Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam is packed with places to visit, from the historic city of Hue, the former royal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, to the charming, UNESCO world heritage site of Hoi An.

Hue was the royal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Here, history hangs heavy in the air, the city still evocative of Imperial Vietnam’s twilight years, with its 19th-century citadel, royal mausoleums and Buddhist temples, all linked by the Perfume River which flows through the heart of the city. Exploring the faded but still beautiful imperial citadel, it's easy to imagine the sumptuous ceremonies that took place amid the privileged lifestyle of the royal family.

To the south of Hue, at the end of a stunningly scenic drive of 3-4 hours that will take you over the Hai Van Pass and along the Vietnamese coast, is the small town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The heart of Hoi An is virtually traffic free, its narrow streets lined with ancient merchant houses that sit alongside small shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants. The fish market is still very active and an early morning visit to see the catch come in is always worthwhile.

Danang, situated between Hoi An and Hue, is the largest city in central Vietnam and a major port. Once the heart of the Cham Kingdom, in the 2nd century AD, the city is home to the fascinating Cham Museum and is a short distance from the intriguing Marble Mountains.

In and around Central Vietnam
History lovers will enjoy Hue’s imperial citadel, with its outer walls enclosing compounds of palaces, temples, residences and pavilions, many badly damaged by fighting in the Tet Offensive in 1968, but now undergoing painstaking restoration work.

Many of the emperors planned their own mausoleums and there are several located around the city, including the idyllic gardens of Minh Mang, the tranquil ponds and pavilions of Tu Duc, and the ornate French-influenced tomb of Khai Dinh. Located on the banks of the river, and reached by a dragon boat, the 17th-century Thien Mu pagoda is the centre of an active Buddhist monastic community.

A walking tour of Hoi An, taking in the Japanese Covered Bridge, the ancient merchant houses still lived in by several generations of the same family, and a traditional assembly hall of the Chinese community, is a must. Hoi An is famous for its tailors, and remains the best place to have clothes made in the country - always made to order within 24 hours! Visit the house of a vegetable farmer to learn how he makes a living and enjoy lunch cooked by the family, or even learn how to cook Vietnamese food yourself, beginning with the sourcing of fresh ingredients from the local market. You can choose to stay in the old town or on sandy Cua Dai beach, just a few kilometres away.

A popular excursion is to My Son, the former capital of the Cham Kingdom. Nestled in a valley, this secluded and often-overlooked heritage site houses the remains of many ancient temples. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the site was badly damaged by bombing in the 1960s. My Son can be visited from Danang or Hoi An (approx. 1 hour drive)

Danang is a popular stopping-off point on the route from Hoi An to Hue. Take the time to visit the Cham Museum, a small collection of artefacts that provides a valuable insight into the fascinating Cham civilisation. Heading south, the miles of pristine beach separating Danang from Hoi An are home to many of the best resorts in Vietnam, while further inland are the Marble Mountains, containing deep caves that are home to shrines regularly frequented by pilgrims. Be prepared to climb many steps as you ascend to the top, as well as steps down into the cave sanctuaries. Danang is more popular with Vietnamese tourists, who flock to its busy beaches, than foreign travellers who tend to visit nearby Hoi An, but those looking to explore the history of the Cham might spend a night or two here.