Central Vietnam Itinerary - An amazing Guide to the Perfect Tour

04/12/2024

By Elton

Things to know for a Central Vietnam travel itinerary

What is the climate and weather of the Central of Vietnam?

Just like the South Vietnam weather, Central Vietnam also experiences 2 distinct seasons namely the dry and rainy seasons. The dry season originally spans from January to August and typically breathes hot and sunny weather with little or no rainfall at all.

The climate and weather of the Central of Vietnam

During this season, one can expect very clear skies with relatively lower humidity levels and a pretty normal temperature ranging between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.

During these times, it is mostly recommended that travelers or tourists take certain precautions against excessive sunlight like going along with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses etc, in order to curtail the sun’s negative effects on them.

The rainy season in Central Vietnam however usually spans from September to December and comes with higher humidity levels and significant amounts of rainfall.

Although during this period, the rain can make the weather somewhat refreshing and cool, it is very important as an outdoor tourist to always remember to carry along the appropriate gears like umbrellas, rain jackets etc for protection against unexpected rain.

Number of days to spend on the Central Vietnam itinerary?

Number of days to spend on the Central Vietnam itinerary

Although we always emphasize not being able to dictate for any tourist the number of days they should spend to explore a region or destination, we can always speculate and recommend.

Typically comparing the two, it is quite obvious that central Vietnam has relatively fewer destinations and crowds than both North and South Vietnam. This goes to say that one would need a less number of days to complete a normal tour around the region.

It would be quite reasonable to suggest at least 5-9 days for a complete tour around central Vietnam.

Best time to visit Central Vietnam

Best time to visit Central Vietnam

Destinations like Hue city, Da Nang and Hoi An are all popular in Central Vietnam and have a relatively similar climate pattern. It is important therefore to know the times or period that is most appropriate to visit the region as a tourist so as to enjoy your trip without distractions or unforeseen circumstances.

It is usually recommended that the best time to visit this central Vietnam region is the climax of the tourist season, which is usually from April to August where there is a good amount of sunshine as well as favorable conditions for beach related activities amongst other things.

Top places to add to the Central Vietnam itinerary

Top Central Vietnam Cities

Da Nang

Da Nang is a coastal masterpiece which promises a serene atmosphere of nature and modernity drawn from the cultural perspective. This explains why this place is always on the top list of places to be in Vietnam. There is absolutely no doubt about your assurance of a quality haven for solemn relaxation and breathtaking experiences.

The city also boasts of landmarks such as Dragon Bridge, Son Tra Linh Ung Pagoda, Han River Bridge, Marble Mountains, Sunworld Ba Na Hills etc.

Again, I don’t think we can even stress enough about the amazing culinary setting of this city, with visitors being afforded the chance to save both local and continental dishes as they enjoy the breeze from the beaches and have a good time.

Hoi An

Hoi An

This ancient town in Central Vietnam with an approval by UNESCO as a world Heritage site is one which shouts volumes in terms of beautiful natural sceneries, enchanting architectural designs as well as captivating riverside experience.

This place is also quite notable when it comes to art and handicrafts, as it has quite some talents that make local handicrafts as well as traditional artistic pieces that will blow your mind.

While in Hoi An town however, it is important to note certain places and interesting things you shouldn’t miss out on including drinking a cafe at Thu Bon River, taking a Basket boat ride in Bay Mau Coconut forest, visiting Tra Que herbal village and Thanh Ha pottery village amongst other things.

Hue

Hue

The rich culture of Hue, a city located along the banks of the Perfume River is quite captivating and exhilarating. Due to this city being the former imperial capital of Vietnam, it has quite some ancient citadels, palaces, temples and Pagodas including the famous Thien Mu Pagoda.

It is therefore no secret that Hue city also has some of the best dishes to explore as a tourist, with mouth watering delicacies that will make you want to eat more, while giving you good memories.

Khanh Hoa

This place is a Province in Central Vietnam that possesses about 200 km of coastline and has one of the popular getaways known as Nha Trang. Nha Trang also happens to be the capital of the Khanh Hoa Province.

Khanh Hoa boasts of multiple beaches with quite a number of islands and archipelago adding up to about 200 in total. It wouldn’t be out of place to say that this place is a “getaway heaven” due to the fact that it has all what a pleasurable dream getaway destination should have.

