Vietnam in $630s-$690s RT

Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) is a huge metro with more than a full trip's worth of stuff to see. But outside that urban jungle is the actual jungle of the Mekong Delta, arguably the coolest part of Vietnam.

The vast, watery landscape of the delta is crossed by bus routes galore, so it's simple enough to get a taste. My Tho is a solid entry point to the Vietnamese countryside, especially if you're into Buddhist temples. So is the seaside resort town of Vung Tau, although it gets a little crowded during the high season. If you're hoping to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, try the Can Gio Mangrove Reserve, a massive protected forest filled with monkeys, fruit bats, and a million different birds.

Finally, don't miss a doubleheader day trip to the Cu Chi war tunnels and the nearby Cao Dai temple complex. The best part? All this stuff is within 2-3 hours of the city, so you'll be back in time for dinner :-)

P.S. Looking for a place to stay in and around Ho Chi Minh City? Start your search right here. We don't make any money from this link; we just find them to be a genuinely helpful resource to make your trip a reality.