Things To Do
in Đồng Xoài

Đồng Xoài is the capital city of Bình Phước Province in southern Vietnam, nestled near rubber plantations and rolling farmland. It blends quiet markets, modern Vietnamese urban life, and easy access to nearby nature reserves. The city serves as a gateway to the southeastern plains and the Cat Tien–Phong Dien region, with friendly locals and a growing food scene.

Visitors can explore markets, temples, and lakes, then venture into the green countryside just outside the city.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Fly into Đồng Xoài and check into your hotel. After freshening up, explore the local markets to get a taste of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Don’t forget to sample some street food delicacies.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic Đồng Xoài War Cemetery to pay respects and learn about the region's tumultuous past. Walk through the lush surrounding parks for a relaxing afternoon. Stop by local cafes for a traditional Vietnamese coffee.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant that specializes in regional dishes. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as the town lights up in the evening. Consider shopping for local crafts as you stroll through the night market.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to a local temple, immersing yourself in the spirituality of the area. Participate in a meditation session led by a local monk. Spend some quiet time reflecting in the serene environment.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a hands-on cooking class to learn how to prepare local specialties. Visit a nearby village to meet the artisans crafting traditional handicrafts. Engage with locals to understand their daily lives and customs.

evening
:

Return to the town for a leisurely dinner at a family-run eatery. Share stories with the locals and savor your homemade dish from the cooking class. Enjoy a night walk, taking in the sights and sounds of the town.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-7
🧃Bottle of water (1.5L)$0.50-1
🚖1 km taxi ride$1-2
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$25-50
🎟️Local attraction entry$2-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and tasty regional cuisine
  • Close to nature and countryside retreats
  • Limited international flight connections directly to Đồng Xoài
  • Smaller tourism infrastructure compared to bigger Vietnamese cities
  • "Xin chào" - Hello
  • "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
  • "Xin lỗi" - Sorry
  • "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
  • "Ở đây có wifi không?" - Is there Wi-Fi here?
  • "Tôi không ăn thịt" - I don’t eat meat
  • "Rất vui được gặp bạn" - Nice to meet you

Places to Visit in Đồng Xoài

Visit one of these nice places.

Chợ Đồng Xoài at dawn

Colorful market stalls and candid daily life provide documentary-style shots.

Central square and streets

Bustling city life with motorbikes, storefronts, and wall art make dynamic street photography.

Lakeside park views

Reflection shots during sunset with trees and fountains.

Temple complex or pagoda precincts

Calm courtyards, incense smoke, and traditional architecture offer serene subjects.

Rural countryside lines

Plantations and dirt roads with long shadows create cinematic compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Đồng Xoài

Đồng Xoài’s cuisine reflects southern Vietnamese flavors—thriving fish and seafood, fresh herbs, and bold street-food staples. Expect fragrant broths, grilled meats, and hearty rice dishes made with local produce.

Đồng Xoài Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cơm tấm

Broken rice served with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg; widely available at local eateries.

Must-Try!

Bún thịt nướng

Grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, herbs, and a savory fish sauce dressing.

Cháo lòng hoặc cháo vịt

Rice porridge with various toppings or duck-inspired versions common in markets.

Lẩu cá hoặc lẩu mắm

Fish hotpot or spicy fermented fish hotpot, popular with groups.

Gỏi cuốn

Fresh spring rolls with shrimp, herbs, and vermicelli served with peanut or fish-sauce dip.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Chợ Đồng Xoài

Vibrant morning and evening market where you can taste fresh fruits, noodles, and bánh mì.

Market lanes around city center

Street stalls offering grilled meats, phở, and local desserts.

Climate Guide

Weather

Đồng Xoài experiences a tropical monsoon climate with year-round warmth. The dry season runs approximately November to April, while the rainy season occurs from May to October, bringing higher humidity and heavy showers. Expect hot days, cooler mornings, and increased rainfall in the wet months. Humidity is typically high, so dress in breathable fabrics and stay hydrated.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple etiquette

Dress modestly, remove shoes when required, and avoid loud talking near sacred sites.

Greetings and respect

A polite “xin chào” or “xin chào quý khách” with a smile goes a long way; use formal titles for elders.

Photography etiquette

Ask permission before photographing people or inside religious spaces; avoid taking photos of private homes or people at work without consent.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good by Southeast Asian standards, but exercise normal precautions: watch your belongings in crowded markets, use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps, and be cautious on rural roads after dark. Traffic can be chaotic with many motorbikes; wear helmets when riding. Stay informed about weather conditions, especially during the rainy season, and have travel insurance that covers medical needs.

Tipping in Đồng Xoài

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service, especially in tourist-focused spots; small denominations are common.

Payment Methods

Cash in Vietnamese dong is widely accepted; some shops and cafes accept card payments or mobile wallets like MoMo and ZaloPay, especially in larger towns.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with temperatures often in the 30s°C (86–95°F). Expect occasional short rain showers; carry water and sun protection.

Rainy Season (May–October)

Heavy rains, higher humidity, and potential flooding in low-lying areas; plan indoor activities during peak rain.

Dry Season (November–April)

Warm to hot days with cooler mornings; best time for outdoor exploration and photography with clearer skies.

Nightlife Guide

Đồng Xoài at Night

The nightlife in Đồng Xoài is relaxed and low-key, with local markets, casual cafés, and small karaoke bars. You’ll find lively street food lanes in the evenings, and a few restaurants offer live music on weekends. For a nightcap, head to a local cafe or bar that serves Vietnamese coffee and fruit shakes; the scene is family-friendly and safe.

Hiking in Đồng Xoài

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai)

Rainforest trails and river areas offering wildlife viewing; about 1.5–3 hours from Đồng Xoài by car depending on route.

Bình Phước countryside trails

Easy forest and plantation walks through rubber and palm plantations with rural scenery.

Airports

How to reach Đồng Xoài by plane.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)

The main international gateway for the region; about a 2–3 hour drive to Đồng Xoài depending on traffic.

Pleiku Airport (Gia Lai)

A regional airport offering domestic flights; reachable by road with longer travel times from Đồng Xoài.

Getting Around

Walkability

Đồng Xoài has a walkable city center with markets, parks, and sidewalks in many blocks, but longer distances require local transport. The layout is practical for pedestrians during the day, though some streets can be busy with traffic. Using a bike or scooter can help cover more ground with ease.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Kinh (Viet)

The majority ethnic group in the city and province.

S'tiêng and Khmer minorities

Indigenous and minority communities living in the broader Bình Phước region.

Other minority groups

Small communities including Hoa (ethnic Chinese) and H'Mông families in rural areas.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

A popular pastime in towns and parks; local leagues and pickup games are common.

Badminton and volleyball

Played in community centers and schools; accessible for visitors who want casual games.

Cycling and running

Common around rural roads and lakeside promenades.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is dominated by motorcycles; expect congested streets around markets and during rush hours. Public transport is limited, with most travelers relying on taxis, ride-hailing apps, or private transfers. Roads are generally functional but can be busy; always exercise caution as pedestrians and cyclists share lanes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Đồng Xoài.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can ask for tofu-based dishes or vegetable stir-fries; avoid fish sauce and look for meals labeled chay (vegetarian) in menus.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in the city and province with public hospitals and private clinics; for serious medical needs, you’ll likely travel to larger cities such as Ho Chi Minh City. Bring any necessary medications and ensure travel insurance covers medical evacuation if needed. English may be limited at smaller facilities, so having a translation app is helpful.

Discover Vietnam

Read more in our Vietnam 2025 Travel Guide.

Vietnam Travel Guide