Central Vietnam Itinerary: Top Destinations to Visit

Many tourists are drawn to traveling Vietnam from North to South, but we often recommend prioritizing destinations in Central Vietnam. If you’re visiting this area, our Central Vietnam itinerary will help you plan the perfect trip.

Is Central Vietnam worth visiting? In my personal opinion, yes 100%. Having spent several months in Vietnam over several visits, Central Vietnam is where we choose to spend most of our time.

Central Vietnam attractions include fantastic scenery, inspiring mountains, sandy beaches, ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites, amazing food, and unique cultural traditions. These are just a few highlights that Central Vietnam is known for.

What to know about Central Vietnam Travel

When to visit: Central Vietnam weather follows a different pattern than the North or South. Personally, our favorite time to visit is in January and February. This is when the temperatures are more moderate and typically the crowds aren’t too bad.

It’s important to note that Vietnamese New Year also takes place in January or February. It’s fun to see the celebrations, but it can be a real challenge for travel planning. Many businesses close for 7 to 10 days during this Lunar New Year. Typically more places remain open in the tourist area of Hoi An than in other parts of Vietnam. However, it’s still difficult to know what accommodations, restaurants, and attractions will be operating. 

The closer you get to summer, the heat and humidity becomes more intense in Central Vietnam. Also, in Spring, farmers burn off their rice fields, which can affect air quality significantly. Despite the heat, summer is high season for tourism.

We have also visited Central Vietnam in Fall. There are fewer crowds at this time and the temperatures are more moderate. Just be prepared for heavy rains to start at any moment. Tropical storms are possible and flooding occasionally affects Hoi An. If your sightseeing is flexible, you can go out and about when it’s not pouring and still enjoy a Fall trip.

* Access our free Vietnam Destinations guide here *

Top Central Vietnam Cities

Central Vietnam highlights include a few cities, but be sure to read on for other non-city attractions nearby.

Da Nang, Vietnam

The primary Central Vietnam airport is located in the coastal city of Da Nang. This is an international airport with flights from places like South Korea and Bangkok, in addition to connecting flights to Hanoi and Saigon. Da Nang train station is also along the North to South train route.

If you enjoy cities and beaches, Da Nang is for you. Personally, we prefer other destinations. Still, Da Nang has grown on us and we have enjoyed its restaurants and modern amenities.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is our favorite Central Vietnam destination, and it’s where we’ve spent the most time. We often meet travelers who wished they had planned a few extra days in Hoi An, rather than moving on to the next place so quickly.

A UNESCO World Heritage destination, Hoi An’s colorful buildings and lanterns in Ancient Town are a dazzling sight. Places to eat, both sit-down restaurants and street food, are plentiful and diverse.

Hoi An offers attractions for any interest, from crafts and shopping to biking and beaches to temples and historical sites. There are many excellent day trips from Hoi An, which makes it a fantastic base for travelers.

I often say: if you can only go to one place in Vietnam, make it Hoi An. That’s why we’ve chosen to host un-tours in Hoi An! Watch the video below to get a feel for what it’s like: 

> Try one of these unique experiences led by locals

Where to stay in Hoi An: 

See our detailed Hoi An Accommodations post here

*Access a free map of our favorite places in Hoi An here*

Hue, Vietnam

Hue has been an important city throughout Vietnam’s history. Once the capitol, it was also on the border of Vietnam’s demilitarized zone during the American-Vietnam War. 

Often considered a secondary destination if you happen to have time, Hue’s main attractions can be seen in a day or two.

Instead of taking the train or private car between Hue and Hoi An or Da Nang, we highly recommend an adventure via Vietnam’s top mode of transit: motorbike. Transit between cities on a memorable motorbike tour with our good friend, Phu.

> Check out these unique tours and activities led by locals

Where to stay in Hue:

Hue Sweethouse Homestay – $ – Riverside guesthouse with private bathroom, parking, wifi, and breakfast included. Check rates & availability >

Hue Riverside Villas – $$/$$$ – Riverside property with contemporary villas, breakfast included. Check rates & availability >

Other Central Vietnam Places to Visit

As we hinted before, some of the best Central Vietnam attractions are found outside the cities. Any of these can be visited on a motorbike tour, package bus tour, or by hiring a private driver.

Marble Mountains, Da Nang

It’s hard to describe just what the Marble Mountains are. It’s a scenic hike, a series of shrines, a historic landmark, a wonder of nature. 

Hai Van Pass

My Son Temple Ruins

Often compared with Angkor Wat’s temples, the ancient shrines at My Son were unfortunately bombed in the war. However, some of the temples still stand and you can walk around what remains at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Local guides are available on site.

Mural Village

This small fishing called Tam Thanh set out to make itself the first painted village of its kind in 2016. Now graced with street art throughout, tourists have started visiting Tam Tanh to enjoy the outdoor gallery. The village can be reached by organized tour, bus, taxi, or your own transportation.

Suggested One Week Central Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Da Nang. Stay in Da Nang hotel.
Day 2: Take train, bus, or private car to Hue. Visit citadel and pagodas. Stay in Hue homestay.
Day 3: Motorbike tour/transfer from Hue to Hoi An, Hai Van Pass, Marble Mountains. Stay in Hoi An homestay.
Day 4: Walking tour and cooking class in Hoi An. Visit Old Town at night.
Day 5: Morning trip to My Son temple ruins. Visit Hoi An beach and enjoy another evening in Hoi An.
Day 6: Optional day trip to mural village, or motorbike villages tour, or return to Da Nang.
Day 7: Depart from Da Nang.

We hope this guide helps you plan the perfect Central Vietnam holiday, whether you have 7 days or even less. Let us know in the comments below if you have questions or suggestions of your own!

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