Vietnam is often praised for its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. While many travelers choose to visit during the cooler months, June offers a unique opportunity to explore the country from a more authentic and less tourist-driven perspective. In particular, southern Vietnam — including the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi — becomes especially appealing for those seeking off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Why June is the Perfect Time for a Non-Touristy Trip in Vietnam?
Travel Vietnam in June: An Underrated Choice
June marks the beginning of the rainy season in southern Vietnam, which might discourage some travelers. However, those who visit during this period are often rewarded with a more personal and peaceful experience of the country.
Photo: Innoviet Travel
Fewer Tourists
Tourist crowds tend to be lighter in June, especially from international markets. This means popular attractions and hidden gems alike can be explored without the stress of overcrowding.
Lower Costs
Airfares, accommodations, and tour services are generally more affordable in June, making it an ideal month for budget-conscious travelers who still seek quality experiences.
Peak Fruit Season in the Mekong Delta
One of the most appealing aspects of visiting the Mekong Delta in June is the abundance of tropical fruits. Mangoes, lychees, mangosteens, and durians are in season, making visits to local farms and floating markets even more vibrant and flavorful.
Explore more: Your Perfect Vietnam Trip: The Best Destinations to Visit Each Month
Suggested 2–3 Day Itinerary: Discovering Southern Vietnam Off the Beaten Path
If you are short on time but still want to experience a more authentic and non-touristy side of Vietnam, a 2–3 day itinerary through the countryside around Ho Chi Minh City is both practical and rewarding. This short trip provides a perfect blend of culture, history, and rural landscapes.
Option 1: Visit Cu Chi Tunnel & Ben Tre Through 2 - Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cu Chi – Ben Duoc Tunnel and Rural Culture
Start your journey with a visit to the Ben Duoc section of the Cu Chi Tunnels. This area is less visited than Ben Dinh and offers a more in-depth and less commercialized view of Vietnam’s wartime history. After the tunnel visit, continue to nearby villages to explore rubber plantations and local agricultural life.
Day 2: Ben Tre – Life by the River
Travel to Ben Tre, a province known for coconut production and peaceful canals. Spend the day on a small boat exploring quiet waterways, visit family-run coconut candy workshops, and enjoy a meal at a riverside homestay. This experience offers insight into authentic Mekong Delta life, away from heavily touristed routes.
Option 2: 3 Day Itinerary: Discovering Southern Vietnam Off the Beaten Path
If you are interested in ethnic diversity and temple architecture, this 3-day loop into the Khmer-influenced regions of southern Vietnam is an excellent choice.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Local Homestay
Begin your journey with a transfer to Ben Tre, a tranquil province known for its coconut culture and untouched scenery. Enjoy a private Mekong River boat ride, visit a local coconut workshop, and take a ride on a Xe Lôi (motorized cart) through the village. You’ll also row a traditional sampan through shaded nipa palm canals.
Along the way, stop by a local market in Ben Tre to experience the daily rhythm of rural life — from fresh produce to bustling stalls of tropical fruits, herbs, and household goods. It's a vibrant glimpse into the authentic Mekong lifestyle.
Later, check in at Mekong Home, a locally run riverside guesthouse offering traditional meals and peaceful surroundings.
Day 2: Ben Tre – Tra On – Vinh Long – Can Tho
After breakfast, head to Tra On (Vinh Long province) and take a local ferry to a rural homestay area. Hop on a bicycle and explore small trails along orchards and canals, meeting welcoming locals and learning about daily life in this peaceful region.
After lunch, relax in a hammock before continuing by traditional wooden boat along the Mekong River toward Can Tho. Observe river life along the banks as you glide past homes and fishing boats.
Check in at Can Tho Ecolodge, an eco-conscious accommodation surrounded by lush greenery.
Explore more: Escape the Tourist Crowds: Discover Non-Tourist Experiences in Mekong Delta
Day 3: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Phu Ly Temple – Tan Phong Island – Ho Chi Minh City
Begin your day early with a visit to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest wholesale floating market in the Mekong Delta. Witness traditional river trading and enjoy breakfast on a boat with bun or hu tieu like a local.
Later, stop by the Phu Ly Khmer Temple, an important religious site that reflects the Khmer Buddhist heritage of the region.
On your way back to Ho Chi Minh City, visit Tan Phong Island, known for its abundance of tropical fruits such as durian, rambutan, and guava. Enjoy a lunch featuring fresh Mekong seafood before concluding your trip in the city by late afternoon.
Explore more: Exploring the Lesser-Known Wonders of the Mekong Delta – A Journey Off the Beaten Path
Why This Itinerary Stands Out
Photo: Innoviet Travel
This 2–3 day journey goes far beyond typical day tours. It offers:
- Immersion into non-touristy provinces like Tra On and Tan Phong Island
- Local ferry rides, boat trips, and cycling experiences through countryside trails
- Visits to Khmer temples and floating markets, giving deeper insight into Mekong’s cultural mosaic
- Sustainable accommodations that support local communities
Experience a Hidden Gem of Vietnamese Culture
Why Choose a Short Itinerary?
These 2–3 day options are ideal for travelers:
- With limited time
- Who prefer less touristy experiences
- Seeking deeper cultural connections within a manageable distance from Ho Chi Minh City
All routes can be arranged with private transport or small-group tours to ensure flexibility and comfort.
What Makes This Trip Unique
This itinerary emphasizes immersive travel experiences over sightseeing. Each destination is selected to offer:
- Fewer crowds and a slower travel pace
- Cultural diversity, particularly among Khmer and Vietnamese communities
- Local engagement through homestays, food, and traditional crafts
- Access to regions that retain their original charm and have not yet been significantly altered by mass tourism
This approach aligns well with travelers searching for a Vietnam off-the-beaten-track journey that combines education, authenticity, and sustainability.
Plan Your Non-Touristy Vietnam Tour Today
We offer customizable tour packages tailored to travelers who prefer a non-touristy experience in Vietnam. From local homestays to private boat trips in less-visited areas of the Mekong Delta, our itineraries provide an authentic view of Vietnamese rural life.
Contact us here to receive a detailed travel guide or book your personalized tour.
Vietnam Package Tour - Immersive 15-Day Journey Through Vietnam's Heart and Soul (innoviet.com)
1-day Mekong tour from Can Tho | The Myst Mekong
Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Rural Life
Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour - Ben Tre boat and bike experience
Mekong Delta homestay 2 days tour with cycling trip in non-touristy villages
Mekong Delta tour 3 days with homestay - cycling - Cai Rang floating market
We hope that your experience will be nothing short of amazing
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