có (xe buýt) tiếp theo?[Khee now koh (se boot) teep theo?]
A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đến ....)[Moht veh (den....)]

History of Southeast

Early Southern Settlements and Trade

The lowlands and waterways of Southeast Vietnam have long supported rice cultivation, fishing and regional trade. Archaeological evidence from the wider southern delta region is associated with ancient communities linked to the Óc Eo cultural sphere, whose commercial networks connected inland settlements with maritime routes across mainland and island Southeast Asia. The region’s rivers, estuaries and coastal access shaped settlement patterns well before the emergence of modern Ho Chi Minh City, while later communities continued to use the same fertile plains and transport corridors.

Khmer and Vietnamese Expansion into the South

For much of the medieval period, parts of southern Vietnam were connected culturally and politically to Khmer territories and communities. From the seventeenth century, Vietnamese settlement expanded southwards through a gradual process involving migration, agricultural development, trade and administration. This history remains visible in the region’s religious diversity, place names, foodways and continuing Khmer cultural presence. The waterways and productive soils of the southeast attracted settlers, merchants and military authorities, helping to transform a frontier zone into an increasingly integrated part of Vietnam.

Nguyễn Rule and the Rise of Gia Định

The settlement that became Saigon developed as an important centre of administration and commerce under the Nguyễn lords and, later, the Nguyễn dynasty. Its position near the Sài Gòn River and its connections with the Mekong Delta and the coast encouraged trade in rice and other agricultural goods. Gia Định, the broader historical area around the city, became one of southern Vietnam’s principal political and economic centres. The period established the urban and commercial importance that Ho Chi Minh City retains within the modern southeast.

French Colonial Saigon and Cochinchina

French forces captured Saigon in 1859, and the city became the capital of the colony of Cochinchina. Colonial administration brought new roads, ports, railways, civic buildings and commercial institutions, while also imposing land and labour systems that benefited colonial interests. Central Ho Chi Minh City still contains major nineteenth- and early twentieth-century structures, including the former Central Post Office, the former Hôtel de Ville and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, although the surrounding urban landscape has changed substantially. Colonial development also deepened the region’s role as a major export and administrative centre.

War, Division and Reunification

During the wars of the mid-twentieth century, the southeast was a decisive military and political theatre. Saigon served as the capital of South Vietnam from 1954 until 1975, while the surrounding countryside contained important routes, bases and tunnel systems, including those at Củ Chi. The Fall of Saigon in April 1975 marked the end of the Vietnam War and was followed by national reunification. Museums, memorial sites and preserved wartime landscapes across the region present different aspects of this deeply contested history.

Economic Reform and Metropolitan Transformation

Since the Đổi Mới economic reforms began in 1986, Southeast Vietnam has experienced rapid industrialisation, urban growth and international investment. Ho Chi Minh City became Vietnam’s principal commercial centre, while Bình Dương, Đồng Nai and Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu developed major manufacturing, logistics and port economies. New roads, suburban districts and industrial parks have reshaped the landscape, sometimes placing pressure on farmland, waterways and wetlands. At the same time, heritage conservation, ecotourism and the revival of regional food and cultural traditions have become increasingly important to the region’s public identity.

Southeast in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Neighbouring regions of Southeast

The closest regions to Southeast, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Southeast, Vietnam

Discover Southeast, Vietnam with Evendo – your 100% free, app-based travel guide. Explore top attractions, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more, all in one place.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
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Plan your perfect trip to Southeast, Vietnam with Evendo. Discover the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and activities, and book everything you need directly from the app. Free to use forever.

  • Comprehensive history of Southeast, Vietnam
  • Travel essentials and tons of local advice
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions and services
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Welcome to Southeast, Vietnam – a region brimming with captivating history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. With Evendo, your travel experience is taken to the next level. This 100% free app-based travel guide offers in-depth information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Southeast. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil beauty of Phan Thiet, Evendo has you covered.

Imagine strolling through the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, dining at the renowned Cuc Gach Quan, or exploring the picturesque Vung Tau Beach. Evendo provides detailed descriptions, local tips, images, maps, and contact details to make planning your trip a breeze. Easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly from the app, ensuring you never miss out on the excitement.

With curated local tips and a 'Near Me' feature, you can navigate Southeast like a local. Discover hidden gems, historical sites, and the best dining spots without any hassle. Whether you're visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon or enjoying the nightlife at Chill Skybar, Evendo ensures you have all the information you need at your fingertips.

Download Evendo today and transform your travel experience. The app is not only your guide to Southeast, Vietnam but also covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, making it your ultimate travel companion wherever you go.

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