Binh Dinh

Binh Dinh is a province in Central Vietnam that has gained quite a reputation as a top beach getaway. It however has certain ancient structures such as Pagodas, Cham towers, islands, museums etc and is also a breeding ground for a number of ethnic groups like the Cham and Ba Na. Some of the Binh Dinh beaches include Quy Nhon, Ky Co, Eo Gio, Hon Kho, etc.

Phu Yen

Phu Yen

As a Province in Central Vietnam, Phu Yen has a reputation of being an agricultural location and is only growing in popularity gradually as a tourist site. This popularity can therefore be credited to a 2015 movie titled “Toi Thay Hoa Vang Tren Co Xanh” or simply, “Dear brother”.

After the release of the movie, the visitation rate of this site has increased massively over a period of time, but still remains an agricultural site, at least until it gains enough attention and credibility to be classified under tourist destinations. It possesses the largest river in central Vietnam, fishing hamlets and villages etc.

Best Places to Visit in Central Vietnam

Marble Mountains, Da Nang

A group of five limestone mountains located in Da Nang are what are collectively called Marble Mountains.

Over centuries now, the five Karsts (Ngu Hanh Son) were named after five elements: Moc (wood) Thuy (water) Kim (metal) Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth) have been of quite some enormous significance to the Central Vietnamese people.

The ancient ethnic group of Cham, held the Karsts at a very high esteem spiritually, while Emperors and Generals always visited those mountains as a sign of optimum respect and reverence.

Da Nang At A Glimpse 4 Days

Da Nang - Hoi An

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Starts/Ends:Da Nang/Da Nang
Tour type:Private Tours
Travel Style:Heritage Tours, Family Tours, Culture & History
Activities:Walking tours, Sightseeing Tours, Cultural, religious and historic sites tours, Countryside and village visits tours
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Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass

This place is one that has been noted as one of the most beautiful roads of the coast, located between Thua Thien and Hue city, and is also Vietnam’s highest pass with a whooping 500 meters above sea level.

As a tourist, walking alone down the Hai Van Mountain pass comes with quite some joy as you immerse yourself in some calm and serene atmosphere, going past the secluded green forest.

My Son Temple Ruins

Somewhere in the midst of the 4th and 13th centuries there was this special culture originating from Hinduism and later developed within the coast of modern Vietnamese culture.

Nha Trang Beach

Nha Trang is arguably the most famous beach in Vietnam for tourism and casual natural scenery. It practically takes less than an hour by flight to this place from Hanoi and about 35 mins again by flight from Ho Chi Minh city.

This place is indeed a dazzling beauty as it resonates with a peaceful and energetic atmosphere that will blow your mind as a tourist. This intricate unity of superficial and natural aesthetics give out the true reflection beachside masterpiece.

Quy Nhon - Where to find the best beaches in Central Vietnam

Quy Nhon

Right on the central coast of Vietnam sits a great tourist site blended with nice beaches, ancient Vietnamese history, as well as predominant and vibrant culture that go on to design a utopic travel experience.

Quy Nhon possesses calm and reserved atmosphere, unique natural beauty, and captivating fishing villages, come together to offer a picturesque and solemnly refreshing getaway and hide out from a rigorous reality.

Suggested Central Vietnam itinerary for first-timers

1 week Central Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Da Nang and enjoy the seafood

It is arguably asserted that Da Nang is number three when it comes to the largest cities in Vietnam. Once you arrive in Da Nang it is an obvious call to taste their seafood.

There is this popular notion that seafood is quite expensive in various parts of the world, but guess what? The seafood in Da Nang is quite affordable. Almost everyone in the city can afford to eat seafood on a regular basis.

After you finish enjoying the seafood, continue to see the biggest Pagoda in Da Nang which is the Linh Ung Pagoda which also has the tallest lady Buddha statue of Vietnam which is also about 67 meters tall.

You can then proceed to the My Khe beach, which has arguably been dubbed the most beautiful beach in Vietnam with its captivating blue water and fine sands. Here, you cannot resist taking as many photos as you can just to keep the memories.

You can then begin to explore all the way to see 3 bridges. These are the Love bridge, the Dragon bridge and the Song Han Bridge. The bridges are quite some sight to behold as you can view the sunset from different angles of the bridge as you do well to also climax everything with nice photos.

