Central Vietnam Guide: Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue
Golden Tropics Travel · Updated
Central Vietnam is the easiest part of the country for a relaxed holiday: direct flights from Malaysia to Da Nang, long sandy beaches, and two UNESCO-listed towns within a couple of hours' drive.
Da Nang
Da Nang is a modern beach city. My Khe Beach runs for kilometres along the coast, and the Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water on weekend nights.
- Ba Na Hills: a long cable car ride up to a hilltop resort with the Golden Bridge, held up by two giant stone hands
- The Marble Mountains, with caves and pagodas inside the rock
- Son Tra Peninsula and the Lady Buddha statue overlooking the bay
Hoi An
Hoi An's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a former trading port of yellow shophouses, the Japanese Covered Bridge and riverside lanterns. In the evening you can float a paper lantern on the river. Hoi An is also famous for tailors who can make clothes in a day or two.
Hue
Hue was Vietnam's imperial capital. Its walled Citadel and Imperial City, the royal tombs along the Perfume River and the Thien Mu Pagoda are part of a UNESCO site. The road from Da Nang crosses the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam's most scenic coastal drives.
When to go and tips
- The dry season, usually from about February to August, is the best time for beaches.
- The rainy season, usually from September to December, can bring storms and flooding, and boat trips may be cancelled.
- Try cao lau and mi quang noodles in Hoi An, and fresh seafood in Da Nang.
- Da Nang has a few halal restaurants; tell us your dietary needs when you book.
- Malaysians can usually visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days. Check the latest rules before you travel.