Things to do in Central Vietnam
Discover the best attractions and experiences Central Vietnam has to offer
Historic Monuments
Central Vietnam is a tapestry of royal ruins and ancient towns, where imperial legacies endure along the coast and rivers.
Hue Imperial City
A vast walled complex with palaces, gates, and the Forbidden Purple City, at the heart of Hue's former royal capital.
Khai Dinh Tomb
A hilltop tomb blending Vietnamese and European architectural styles near Hue.
Hoi An Ancient Town
A well-preserved riverside quarter with historic houses, temples, and lantern-lit streets.
Museums
Museums in this region celebrate Cham culture, royal history, and local crafts.
Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture
Houses one of the world's finest collections of Cham artifacts.
Da Nang Fine Arts Museum
Showcases Vietnamese art from traditional to contemporary works.
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Museum
Displays intricate stone carvings from the nearby village and quarry.
Religious Monuments
The region's sacred sites blend riverine scenery with architectural grandeur and spiritual heritage.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Iconic riverfront pagoda with a distinctive seven-story tower and long history.
Quan Cong Temple (Hoi An)
A revered temple honoring the Chinese general-turned-deity Quan Cong.
Linh Ung Pagoda (Da Nang)
A hilltop Buddhist complex with grand statues and sea views on the Son Tra Peninsula.
National & Theme Parks
Caverns, mountains, and theme parks reveal the dramatic natural beauty of central Vietnam.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Cavernous landscapes with some of the world’s largest caves and lush jungle.
Bach Ma National Park
Cloudy peaks, waterfalls, and forest trails in a biodiverse reserve.
Sun World Ba Na Hills
A mountain resort with a cable car, a quaint village, and an amusement park.
Neighborhoods
Explore distinct quarters and scenic pockets where local life unfolds against iconic backdrops.
Hoi An Ancient Town
A historic riverside neighborhood full of lantern-lit streets and timber houses.
Da Nang's Son Tra Peninsula
A green coastal peninsula with viewpoints, beaches, and temple sites.
Thanh Toan Village
A traditional Hue-area village known for its iconic bamboo-and-brick bridge.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy scenic viewpoints, riverside strolls, and beach vibes without an admission fee.
Dragon Bridge light show
Watch the dragon sculpture illuminate the Da Nang riverfront at night.
Hoi An Riverside lantern stroll
Take a peaceful walk along the Thu Bon River with lanterns glowing in the dark.
My Khe Beach
Relax on Da Nang’s long sandy stretch and enjoy the sea breeze.
Lang Co Beach
Catch a sunset along this scenic stretch of coast near Hue.
Gastronomy
Central Vietnam is a paradise for distinctive noodle dishes, soups, and fresh seafood.
Mi Quang
A turmeric-yellow rice noodle dish served with herbs, peanuts, and pork or shrimp.
Bun Bo Hue
Spicy beef noodle soup with lemongrass and pork rind.
Cao Lau
A Hoi An specialty featuring thick noodles, pork, and greens in a savory broth.
Banh Xeo
Crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and greens.
Nightlife
Evenings pair riverside charm with vibrant bars and lively night markets.
Dragon Bridge area bars
Riverside spots offering skyline views and casual evening vibes in Da Nang.
Hoi An Night Market
Colorful stalls along the river with street food and live performances.
Da Nang rooftop bars
Elevated venues along the coast for cocktails with sea views.
Entertainment
Family-friendly parks and cultural experiences add a playful touch to your itinerary.
Asia Park (Sun World Da Nang Wonders)
A large amusement park with rides, LED shows, and a space-themed zone.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
Monthly lantern-lit evenings with traditional performances and crafts.
Hue Royal Court music performances
Occasional concerts featuring traditional court music at historic sites.
Sports
Active travelers can hike, cycle, and paddle through regional landscapes.
Bach Ma National Park trekking
Rugged trails lead to waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.
Kayaking on the Thu Bon River
Paddle along Hoi An’s tranquil waterways and book-ended scenery.
Cycling the Hai Van Pass
Coastal mountain road rides with dramatic ocean views.
Off the Track
Delve into lesser-known villages and hands-on experiences away from the crowds.
Tra Que Vegetable Village (Hoi An)
Visit an herb garden and try a farm-to-table cooking session.
Lantern-making workshop (Hoi An)
Create your own paper lantern to take home as a keepsake.
Phuoc Tich Ancient Village (Hue)
Wander a centuries-old riverside village with traditional houses and gardens.