With short travel distances, mild weather, exciting activities, diverse cuisine, and affordable prices, these three southern Vietnamese destinations are drawing crowds for the September 2 holiday.

Bai Nhat – Con Dao’s hidden gem

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Although located along a major road, Bai Nhat still retains its unspoiled charm. Photo: Pham Trong Nghia

Con Dao is an archipelago off the coast of Ho Chi Minh City, part of the former Ba Ria - Vung Tau province. Covering 76 km², it includes 16 islands, with Con Son being the largest.

This island is home to many stunning beaches such as Dam Trau, An Hai, Ong Dung, Lo Voi, Shark Cape, and notably, Bai Nhat – a pristine beach along Con Son’s main island route, known for its silky white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Despite its location near the main road, Bai Nhat remains untouched, rustic, and undeveloped.

Bai Nhat is known for its “now you see it, now you don’t” nature, as it appears only when the tide recedes. At high tide, the beach disappears completely from view, revealing its beauty only when the water drops.

The beach offers a different kind of beauty throughout the day. Under bright sunlight, the sea sparkles a vibrant emerald green. By evening, it turns golden, orange, purple, and red as the sun sets.

Australia’s News once named Bai Nhat among “Asia’s 6 most unspoiled beaches,” urging travelers to visit before it becomes widely popular.

Phuoc Hai fishing village – A coastal escape near Ho Chi Minh City
Seafood in Phuoc Hai is diverse and affordable, with oysters priced at just 35,000 VND (1.40 USD) per kilogram. Photo: Bach Chi Thien

Just a two-hour drive from central Ho Chi Minh City, Phuoc Hai fishing village in Long Dat District (former Ba Ria - Vung Tau province) is a perfect getaway for the September holiday. The village offers a peaceful atmosphere, picturesque check-in spots, and a bounty of fresh seafood.

Popular photo locations include Phuoc Hai embankment, Phuoc Hai square, Loc An embankment and fishing port, Loc An beach, So Bong lake, Minh Dam mountain, Nuoc Ngot pass, and An Nhut rice fields.

Travelers should not miss the fresh and inexpensive seafood here - especially steamed milk oysters, which cost only 35,000 VND per kilogram (about 1.40 USD).

In the morning, tourists can visit Phuoc Hai market to buy snails, squid, shrimp, and oysters to take back to their homestay for cooking or to bring home as gifts.

Hon Son – Tranquility and adventure in one island
Hon Son is a rising travel hotspot in the south. Photo: Min on the go

For a more secluded experience, travelers can head to Hon Son in Lai Son Commune, Kien Hai District (formerly Kien Giang province). This hidden gem in the south is ideal for those looking to avoid the holiday crowds.

Hon Son is surrounded by six stunning beaches, untouched nature, clean air, and friendly locals. The island has a small population, mostly fishermen and farmers.

Don’t miss a swim at Bai Bang, sunrise views from Ma Thien Lanh peak, exploring the fishing villages, and savoring freshly caught seafood by the sea.

There is one circular road connecting the beaches and major attractions on the island. For about 150,000 VND (6 USD) per day, visitors can rent a motorbike to explore the island’s scenic gems like Bai Nha, Bai Bang, Bai Xep, and Bai Thien Tue.

Hon Son’s culinary offerings are also a highlight. Freshly caught fish, squid, shrimp, crab, and sea urchins are available daily.

Tourists can also visit Thien Tue market to buy seafood, often priced at just two-thirds of what it costs on other islands.

Thao Trinh