Discover Central Vietnam's Must-Dos and Hidden Gems
A trip to Vietnam is always a fun adventure. Having already visited Hanoi and Sapa in the north and Ho Chi Minh in the south, next on my list was the Central Vietnam region — namely Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An!
Credit: @ruxat via Unsplash
I really enjoyed my trip to Central Vietnam, unlocking new experiences and discovering the region's cuisine. For example, while North Vietnam is known for pho, the central region has its own unique dishes, like cao lau and bun bo hue!
Some of my favorite parts of the trip include tailoring clothes for the first time in Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting the Instagram-famous Ba Na Hills on a day trip from Da Nang, and hiking in Bach Ma National Park. The trip perfectly blended food, culture, history, nature, and thrill!
Vietnam Travel Essentials and Tips
Best time to visit Central Vietnam: Central Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from January to August when the weather is warm and sunny.
The peak tourist season falls between June and August, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), making it a bustling time for visitors. The rainy season from September to December, comes with heavy rainfall. Disclaimer: I visited Central Vietnam in December and experienced mild flooding — but that didn't dampen my holiday.
Get an e-SIM: e-SIMs are my new favorite travel essential. There's no need to switch out your SIM card plus you're connected to the internet once you land!
Intercity transport: Car charters are the best way to travel from city to city in Vietnam, and I prebooked all my private car charters on Klook! They're affordable, especially if you're traveling in a group.
Here's a tip — book a larger car or van if you're in a group. Trust me, it'll be a lot more comfortable. I booked a 7-seater SUV for my family of five from Da Nang to Hue, but switched to a 12-seater van from Hue to Hoi An as the SUV was a bit cramped with the driver and luggage. Plus, the price difference wasn't much!
Getting around the city: Grab is the main ride-hailing app in Vietnam. You can order food delivery as well — for the long days when you're too tired to go out!
Overview of Central Vietnam Itinerary
Vietnam is a long S-shaped strip of land, with Hanoi in the North and Ho Chi Minh City in the South. Da Nang International Airport is the main travel hub in Central Vietnam, connecting to major domestic cities and several international flights.
- Da Nang to Hue: ~2hr drive
- Hue to Hoi An: ~2hr 45min drive
- Hoi An to Da Nang: ~45min drive
Da Nang is located between Hue and Hoi An, so it's really up to you whether you choose to visit Hue or Hoi An first! For this Vietnam trip, I decided to visit Hue first.
Day 1: Arrive in Da Nang and Explore the City
Da Nang International Airport to Da Nang City Centre: ~35min drive
Start your Central Vietnam adventure by flying into Da Nang International Airport. For convenience, book an airport pickup in advance to take you to your hotel in Da Nang.
Coffee Break
Left: Z Coffee & Roastery, Right: Cong Caphe
First things first, coffee! Vietnam has a strong coffee culture, so it's no surprise that Da Nang has many excellent cafes and coffee shops. Here are a few you can consider:
- Z! Coffee & Roastery: I got a banh mi and signature coconut coffee, which was yummy
- XLIII Specialty Coffee: Known for specialty coffee and has a modern interior
- Cộng Cà Phê: A popular Vietnamese coffee chain, with outlets in most cities
My Khe Beach
Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, head to My Khe Beach for a relaxing afternoon by the sea. This popular beach offers soft sand and clear waters, perfect for unwinding and catching the sunset.
It’s also a popular spot surf spot in Vietnam from September to March! With its scenic coastline, plenty of nearby cafes and seafood restaurants, and breathtaking views, My Khe Beach offers the ideal blend of relaxation and adventure on your Central Vietnam itinerary.
Dinner at Nhà hàng Madame Lân
Credit: Nhà hàng Madame Lân
For an authentic Vietnamese meal in Da Nang, head to Nhà hàng Madame Lân. Set in a charming colonial-style house with a garden courtyard, this was one of our favorite meals of the trip.
Everything on the (rather extensive) menu looked delicious — we may have went overboard and ordered a bit of everything.
We got the bun bo gio dac biet (Hue noodle soup), ga deo le nuong mat ong (grilled chicken with honey), vem xao sot hung dua (mussels with basil and coconut) and gỏi ngó sen tôm thịt (lotus root salad with prawn and pork), just to name a few. It was a full house when we visited, and I'd say this restaurant is worth the hype!
