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Here are four destinations in southern Vietnam offering memorable experiences for travelers during the September 2 National Day holiday.
Thoi Son Islet, Dong Thap
Located on the Tien River in Thoi Son Commune, Dong Thap Province, Thoi Son Islet is a familiar stop on journeys through Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Visitors can paddle traditional three-plank sampans through narrow waterways lined with nipa palms, explore fruit orchards, enjoy don ca tai tu southern folk music and honey tea, and learn about traditional local crafts.
From Ho Chi Minh City, Thoi Son Islet is well suited to a day trip thanks to its relatively short distance and compact itinerary. In a single day, travelers can get a fairly complete taste of the Delta’s waterways and orchards, sample seasonal fruit and gain an insight into local culture.
One experience particularly popular with visitors is eating fruit fresh from the orchard. Depending on the season, local growers offer a variety of produce, including pineapple, pomelo, mango, rambutan and dragon fruit.
More recently, images of Chinese tourists sitting aboard traditional sampans amid the nipa palms of Thoi Son Islet have circulated on social media, drawing attention from both international and Vietnamese travelers. The distinctive scenery has also helped turn the sampan ride into one of the area’s most sought-after experiences for photographs and social media check-ins.
Hon Son Island, An Giang
Dubbed the “unpolished gem” of An Giang, Hon Son lies between Nam Du and Hon Tre islands. Covering 11 sq.km, the island is ringed by six beautiful beaches.
The destination draws visitors with its unspoiled natural scenery, clean environment, fresh seafood and warm, welcoming residents. The island has a relatively small population, consisting mainly of fishing families who make their living from the sea and small-scale farming.
Visitors to Hon Son should not miss swimming at Bai Bang Beach, watching the sunrise from the summit of Ma Thien Lanh, exploring fishing villages and enjoying freshly caught seafood right by the sea. Bai Bang features a long stretch of fine white sand beneath the sun and crystal-clear, emerald-colored water reflecting the sky. There are no rows of bustling restaurants, hotels or modern resorts here; the landscape remains largely untouched, defined by sea, sand and forest.
Hon Son now has a good selection of beachfront homestays and guesthouses, with rates ranging from around US$10-20 per night, depending on location and amenities. It can be an appealing choice for the September 2 holiday for travelers hoping to avoid large crowds and noise.
During the September 2 holiday, travelers can also book a cruise along the Mekong River.
One option is the Victoria Mekong cruise from Can Tho to Cambodia. Designed much like an upscale resort, the ship offers a range of leisure facilities, including a golf area, swimming pool and cinema. In the evening, guests can enjoy performances of don ca tai tu, a traditional musical art form closely associated with the Mekong Delta.
Another option is La Marguerite, which takes travelers through communities along the Mekong, beginning in Ho Chi Minh City and passing through Cai Be, Sa Dec and Tan Chau before ending in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Large glass windows allow passengers to take in the natural scenery, everyday life along both banks of the Tien River and the constant flow of boats and vessels on the water. While exploring the Mekong, guests can also enjoy a resort-style experience with facilities including an outdoor Jacuzzi, open-air bar, gym, spa and reading room.
Con Dao, Ho Chi Minh City
The sandy shore at Bai Nhat appears and disappears with the tides. Photo: Nguyen Quoc Truong
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