Best Price
Recommended

10-Day Southern Vietnam Tour: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta & Con Dao

5.0 (9 Reviews)

Duration: 10 days 9 nights

Start: Ho Chi Minh City

Tour code: SVN10D

See all

Overview

This 10-day Southern Vietnam tour begins in Ho Chi Minh City and ends at Tan Son Nhat Airport after a journey through Saigon, Tay Ninh, Cu Chi, the Mekong Delta, Soc Trang and Con Dao. Combining city heritage, religious traditions, wartime history, river life and island landscapes, the itinerary offers an introduction to southern Vietnam.

Explore Ho Chi Minh City and Cho Lon before travelling to the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh and the Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels. Continue to Cai Be for a private overnight Song Xanh sampan cruise through the Mekong Delta, reaching Cai Rang Floating Market before visiting Khmer heritage in Soc Trang. The journey then continues by speedboat to Con Dao for historical sites, the marine and coastal ecosystems of Con Dao National Park, possible snorkeling and time to relax by the sea.

With local guides, arranged transfers, included meals across most touring days and free time built into the program, the itinerary suits travellers seeking a journey combining history, Mekong river culture and island nature, with time to relax in Con Dao.

Ho Chi Minh City Heritage: Visit Independence Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, Cho Lon and Binh Tay Market while exploring the city’s historical and Chinese-Vietnamese character.
Tay Ninh & Cu Chi: Experience the Cao Dai Holy See and Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels, connecting distinctive religious traditions with Vietnam’s modern wartime history.
Song Xanh Sampan Cruise: Travel overnight by private sampan from Cai Be towards Can Tho, with Mekong waterways, orchards, riverside communities and selected shore visits.
Cai Rang Floating Market: Watch working trading boats on the Mekong at breakfast before continuing through Can Tho to Soc Trang’s Khmer cultural heritage.
Con Dao Historical Heritage: Explore Phu Hai Prison, the French and American Tiger Cages, and Hang Duong Cemetery with guided historical context.
Con Dao Marine & Nature: Travel into protected coastal waters, with possible snorkeling over coral reefs and flexible island stops subject to safe operating conditions.
Con Dao Leisure Day: Slow the pace with a full free day for the beach, swimming, hotel relaxation or independent exploration before departure.

Places you’ll see

Can Tho

Cu Chi Tunnels

Tay Ninh

Ho Chi Minh City

Itinerary

Expand All

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in the city centre for check-in and time to rest after your journey.

If your flight arrives early enough, head out in the evening for a guided Saigon street food tour by motorbike. Riding as a passenger, travel through local neighbourhoods and stop at selected street-food stalls and small eateries to sample Vietnamese dishes while discovering the city’s lively evening food culture. After the trip, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Arrival note: The evening food tour is arranged only for arrivals early enough to join comfortably. For later arrivals, the experience may be omitted and dinner will be at your own arrangement. A walking-based food experience may also be arranged for guests who prefer not to travel by motorbike.

Meals

Street Food Tastings

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Ho Chi Minh City’s historical and cultural landmarks at Independence Palace, one of the city’s most significant sites associated with Vietnam’s modern history. Continue through the historic centre for an exterior view of Notre-Dame Cathedral, followed by a visit inside Saigon Central Post Office and a photo stop at the Saigon Opera House. Along the way, your guide introduces the architectural influences and historical character of central Saigon.

After lunch at a local restaurant, travel to Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City’s historic Chinatown. Visit Thien Hau Pagoda before exploring Binh Tay Market and the surrounding trading quarter, an area long associated with the city’s Chinese-Vietnamese commercial community.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, with dinner and the evening free for your own arrangements.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Note: Notre-Dame Cathedral is viewed from the exterior, with visitor access subject to restoration work and local conditions.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, travel northwest from Ho Chi Minh City to the Tay Ninh Cao Dai Holy See, the spiritual centre of Caodaism and one of southern Vietnam’s most distinctive religious landmarks. Explore the colourful temple complex with your guide and learn about its symbolic architecture and religious traditions. Subject to the day’s religious schedule and visitor access, respectfully observe the midday worship ceremony.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels, where your guide explains how the underground network supported shelter, communication, command activities and everyday life during wartime. Guests who feel comfortable may enter a tunnel section, although this part of the visit is entirely optional.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic conditions.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Activity level: Easy to moderately active. The day includes a relatively long road journey and periods of walking at both sites. Comfortable footwear, lightweight clothing and sun protection are recommended. Guests choosing to enter the tunnels should be comfortable in narrow, enclosed spaces.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, leave Ho Chi Minh City and travel to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, where you board your private Song Xanh sampan for an overnight journey towards Can Tho.

