From island escapes to the non-stop action, southern Vietnam offers both vibrant urban energy and mellow countryside.

Start off in the sensory overload that is Ho Chi Minh City, a metropolis where humble mom-and-pop shops share street space with modern skyscrapers. Beyond the city limits you’ll encounter the languid Mekong Delta, where life takes place on water and farmland rolls out as far as the eye can see.

Not far away, Mui Ne lures holidaymakers with a laid-back beach vibe and reputation as the kite-surfing capital of Vietnam. Offshore, islands such as Phu Quoc and Con Dao will welcome you with pristine coastlines and untouched landscapes.