Vietnam is a super cool place that’s getting busier every year because more and more people want to check it out. In central Vietnam, is a super long coastline, lots of different landscapes, and really yummy food. Right in the middle of the country, there are three awesome cities to visit: Hoi An, Danang and Hue. They’ve been famous for a long time and we will share our experience in these cities in this blog
How to get around Central Vietnam
For travellers wanting to experience central Vietnam, all cities mentioned in this blog are easily accessible by bus. Several reliable bus services operate on these routes, offering a convenient and scenic journeys.
When looking at bus options for longer journeys, such as those going from Ninh Binh or Ho Chi Minh, we recommend booking the VIP bus as it gives you a more private sleeper seat with curtains.
Hue
Nestled in central Vietnam, Hue City is like a mesmerizing painting that blends the lively hues of history, culture, and nature, creating a captivating masterpiece. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this breathtaking city showcases ancient pagodas, royal tombs, and historic citadels that have stood for centuries, giving us a glimpse into its incredibly rich past. Beyond its historical landmarks.
We recommend staying 2 days in Hue.
Where to stay in Hue
Bahn Inn, a very affordable place in the city. It is newly built and easy access to most attractions within walking distance.
Where to eat in Hue
We found this cute restaurant around the corner of our hotel called Nook. They have really good food, probably best breakfast I’ve had in Vietnam so far. Recommend checking it out when you’re here.
Right next to hotel is the best Bahn Mi stand in Hue, maybe even the best Bahn Mi in Vietnam, and it cost only 50 cents.
Things to do in Hue
There are many things to do in Hue, but we didn’t have enough time for all of them, so here we are going to share with you what we did and our sincere opinion about it.
Tour of the DMZ
The Demilitarized Zone, DMZ, in Vietnam is the geographical area that served as a buffer zone between North Vietnam and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War and divided the country into two. The DMZ witnessed intense military activities during the war and today it has historical sites where visitors can learn about the history of the Vietnam War.
The tour we did took the whole day, from 7am to 5pm.
The first stop was a memorial ground where people came to pay their respects. It’s located in what was South Vietnam. We had to cover our knees and shoulders to enter this area, recommend bringing a scarf to do so.
The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a complex network of supply routes used by the North during the war. The trail system spanned Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam, providing a logistical corridor for transporting troops, weapons, and supplies.
We joined this tour because we had very little knowledge of Vietnam’s history. Learning about the country’s history, the battle between North and South, and seeing all that has been left behind, gave us a new perspective of the country’s history, and this place had a significant impact on the course of the war.
After lunch we crossed the bridge that used to be the border control between North and South. Here I am standing in the North and Cristian in the South.
The most interesting part of the DMZ tour was to visit the famous tunnels. The ones we went to were located in the North side, near the border. Walking around these tunnels, which goes from 8 to 23 metres deep, it is hard to imagine that people lived in these tunnels. They had kitchen, clinic, meeting room, school, family rooms, bathrooms and ventilation.
To be honest, although it was great to learn more about the history of Vietnam and cool to see the remains from the war, this tour wasn’t really worth it. It cost 950,000 dong / $40 per person and did not include lunch. It took the whole day and most of the time was spent in the van because the places we visited were so far away from each other and Hue. If you come here, maybe go to a museum instead and only go to see the tunnels if you want to experience something.
Visit the Abandoned Waterpark
The abandoned water park is this spooky, deserted place in Hue, Vietnam, located about a 15-minute drive from the city center. It’s been left alone for years and is now a hot spot for people seeking an adventurous thrill. We went to check it out the day after and want to share our experience with you.
The water park, opened its doors in the early 2000s, featuring a mix of water slides, pools, and fun attractions. Unfortunately, financial troubles led to its closure in 2011, and since then, it’s been left to nature’s whims. While some parts have fallen victim to vandalism, you can still spot the outlines of water slides and tunnel walls.
Surprisingly, despite its run-down state, the park has become a magnet for adventurous backpackers looking to unravel its spooky atmosphere.
Be prepared to pay (bribe) the security guard of the abandoned water park. The guards ride around on scooters trying to get as much money from tourists as possible.
We didn’t get charged because the guard wasn’t there when we entered but we heard from other people’s experiences and is quite annoying if you do not have the cash and have to come back, make sure you bring a couple of dollars extra in case is your unlucky time.
If you don’t drive a scooter here and decide to go by taxi (like we did), then be prepared to walk a bit to the road in order to find a taxi to go back to the city.
Danang
Da Nang has one of the world’s best beaches, according to Forbes magazine. And we agree that this is the best beach you can find in Vietnam. The golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and high-rise buildings create a breathtaking backdrop, making it a must-visit destination for beach enthusiasts.
We only stayed 1 day in Danang, but it was not enough to enjoy they beautiful city and beach life, so we recommend staying 2 days here.