During the cruise, enjoy selected shore excursions introducing traditional cottage industries and local river life. Depending on the confirmed Song Xanh operating itinerary, visits may include a heritage house in the Dong Hoa Hiep area, a clay-pot workshop and a local Cao Dai temple. Lunch is served during the journey as the sampan continues through peaceful waterways, orchards and riverside communities, with further time to cruise and relax on board.

In the evening, enjoy dinner aboard before the vessel anchors for a quiet overnight stay on the Mekong.

Overnight in Song Xanh Sampan

Cruise note: The exact sequence of shore visits, cruising times and local stops may be adjusted according to river conditions and the confirmed Song Xanh operating program.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Wake early aboard the sampan as your Mekong Delta cruise reaches Cai Rang Floating Market. Enjoy breakfast on board while observing trading boats carrying fruit, vegetables and agricultural produce from across the region before continuing to Can Tho, where you disembark and meet your driver for the road journey to Soc Trang.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Mahatup Pagoda, also known as Bat Pagoda. With your guide, learn about the area’s Khmer cultural heritage, Theravada Buddhist traditions and distinctive architecture.

Continue to your hotel in Soc Trang and enjoy a free evening to rest before the following morning’s early journey to Con Dao.

Overnight in Soc Trang

Market note: Cai Rang Floating Market is a working local market. The number of trading boats and level of activity naturally vary according to the day, season and local trading conditions.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After an early breakfast, transfer from Soc Trang to Tran De Port and board the speedboat to Con Dao. Under normal operating conditions, the sea crossing takes approximately two and a half hours.

On arrival in Con Dao, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel to leave your luggage before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Con Dao Museum for an introduction to the archipelago’s natural environment, local life and historical legacy, followed by a short visit to Pier 914 overlooking Con Son Bay.

Continue to your hotel for check-in. The evening is free to rest, spend time at the beach or explore independently, with dinner at your own arrangement.

Overnight in Con Dao Island

Travel note: Speedboat schedules are subject to weather, sea conditions, tides and local operating arrangements. If the crossing is significantly delayed, the afternoon sightseeing program may be shortened or adjusted rather than rushed. Guests prone to seasickness should prepare accordingly.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, begin a guided Con Dao historical heritage tour focusing on the island’s former prison system and its role in Vietnam’s modern history. Visit Phu Hai Prison before continuing to the French Tiger Cages and American Tiger Cages, where your guide provides historical context and explains the different periods of incarceration on the island.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Hang Duong Cemetery, an important place of remembrance for former prisoners and resistance figures, including Vo Thi Sau. Spend time respectfully exploring the memorial grounds before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

The evening and dinner are at your own arrangement.

Overnight in Con Dao Island

Activity level: Generally easy, with some moderate walking. The program includes several periods of walking and standing at historical sites. Comfortable footwear, lightweight clothing and sun protection are recommended.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, set out on a Con Dao marine and nature experience in the protected waters surrounding the archipelago. Depending on the authorised route and sea conditions, travel by boat towards areas around Bay Canh Island and Hon Cau, where your guide introduces the marine and coastal ecosystems of Con Dao National Park. You may also enjoy snorkeling over coral reefs at a suitable site.

Lunch is included as arranged with the excursion before returning to Con Son Island. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax at your hotel or spend time on the beach. The exact island stops and snorkeling locations remain flexible in accordance with National Park regulations, weather and safe operating conditions.

Overnight in Con Dao Island

Activity level: Moderate. Guests should be comfortable travelling by small boat and entering the water for snorkeling. Swimwear, sun protection and suitable footwear are recommended.

Weather alternative: If sea conditions do not permit the scheduled boat excursion, the program may be adjusted to a suitable land-based nature and beach experience on Con Dao.

Seasonal note: Sea turtle conservation experiences may occasionally be available during the appropriate season through authorised local arrangements. However, availability depends on permits, natural conditions and National Park regulations and is not guaranteed as part of this itinerary.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy a full Con Dao leisure day with no scheduled guided activities. Spend the day relaxing at your hotel, swimming, enjoying the beach or exploring the island independently at your own pace.

After the historical and marine experiences of the previous days, this free day gives you time to slow down, enjoy the island atmosphere and prepare comfortably for your departure. Lunch and dinner are at your own way.

Overnight in Con Dao Island

Meals

Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy some final free time in Con Dao before transferring to Con Dao Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, continue with your onward international departure according to the confirmed flight arrangements.

Domestic flight and transfer timings should be coordinated carefully with the international departure schedule to allow a comfortable connection. This marks the end of your journey through southern Vietnam.