Day 2: Explore Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge

Visit the Golden Bridge on the Ba Na Hills which is about 30 Km, from the southwest of Da Nang city. You might need to go with a cable car in order to reach the summit in time, which will also allow you to enjoy the beautiful sceneries on your way, as you have a good look at the waterfalls, the natural forest, trees etc.

As you glide into the French village, take a peek at the Golden Bridge (Hand of God holding the bridge in the air of the mountain side), and then get to see the famous wine cellar, the place that is believed to be the home of all the different kinds of wine available.

Continue the sightseeing at the Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park, the third largest indoor entertainment park in the world. Yes! You heard it right…in the entire world! You can then proceed to prepare for your trip to Hue City after enjoyinging at the world’s third largest amusement park.

1 week Central Vietnam Itinerary

Day 3: Hue City tour

Explore Hue city by taking a dragon boat through the Perfume River right down to Thien Mu Pagoda, a pagoda that is said to be over 4 centuries old. You can have a tour around the Pagoda to experience its intricate architecture and spiritual significance.

It is a monumental piece that reflects the spiritual essence of the people as well as the true meaning and teachings of Buddha.

The next destination after the Thien Mu Pagoda is the Hue Imperial Citadel. This architectural masterpiece is the residence and office of the past Nguyen Dynasty’s Emperors.

Its design is quite breathtaking and very intricate, as it reflects the purpose, culture and tradition of the people. Right after the citadel, your next destination is the Dong Ba Market. It is said to be one of the biggest business centers in Hue city. The market is a very lively and vibrant one as it displays a chunk of colorful stuff and local foods.

It also has a plethora of fruits and vegetables freshly produced and on display ready to sell. There is absolutely no doubt as to why the market area is mostly crowded, as this is from the quality of stuff you can find around. As you hover to experience the true meaning and sense of business of the local people, make sure to pick one or two things from the market before you leave.

The next place to visit after the market is Khai Dinh’s tomb. This is said to be the final resting place of the Emperor number twelve of the Nguyen Dynasty. According to the people, it is also known as the “wow wow tomb”, simply because it is arguably the most beautiful tomb in the world.

Day 4: Hoi An city tour

While you approach Hoi An from Hue city, you will definitely have a very good time with some nice and intriguing sceneries like the Lap An Lagoon, fishing village, Lang Co beach, Hai Van Pass etc.

Explore the most attractive and naturally captivating site to visit in Da Nang city, Marble Mountain, where you can see the caves and Pagodas within the five mountains typically named after wood, fire, water earth and metal.

As a tourist in Hoi An, you would have achieved nothing if you do not take a random casual stroll at night just to find and explore different restaurants and local eateries. Again, you are free to check out the night market so you can get some friends and loved ones some souvenirs.

Day 5: Basket boat ride and Hoi An walking tour

Experience the Bay Mau coconut forest as you ride in the basket boat while you enjoy the calm and serene atmosphere as you pass through the belly of pure nature and endless scenes of solitude.

You could use some of the fishing tools to pick up the field crabs that you’ll later use to practice your cooking, as you’re given lessons by the local people. Learn to make local Vietnamese pancakes, spring rolls, etc and enjoy the whole process as they set up a challenge and competitions to boost up cooking skills and improve the entire culinary knowledge.

You are set to now experience the real Hoi An stroll as you enter a lantern making shop to explore the possibilities of learning and finding out the history behind making them.

You can then begin taking instructions from the local lantern makers on how to make the lantern, as well as what colors to use for what and why. You are given the appropriate tools and materials to kickstart the process, the most amazing part being the fact that you get to test and use the lantern after you are done making it.

After testing it, you can then keep it as a souvenir and gift from the local people.

Day 6: My Son Sanctuary - Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Visit the My Son Sanctuary of the Champa Kingdom where the Hindu God Shiva is being worshiped. This place is well endowed with amazing architectural designs and how it reflects the special techniques used to beautifully carve out the whole building as well as the binders used to hold them together.

The next stop is a visit to the Thanh Ha Pottery village, a pottery making hub. This village is one that has mastered the making of such pottery products as jar vases, earthen pots, decorative lamps etc, and just like the other places, the locals are generous enough to allow you to make some products by yourself.