Where to stay in Danang
Located just a few minutes’ walk from the renowned beach, Pama Hotel is the place to stay. With modern amenities and an inviting atmosphere, the hotel has a fantastic vibe, providing the perfect retreat after a day of sun and exploration.
Things to do in Danang
Watch the Dragon Bridge Fire Show
Take a walk to the iconic Dragon Bridge, a symbol of Da Nang’s modernity and tradition. The bridge comes to life in the evening, transforming into a mythical creature as it showcases a mesmerising fire show. At certain times, the dragon’s mouth spits out fire, creating a spectacle that illuminates the night sky and leaves spectators in awe.
Spend the day at the beach
Danang has one of the best beaches in Vietnam with white soft sand, clear and warm waters. Why not try one of the many water sports activities available here for a good price such as parasailing, jet ski, or boat ride.
Where to eat in Danang
If you are looking for a place to eat and are craving tacos, head to Tacos Da Nang. Mouthwatering tacos for a low price.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a very popular destination, and for good reasons, it is very, very beautiful, especially the old town. You can wonder around the cute shops and markets in the old town for hours before enjoying the sunset by the river where they have lanterns lit up the town every night. It’s magical. To get around Hoi An, you can rent bicycles.
Hoi An is different from big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh – it feels small and cozy. It’s like a special place recognized by UNESCO! And guess what? It’s like a time machine that takes us back to how things were in Vietnam a super long time ago, around the 18th century. So, it’s not just a town; it’s like a history adventure waiting to be explored!
We recommend spending 3 days in this captivating city.
Where to stay in Hoi An
We stayed in Mad Monkey hostel is a very cool place! The facilities are great and they have activities running all day, also a good place to socialize and meet fellow travelers. If you book a private room you get to rent bicycles for free!
Things to do in Hoi An
Watch the Lantern Show
Imagine Hoi An as a magical place where lanterns are like superstars—they’re everywhere and everyone loves them! Hoi An is like a living history book because it’s a super old city that stayed really pretty from the 15th to the 19th centuries. It’s like a special mix of local and world styles in the buildings and streets. And guess what makes it even more awesome? At night, the whole town sparkles with lanterns hanging in front of shops, houses, and all around the corners. It’s like a fairy tale coming to life!
You can buy the lantern and put them on the water or go out on a bout, but the show is better to watch from the side in our opinion. While you might have information about a lantern festival taking place in the entire city, however this lantern show is every day by the river in the old town.
Ride the Basket Boats
Outside of Hoi An Coconut Village, there’s this awesome thing called a basket boat ride. It’s like a little adventure across huge palm forests. You get to learn about how local fishermen live, check out a place from the Vietnam War, and explore cool ecosystems – all while riding in these round boats.
It’s not just fun; it’s also super stunning and gives you those real adventurer vibes. Some people might think they’ve done something similar in the Mekong Delta down in South Vietnam, but here’s the cool part: each place has its own special things that make it stand out. In Hoi An, it’s not just about the ride; they let you do some hands-on activities that locals do every day. It’s like stepping into their shoes for a little while!
Go on a Pub Crawl
We don’t usually write this kind of section, but the Mad Monkey pub crawl in Hoi An was one of the best social experiences we had on our trip. It might be the best pub crawl in Vietnam. This pub crawl brings around 200 people together, everyone is in a very good vibe open to have a drink and chat. In the pub crawl you will go to 3 different bars and end up in a club. You will get drinks from the people wearing the Mad Monkey t shirts. You will get to know many different personalities and listen stories you will never believe that happen and have a laugh about it.
Where to eat in Hoi An
Bánh Mì Ph??ng
Step inside Banh Mi Phuong, and you’ll be hit with the delicious smell of freshly baked baguettes and all sorts of tasty ingredients. The menu is like a big music show with lots of options – there are classics with grilled pork or chicken, and if you’re feeling bold, you can try exciting ones with seafood or yummy vegetarian stuff. It’s like a taste adventure just waiting for you!
More than just being incredibly tasty, Banh Mi Phuong has become a special symbol for the people who live here and take pride in their community. It’s not only a spot to enjoy really amazing food; it’s like a meeting place where local folks and visitors come together. They share stories, make friends, and create memories, all because they love this awesome food masterpiece. It’s like a tasty hub where good food brings everyone closer!
Update: Banh Mi Phuong was closed in late 2023, but should reopen soon.
Basket Boat Cafe
When we were walking around the basket boats area with found this truly hidden gem just in front where you take the boat, we were amazed by the incredible burgers and beautiful atmosphere, they also had a good range of spirits as draught beers.
Conclusion
So there you have it, how to spend 1 week in central Vietnam: 2 days in Hue, 2 days in Danang, and 3 days in Hoi An. Sharing our experience and honest opinion of what do, where to eat, and where to stay. All cities are worth a visit and offer tourists and backpackers different experiences and vibes, all of which we will remember forever.
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