Things to do in Central Vietnam

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All about Central Vietnam

When to visit

Vietnam’s dry season typically runs from December–May; to be safe, consider your window from January–April. Outside of those months, you risk running into brief but powerful daily monsoons. And while Tet—the Vietnamese New Year, in early February—can be a fascinating time to experience the region and its holiday spirit, plenty of shops shutter their doors to celebrate the holiday.

Getting around

Central Vietnam is massive—it would take roughly 18 hours to drive from north to south. While you could rent a car or a motorbike (the latter certainly being iconic), the road system can be questionable in places, as can traffic and its lack of rules. Slower travelers will be better off with some combination of taxis, tours, and utilizing the new and improved airports in Hue and Da Nang.

Traveler tips

Coastal cities such as Hue and Hoi An get a lot of attention, but if you can carve out time to venture further inland, you’ll be rewarded with a deep cultural immersion that doesn’t exist near the water. A large number of ethnic minority groups live here—visit Kon Tum, Pleiku, or Buon Ma Thuot to get a peek at a different side of Vietnam. You’ll also be rewarded with views of terraced coffee farms, mountains, and lush jungles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Central Vietnam best known for?

Central Vietnam is best known for its well-preserved history, like in the UNESCO-listed Hoi An old town. It’s also known for caves, including Hang Son Doong, the world’s largest cave. Others know the region for its role in the Vietnam War, beachside towns (Nha Trang), and the coffee-rich Central Highlands.

What does Central Vietnam include?

Central Vietnam spans from Phan Tiet in the south to Thanh Hoa in the north. From there, the region has three districts: North Central Coast, South Central Coast, and Central Highlands. Landscape-wise, the region morphs from narrow coastal plains and wide rivers to rugged mountains, sandy beaches, and clear blue waters.

What is the No. 1 tourist spot in Central Vietnam?

The top Central Vietnam tourist spot is a toss-up among the Marble Mountains, Hoi An’s old town, and Imperial City, Hue. The Marble Mountains offer access to nature. Hoi An’s old town dates to the Japanese empire. The Hue Citadel fortress was built in 1803 under Emperor Gia Long.

How long to stay in Central Vietnam?

You could spend months in Central Vietnam and miss things. The region is some 60,000 square miles (150,000 square kilometers). Try to spend at least a week. That’s time to experience the region’s national parks and caves, plus cities like Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, and Da Nang.

What is the best season to visit Central Vietnam?

The best season to visit Central Vietnam is from late February to April. Weather-wise, this window is reliably dry; visit much later, and you may run into the rainy season. A visit in this timeframe also avoids Tet, Vietnam’s new year, when many shops and restaurants close for the holiday.

How much money do I need for 2 weeks in Vietnam?

How much money you need for two weeks in Vietnam depends on how you travel. Traveling on a shoestring is simple here—street food regularly costs less than US$1. The country is also entirely modern; should you wish to stay in 5-star resorts and dine like a king, you can.

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