Where to travel this summer — pristine Nam Du

Where to Travel This Summer? Top 8 Best Summer Destinations in Southern Vietnam 2026

Updated 05/17/2026  |  9 min read

Summer is the season for travel — from students on vacation to office workers taking their annual leave. The question "where to go this summer?" always causes a headache because there are too many attractive options. This article compiles the 8 best summer destinations in Southern Vietnam, from untouched lands known to few to famous island paradises — complete with itineraries, estimated costs, and smart tour booking tips.

🌊

Beaches & Islands

Nam Du, Hon Son,
Con Dao, Phu Quoc

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Ecotourism

Ca Mau Cape,
U Minh Ha

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Mountains / Highlands

Da Lat,
Ha Giang

🏛️

Old Towns / Heritage

Hoi An,
Hue

1. Ca Mau Cape + U Minh Ha — The Legendary Deep South

If you want a truly unique trip this summer, Ca Mau Cape is the answer. This is the southernmost point of the Fatherland, a place you can only reach by boat through the mangrove forests — a completely different experience from all conventional destinations. Combine it with U Minh Ha to ride a motorboat weaving through pristine melaleuca forests, catch crabs, and harvest wild honey — you will have an unforgettable summer vacation.

Duration

2–3 days

Pick-up

Ca Mau City

Suitable for

Everyone

Book a tour: Ca Mau Cape 1-Day Tour from 890,000 VND/pax or 2 Days 1 Night all-inclusive package at Ba Ngoai Homestay.

2. Nam Du & Hon Son — The Clearest Pristine Islands in the South

Nam Du is an archipelago consisting of 21 large and small islands in Kien Giang, with crystal-clear water and untouched white sand beaches. Right next to it, Hon Son is famous for Bai Bang — one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mekong Delta. Summer is the ideal time to visit the islands: beautiful sunshine, calm sea, perfect for snorkeling and fishing.

Duration

2 Days 1 Night

Departure

Rach Gia (2.5h by boat)

Highlight

Snorkeling, squid fishing

Book a tour: Nam Du & Hon Son 2D1N Tour by Ba Ngoai Homestay, fast ferry, stay at an island homestay.

3. Con Dao — The Closest Island Paradise to Saigon

Con Dao belongs to Ba Ria - Vung Tau, just a 45–55 minute flight from Tan Son Nhat. This place is famous for some of the most pristine beaches in Vietnam, a sea turtle sanctuary, and the deeply moving history of Con Dao Prison. Summer from May to August is the peak tourist season in Con Dao — calm sea, beautiful sunshine, and sea turtles often come ashore to lay eggs at night. Read more about summer island tours in Southern Vietnam 2026.

Duration

3 Days 2 Nights

Transport

Flight from HCM / Can Tho

Highlight

Explore the majestic pristine natural beauty in Ca Mau
Explore the majestic pristine natural beauty in Ca Mau

Sea turtles, Dam Trau beach

Book a tour: All-inclusive Con Dao 3D2N Tour at Ba Ngoai Homestay. Note: Summer is peak season, so book at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

4. Phu Quoc — The Largest Island in Vietnam

Phu Quoc is an international island with full 5-star resort amenities, amusement parks, and the largest safari in Vietnam. During summer, the South of the island (An Thoi) remains beautiful even if the North island has rain. Suitable for families wanting a luxurious getaway combined with entertainment.

5. Da Lat — Escape the Heat to the Highlands

While the whole South is hot and humid, Da Lat remains cool at 18–22°C. Summer is the season for wild sunflowers and fresh vegetables. Perfect for couples and groups of friends who want to enjoy garden cafes, strawberry farms, and camping under pine trees. Easy to travel from HCMC via the Prenn or Khanh Le pass.

6. Hoi An — Lantern Ancient Town in Summer

Hoi An combines a UNESCO ancient town with Cua Dai beach and An Bang fishing village. Summer is peak season but also the most beautiful — golden sunshine on lantern streets, lantern release festivals, and calm blue sea. Travel by plane to Da Nang and take a 30-minute taxi.

7. Ha Giang — Summer Above the Clouds

Few people know that summer (June–August) in Ha Giang is incredibly beautiful with lush green terraced fields before harvest. The temperature is 18–25°C, much cooler than the South. Suitable for backpackers who love the Ma Pi Leng pass and Dong Van karst plateau.

8. Mekong Delta Waters — Combined Journey

Mekong Delta tours combine many spots in one journey — from Can Tho (Cai Rang floating market) → Ca Mau (Southernmost Cape + U Minh Ha) → Rach Gia → Nam Du. This is a unique journey that few large companies organize as thoroughly as the Mekong 4D3N tour or 5D4N tour by Ba Ngoai Homestay. Read more Mekong travel tips to plan in detail.

Quick Comparison of 8 Summer Destinations

Destination Days needed Suitable for Summer Highlight
Ca Mau Cape 1–3 days Everyone Lush mangrove forests
Nam Du & Hon Son 2 days Friends, couples Clear water, fewer tourists
Con Dao 3 days Families, couples Turtles laying eggs
Phu Quoc 3–5 days Resorts, families Safari park
Da Lat 2–4 days Couples, families Cool weather, strawberry farms
Hoi An 2–3 days Friends, couples Beach + lantern streets
Ha Giang 4–6 days Backpackers, friends Green terraced fields
Mekong Delta combo 4–5 days Cultural exploration Floating market + rivers

Tips for Booking Budget Summer Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to go in summer with a low budget under 3 million VND/person?

Ca Mau Cape 1-day tour is from 890,000 VND/pax (4+ people). Nam Du 2D1N tour is about 1,500,000–2,000,000 VND/person depending on the group. Ca Mau 2D1N or 3D2N tours suit a moderate budget. Contact Ba Ngoai Homestay for specific group quotes.

Are there big waves when taking an island tour in summer?

Nam Du and Hon Son: From May to August, the Eastern sea is usually calm, and boats run normally. Con Dao: The Western sea is calmer in summer. Check the weather 1-2 days ahead and contact your homestay to update boat conditions.

Where is the most fun for students to go in summer?

Nam Du + Hon Son is the #1 choice for student groups — beautiful beaches, pristine, reasonable prices, can cook yourself at the homestay. Ca Mau is also very exciting for groups who like unique experiences: catching crabs, exploring forests, harvesting wild honey — tour prices from 590,000 VND/person for large groups.

Book Your Summer Tour Now — Limited Slots!

Ba Ngoai Homestay offers tours to Ca Mau Cape, Nam Du, Hon Son, Con Dao, and combined Mekong Delta trips. Contact Mr. Bi for the best itinerary advice for your group.

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Author Tran Bi

Article Author

Tran Bi (Founder of Ba Ngoai Homestay)

Mr. Tran Bi is an expert in local culture, history, and ecotourism in Ca Mau with over 10 years of experience guiding guests to experience U Minh Ha forest and the Cape.

Authentic Ca Mau Travel Experience

Join Uncle Ba Khia to explore the Cape, journey through mangrove forests, catch crabs, harvest wild honey, and stay at Mr. Bi's cool eco-homestay.

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