End of Services

Connection note: When the international departure is booked for the same day, sufficient connection time should be allowed between the Con Dao flight and the onward international service.

Meals

Breakfast

Meeting & Pickup

Meeting point

Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City , South Vietnam , Vietnam

Open in Google Maps

End point

Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City , South Vietnam

Open in Google Maps

Dates & Availability

Adults (12 years old and above)
Children (From 2 to under 12 years old)
Infants (Under 2 years old)

Important Information

Expand All

Handpicked accommodation in comfortable double or twin rooms, with daily breakfast
Private air-conditioned road transfers and sightseeing transportation as specified in the itinerary
Experienced local English-speaking guides for scheduled sightseeing
Saigon street food & local neighborhood tour by motorbike
Private overnight Song Xanh sampan cruise from Cai Be towards Can Tho
Boat and speedboat transportation specified in the itinerary
Selected meals as outlined in the daily itinerary
Bottled water and cool towels provided on all excursions
Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing visits listed in the itinerary
Service charges applied where required

International airfares and any applicable airport taxes
Domestic flights quoted separately and can be arranged upon request with no booking fees
Meals or drinks not specifically outlined in the daily program
Vietnam entry visas where required, depending on your nationality
Personal spending, including laundry, calls, or refreshments outside the itinerary
Travel insurance, which we recommend arranging prior to departure
Any optional activities, services or experiences not specified in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers (suggested: USD 3–5 per person per day)

If you need help arranging anything beyond the program, our team will be happy to assist.

Keep your luggage light and stay comfortable. We recommend bringing:
Lightweight waterproof bag for boat trips and snorkeling
Proper walking shoes for comfort and support
Sun protection essentials: sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle
Personal care essentials and required medications

Optional: snacks, a camera, and a small daypack for daily excursions.

Don’t worry — we’ll guide you with more details before your trip.

Payment

A 30% deposit is needed to guarantee your booking.
The remaining balance is due at least 10 days before departure.
Once your booking is confirmed, the deposit becomes non-refundable as hotels, guides and local services may be reserved in advance.

Cancellations

In the event of cancellations, the following conditions will apply:
More than 10 days before departure: 30% of total tour price
6–10 days before departure: 50% of the total tour price
3–5 days before departure: 75% of total tour price
Within 3 days before departure or no-show: 100% of total tour price
Cancellation deadlines are calculated based on working days in Vietnam, excluding weekends and public holidays. Please contact our team if your cancellation request falls close to a deadline.

Refunds

Any applicable refunds will be processed after deducting relevant fees and banking charges.
The time it takes to receive your refund may vary based on your payment provider.

Hotel rooms are typically available from 14:00 and should be vacated by 12:00
Early check-in or late check-out is available upon request (subject to availability and surcharge)
Single supplement applies for solo travelers booking a private Vietnam tour
Triple room option is available upon request
The itinerary may be adjusted due to flight schedules, weather conditions, or operational factors
Peak season surcharge: Additional charges may apply for Christmas Eve (24 December) and New Year’s Eve (31 December) Gala dinners
Public holiday surcharge: Applicable during major holidays such as Vietnamese public holidays (Reunification Day 30/4 – Labour Day 1/5, Lunar New Year/Tet)
Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Vietnam
Visa requirements vary according to nationality and remain the responsibility of each traveler
In unexpected situations, adjustments may be made with your comfort and safety in mind.

Children under 2 years old: Free of charge (sharing bed with parents; limited services included)
Children from 2 up to 12 years (exclusive):
90% of the adult tour price (sharing bed with parents)
100% of the adult tour price (extra bed provided)
Children aged 12 years and above: Charged at 100% of the adult tour price
A child’s age is calculated based on the date of travel
Only one child per room is allowed to share a bed with parents (subject to hotel policy)

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about this tour

Where Does the 10-Day Southern Vietnam Tour Start and End?

The tour begins at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, where you meet your local guide and transfer to a city-centre hotel. On Day 10, you fly from Con Dao back to Ho Chi Minh City, and the tour concludes at Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward international departure.

What Destinations Are Included in This Southern Vietnam Tour?

The itinerary travels through Ho Chi Minh City, Cho Lon, Tay Ninh, Cu Chi, Cai Be, Can Tho, Soc Trang and Con Dao. Along the way, you experience city heritage, Cao Dai traditions, wartime history, Mekong Delta river life, Khmer cultural heritage and the historical, coastal and natural landscapes of Con Dao.

Is the Saigon Street Food Tour Guaranteed on Arrival Day?

The Saigon street food tour is arranged only when your arrival time allows you to join comfortably. The standard experience is by motorbike, with guests riding as passengers between selected food stops. A walking-based alternative may be arranged for guests who prefer not to travel by motorbike. Later arrivals may miss this experience.

