Central Vietnam is a paradise waiting to be explored. From the ancient cobbled streets of Hoi An, to the remarkable My Son ruins and the dramatic Ba Na Hills – cable car & town, the beauty of this region is beyond compare. Traveling further, the picturesque My Khe beach in Da Nang offers up a chance to relax and enjoy an array of activities. Meanwhile, Hue’s imperial architecture provides a contrast to the lush greenery of Bac Ma National Park. With so much to see, Central Vietnam is a must-see destination for tourists in search of culture and adventure.
Explore the natural wonders and cultural heritage with abandon – every journey is a story in the making. From classic markets to hidden canals, discover the joys of exploring Central Vietnam and take home memories that will last a lifetime. Unveil the secrets of this magical region and become enraptured by the beauty and magic that exist at every turn.
1.) History
When it comes to Central Vietnam, the history runs deep, giving visitors a plethora of things to explore and experience. From the historic, ancient kingdom of My Son to the sprawling beachfront of My Khe and the Imperial City of Hue, there are a variety of historical and cultural experiences to be had.
Travelling around Central Vietnam, you’ll find a mix of cultures throughout the area, and a variety of monuments to explore. Hoi An was once an important trading port and one of the most beautiful cities in all of Vietnam, a place where merchants, cultures, and religions blended peacefully. While there, you can marvel at the 14th century Chinese assembly hall, the renovated Japanese bridge, and the ancient streets of old Hoi An.
Hue is the former Imperial City of Vietnam, and wandering its streets you’ll find testimony to the past in a variety of ornate tombs, pagodas, and palaces built during the Nguyen dynasty. The stunning contrast of the majestic Citadel, tombs, and temples of Hue have earned it the title of being Vietnam’s “Cultural Capital.”
Not to be left out, Ba Na Hills – the cable car & town – allows you to whisk away to heights of over 1,500 metres and enjoy spectacular views of the Central Highlands. Even the Bac Ma National Park offers stunning views, as well as the chance to explore various cultural sites, monuments, and of course, the fantastic wildlife.
The joy of exploring Central Vietnam is incomparable, and when you take the time to explore the history it offers, it can be a truly unparalleled experience.
2.) Culture
Exploring Central Vietnam is not only a euphoric experience for its natural beauty, but also the cultural allure of this stunning destination. In Hoi An, you can soak up the history and charm of the old trading town, where Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences fused together to create a unique atmosphere along with incredible local customs and cuisines. Then continue to the archaeological site, My Son which is an incredibly evocative spot, revealing an impressive array of Hindu temples dating from the 4th century.
The Ba Na Hills are a surreal place to explore, whether you decide to take the iconic cable car ride through the misty forest for a bird’s eye view or travel on foot, admiring the town and enjoying the fusion of French Colonial architecture, Kthymer and Buddhist Monasteries. Then after soaking up some sun at My Khe beach, a short drive leads to the Imperial city of Hue. Not only is this a royal city, but it’s a beautiful feast of classical Vietnamese culture surrounded by ancient monuments – the perfect opportunity to take a step back in time. Finally, get back to nature in Bac Ma National Park and enjoy magnificent outdoor activities such as trekking, camping, and fishing.
3.) Culinary
Exploring Central Vietnam is a treat for all our senses with its stunning landscape and rich culture, but it is also a great destination for foodies. The cuisine of Central Vietnam is particularly special, with its unique flavors and special ingredients. Whether you want to try traditional dishes or international favorites, you will surely find something to your liking here.
In Hoi An, you will find much local fare, such as cao lau, a type of noodles served with egg, veggies, pork and shrimp. Then in My Son, you have to have a bowl of mi Quang, a combination of toasted rice noodles and chicken, served with a flavorful broth and an array of herbs. When you are in the Ba Na Hills, be sure to try the locally-made gac fruit, which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Then, over in the pristine My Khe Beach, find the best seafood selection you have ever seen.
But for the ultimate culinary adventure, go to the city of Hue. Here, you can experience royal cuisine that dates back centuries, with recipes that use exotic ingredients such as beef, shrimp, squid and beef. One of the signature dishes is bun bo hue, a spicy beef noodle soup.
The culinary delights of Central Vietnam are abundant and sure to make you come back for more. Whatever town or city you visit, you will be sure to find a unique cuisine of its own. So, when it comes to exploring Central Vietnam, put the joy of food on your list.
4.) Nature
Central Vietnam offers a range of breathtaking and untouched natural wonders for those who are looking for some adventurous exploration. Being home to Bac Ma National Park and its magnificent biodiversity, adventurers can roam around discovering a variety of flora and fauna, from rare orchids to endangered species of birds.
Apart from its forests, Central Vietnam has some stunning coastline and beaches to admire. My Khe Beach near Da Nang is a well-known option for a day of sunbathing, swimming, or just sitting on the beach and admiring the stunning ocean panorama. Another great place to explore nature is Ba Na Hills, located near Da Nang where adventurers can take a cable car over the town and explore it on foot, to marvel at stunning views of the mountain range.
Further down the coast, travelers will reach Hue, where they can explore the peaceful Huong River, taking a boat tour to visit ancient pagodas and nature parks along the way. Asfor other adventurous opportunities, travelers may take fun mountain biking trails from Hue to Bach Ma National Park and beyond, or explore the ethereally peaceful lagoon of My Son.
5.) Relaxation
Spending time in Central Vietnam is an absolute joy. Whether it be taking in the beauty of nature, immersing yourself in the culture and history or simply relaxing, Central Vietnam is the perfect holiday destination. My Khe Beach in Danang is a great place to rest and unwind. Take a stroll along the sandy beaches while you take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. For something a little more unique, take a ride on the Ba Na Hills – Cable Car & Town, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the lush forests below. Then, head on to the old town of Hoi An and explore its ancient streets, for a truly wonderful experience. Finally, to complete your relaxation, there’s nothing better than a visit to Bac Ma National Park, where you can take a leisurely hike and admire the majestic landscape and stunning mountain views. Central Vietnam offers something for everyone, and it has all the comforts of home to make your stay even more enjoyable. So, if you’re looking for a leisurely holiday full of relaxation, Central Vietnam is the place for you!
Exploring Central Vietnam has been an incredible journey for any traveler brave enough to take the plunge. From the glorious architecture in Hoi An and the sacred temples of My Son to the world-class attractions at Ba Na Hills and the stunning My Khe Beach, Central Vietnam is truly a hidden gem. Not to mention picturesque places like Hue and Bac Ma National Park, each one offering its own unique and captivating features. Whatever you decide to do, get ready to be blown away by the beauty of Central Vietnam.