Dragon Bridge
Nguồn ảnh: danangfantasticity
As the evening sets in, enjoy a stroll along the Han River to witness the stunning Dragon Bridge — a landmark that lights up at night.
Klook Tip: The Dragon Bridge in Da Nang lights up every evening, but the special fire and water show occurs on Saturdays and Sundays at 9PM!
Day 2: Day Trip to Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
The famous Ba Na Hills takes 'hillside charm' to new heights! Credits: @bttsg on Unsplash
The next day, embark on a fun day trip to Ba Na Hills — a mega-resort and theme park. It's located just an hour's drive from Da Nang, making it a popular day trip. It's easy to book a car charter or a Grab to get there!
Ba Na Hills is massive, with more than enough activities and restaurants to fill your day. Here are the highlights:
Record-Breaking Cable Car System
Begin your journey by taking the world’s longest single-wire cable car system — crossing 5,771.61m in just 15 minutes!
Golden Bridge
You've probably seen photos of this bridge all over social media. It's located in Ba Na Hills! Once you arrive at Marseille Station, walk along the famous Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
French Village. Credits to: Anan Kaewkhammul
After that, you'll have to take another cable car to get to the French Village, a charming, European-style replica filled with cafes, gardens, and entertainment.
Alpine Coaster
It's an additional ~USD$2.80 (available on the Klook app!) to ride the alpine coaster, and this experience is definitely worth it. This thrilling ride offers high-speed chills with fun turns, and the speed is up to you to control!
Fantasy Park
Don’t miss Fantasy Park, an indoor amusement park inspired by inspired by the works of Jules Verne. This was one of my favorite parts of Ba Na Hills — all the rides and arcade games are free! Don't miss the 29-meter drop-and-twist tower, classic bumper car ride, and the 3D and 4D rides.
After a day of adventure, head back to Da Nang in the evening, to relax or explore the local night markets.
If you want to spend more days in Da Nang, check out our Da Nang travel guide:
Day 3: Da Nang to Hue
Da Nang to Hue: 2 to 2.5-hour via private car charter
After breakfast, head to the historic city of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
Set along the peaceful Perfume River, Hue offers a perfect blend of ancient palaces, royal tombs, and renowned local dishes like Bún Bò Huế. It’s less busy than Da Nang or Hoi An but has its own charm and cultural heritage, which we fell in love with.
Lunch at Bà Gái Hue Beef Noodle Soup
When in Hue, you've got to have Bún bò Huế. It's a spicy noodle dish with sliced beef, pork blood cakes, and sausage.
Bún bò Huế Bà Gái Hue showed up a lot online for the best places to eat in Hue, so we decided to give it a try! It's your typical Vietnamese joint — along the roadside, packed with locals on low stools and no English menu. But that's how you know it's going to be good.
We got the classic Bún bò Huế with the works! I'm not a fan of pig blood, but the broth was extremely flavorful and overall, it was a really hearty meal.
Coffee at Choco House Hue
Just a 4-minute walk from Bún bò Huế Bà Gái Hue is Choco House Hue. I love Vietnamese coffee and was really excited to try this spot. The entrance is obscure and narrow — you might not notice this cafe if you weren't looking for it.
The second floor where the dining area is, is extremely spacious. My family ordered a variety of drinks, while I stuck to a classic iced coffee.
The coffee was strong and fragrant — everything you'd possibly want in your daily cuppa. I enjoyed it so much, I ordered another to go!
Hue Night Walking Street
The Hue Night Walking Street is a lively and vibrant area that truly comes to life in the evening, offering you the chance to experience the city’s culture and nightlife. Stretching across Phạm Ngũ Lão, Chu Văn An, and Võ Thị Sáu streets, this pedestrian-only zone is packed with street vendors, cafes, and bars, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed evening stroll.
Browse for local crafts, souvenirs, and street food while enjoying live music performances that add to the festive atmosphere.
Dinner at Cơm Niêu Huế
Known for its signature clay pot rice (cơm niêu), the restaurant presents a unique dining experience where rice is cooked in clay pots, giving it a slightly crispy texture and deep, earthy flavor.
