Center of Vietnam
Table of contents
Everything (or almost) about Center of Vietnam.
Central Vietnam is particularly rich in terms of landscapes, culture, gastronomy and history. Between the ancient imperial city of Hue, the charming ancient city of Hoi An, the highlands of the center or the coast that invites relaxation, the center of Vietnam will not stop surprising you!
Weather reminder
Center of Vietnam enjoys a rather pleasant climate throughout the year. Winters can be wet and slightly rainy but should not disturb your program too much. However, the typhoon and tropical storm season, from October to December, can force you to stay safe.
Where to go in the Center of Vietnam?
Everybody’s talking about it!
A small list of places whose reputation is not to be made and that every traveller discovering Vietnam for the first time will want to discover!
PHONG NA NATIONAL PARK:
Phong Na National Park can be one of the best memories of your trip to Vietnam. There is simply the largest cave in the world, Son Dong, 126 km long. Unfortunately, you can only visit it by doing a 7-day trek with the company Oxalis which has the exclusivity. You must book a year in advance. Other caves allow 2 or 3 day treks with camping in the cave. Other caves such as the Phong Na cave, the Paradise cave or the Dark cave (small amusement park with zip line, diving board, pout bath) are easily done.
HUE:
The historic old capital is truly a place to visit. You can get caught in the atmosphere of the ancient imperial city, visit the tombs of the ancient emperors, admire the architecture of the famous Japanese bridge at Thanh Toan, take a cruise on the perfume river or visit the many craft villages around the city (conical hats, incense, painting, kites, etc.). In addition, it is very easy to go to the beach for an afternoon of relaxation and swimming.
HAI VAN PASS:
Better known as the ‘Cloud Pass’, this route from Hue to Danang is a must-see when traveling through the centre. The views are superb, the road is of good quality and one stops willingly on the way to drink a juice and take pictures.
HOI AN:
This is the most famous place in the center of Vietnam ! The ancient city, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts travelers from all over the world. The charm of the old town with its traditional yellow houses with large wooden beams is no longer to be demonstrated, especially in the evening when the lanterns begin to be dropped on the river and they illuminate the water.
A little victim of its success, many tourists will prefer to stay on the beach of An Bang or in one of the boutique Hotel lost in the middle of rice fields. Museums, Japanese bridge, river cruise, we spend a lot of time there. You can also take a cooking class to indulge in local, delicious gastronomy. Another important site is the My Son Shrine, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is best to go there early in the morning before the arrival of the groups to enjoy the special atmosphere of the site. For families, we can get to Banana Hills by cable car. This is the opportunity to contemplate the view from the fabulous bridge suspended by hands. Crafts also have an important place with silk sewing, lantern making, calligraphy.
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS:
You’ll find the high plateaus here in the must-sees and finally in the off-the-beaten-path section. Just because we hear a lot about the high plateaus but there’s not really a particular place that’s highlighted. It is however globally a green nature, magnificent waterfalls and minorities that still live in another time. Yet, to me, this remains a place not to be missed. Especially since you can easily get there by plane by landing at Pleiku or Buon Ma Thuot Airport
QUY NHON:
Not really yet in the must-see, as Quy Nhon is developing very fast and this seaside town will soon become one. The activities are varied and relaxing on the beach is one of the main ones. You can visit the Ban It towers and the twin towers of the Kingdom of Champa. The beach of Ky Co is a must to indulge in snorkeling. You can also walk along the coast to admire the view. It is also a good place to stay if you don’t want to stay in the city.
I want to see something else!
MANG DEN:
100 km from Pleiku Airport, Mang Den is known as the small Dalat due to its mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Small paradise preserved from tourism, you can also soak up the culture of the Ba Na in the surroundings. For a total change of scenery. Just an hour from Kon Tum where you can visit the Kon Tum Cathedral and the Bishop House, a building mixing Romanesque and Ba Na architecture. Inside, an orphanage managed by nuns can welcome you for missions
TUY HOA:
With an airport, Tuy Hoa is in development. Located between Quy Nhon and Nha Trang, by the sea, it is a real haven of peace. Not only is the coast beautiful if you go south in the direction of the far or north in the direction of the surprising beach of Gan Dia and its rock formations, you can enjoy wild beaches. Another interest is the visit of the Cham Tower from where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view.
