Welcome to Central Vietnam
The geographic heart of the nation, central Vietnam is packed with historic sights and cultural interest, and blessed with ravishing beaches and outstanding national parks. Marvel at Hue and its Imperial Citadel, royal tombs and excellent street food. Savour the unique heritage grace of riverside jewel Hoi An, and tour the military sites of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ).
Check out Danang, fast emerging as one of the nation’s most dynamic cities. Also emerging as a must-visit destination is the extraordinary Phong Nha region, home to three gargantuan cave systems (including the world’s largest cave), and a fascinating war history concealed amid stunning scenery.
Enjoy well-earned downtime on the golden sands of An Bang Beach or learn to cook central Vietnamese cuisine, the nation’s most complex. With improving highways, and upgraded international airports at Hue and Danang, access to this compelling and diverse part of Vietnam has never been easier.
Da Nang
Known As the Hawaii of the East
Da Nang is Vietnam’s third largest city, and is located on the Eastern Sea coast, midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It is also the largest city of Central Vietnam.
The city itself has neither the atmosphere of Hanoi nor the hustle-bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, but has its share of sights and is close to the charms of Hoi An and the imperial capital of Hue. Its unique characteristics makes it a popular vacationing spot for those looking to explore the attractions of central Vietnam.
Geographically, Da Hang is backed by the mountains with a horse–shoe shaped bay, making it a natural harbor. Da Nang’s weather is cool with sunshine all year long, and with a 30km long sandy beach, it is a popular spot to soak up some rays while hanging out on the city’s beaches. Da Nang is listed by National Geographic Magazine as one of the top 50 must visit locations in the world.
French Village in Da Nang
Bana Hill
A colonial French hill resort
A hill resort inherited from the French, lush Ba Na has refreshingly cool weather and gorgeous countryside views. Established in 1919, the resort area once held 200-odd villas, but only a few ruins remain.Until WWII, the French were carried up the last 20km of rough mountain road by sedan chair, but now a 5.7km (the world’s longest) cable car system has opened up access. The ride involves a rise of almost 1400m, a truly spectacular trip over dense jungle and waterfalls.
At the top, attractions include a replica French provincial town, a funicular railway ascending even higher, and an exciting and fun downhill luge. None of the attractions are vaguely Vietnamese, but the cable car journey is truly spectacular, and if you visit on a weekend or public holiday, it’s interesting to mix in with local tourists.
Take an extra layer or two whatever time of year you visit – when it’s 36°C on the coast, it could be 15°C on the mountain. Cloud and mist also cling to the hill top, so if you can, try to visit on a clear day. Mountain tracks lead to waterfalls and viewing points. Near the top is the Linh Ung Pagoda (2004) and a colossal 24m-high white seated Buddha that’s visible for miles around.
A hill resort inherited from the French
Cam Nam
A hidden ecological typical village in rural Vietnam
Located about 4 km from Hoi An ancient town on the east side, there is a hidden ecological village of Cam Nam – A typical village in rural Vietnam. Along the way to the village, you can see the beautiful scenery with traditional images and agricultural activities: From the grain of rice dried to the scenes of buffalo grazing leisurely on rice fields or coconut leaves dried on the roadsides. Through it you can have a completely and profound look on the aspect of rural cultural life of the local people.
Besides, the fishermen will teach you the techniques of traditional fishing, rowing the bamboo basket boat which is the unique novelty of Cam Nam village. Moreover, you are discovering the ecosystem of the famous and unique Seven Hectare Water Coconut Woods here. Getting lost in the green space of water palm woods, walking through the long narrow creeks, enjoying the cool breezes are the emotions that have been lost in the modern and busy life. Coming to learn and be trained to become a real fisherman is probably exciting experience on your trip to the central area of Vietnam.
Explore the eco village with the bamboo basket boat
Hoi An
An Ancient City of Exotic Chinese-Style
Located 30 km from the South of Da Nang. Early in the 17th century, along with Malacca, it became one of the two most import commercial ports in South-East Asia. The old town of Hoi An is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the oldest town in Vietnam.
As Vietnam’s first Chinatown, a unique Chinese community and culture has been developed after hundreds of years. One can easily find many Chinese temples, Chinese Halls and Chinese shops around the streets of Hoi An. Hoi An remained undamaged much by the effects despite experiencing many years of war times.
Streets of Hoi An
Hue
Historical Traces of Vietnam’s Three Dynasties
Hue is in the central region of Vietnam and is the former imperial capital, where it has served as the capital of Vietnam for three dynasties since the 17th century. Hue is a captivating city, with its famous perfume river dividing the the city into the North and South zone.
The North zone consist of the old city, where it is further separated by a 6 meters high wall into the outer city and inner city. The inner city is the forbidden city, where it was designed and constructed with heavy influences from the blue prints of Beijing’ forbidden city. The forbidden city is Vietnam’s largest and most majestic architecture buildings. The beauty of Hue likes in its strong cultural atmosphere, which it has cultivated directly by existing as Vietnam’s capital for three dynasties. It is therefore a common sight to spot women from Hue who are good at singing and dancing.
The ancient city of Hue is also approved by UNCESCO as a world Heritage Site. The area from Da Nang to Hue is also listed by National Geographic Magazine as one of the top 50 must visit locations in the world.
