Central Vietnam is a narrow strip of land lying between North and South Vietnam, bordering the East Sea to the east and Laos and Cambodia to the west. Truong Son Mountain Range forms a natural border between Central Vietnam and Central Highlands, also preserves valuable primary forests.
Truong Son Mountain Range runs along Central Vietnam
Despite the harshest climate in Vietnam, the region has stunning natural landscapes. Blessed with diverse stunning landscapes, from white sandy beaches to majestic mountains. Not only that, Central Vietnam is a land with a long history and rich cultural heritage. Without further ado, let Asia King Travel suggest the most suitable itineraries for 5 days in Central Vietnam!
First, let's talk a bit about the climate in Central Vietnam. North Central experiences four distinct seasons, similar to Northern Vietnam. However, monsoons are blocked by the Bach Ma Mountain Range between Hue and Da Nang. Resulting in only two seasons—dry and rainy—in South Central. This means the best time to visit different locations in Central Coast varies slightly.
Sam Son Beach, Thanh Hoa Province is always crowded every summer
North Central Vietnam has many beautiful beaches, so summer is the best time to dive in cool water. The weather might be quite hot yet adds to the excitement of swimming. To avoid the rainy season you should arrive in South Central a bit earlier, around February to July. Besides beaches, there are many cultural attractions for you to experience.
Three provinces in the middle are also home to the most famous spots, and you can start your journey anywhere. Let’s start in Da Nang. Climbing through the Marble Mountains to explore caves and temples.
Next, head over to Son Tra Peninsula for a change of scenery. Check out Linh Ung Pagoda with the giant Lady Buddha statue. End your day swimming and watching the sunset at My Khe Beach.
Da Nang City viewed from Son Tra Peninsula
Day 2 is all about fun and excitement! Take a cable car up to the mountain resort Ba Na Hills. Indulge in the charm of the classic and romantic French Village, an exquisite and poetic living space. Also, don't miss the Golden Bridge, a new world wonder held aloft by giant hands reaching out from the mountainside.
You can visit Tra Que Vegetable Village just a short drive from Da Nang. Try being a farmer and chow down some fresh veggies for lunch. In the afternoon, hop on a boat and head to Cu Lao Cham. Coral reef diving is a must-try activity.
Back on land, have a trip to My Son Sanctuary to explore Champa culture through ruins and dances. Rest of your day soak up the vibes in Hoi An Ancient Town. Check out the tailor shops for some custom traditional clothes and grab a cuisine bite from food eateries. If you're up for it, take a boat ride on Thu Bon River for a different view of the town,
Hoi An Ancient Town is a favorite destination for foreign visitors. Source: Kenh14
Your final day will be at Hue. Imperial Citadel is a massive complex of palaces so take your time wandering around. Next, visit nearby Thien Mu Pagoda sitting on a hill overlooking Huong River.
After lunch, stop by some Nguyen Emperors’s Tombs. Each tomb tells the story of a different emperor. Finally listening to Hue folk songs on a dragon boat trip will make you remember the Vietnam holiday forever.
Suggested for you: 5-day tour in Hue for the best experience
You will see many marvelous crystal-clear beaches for 5 days. Listed as one of the ten most alluring beaches globally by Forbes, My Khe is a must-visit destination in Da Nang. As the day winds down, visit the modern marvel Dragon Bridge over the Han River. And if it's a weekend, catch the bridge's spectacular fire and water show.
Phu Yen welcomes you with picture-perfect beaches. But that's not all. Ganh Da Dia is a masterpiece of nature. These black rock formations are somehow perfectly arranged along the coast, resembling a giant disc from afar.
How did the stones get these shapes?
On the scenic route to Khanh Hoa via Deo Ca Pass, don't forget to stop at Vung Ro Bay. The view from the pass is mesmerizing. Recognized by the World Tourism Organization as one of the most beautiful landscapes in Asia, Vung Ro Bay rivals the world's most stunning natural wonders.
Travel south to Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province. Here await you a plethora of beach destinations. Vinpearl Nha Trang must be the first one. Vinpearl Nha Trang provides an all-in-one ecosystem satisfying every need from relaxation and dining to shopping and entertainment. A perfect day in a perfect place.
Vinpearl Nha Trang, a seaside tourism paradise
We will see other destinations in Nha Trang City on the second day. Pay a visit to the National Oceanographic Museum to see a miniature ocean world. Then immerse in Champa culture at Ponagar Cham Tower. The tower features unique architecture and holds mysteries.
Keep heading north about 15 kilometers to Nha Phu Lagoon. Hopping through islets Hon Lao, Hon Thi, Hon Heo, Hon Sam. This place has it all, from beaches and mangrove forests to wildlife. It's like Vinpearl Nha Trang yet built by nature.
This Vietnam trip is a heritage journey through North Central. Begin in Nghe An, the country's largest province. Start with a refreshing swim at Cua Lo Beach to energize yourself for the journey ahead.
Then, visit the birthplace of the revered leader Ho Chi Minh in Nam Dan District. Mother's hometown Hoang Tru Village where he had a miserable childhood, and Sen Village, where he studied and nurtured a desire for national liberation. Standing before his humble house, you'll admire a resilient and hardworking man, a typical personality of the Central Vietnam people.
The house where President Ho Chi Minh lived in childhood
During the Vietnam War, the US military dropped countless bombs on Dong Loc Junction, Ha Tinh Province to cut off the North-South supply route. Ten young women barely in their twenties, lost their lives while filling bomb craters. The memorial was built to honor the noble sacrifice of these ten women and the youth volunteer force in the fight against invaders.
The main destination is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province. Here, you'll feel transported to another world by the surreal beauty of caves and underground rivers. Home to over 300 caves, large and small, this natural wonder remains largely unexplored.
Phong Nha Cave - The Greatest Cave of the South
Phong Nha Cave is the most iconic attraction in the National Park. Drifting along the clear blue Son River, you'll reach the 10-meter-high cave entrance. Venturing deeper into the cave, you'll be amazed by the sparkling golden sandbanks, emerald underground lakes, and especially the magnificent stalactite system like a true work of art.
Through this article, Asia King Travel has suggested some itineraries tailored to your specific interests for the Vietnam tour. Have you found a suitable trip or would you like to create a personalized itinerary? Contact us for dedicated support in planning your perfect journey.
Suggested for you: The Central of Vietnam Explorer