Central Vietnam

When planning a trip to Central Vietnam there is a lot to think about. Although the region is well known for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An and beach scene of Da Nang, there are other destinations that need to be added to your Central Vietnam itinerary.

If you love history the former Imperial capital of Hue should be on your list of places to visit in Vietnam. For fun in the sun, look no further than the beaches of the vibrant resort city of Nha Trang.

Da Lat, the “City of Eternal Spring” will have you enjoying the cool mountain air and scenery of the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

No matter what you are looking for, you will find that Central Vietnam has something to please every visitor to Vietnam.

Is Central Vietnam worth visiting?

Central Vietnam is one of the most popular areas to visit in Vietnam. The region has a collection of diverse attractions, and you will enjoy a more laid-back vibe compared to the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

What is Central Vietnam known for? Get ready to be impressed with the range of Central Vietnam places to visit. A trip to Central Vietnam can have you stepping back in time as you explore the Imperial Citadel of Hue.

Marvel at the changing colours of the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang and relive the rich seafaring history of Hoi An Ancient Town.  

Enjoy the party atmosphere and beaches of Nha Trang or take the journey to Da Lat to discover the coffee plantations and flowers that the city is famous for.

Is Central Vietnam worth visiting? When planning your Vietnam itinerary, the cities of Hoi An and Da Nang are a must and if you have time make sure to add Hue, Nha Trang and Da Lat to your list.

Regions of Central Vietnam

Things to do in Central Vietnam

When planning your trip to Central Vietnam there are a good selection of Central Vietnam tours to choose from. Of course, if you like travelling independently you will be spoilt by the range of activities and experiences awaiting you.

Here is a taste of what you can see and do on a visit to Central Vietnam. We begin in the historical heart of Vietnam, the former Imperial capital of Hue.

Hue

Hue Imperial Citadel sits on the banks of the Perfume River and is a tribute to the glory days of the Nguyen dynasty who ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.

Walking within the Imperial City you will get a glimpse of the daily life of the Nguyen Emperors and their families. Also scattered around the city are an impressive collection of Imperial tombs and temples dedicated to the Emperors and their wives.

Those interested in the Vietnam War can take day trips to the former Demilitarized Zone and learn about the Battle of Hue.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a port city on the Vietnamese central coast which is famous for its seemingly endless beaches. It also has a large selection of accommodation including many world class resorts that line the foreshore.

Another popular attraction is the Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills theme park. This iconic bridge is also known as the Golden Hand Bridge and is an incredible sight to see at dawn. Sun World Ba Na Hills is a fun place to visit and stay and one that is easily reached from Da Nang. It should definitely be on your list when visiting Da Nang or Hoi An.

The beach and city areas are split in two by the Han River and joined by several bridges, the most famous being the Dragon Bridge. Of an evening the bridge comes alive to a myriad of coloured lights that pulsate across the length of the dragons back. Make sure to visit on the weekend to see the dragon breathe fire and smoke.

The city is home to numerous attractions including the Marble Mountains which are steeped in legend. Overlooking Da Nang beaches from Son Tra Peninsula is the stunning Lady Buddha statue and Linh Ung Pagoda Buddhist temple complex.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a 45-minute drive from the city of Da Nang and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved Ancient Town. Between the 15^th and 19^th century the city was a thriving trading port which was home to an international group of seafarers from such countries as Japan and China.

Within these streets you will find historic assembly halls, coffee houses, temples, shophouses and homes with the teak interiors and décor of these bygone days.

Of an evening Hoi An turns into a fantasyland of light as colourfully lit boats float up and down the Thu Bon River.

An Bang Beach

An Bang Beach has a traditional Vietnamese village vibe and is a short 10-minute drive from the centre of Hoi An.

Here you can escape the hustle and bustle of Hoi An and spend the day relaxing on the beach or trying local seafood at one of the beachside restaurants that line the foreshore.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang has long been a popular seaside resort city for Russian and Chinese holiday makers. These days all nationalities are welcome and have the chance to enjoy the gentle waves and golden beaches of Nha Trang.

This picturesque bay is popular for snorkelling and diving or just spending lazy days on the beach. The city is also known for its food scene and hosts a variety of restaurants featuring a range of seafood, Vietnamese, and international cuisines.

Da Lat

Located in the mountains of Vietnam Central Highland, Da Lat is known for its cooler climate and rich soil which is perfect for growing coffee and flowers.

This city encircles the pretty Xuan Huong Lake and has many fine examples of French colonial art deco architecture. Here you can admire the scenic beauty of the mountains, visit coffee plantations and flower farms.

A little further afield is the Elephant Falls and the nearby Linh An Pagoda Buddhist temple complex with its magnificent Lady Buddha statue.

Central Vietnam Map

Our map of Central Vietnam shows you the Central Vietnam cities of Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Da Lat. When looking at a map of Vietnam don’t be daunted by the distances as many of these destinations can be quickly reached by air.

Getting Around Central Vietnam

The easiest way to get around Central Vietnam is to fly. You will find that most cities are well connected by air with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet and Bamboo Airways.

