Places to Visit in Central Vietnam: The 10 Best Must-See Destinations 2025

Discovering the best places to visit in Central Vietnam is a journey through the nation’s very heart. For any traveller, exploring these places to visit in Central Vietnam offers a diverse experience, from ancient imperial cities to breathtaking coastlines. The sheer variety of places to visit in Central Vietnam can be incredible, and this guide is designed to highlight the most essential destinations. Stretching from the historic DMZ to sunny southern beaches, this is a land of dramatic contrasts where dynasties rose and fell. We will focus on the top 10 places to visit in Central Vietnam, showcasing the unique blend of culture, history, and nature that defines this captivating region.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Central Vietnam

1. Hoi An Ancient Town

A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An feels like a step back in time. It stands as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port, with an architectural style reflecting a captivating mix of local and foreign influences. From the 15th to the 19th century, Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants flocked here, and their legacy is etched into the town’s very fabric.

The heart of Hoi An is its Ancient Town, a pedestrian-friendly zone where mustard-yellow shophouses line the narrow streets. These historic buildings, with their moss-covered tiled roofs and wooden shutters, now house a delightful array of art galleries, souvenir shops, and charming cafes. A single ticket allows entry into several key heritage sites, including traditional family chapels, ancient houses, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a beautiful 18th-century structure featuring a small temple within.

As dusk settles, Hoi An transforms into a magical wonderland. Thousands of colourful silk lanterns are lit, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the streets and the tranquil Thu Bon River. Taking a boat ride on the river, where you can release a paper lantern for good luck, is an unforgettable experience. The town’s culinary scene is another major draw, famous for local specialities like Cao Lau noodles, White Rose dumplings, and the best Banh Mi in Vietnam.

Thu Bon River

2. Hue Imperial City

Once the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, Hue is a city steeped in regal history and intellectual gravitas. Situated on the banks of the serene Perfume River, it carries a more contemplative and solemn atmosphere than other Vietnamese cities, reflecting its past as the nation’s political, cultural, and religious center.

Perfume River

The undisputed centrepiece is the Citadel, a vast, walled complex that contains the Imperial City and, within it, the Forbidden Purple City. Though heavily damaged during the war, ongoing restoration efforts have brought much of its former glory back to life. Visitors can wander through grand gateways, explore ornate throne rooms, visit royal temples, and stroll through the tranquil gardens where emperors once walked.

Forbidden Purple City

Beyond the Citadel’s walls, Hue’s historical treasures continue along the Perfume River. The majestic tombs of the Nguyen emperors are scattered across the landscape, each a unique architectural masterpiece designed by the emperor it was built. The tombs of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, and Tu Duc are particularly stunning, each set in a carefully landscaped complex of gardens, pavilions, and ponds that reflect the personality of its ruler.

3. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

For adventurers and nature lovers, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is an absolute paradise. This UNESCO World Heritage site, located in a remote part of north-central Vietnam, is home to some of the world’s most spectacular and immense cave systems, set within a landscape of ancient limestone karsts and dense tropical jungle.

The park is most famous for housing Son Doong, the largest cave on the planet, so massive it has its own jungle and weather system inside. While exploring Son Doong requires a multi-day expedition that books out years in advance, numerous other breathtaking caves are easily accessible. Paradise Cave (Thien Duong) is a must-see, with a colossal cavern adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by a sophisticated lighting system.

Son Doong Cave

Another popular activity is taking a boat trip into Phong Nha Cave, where the subterranean river winds through vast chambers. For a more hands-on experience, the Dark Cave (Hang Toi) offers a thrilling adventure involving zip-lining, swimming in a cool underground river, and wading through a natural mud bath.

4. Da Nang and the Marble Mountains

Da Nang represents the modern face of Central Vietnam. It’s a dynamic, clean, and rapidly developing coastal city known for its long, sandy beaches like My Khe, its vibrant culinary scene, and its iconic Dragon Bridge, which spectacularly breathes fire and water on weekend evenings. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region.

My Khe Beach

Da Nang Dragon Bridge

Just a short drive south of Da Nang lies one of the area’s most captivating attractions: the Marble Mountains. This is a cluster of five limestone and marble hills, each named after one of the five elements (metal, water, wood, fire, and earth). These mountains are riddled with a network of caves, tunnels, and hidden grottoes that house magnificent Buddhist and Hindu sanctuaries.

Marble Mountains

Visitors can climb the stone steps or take an elevator up Thuy Son (Water Mountain), the largest and most accessible of the five. From the various viewpoints at the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the coastline, and the other mountains. Exploring the dimly lit caves, with their intricate shrines and towering Buddha statues, is a truly spiritual and awe-inspiring experience.

Thuy Son mountain

5. My Son Sanctuary

Often compared to the great temple complexes of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Bagan in Myanmar, the My Son Sanctuary is a testament to the once-mighty Champa Kingdom. Nestled in a lush, circular valley surrounded by mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage site contains the ruins of dozens of Hindu temples and towers constructed between the 4th and the 14th century.

