Southern Vietnam: one of the best places to visit in November

In their list, Lonely Planet ranked Southern Vietnam as one of the top 2 global destinations for relaxation, sharing the spotlight with Ghana. This selection highlights places that promise to invigorate travellers during the penultimate month of the year.

The primary reason Southern Vietnam earned a spot on the list is its transition into the dry season – the region’s most enchanting time, characterised by pleasant weather and warm sunshine. While it may be less familiar to international travellers, Southern Vietnam boasts remarkable destinations such as Phu Quoc Island, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Tay Ninh. Each offers unique experiences, featuring stunning natural landscapes alongside rich cultural, historical, and spiritual significance.

Phu Quoc 

As Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc has been capturing international attention and earning accolades from prestigious global tourism awards. November marks the beginning of Phu Quoc’s most beautiful season, inviting tourists to engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, and marine sports in the crystal-clear waters of Pearl Island. The southern beaches, including Sao Beach and Kem Beach, are particularly ideal for these adventures. The island’s stunning natural landscape is also home to unique golf courses, exceptional entertainment experiences and boasts a luxurious resort infrastructure. Furthermore, it is the only destination in Vietnam with a special visa exemption policy, allowing tourists from around the world to stay for up to 30 days.

Ho Chi Minh City is at its most dizzying: a high-octane city of commerce and culture that has driven the country forward with its pulsating energy. A chaotic whirl, the city breathes life and vitality into all who settle here, and visitors cannot help but be hauled along for the ride.

Ho Chi Minh City 

Mekong Delta – the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, the delta is carpeted in a dizzying variety of greens. It’s a water world that moves to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses and markets float upon the innumerable rivers, canals and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries.

Phung Hiep floating market (Photo: Collection)

Other featured destinations were categorised under themes like wildlife and nature, culture, food and drink, and adventure. Notably, Southern Vietnam and Seoul (South Korea) are the only two Asian destinations to make this prestigious list.