Alongside the rice, you'll find a variety of flavorful dishes such as caramelized fish, stir-fried vegetables, and hearty soups, all seasoned with the distinctive spices and herbs of Hue. With its homestyle cooking and inviting atmosphere, Cơm Niêu Huế makes you feel right at home, letting you savor the rich, comforting flavors of Hue’s culinary heritage.
Day 4: Dong Ba Market and Hue Imperial City
Dong Ba Market
I love visiting local markets, so Dong Ba Market had to be on my Central Vietnam itinerary. Located along the Perfume River, It's the city’s largest and oldest marketplace. It's packed with vendors selling all sorts of things, from fresh produce and traditional spices to handmade crafts and local textiles.
The best time to visit is early around 7-9 AM, when the market is at its liveliest! You'll get to experience the vibrant atmosphere as locals shop for their daily essentials.
Dong Ba is also a haven for food lovers, with stalls serving up Hue’s famous delicacies like Bún Bò Huế (beef noodle soup) and bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes).
Hue Imperial City
You can't visit Hue without checking out the magnificent Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hue was the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, all the way till 1945. Wander through the ancient citadel, palaces, and temples, which once housed Vietnamese emperors.
Hue holds historical significance as a key location in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War, adding depth to its rich cultural heritage. This complex is massive, and you can easily spend 3 to 4 hours exploring all the buildings.
Lunch at Cafe Gin's Garden
After exploring the Imperial City, we had a tough time finding a place for lunch afterward. Turns out, there were a lot more eateries on the other side of Perfume River.
With limited options on Google Maps, we settled on Cafe Gin's Garden off the main road. At first, I thought we got the location wrong. It was literally someone's home, and there were no other guests — but this ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip.
Once we ordered, the chef instructed her son to go out and get fresh ingredients (likely Dong Ba Market), and in no time he was back and together they whipped up a tasty meal of fried spring rolls, Bún Thịt Nướng (grilled pork noodles) and Bún bò Huế (beef noodle soup).
This restaurant is a bit of a detour to get to but it is worth the trip! You won't find a more authentic Vietnamese dining experience — right in a local's home.
Thrift Shopping at Hue Night Walking Street
The Hue Night Walking Street area is also home to several popular thrift shops, something I didn't expect. Some of my favorites are CrowDow Vintage Store and La Mer Vintage Clothing along Chu Văn An Street. I managed to find quite a few gems that were in great condition and really affordable — a safari vest, skirt, and two tops!
Day 5: Day Trip to Bach Ma National Park
Breakfast at Bánh Mì Trường Tiền O Tho
Before our day trip to Bach Ma National Park, we got a quick breakfast at Bánh Mì Trường Tiền O Tho. This small, popular stall is known for serving some of the best bánh mì in the city, a crispy baguette filled with a delicious mix of pâté, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and various meats.
Plus, they open at 6:30AM so you don't have to worry about starving even with an early pickup.
What sets O Tho’s bánh mì apart is the use of local ingredients, including homemade sauces and freshly baked bread. A hot, savory bánh mì paired with a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee makes for a perfect morning meal!
Day Trip to Bach Ma National Park
A day trip from Hue to Bach Ma National Park offers nature lovers an unforgettable escape into Vietnam’s lush wilderness. Located about an hour’s drive from Hue, the park is renowned for its misty mountains, dense forests, and diverse wildlife.
I was debating whether to book a tour or rent a car and self-drive. After some online research, I decided on a tour since I was with family and wanted to avoid the hassle.
After experiencing the day trip, I'm glad I booked a tour as it rained heavily on the way there and some roads are quite steep and narrow. Plus, there's a chance of getting lost during the hike. We were better off leaving the driving and navigating to the locals!
The tour begins with a short hike up to Hai Vong Dai Peak (1448m), where panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and coastline await. At the top, we also enjoyed a packed lunch that was provided.
After hiking back, we hopped back onto the van and drove to another hiking trail to the Five Lakes and Do Quyen Waterfall. The trail follows the path of the waterfall and because it had rained earlier, this portion was pretty slippery.