These temples were dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and served as the political and religious heart of the Champa civilization. Despite being heavily damaged by bombing during the war, the remaining brick towers are profoundly atmospheric. The intricate carvings on the sandstone facades depict scenes from Hindu mythology, and the unique brick-building techniques of the Cham people still puzzle archaeologists today.

Walking among these ancient, red-brick ruins as the morning mist lifts from the valley is a powerful experience. A small on-site museum provides valuable context about the Champa Kingdom’s history and artistry, making a visit to My Son a fascinating journey into a lost chapter of Southeast Asian history.

6. Nha Trang

For those seeking sun, sand, and sea, Nha Trang is Central Vietnam’s quintessential beach metropolis. Its long, crescent-shaped beach stretches for miles, bordered by a beautifully manicured promenade and a skyline of modern hotels and resorts. The city has a lively, energetic vibe, making it a hub for both relaxation and entertainment.

The bay surrounding Nha Trang is dotted with picturesque islands, making it a premier destination for marine activities. Boat tours are incredibly popular, typically including stops for scuba diving, snorkelling, and swimming in the clear, turquoise waters. The city is also famous for its therapeutic mud baths at places like Thap Ba Hot Springs, an unusual but deeply relaxing experience.

Away from the beach, the Po Nagar Cham Towers, built between the 7th and 12th centuries, offer a historical counterpoint to the city’s modern attractions. The Long Son Pagoda, with its giant white Buddha statue seated on a hilltop, provides a serene escape and panoramic views of the city below.

7. The Hai Van Pass

Made famous globally by the TV show Top Gear, the Hai Van Pass is more than just a road; it’s a destination in itself. Dubbed “one of the best coastal roads in the world,” this breathtaking 21-kilometer mountain pass winds its way between Da Nang and the Lang Co Peninsula, marking the geographical divide between North and South Vietnam.

The name “Hai Van” translates to “Ocean Cloud,” a fitting description as the pass is often shrouded in mist, creating a dramatic and ethereal atmosphere. As you ascend, the road twists and turns, with each bend revealing a more stunning panoramic view of the coastline, the mountains, and the endless sky. At the summit, you can find the ruins of a French-built fort, offering a perfect spot to rest and take in the scenery.

While it’s possible to drive the pass by car, the most thrilling way to experience it is by motorbike, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the landscape. It’s a journey that perfectly captures the raw, untamed beauty of Central Vietnam’s geography.

8. Bach Ma National Park

Once a luxurious French colonial hill station, Bach Ma National Park is now a protected reserve and a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. Situated at an elevation of 1,450 meters, the park’s cool, fresh climate provides a welcome respite from the coastal heat. Its lush, semi-tropical forests are home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna.

The park is crisscrossed with well-maintained hiking trails that lead to some of its most stunning natural features. The Five Lakes Cascade (Ngu Ho) is a series of beautiful, crystal-clear pools perfect for a refreshing swim. The trail continues to Do Quyen Waterfall, a towering 300-meter cascade that thunders down into the valley below.

At the park’s summit, the Vong Hai Dai (Sea Observation Post) offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, the Lang Co lagoon, and the East Sea. Exploring the abandoned French villas that are slowly being reclaimed by the jungle adds a touch of poignant history to the natural splendour.

9. Quy Nhon

For travellers looking to get off the beaten path, Quy Nhon is a hidden gem. This quiet coastal city has yet to experience the mass tourism of Da Nang or Nha Trang, allowing it to retain a wonderfully relaxed and authentic Vietnamese atmosphere. The city is surrounded by pristine, golden-sand beaches and dramatic, rocky coastlines.

One of the most spectacular spots is Ky Co Beach, a stunning stretch of white sand accessible by a short boat ride, with waters so clear and turquoise it’s often called the “Vietnamese Maldives.” Nearby, Eo Gio (the Windy Pass) offers a breathtaking coastal walk along a rugged cliffside, with stunning views of the waves crashing against the rocks.

The city itself is pleasant and easy to navigate, with a fantastic and affordable seafood scene. A short trip from the city center will take you to the Banh It Towers, a collection of impressive Cham-era ruins perched on a hilltop, offering another glimpse into the region’s ancient past.

10. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

For those interested in modern history, a visit to the former Demilitarized Zone is a powerful and sobering experience. This strip of land, which once marked the heavily militarized border between North and South Vietnam, was the site of some of the most intense fighting during the Vietnam War.

Guided tours from Hue are the best way to explore the area’s significant historical sites. A visit to the Vinh Moc Tunnels is unforgettable; unlike the Cu Chi Tunnels in the south, which were primarily for combat, these tunnels were a subterranean village where entire communities lived for years to escape the bombing.

Vinh Moc Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels

Other key sites include the Khe Sanh Combat Base, a former US Marine outpost that was the site of a famous 77-day siege, and the Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River, which physically marked the border and is now painted half yellow and half blue as a monument to reunification. A tour of the DMZ is an essential lesson in the incredible resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Khe Sanh Combat Base

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