Hon Son, An Giang

Hon Son is located about 65km from the former Rach Gia city, covering an area of 11km² and surrounded by six beautiful beaches. The island rarely experiences overcrowding during peak holidays such as April 30 - May 1.

It attracts visitors with its pristine landscapes, fresh air, abundant seafood, and friendly locals. The island has a small population, mostly fishermen who make a living from fishing and gardening.

The ideal time to visit Hon Son is from January to June each year.

At Hon Son, visitors should not miss swimming at Bai Bang Beach, watching the sunrise from Ma Thien Lanh peak, exploring fishing villages, and enjoying freshly caught seafood by the sea.

Bai Bang features a stretch of smooth white sand under the sun, with crystal-clear turquoise water reflecting the sky. The area remains largely untouched, without crowded shops or modern resorts.

Seafood here is fresh and diverse, including fish, squid, shrimp, crab, and sea urchin, all caught daily. Visitors can head to Thien Tue Market to buy seafood at prices roughly two-thirds lower than other tourist islands.

Cam Mountain, An Giang

Cam Mountain, also known as Thien Cam Son, stands about 710m above sea level and is located more than 250km from Ho Chi Minh City.

The area is famous for its wide variety of fruits such as durian, avocado, and mango, especially “dau da” fruit, which ripens in April. The fruit grows densely on branches, with golden skin and a mildly sweet-sour taste.

In recent years, many orchards have opened experiential tours, allowing visitors to explore, take photos, and pick ripe fruit themselves.

Travelers can combine fruit picking with nature-based activities such as trekking through forests, streams, and waterfalls, or camping on the mountain.

Trekking routes range from 5km to 42km. Shorter routes can be completed within a day, passing through palm fields, fruit gardens, and streams. Longer routes offer overnight experiences, including visits to spiritual sites and camping activities.

Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh

Ba Den Mountain, located in Binh Minh ward, Tay Ninh province, rises 986m above sea level, making it the highest mountain in southern Vietnam. It is often referred to as the “first heavenly mountain” and was recognized as a national historical and scenic site on January 21, 1989.

Visitors can explore a complex of pagodas, temples, and caves stretching from the foot to halfway up the mountain. Linh Son Thanh Mau Bodhisattva is considered the presiding deity and is worshipped across the site.

For trekking enthusiasts, routes such as Ma Thien Lanh Valley, Heo Mountain, Phung Mountain, and White Rock offer rewarding challenges. Visitors should register in advance with forest rangers and travel with experienced guides or organized tours.

Con Son, Can Tho

Con Son covers about 70 hectares and lies in the middle of the Hau River. From central Can Tho, visitors can travel by road to Co Bac ferry terminal and then take a 10-15 minute boat ride to reach the islet.

It is a must-visit destination offering a wide range of activities, including fruit harvesting, making traditional cakes, crossing monkey bridges, riding small boats, and tasting local specialties.

Visitors can also watch unique performances such as snakehead fish “jumping through hoops” or catfish “climbing land” at local gardens, or explore floating fish farms featuring rare and exotic species from the Mekong River.

Phuoc Hai fishing village, Ho Chi Minh City

Phuoc Hai fishing village, now part of Ho Chi Minh City after administrative changes, has existed for hundreds of years. Located about two hours from the city center, it offers a peaceful setting with blue seas, golden sand, and a slow-paced lifestyle.

Visitors can explore locations such as Phuoc Hai embankment, Loc An fishing port, So Bong lake, Minh Dam mountain, Nuoc Ngot pass, and An Nhut rice fields.

A few years ago, the village gained popularity online for its fresh and affordable seafood, especially steamed baby oysters.

Today, oysters remain a must-try specialty, with many eateries offering dishes at very reasonable prices, often drawing large crowds on weekends.

In the morning, visitors can visit Phuoc Hai market to buy fresh seafood such as snails, squid, shrimp, and oysters to cook at their accommodation or take home as gifts.

Climbing Minh Dam mountain offers panoramic views of the Phuoc Hai - Long Hai coastal road. At the foot of the mountain lies Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery, home to a large population of monkeys.

Those planning to visit during the April 30 - May 1 holiday are advised to book accommodation early.