Central Vietnam (Miền Trung) lies between the mountainous north and tropical south. It features a diverse landscape of beaches, historic towns, imperial cities, and the lush Central Highlands. It’s a favorite for history lovers, nature seekers, and beachgoers alike.
Why go: Modern city with beaches, nearby mountains, and cultural sites.
Highlights:
My Khe Beach (surfing, swimming)
Marble Mountains
Dragon Bridge (weekend fire & water show)
Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge (giant hand bridge)
Hai Van Pass (motorbike scenic route)
Why go: Charming ancient town known for lanterns, architecture, and tailoring.
Must-do:
Stroll the lantern-lit Ancient Town
Try local dishes (Cao Lau, white rose dumplings)
Take a cooking class or lantern workshop
Visit An Bang Beach
Why go: Historic capital with royal architecture, pagodas, and tombs.
Top Sites:
Hue Imperial Citadel
Thien Mu Pagoda
Tombs of Emperors (Tu Duc, Khai Dinh)
Perfume River boat tours
Why go: Caving and nature adventure hub.
Highlights:
Son Doong Cave (largest cave in the world)
Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave
Jungle treks, ziplining, kayaking
Why go: Off-the-beaten-path beaches and volcanic landscapes.
Activities:
Explore Ly Son’s garlic farms, craters, and temples
Beach hopping with fewer tourists
Why go: Beach resort town with water sports and vibrant nightlife.
Top Picks:
Long Beach
Mud baths and hot springs
VinWonders Amusement Park
Why go: Cool mountain climate, pine forests, waterfalls, flower farms.
Main Attractions:
Crazy House
Datanla Waterfalls
Flower gardens and coffee plantations
French colonial architecture
Central Vietnamese cuisine is spicier and often more complex in flavor. Notable dishes include:
Mi Quang – Quang-style noodles (Da Nang specialty)
Bun Bo Hue – Spicy beef noodle soup (Hue)
Cao Lau – Noodles with pork and herbs (Hoi An)
Com Hen – Baby clam rice (Hue)
Nem Lui – Grilled pork skewers
Banh Beo – Steamed rice cakes with toppings
Dry Season: March to August – warm and sunny, ideal for beaches.
Rainy Season: September to December – expect heavy rains, especially in Hue and Hoi An.
Best time: March to May and September to November for balanced weather and fewer crowds.
Airports:
Da Nang International Airport (central hub)
Phu Bai Airport (Hue)
Dong Hoi Airport (Phong Nha)
Trains: Reunification Express connects major cities (Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang)
Buses & vans: Well-connected but slow
Motorbike rentals: Popular for short trips or routes like the Hai Van Pass
Taxis/Grab: Available in major towns and cities
Da Nang & Nha Trang – High-rise beach hotels, resorts
Hoi An & Hue – Boutique hotels, heritage homestays
Phong Nha & Da Lat – Eco-lodges, guesthouses, hostels
Luxury options available in most cities and coastal areas
Weather awareness: Check for typhoons from August to November
Dress modestly at temples and tombs
Tailoring in Hoi An: Plan at least 2-3 days for fittings
Cash: Still widely used outside of tourist zones; carry small denominations
Language: Vietnamese is spoken; English is common in tourist areas
Tet Festival (Lunar New Year) – Late Jan–Feb, celebrated nationwide
Mid-Autumn Festival – Lantern displays in Hoi An (Sept–Oct)
Hue Festival – Biennial celebration of royal arts, music, and history
Hoi An Lantern Festival – Monthly full-moon celebration with floating candles and lanterns
Ride a motorbike along the Hai Van Pass
Take a traditional boat ride in Hoi An or Hue
Explore caves in Phong Nha National Park
Walk the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills
Soak in a mud bath in Nha Trang
Savor street food in Da Nang night markets
Visit the serene pagodas and imperial tombs in Hue