Our guide did a good job leading the way, showing which footholds or steps to take. He also lent a supporting hand to my mother during the steeper portions, which I was grateful for. This portion takes roughly 2 to 3 hours, and the weather was nice and cool due to the shade from the forest.
Klook Tip: Wear proper hiking shoes or sandals with good grip when hiking at Bach Ma National Park! Flimsy slippers would not survive here.
The tour ends at the top of the 300-meter-tall Do Quyen Waterfall, with stunning views of the national park. This is a fantastic spot for photos!
With its cool climate and serene atmosphere, Bach Ma National Park is a great day trip to reconnect with nature after exploring the historic sites of Hue.
Day 6: Hue to Hoi An
Hue to Hoi An: ~2hr 45min drive
I traveled from Hue to Hoi An via car charter, which was a convenient and scenic option for exploring Central Vietnam. The journey takes roughly 2 hours 45 minutes, offering beautiful coastal views along the way.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An, a charming ancient town on Vietnam’s central coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and vibrant cultural heritage. This ancient town is incredibly picturesque — a fantastic place for street photography!
Beyond its rich history, Hoi An is famous for its local cuisine, beautiful beaches, and colorful lantern festivals, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of culture, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.
Lunch at Madam Khanh Banh Mi
Credit: @normaltus via Instagram
Just 1km from Hoi An Market is Madam Khanh Banh Mi — known locally as "the Banh Mi Queen". There was already a line when we arrived around lunchtime, which moved quickly.
There are a few types of banh mi, with different fillings like pork, chicken and sausage. It's also really affordable, at 25,000₫ to 30,000₫ for one bahn mi.
Coffee at Cong Caphe
Cong Caphe started as a small café in Hanoi and has now become a well-loved Vietnamese coffee chain, with over 100 stores! We dropped by the outlet in Hoi An to try their coconut coffee (55,000₫) — which was one of my favorites of the trip.
Tailor Clothes at Hoi An Cloth Market
After watching countless TikToks of visitors tailoring clothes at the Hoi An Cloth Market, I had to include it in my Central Vietnam itinerary.
Renowned for its skilled tailors and a vast selection of fabrics, the market offers everything from silk dresses to tailored suits, all crafted to your exact measurements. What I didn't expect was the number of tailor shops — there are easily hundreds in Hoi An!
I went to 41 Tailor, one of the TikTok-famous shops I saved. It's located right next to the road, so it's easy to find.
The process is simple: show a photo of the outfit you want, choose your color, and fabric, discuss your design with the tailor, and get fitted! It was my first time getting an outfit made and it was a really fun experience. I ended up getting quite a few items made — a dress, skirt, and linen set.
What I ordered vs What I got
When I saw the first cut (middle picture) of a dress I found on Pinterest, I was appalled — the cut was strange and the material didn't sit well. After some adjustments, the final outfit was so much better.
Klook Tip: The more specific you are, the better! Give details like the exact length of your skirt, how high you want the slit to be, the number of buttons, and even the thickness of the straps. You'll get a much better first draft that way.
I ended up getting cowboy boots made at another shop
Clothes aren't the only thing you can get tailored — leather items are hugely popular as well! Shoes, bags, wallets, belts, you name it. I couldn't resist getting cowboy boots made after seeing so many fun designs on display.
Klook Tip: The tailors will ask how many days you're staying in Hoi An to get a sense of when they need to finish the clothes. Put in your order as early as possible on the day you arrive, so you can return for multiple fittings (there's no additional charge)!
Dinner at Morning Glory Signature
Morning Glory Signature was our favorite restaurant in Hoi An — so much so that we ate there twice in three days. Set in a beautifully restored building, this restaurant offers a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere perfect for savoring authentic flavors.
Try iconic dishes like cao lầu, crispy banh xeo, and fresh spring rolls, all made with local ingredients and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy amazing food, and soak up the charm of Hoi An’s ancient town. If you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, this is a must-visit!
Klook Tip: There are two Morning Glory restaurants in Hoi An! Morning Glory Original is located right in the old town, while Morning Glory Signature is a 3-minute walk away, across the bridge. Despite being under the same chain, the restaurants have different menus! We ate at both, but enjoyed the food at Morning Glory Signature more and ended up returning before we left Hoi An.