Get on a nice boat ride again back to Hoi An via the Thu Bon River.

Day 7: Freely explore Hoi An

On the final day, you are allowed to explore Hoi An on your own. You can do whatever you want to do, especially things you were not allowed to do due to the strict guidance of the itinerary.

Most people on this day decide to go shopping and see some intriguing places in the city as they come back later to prepare for their departure.

Central Vietnam Itinerary 5 days

Day 1: Arrive and explore Hue city

Once you arrive in Hue City early enough, you can take a peek at the Huong Thy District where you can move across the spectacular Thanh Toan Bridge that dates back to the 18th century and spans quite wide over a really calm canal.

This bridge is solidly made of strong wood and has its roof tiled, with a number of intricate settings and designs to touch and feel.

Dong Ba is the city’s oldest municipal market where you can also go to taste the city’s famous and delicious foods. Take a wild hit at a local soup made with vermicelli rice noodles and beef, known as bun bo.

There is another food that is quite nice, but comes in the form of a desert. This is called che. This food is quite sweet and also popular across Vietnam with lots of varieties.

Day 2: Visit the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and Thuy Bieu

Experience a guided tour as you visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue. This massive walled edifice was built somewhere in the 19th century with quite an amount of history. This was the office of the Emperor during the reign of the Nguyen Dynasty.

It is quite intriguing as you get to see this ancient landmark and enjoy its scenic environment and intricate architecture.

The next place to see is the Thien Mu Pagoda. This pagoda is also known as the pagoda of the celestial lady. It is a place that unofficially represents Hue city, and is a seven storey building etched in mythology. You get to hear the story of how it came by and the fact that a celestial lady ordered for its building in 1601.

After seeing the Pagoda, you then proceed to take a boat ride through the river to Thuy Bieu. This is the area that is quite famous for the production of thanh tra which is a kind of grapefruit for the Vietnamese people.

Around it, there are also scenic landscapes and other naturally soothing places like green gardens, ancient temples, and amazing country homes. You can decide to go visit one of the homes and sit with a family to have a meal or some tea, a very nice moment.

Central Vietnam Itinerary 5 days

Day 3: Explore Hue, Handicrafts, Minh Mang’s tomb and Chuon Lagoon

Get the chance to meet with artists and artisans who have some amazing talents in their craft and can teach you to make them also. They use their talents to produce artistic products by recycling used materials, quite a captivating scene to behold.

After making those finished products, they give them to you as souvenirs to take with you as a reminder of the time you spent with them in their village.

There is a lagoon just outside the city called the Chuon Lagoon. This place is a fishing community who practically live on boat houses and have since been making their living from fishing and living in those boat houses for centuries.

It is quite a sight to behold as you witness the fishermen around the place head out from their boat houses and try to make new catches while others take the old catch to the market to find buyers, very inspiring.

Day 4: Hue to Hoi An, Explore the city

At this point, you are set to leave Hue and make a three hour trip to Hoi An.You will have enchanting moments as you stop by to admire scenic and captivating sites like Lang Co Beach, and Da Nang city. You then go through the stretch of My Khe Beach before getting to Hoi An.

Hoi An is quite a small city with approximately a hundred thousand people and is somewhat on the banks of the Bon River. The ancient town of this city is quite famous and is even a UNESCO approved tourist site.

Hoi An has a history that dates back to more than 2000 years ago and is reflected in its structures and architectural formation and designs.

Embark on an evening stroll when night falls because that is the period when Hoi An really breathes life. Experience the romantic waterfront as well as the deeply colored lanterns and fireworks that go on to illuminate the skies and cause a live atmosphere.

You can enter into a local workshop or place where the artisans there will even help you create your own lantern and other things.

Day 5: Hoi An to Da Nang, Depart

In the morning, you can go out to see all other places you could not see as you make stops at your desired points etc. You may want to go shopping, explore local fashion ends etc, as you prepare yourself later and head back to Da Nang for your departure.

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Conclusion

Central Vietnam has proven to possess quite a number of refreshing and captivating destinations to see. It is therefore not news to say that all the blend of natural and cultural masterclass as well as historical infusion create nothing more than a touristic wonder.

Leave any queries or questions in the comments below. Asia Tour Advisor expects that all of you will have a memorable Vietnam Itinerary to rich your experiences.