Central Vietnam Travel Guide & Itinerary Ideas for 2025

On a North-South axis, we suggest you discover the superb region of central Vietnam, formerly known as An Nam, which is home to no less than 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A region as beautiful as it is diverse, which, following the famous "Mandarin Road" along the An Nam Mountain Range and vast rice plains, will reveal a fascinating historical, cultural and natural heritage.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Tour guide)Updated on 07-08-2025

Comments

Why Visit Central Vietnam?

Central Vietnam is no less famous than the North of Vietnam and even more famous than the South for its diversity in natural landscapes, cultural heritages, historical relics dating back centuries and unique cuisine from many different cultures. This place never fails to surprise every visitor through every destination or any experience.

UNESCO Recognitions
Currently, the Central region is also the region with the most recognitions from UNESCO, which can be listed as:

World Cultural Heritage

• Hue Monuments Complex (Thua Thien Hue)
• Hoi An Ancient Town (Quang Nam)
• My Son Sanctuary (Quang Nam
• Ho Citadel (Thanh Hoa)

World Natural Heritage

• Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh)

Intangible Cultural Heritage

• Hue Royal Court Music (Thua Thien Hue).
• Vi, Giam Folk Songs of Nghe Tinh (Nghe An, Ha Tinh).
• Central Vietnam's Bai Choi Art (some Central provinces).
• Central Highlands Gong Cultural Space (although in the Central Highlands, it is often associated with the culture of the Central provinces).

Documentary Heritage

• Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks and Nguyen Dynasty Royal Records in Hue, and some other Asia-Pacific documentary heritages.

Natural Beauty

• Marble Mountains and white-sand beaches of Da Nang.
• The emerald waters of Lang Co Bay and the lush greenery of Bạch Mã National Park.
• The otherworldly caves of Phong Nha (including Son Doong, the world’s largest cave).
• The pleasant climate in highland areas like Da Lat (“City of Eternal Spring”).

Unique Cuisine

• Spicy Bún Bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup).
• Unique local dishes like Mì Quảng and Cao Lầu in Hoi An.
• Fresh seafood that is abundant along the region’s coast.

So a trip to Central Vietnam will definitely be the best place for you to combine relaxation, adventure and cultural experiences.

Best time to visit Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam's climate is a unique mix of the North and South. The best time to visit Central Vietnam is the dry season, particularly February to May, with warm, low-rain days perfect for everything.

Hot summer months (June-August) are great for beaches but expect high heat and crowds. The rainy season (September-November) brings potential typhoons and flooding, especially in Hue and Hoi An, though tourist numbers drop significantly. Winter (December-January) is cooler in the North and mild in the South.

For up-to-date information, checking the Central Vietnam weather forecast is always a good idea before your trip.

Where to Go in Central Vietnam?

In this section, we will list the most typical destinations in order from North Central to Central and then South Central Vietnam, so you can easily visualize what the Central route includes.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve (North Central Coast)

Pù Luông Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa province) is a tranquil land of cascading rice terraces, forested limestone mountains, and slow-living ethnic villages untouched by mass tourism.

This protected reserve is a visual masterpiece, with terraced fields that shift from lush green to golden yellow as the seasons pass. It’s a haven for trekkers and nature lovers, with scenic trails that weave through bamboo groves, hidden waterfalls, and suspension bridges.

You can role-play in daily life by staying in traditional stilt houses, working with locals in rice fields, and hiking between villages of the Thai and Muong ethnic groups, where age-old customs still shape everyday rhythms. So, this "doing, not just watching" experience will bring the most memorable and authentic memories.

👉 More details about Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park (North Central Coast)

Recognized by UNESCO as one of Vietnam's greatest natural wonders, Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Nestled in the Annamite Mountains of north-central Vietnam, this 2,000 km² park features ancient limestone karsts over 400 million years old, making it one of the oldest major karst regions in Asia.

Beneath its jungle-cloaked surface lies an astonishing subterranean world: more than 115 kilometers of caves, grottos, and underground rivers. Explore the serene Phong Nha Cave by boat, walk through the cathedral-like chambers of Paradise Cave, or plunge into adventure at Dark Cave, complete with ziplining, swimming, and a natural mud bath.

For the truly intrepid, Hang En Cave offers a multi-day jungle trek that ends in a cave with its own beach. And for those who book far in advance, the legendary Son Doong Cave, the largest cave on Earth, promises a once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

Ancient Imperial City of Hue (North Central Coast)

Hue, the beautiful and historic former imperial capital, served as the last seat of the Nguyen Dynasty for 143 years (from 1802 to 1945). Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1993, Hue remains a serene city steeped in royal legacy and poetic charm.