Still deciding if this tour is right for you?

This customizable tour can be tailored to your travel style, dates, and preferences.

Tell us what you’re looking for — we’ll create a personalized trip just for you.

Customer Reviews

5.0

9 Reviews

Reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Your Rating:

Review details

MR

Mr.George Borman | New Zealand

Apr 11, 2026

A Well-Organized Journey Through Southern Vietnam

Our 10-day Southern Vietnam tour with Auasia Travel was an excellent experience from beginning to end. Communication before and during the trip was very good, and the whole journey felt well organized while still being flexible when needed.We started in Ho Chi Minh City, where our guide introduced us to the city’s history, culture and local neighborhoods. From ..More
Our 10-day Southern Vietnam tour with Auasia Travel was an excellent experience from beginning to end. Communication before and during the trip was very good, and the whole journey felt well organized while still being flexible when needed.
We started in Ho Chi Minh City, where our guide introduced us to the city’s history, culture and local neighborhoods. From there, we continued to the Cao Dai Holy See and the Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels, where we learned much more than we could have from a guidebook alone.
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was travelling through the Mekong Delta, including the overnight Song Xanh Sampan cruise and the early visit to Cai Rang Floating Market. We also enjoyed learning about Khmer culture in Soc Trang before continuing to Con Dao.
Con Dao was a very interesting change of pace, combining the island’s important historical sites with its natural scenery and time by the sea. Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic throughout the journey, and our driver was kind, safe and professional. The vehicle was also very comfortable and always kept clean.
Spending 10 days together is a long time, but both our guide and driver made us feel comfortable throughout. We would happily travel with Auasia Travel again.
Less
JU

Juan Mark | United Kingdom

Apr 08, 2026

A Smooth and Interesting 10-Day Southern Vietnam Journey

We had a wonderful experience on this 10-day Southern Vietnam tour with Auasia Travel. Ms. Hang Moon helped arrange everything from our airport pick-up in Ho Chi Minh City to the hotels and daily touring, and communication throughout the trip was very smooth.We began by exploring Saigon and its historical and cultural sights before continuing to the Cao Dai Holy See and ..More
We had a wonderful experience on this 10-day Southern Vietnam tour with Auasia Travel. Ms. Hang Moon helped arrange everything from our airport pick-up in Ho Chi Minh City to the hotels and daily touring, and communication throughout the trip was very smooth.
We began by exploring Saigon and its historical and cultural sights before continuing to the Cao Dai Holy See and the Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels. Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly and enjoyable to travel with, and the drivers always made us feel safe on the road.
The Mekong Delta section was another highlight. Travelling by Song Xanh Sampan gave us a different view of local river life, and visiting Cai Rang Floating Market was one of the most interesting experiences of the journey. We also appreciated the stop in Soc Trang and the opportunity to learn more about local Khmer culture.
The final part of the trip in Con Dao combined history, nature and time to relax, which made the itinerary feel well paced. The hotels we stayed in were clean and comfortable, and the restaurants chosen for our included lunches were very enjoyable.
Overall, the trip was well organized and offered very good value. We would definitely book with Auasia Travel and Ms. Hang Moon again for another trip to Vietnam.
Less
CA

Catherine | Germany

Mar 20, 2026

A Beautiful and Well-Paced Southern Vietnam Experience

We had a fantastic time on this 10-day Southern Vietnam tour with Auasia Travel. The itinerary gave us a great mix of culture, history, nature and free time, which made the journey feel very balanced.We started in Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the city’s main historical and cultural sights before travelling to the Cao Dai Holy See and the Ben Duoc Cu Chi ..More
We had a fantastic time on this 10-day Southern Vietnam tour with Auasia Travel. The itinerary gave us a great mix of culture, history, nature and free time, which made the journey feel very balanced.
We started in Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the city’s main historical and cultural sights before travelling to the Cao Dai Holy See and the Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly and always made sure we felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trip.
The Mekong Delta was one of the most memorable parts of the tour. The overnight Song Xanh Sampan journey was a relaxing way to experience the waterways and local river life, and seeing Cai Rang Floating Market in the morning gave us another side of southern Vietnam. We also enjoyed learning more about Khmer culture in Soc Trang.
Ending the trip in Con Dao was perfect. After several days of sightseeing, it was nice to have time for the island’s history, natural scenery and beaches, as well as some freedom to relax at our own pace.
Overall, the tour was very well organized and gave us a wonderful introduction to southern Vietnam. We would happily recommend Auasia Travel to anyone looking for a varied and enjoyable journey through the region.
Less