Exceptions include Hue to Da Nang and Da Nang to Hoi An as the distances are relatively short and can easily be reached by bus or car. Travel from Nha Trang and Da Lat is by bus or car as there are no direct flights between Nha Trang and Da Lat

Other ways to travel around Central Vietnam is to take the bus or Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train to the cities of Hue, Da Nang and Nha Trang.

Car and motorbike hire is readily available for those wanting to brave Vietnam’s traffic, but we highly recommend taking out travel insurance with these options included before taking to the road.

Travel to Hue

The distance from Hanoi to Hue is around 668km (415 miles) depending on whether you take the bus or train. The quickest way to reach Hue from Hanoi is by air. Train and bus can take 12 to 14 hours depending on which option you take.

Hue flight times from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

• Hanoi to Hue flights – 75 minutes
• Ho Chi Minh City to Hue flights – 90 minutes.

Travel to Da Nang

The Hue to Da Nang distance is around 100km (62 miles) depending on which route you take. Popular transport choices are minivan, train, and bus. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and often travels via the scenic Hai Van Pass.

Da Nang flight times from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

• Hanoi to Da Nang – 90 minutes
• Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang – 90 minutes.

Travel to Hoi An

Da Nang Airport to Hoi An is a short 30km (18 miles) drive and takes around 50 minutes to travel depending on traffic.

Travel to Nha Trang

The distance from Da Nang to Nha Trang is 526km (326 miles). The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes by air and between 11 to 12 hours by bus and train.

Nha Trang flight times from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

• Hanoi to Nha Trang – 2 hours
• Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang – 75 minutes.

Travel to Da Lat

There are no direct flights between Nha Trang and Da Lat. Travel between these two cities is via bus which takes between 3 to 4 hours depending on bus company and taxi which takes around 3 hours.

Da Lat flight times from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

• Hanoi to Da Lat – 2 hours
• Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat – 1 hour.

Central Vietnam Weather

The weather in Central Vietnam is divided into two seasons, the rainy season, and the dry season.

The rainy season coincides with the typhoon season and during this time you may find flooding across the region especially around Hoi An and Da Nang. The dry season brings sunny days and hot humid weather.

Although Da Lat also experiences a wet and dry season, the cool mountain air produces a milder, less sticky climate.

Because Central Vietnam covers such a large area, the rainy season begins and ends at different times of the year. Below are the rainy season and dry season temperatures of the popular tourist destinations of the region.

Hue Weather

• Dry Season – December to July
• Rainy season – August to January

Hue has a tropical climate with average dry season temperatures fluctuating between 22C to 33C (71F to 91F).

Average rainy season temperatures range from 28C to 17C (82F to 62F). The wettest month is October and during this time of year you may experience flooding.

Da Nang & Hoi An Weather

• Dry season – January to August
• Rainy season – September to December

Both Da Nang and Hoi An have a tropical monsoon climate with average dry season temperatures ranging from 26C to 34C (79F to 93F).

Average rainy season temperatures are from 32C to 25C (90F to 77F). The rainiest months in Da Nang and Hoi An are from September to November and flooding can occur during this time.

Nha Trang Weather

• Dry Season – January to August
• Rainy season – September to December

Nha Trang is renowned for its almost year-round sunny tropical climate. Average dry season temperatures reach between 27C to 33C (80F to 91F).

Typical wet season temperatures vary from 32C to 27C (90F to 80F). The wettest time to visit Nha Trang is from September to December. Nha Trang has a milder rainy season making it a popular seaside destination.  

Da Lat Weather

• Dry season – May to October
• Rainy season – April to November

Da Lat has a subtropical highland climate making the city the ideal place to escape the heat of the coastal areas of Central Vietnam. Average Da Lat temperatures range from 14C to 23C (57F to 73F) with the lowest ever recorded temperature being -0.6C (30F).

The wettest months in Da Lat are September and October. When visiting Da Lat make sure to bring a jacket as the city can get cold in the evening. The coldest months are from December to February.

Best time to visit Central Vietnam

The best time to see Central Vietnam will depend on which area you plan to visit. Overall, the best time to visit is during the dry season, remembering that June, July, and August bring sultry summer weather which can be uncomfortable for some.

The exception is Da Lat where the cooler mountain air makes it the perfect place to escape the scorching heat of the coastal regions.

Of course, you can visit Central Vietnam all year round, but the rainy season weather may not be the most pleasant.

When to visit Hue

The best time to visit Hue is in spring between February to April. Visiting during this time will beat the hot humid weather of June and July.

Avoid travelling to Hue during October as this is when the region experiences the heaviest downpours of the rainy season.

When to visit Da Nang & Hoi An

The best time to visit Da Nang and Hoi An is between the cooler months from March to May and September to October. June to August brings scorching hot days and humid weather.

The wettest months are October and November often causing flooding in Central Vietnam cities of Da Nang and Hoi An.   

When to visit Nha Trang

The best time to visit Nha Trang is during the dry season from January to August. This time of year, you will experience hot tropical days which are perfect for a beach vacation.

Nha Trang has a milder rainy season as it is often sheltered by the wilder storms. The wettest months in Nha Trang are October and November.

When to visit Da Lat

The best time to visit Da Lat is between January and March when you will find the city in full bloom. The wettest months are from July to October.

Essentials & Tools for travel to Vietnam

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