At the heart of the city lies the Imperial City (Đại Nội), a walled fortress of palaces, gates, and temples where emperors once ruled. A tranquil boat ride along the Perfume River reveals iconic landmarks such as the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda and the royal tombs nestled among pine trees and lotus ponds. Khai Dinh’s Tomb, with its East-meets-West fusion architecture, contrasts beautifully with the natural harmony of Minh Mang’s Tomb.

The city's cultural richness also lives on in its court music (nhã nhạc), once performed for emperors, and its deeply flavorful cuisine. Bun bo Hue, banh beo, and other delicacies reflect imperial tastes.

Often combined with Hoi An and Da Nang along Central Vietnam’s heritage trail, Hue is a must-visit for anyone drawn to history, architecture, and soulful beauty.

DMZ-Quang Tri (South Central Coast)

In Quang Tri Province, just north of Hue, lies the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), a stark and powerful reminder of the Vietnam War’s impact on Central Vietnam. This historically charged area straddled the former 17th parallel, the dividing line between North and South Vietnam during the conflict.

You can explore the haunting Vinh Moc Tunnels, where hundreds of villagers lived underground to escape relentless bombings, complete with bunkers, kitchens, and even a maternity ward carved from clay. Stand on the Hien Luong Bridge, which once split the country across the Ben Hai River, and visit the Khe Sanh Combat Base, scene of one of the war’s fiercest sieges. The region is also home to war cemeteries and memorials that honor those who died on both sides.

Da Nang (South Central Coast)

Located between Hue and Hoi An, Da Nang is Vietnam’s third-largest city and a rising favorite among both international and local travelers. The journey from Hue takes you over the legendary Hai Van Pass, offering dramatic views of the coast and the idyllic Lang Co Lagoon below.

Known during colonial times as Tourane, Da Nang today is best known for its sweeping beaches, vibrant culinary scene, and unique mix of ancient and modern attractions. One cultural gem is the Cham Sculpture Museum, built in the early 20th century by French archaeologists. It houses the world’s finest collection of Cham artifacts, a rare window into a once-flourishing Hindu civilization.

To the south of the city rise the Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn), five sacred limestone peaks filled with pagodas, caves, and ancient shrines. Climb to the summit of Thuy Son for panoramic views of the city, sea, and countryside. A must-see just outside town is the Ba Na Hills resort and Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng).

>>> Discover Da Nang, the most livable city in Vietnam

Charming Hoi An Old Town (South Central Coast)

Hoi An is arguably the most charming city in Central Vietnam, a living museum wrapped in golden light and timeless tradition. Its UNESCO-listed Ancient Town preserves an extraordinary collection of old wooden houses, temples, Chinese assembly halls, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, standing as silent witnesses to centuries of global trade.

Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant international ports, welcoming traders from China, Japan, and the West. Today, its lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and riverside cafés invite visitors to slow down and soak in the town’s poetic beauty.

Beyond the historic center, the surrounding countryside is best explored by bicycle, passing rice paddies, traditional craft villages, and peaceful fishing hamlets where life flows at a different rhythm.

My Son Sanctuary

The My Son Sanctuary stands as a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the lost civilization of Champa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to dozens of Hindu temples and brick towers, built between the 4th and 13th centuries to honor deities like Shiva.

Though time and war have left their scars, the surviving structures, with their intricate carvings and unique masonry techniques, reveal the spiritual devotion and architectural mastery of the Cham people.

Nha Trang seaside resort

Another Vietnamese seaside resort is Nha Trang, one of the largest and most popular in the country. Nestled in a bay surrounded by several beautiful islands ranked among the top 20 most beautiful in the world, Nha Trang is the perfect stop for a beach getaway during your trip to Vietnam.

Spend your days relaxing on the city’s idyllic beaches, or take a boat trip to nearby islands for snorkeling and diving among coral reefs teeming with marine life. The underwater world here is among the best in Vietnam.

Beyond its natural beauty, Nha Trang offers a wealth of cultural and historical sites:

• Po Nagar Cham Towers: Built between the 8th and 11th centuries to honor the goddess Yan Po Nagar, spiritual founder of the Champa civilization.
• Nha Trang Cathedral: A Gothic-style church built entirely of stone in the 1930s.
• Museum of Doctor Alexandre Yersin: Dedicated to the French doctor who discovered the plague bacillus.
• Oceanographic Institute: A leading center for marine research and education.
• Bao Dai Villa: Once the seaside residence of Vietnam’s last emperor.

After a day of exploring, indulge in a signature Nha Trang mud bath, a local wellness tradition known for its relaxing and therapeutic benefits.

>>> Read more: Nha Trang, 7 essential questions before planning your seaside trip!

Quy Nhon seaside resort

Here is a typically Vietnamese seaside resort, mistakenly ignored by travellers, which will satisfy all your desires for escape and leisure. Tucked between Da Nang and Nha Trang along the central coast, Quy Nhon is the ideal base for exploring the surrounding area, which is full of sumptuous beaches and untouched coastal landscapes.

