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
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
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
- 💡Book early: Summer is peak season, book at least 2–4 weeks ahead to get good prices and secure spots, especially for Con Dao and Nam Du.
- 👥Group discounts: Most tours charge by group size — a group of 6–12 is usually 30–40% cheaper per person than a group of 2.
- 📅Avoid major holidays: April 30 - May 2 and Sept 2 are super peaks, prices skyrocket. Normal weeks in June-July are often cheaper and less crowded.
- 🌧️Rain schedule: Southern summer has afternoon rain, but mornings are usually beautiful. Tours should start early morning to avoid afternoon showers.
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.
Related Articles
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.