PLEIKU:
Located in the highlands, Pleiku has its own airport. Between mountains, plains and plateaus, there are magnificent waterfalls such as the K50 or Phu Cuong, also the Kon Ka Kinh National Park with its rich flora and fauna. It is also the land of the Ba Na with their huge communal houses with original architecture
BUON MA THUOT:
If Buon Ma Thuot is known for its coffee plantations, there are many more things to do. First of all, the Gia Long – Dray Nur – Dray Sap waterfall system is splendid, especially during the rainy season when water gushes all the way. Some tourists will visit the village of Buon Don to admire the elephants. For our part, since it is possible to ride on the backs of elephants, we recommend boycotting. The locals use them by tradition but encouraging this activity has tourist purposes is something else. You might as well spend your free time at the lakes or in national parks.
KBANG:
To really immerse yourself in culture, visit Kbang village at Ba Na. Share moments of local life, discover traditions, hike around and why not plan a night under the stars.
What to see and what to do in Center Vietnam?
I got it from here!
No time for boredom in the Center of Vietnam. Between idleness, culture, adventure, history and traditions, there is something for everyone, a little before taste!
- Stroll through the old town of Hoi An and the historic centre of Hue
- Take a boat trip on the Perfume River
- Visit the artisan villages around Hue and learnDo traditional
- Relax on one of the beautiful beaches
- Take a cooking class in Hoi An
- Visit the Phong Nha complex and spend a night in a cave
- Ride behind a scooter with a driver and explore the highlands
- Enjoy the many waterfalls and national parks in the centre
- Visit minority villages in the highlands
Sites de l’UNESCO
3 sites are listed as World Heritage sites and not the least. The Phong Nha Cave Complex is home to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong, the timeless old town of Hoi An, and a return to the Champa era in the My Son Sanctuary.
- Phong Nha-Khe Bang National Park
- All the monuments of Hue
- The old town of Hoi An
National parks !
| Region | Name | Year | Size | Province |
| Central North Coast | Pù Mát | 2001 | 91,113 | Nghệ An |
| Central North Coast | Vũ Quang | 2002 | 55,029 | Hà Tĩnh |
| Central North Coast | Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng | 2001; | 85,754 | Quảng Bình |
| Central North Coast | Bạch Mã | 1991 | 22,030 | Thừa Thiên–Huế |
| South Central Coast | Phước Bình | 2006 | 19,814 | Ninh Thuận |
| South Central Coast | Núi Chúa | 2003 | 29,865 | Ninh Thuận |
| Highlands | Chư Mom Ray | 2002 | 56,621 | Kon Tum |
| Highlands | Kon Ka Kinh | 2002 | 41,780 | Gia Lai |
| Highlands | Yok Đôn | 1991 | 115,545 | Đắk Lắk |
| Highlands | Chư Yang Sin | 2002 | 58,947 | Đắk Lắk |
What are we eating in the Center of Vietnam?
Central Vietnam is also known for its gastronomy. Rich in taste, here is a list of the main specialties.
- The Bun Bo Hue > Known and Reconnected Dish! Fresh pasta soup with slices of beef shank, pieces of beef tail, pig’s foot scented with lemongrass, coriander and mint. There are also pieces of coagulated blood, very popular in Vietnam.
- Cao Lau > Hoi An Specialty. Fresh rice noodles, grilled pork slices, soy sprouts, lettuce and aromatic herbs, topped with crispy pork skin and fries.
- My Quang > Specialty of the Vietnam Center. Yellow rice pasta with meat or shrimp, quail eggs in a pork-bone broth.
- Banh Beo > These are pork or shrimp rice cakes. They are eaten in one bite after dipping them in fish sauce.
- Banh Khoai Hue > Banh Xeo de Hue. Small rice patties filled with shrimp, meat, fresh vegetables and soy thumbs. They are then dipped in a sauce made with pork liver and slices of green figs.
- Banh Bot Loc > Hue specialty. Tapioca-based ravioli, which gives this transparent appearance. They’re filled with shrimp and meat.
- Com Ga Hoi An > Hoi An specialty. Sticky rice with chicken and fresh herbs.
- Banh Mi Hoi An > Banh Mi sandwiches are popular across the country and every region to choose from, but the best known are Hoi An. The classic is pâté, sometimes accompanied by eggs, vegetables and sauce.
- Banh Chuoi > Banana Fritters. It’s not really a specialty of the center but you’ll find the best ones in Hue. Perfect for a sweet touch before visits or for an afternoon auction.