To the north of Quy Nhon lies the superb Ky Co beach, one of the most paradisiacal beaches in Vietnam, where turquoise waters lap gently against ivory sand, framed by dramatic cliffs and clear blue skies. To the south, a magnificent chain of beaches is nestled in the rocks, each more seductive than the last, with quiet, undeveloped coves perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply contemplating the waves.

History and culture enthusiasts will not be disappointed, as the Quy Nhon region boasts the largest collection of archaeological remains from the Champa Kingdom, which flourished until the 15th century along Vietnam's central coast. Scattered through the hills and countryside, these weathered red-brick towers and temples are a remarkable testament to the architectural genius and spiritual devotion of this once-mighty civilization.

Mui Ne

Though technically closer to Southern Vietnam, Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) is a popular coastal escape known for its unique, almost desert-like landscapes. This relaxed beach town is most famous for its dramatic red and white sand dunes, where visitors can slide down the slopes or ride ATVs for a thrill. Thanks to a microclimate that’s sunny and windy almost year-round, Mui Ne has become a renowned paradise for kitesurfing and other water sports. Beyond the adventure, the town offers a tranquil vibe with a bustling fishing village and the beautiful Fairy Creek for a gentle hike. 

Central Highlands

Stretching west of the narrow coastal strip along the borders of Laos and Cambodia, from Da Nang to Dalat, lie the mystical and mountainous lands of the Central Highlands. This region is the cradle of several ancestral peoples, home to ethnic minorities who are deeply connected to their customs and ancient knowledge. Their rich heritage is proudly preserved, notably through traditional ceremonies performed to the rhythm of gongs, sacred instruments that were inscribed by UNESCO in 2008 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

These fertile lands, blessed with a temperate climate, are also an economic powerhouse, ranking among the world's top producers of coffee, pepper, tea, cashew nuts, and latex.

The Central Highlands offer a diverse array of enchanting destinations for any traveler:

• Yok Don National Park: A remarkable biological area with no fewer than 67 mammal species, including 38 endangered ones like elephants, tigers, and leopards. It also hosts approximately 250 bird species, including a pair of giant ibises.
• Dray Sap Waterfall: This majestic waterfall is 250 meters long and 30 meters high. Behind its powerful water curtain lies a vast cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, creating a grandiose geological landscape.
• Lake Lak: An enchanting natural lake that offers a serene escape and a glimpse into the local way of life.
• Dalat: Known as an old colonial-era weather station, this city is famous for its colonial architectural heritage, vibrant flower gardens, graceful lakes, serene pine forests, and refreshing air.

Suggested Itineraries for Central Vietnam

Below are the best-selling Northern and Central tour packages and sample 7-Day Classic Central Vietnam at Kampá Tour

Days 1-2: Da Nang: city tour, Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains; afternoon relax on beach).

Days 3: Da Nang - Hue (Ba Na Hills in morning, transfer to Hue by evening.)

Days 4: Hue full day (Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, tombs, evening food tour)

Day 5: Drive from Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass with stops (views at the pass, maybe Lang Co beach; Marble Mountain if not done; arrive Hoi An)

Day 6: Hoi An (bike to Tra Que village or An Bang Beach in morning, explore Ancient Town & night market in evening)

Day 7: Hoi An (day-trip to My Son Sanctuary in morning; free afternoon for shopping or tailor fittings; depart via Da Nang).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Central Vietnam safe for solo travelers (including solo female travelers)?

Yes, Central Vietnam is very safe for solo travelers, including women. According to the Global Peace Index, in 2025 Vietnam ranks 38th out of 163 countries. Tourist cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue have a strong security presence and very friendly locals. By taking basic precautions, such as being mindful of your belongings and using reputable transportation at night, you can confidently explore the entire region.

Do I need a visa to visit Central Vietnam?

It depends on your nationality. Most travelers from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia will need a visa. Fortunately, Vietnam now offers a 30-day e-Visa for many nationalities, which you can apply for online before your trip. Certain European countries also have a 15-day visa waiver policy. For longer stays, an embassy visa may be required. Since visa policies can change, always check the official Vietnam government website a few weeks before your departure. Remember, visas are a national requirement, not a regional one; the closest international airports for Central Vietnam are Da Nang (DAD) and Cam Ranh (CXR).

How many days to spend in Central Vietnam?

At least 5 days will be enough for you to explore the most unique spots of Central Vietnam: Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An.

▶️✈️You'd also need to know:

• Ao Dai: Everything about the traditional Vietnamese attire!
• Best Hotels & Resorts in Phu Quoc: A Paradise Awaits You
• South Vietnam: the 6 most beautiful places to visit
• Diving in Vietnam: The 10 Most Beautiful Dive Spots