Walk Around Hoi An Night Market
Credits to: galitskaya
The Hoi An Night Market is a lively and colorful destination that comes to life after sunset, offering a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors.
Located along Nguyen Hoang Street, just across from the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the market is lined with stalls selling everything from handmade lanterns to artisanal crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
Credit: @milo_photo via Unsplash
As you wander through the bustling lanes, the glow of vibrant lanterns creates a magical atmosphere.
Day 7: Cam Thanh Coconut Village, An Bang Beach
Cam Thanh Coconut Village
I'll admit, Cam Thanh Coconut Village is touristy — but it's still a fun place to visit. A short 10-minute drive from Hoi An Old Town, hop on a traditional basket boat, soaking in the peaceful surroundings as you explore the serene waterways.
Klook Tip: When you arrive, there'll be a lot of people coming up to you to offer basket boat services. A man tried to charge us three times the typical basket boat ticket. Get your tickets on Klook to avoid this!
Despite the initial hassle, locals are really friendly and treat visitors to lively folk performances right on the water. If you're up for it, they'll even spin the boat quickly to get you dizzy!
Cycle to An Bang Beach
Renting a bike and cycling to An Bang Beach in Hoi An is a fun and scenic way to explore the area. It's about 3 to 4km from Hoi An’s ancient town to the beach and takes about 30 minutes, passing through picturesque rice fields and quiet village roads.
You'll have to cycle on the road to get out of the city center — stick to the side and watch out for oncoming traffic! After that, you'll reach this stretch of rice fields that's pretty much a bicycle path.
Lunch at An Bang Beach Village Restaurant
An Bang Beach Village Restaurant is a hidden gem located near the tranquil shores of An Bang Beach in Hoi An. Known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and authentic Vietnamese dishes, this cozy restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience with a laid-back beach vibe.
Whether you're craving grilled fish, prawn curry, or traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, the menu is full of delicious options that highlight the flavors of the region.
Coffee at Sound of Silence Cafe
I saw Sound of Silence Cafe on a friend's Instagram story and decided to visit. It's just 1.8km from An Bang Beach Village Restaurant — a short bike ride away. The interior is nicely decorated, and the outdoor seating is right along the beach!
The coffee here is nothing to brag about — it's the kind from a machine — but the location itself is a nice place to chill after a morning of cycling. I'd suggest getting a beer or lemonade instead!
An alternative cafe to check out is Chillax Eatery & Hangout which on the way back to Hoi An, where you can enjoy views of rice fields.
Spend the rest of the day exploring Hoi An Ancient Town and checking on your tailored clothes!
Day 8: Hoi An to Da Nang
Hoi An to Da Nang: ~45min drive via private car transfer
On the final day of your Central Vietnam adventure, take it slow in Hoi An by grabbing a bite and enjoy some last-minute shopping. Then it's time to bid farewell to Hoi An and head back to Da Nang for your flight home!
Where to Stay in Central Vietnam
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Central Vietnam, the options are plentiful.
Hotels in Da Nang
Sala Danang Beach Hotel
- Lantana House Boutique Da Nang Haviland: 5-minute drive from My Khe Beach and Dragon Bridge
- Sel de Mer Hotel & Suites: Located right along My Khe Beach
- Sala Danang Beach Hotel: Beachside hotel with an infinity pool
Hotels in Hue
Pilgrimage Village Hue
- Huong Giang Hotel Resort and Spa: 5-minute drive of Truong Tien Bridge and Dong Ba Market
- Pilgrimage Village Hue: 5-minute drive of Nam Giao Esplanade and Tomb of King Thieu Tri
- Canary Boutique Hotel: 5-minute drive of Truong Tien Bridge and Royal Fine Arts Museum
Hotels in Hoi An
Green Apple Hotel in Hoi An
- Gem Riverside Hotel Hoi An: 10-minute walk of Memory of Hoi An and Hoi An Cloth Market
- Cozy An Boutique Hotel Hoi An: 15-minute walk of Hoi An Impression Theme Park and Hoi An Market
- Green Apple Hotel: 5-minute drive of Hoi An Market and Hoi An Night Market
More Vietnam Inspiration
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