Buzz
Commencing from Hanoi and concluding in Hoi An, spanning 1054km, the North Central route captivates travel enthusiasts with breathtaking beaches like Nhat Le, Lang Co; the limestone formations in Ninh Binh likened to Halong Bay on land, and renowned national parks such as Pu Mat, Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Bach Ma...
1. Hanoi – Ninh Binh (103km)
A 3-hour motorbike ride, passing through Phu Ly City in Ha Nam Province, brings you to Ninh Binh, known as the Halong Bay on land with limestone formations creating magnificent scenic views. Ninh Binh is located at the convergence point of the Red River delta, featuring all three types of terrains. May Bac Peak in Cuc Phuong Forest, with an elevation of 648m, is the highest peak in Ninh Binh. The area boasts 4 specialized forests, including Cuc Phuong Forest, Van Long Environmental Forest, Hoa Lu Cultural-Historical Environmental Forest, and Kim Son Coastal Protection Forest. The Hoa Lu – Trang An Special-Use Forest has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site within the Trang An Landscape Complex.
Additionally, Ninh Binh has an 18km coastline. Arriving here in the summer months of May and June, when the rice fields simultaneously ripen and turn a gleaming yellow, blending with the dark green limestone mountains, you will be amazed by an incredibly poetic landscape.
Places of interest: Tam Coc, Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le, Van Long Conservation Area, Phat Diem Cathedral, Bich Dong - the second cave: Bich Dong, Thung Nham Bird Garden…
Local Delicacies: Explore dishes crafted from mountain goat meat, Kim Son wine, nem chua (Yen Mac – Yen Mo), eel vermicelli, Tổng Trường carp, Dong Giao pineapple, crispy rice...
2. Ninh Binh – Thanh Hoa – Nghe An (248km)
It takes over 5 hours to traverse this route, but you can rest in Thanh Hoa, Sam Son to explore. In Thanh Hoa, aside from the famous Sam Son beach, visit Doc Cuoc temple, Trong Mai islet, Co Tien temple, or To Hien Thanh temple. If you're hungry, head to the Vạn Chài culinary area to savor local specialties, especially the renowned Tôm Tít (locally known as Chải) dish, priced at only 80,000 VND/kg during this season.
After lunch, leave Thanh Hoa passing through Hoang Mai town to reach Vinh. Here, you must visit the historical site of Kim Lien, located 12 km southwest of Vinh city center. It's a memorial site dedicated to Ho Chi Minh in Kim Lien commune, Nam Dan district. This place is linked to the youth of Uncle Ho and preserves memories of young Nguyen Sinh Cung, with traces and relics of the family. Sen Village, Uncle Ho's hometown, features numerous lotus ponds on both sides of the village road.
Uncle Ho's childhood home, constructed with bamboo and wood in 1901, consists of 5 sections and thatched roofs. The house was built through the efforts and contributions of the villagers to honor Nguyen Sinh Sac, Uncle Ho's father, when Sac became the Deputy Magistrate, bringing honor to the entire village. 2 km from Sen Village is Chua Village (also known as Hoang Tru) – Uncle Ho's birthplace – where he first cried into the world and was nurtured by his foster mother during his early years.
Places to Visit: Cua Lo beach, Bai Lu, Kim Lien historical site, Sen Village, Cuong temple historical site, Pu Mat national park, Pu Huong conservation area, Hoang Tran family church historical site, Ba Ra seashore, sunflower fields...
Specialty: Vinh eel porridge, bamboo rice, Thanh Chương arrowroot vermicelli, Nam Đàn soy sauce, Doài village oranges…
3. Nghệ An – Hà Tĩnh (211km)
When in Hà Tĩnh, you must visit the historical site of Dong Loc T-junction. On the afternoon of July 24, 1968, a youth volunteer squad was tasked with guarding the intersection, repairing roads, and defusing bombs as usual. Squad 4 consisted of 10 young girls, aged 17 to 24. At 4:30 pm, the 15th bomb of the day fell on Dong Loc, landing right next to the bunker where the 10 girls were seeking shelter. They all perished at a very young age, most of them unmarried.
Hà Tĩnh is a land considered as a 'land of extraordinary people.' Many villages in Hà Tĩnh are famous for literature, academic achievements, and resilience. Many Vietnamese heroes and celebrities come from Hà Tĩnh, including the great poet Nguyễn Du, the famous physician Hai Thuong Lan Ong, Nguyễn Biểu, Bùi Cầm Hổ, Phan Đình Phùng, General Secretary Tran Phu, General Secretary Ha Huy Tap, Nguyen Cong Tru,…
This is also a place that is home to many traditional craft villages passed down from ancient times, such as the Nồi Đất Cổ Đạm pottery village, Vân Chàng blacksmith village, Thái Yên carpentry village, Cẩm Trang ceramics village, Trường Xuân boat-making village, Đức Lâm bronze casting village, Vĩnh Hoà village, Tiên Điền hat-making village, Trường Lưu fabric weaving village, Văn Tràng village, Nam Trị silversmith village, and many other craft villages.
In addition to the mentioned points, you can also explore the Hương Tích Pagoda on Hong Linh mountain, the tourist area of Kẻ Gỗ Lake, Son Kim hot springs, Thien Cam beach…
4. From Hà Tĩnh to Quảng Bình (146km)
Traveling from Hà Tĩnh to Đồng Hới, you can take the Ho Chi Minh Road, crossing the famous Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng National Park. Here, you can enjoy various exciting experiences such as exploring caves, kayaking, Ziplining, mud bathing, leisurely boat cruises, and waterfall swimming. The day-trip options include Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave, while longer journeys offer choices like Swallow Cave, Tú Làn Cave, or the world's largest cave, Sơn Đoòng.
Quảng Bình is also renowned for the stunning Nhật Lệ Beach with its white sands and crystal-clear waters, Ngang Pass, and Lý Hòa Pass. This region has produced numerous talents such as poets Hàn Mặc Tử, Lưu Trọng Lư, and Lâm Thị Mỹ Dạ, not forgetting the legendary General Võ Nguyên Giáp, whose final resting place is at Vũng Chùa – Yến Island in Quảng Đông Commune, Quảng Trạch District, Quảng Bình Province, approximately 4 km from Ngang Pass. If you have the chance to visit, pay your respects to the general's tomb.
5. Quảng Bình – Quảng Trị – Huế (215km)
Leaving Dong Hoi city in Quảng Bình, the next destination is Quảng Trị Province, a coastal province in North Central Vietnam. Known for the 17th parallel demilitarized zone, it played a crucial role as the dividing line between North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War (1954 – 1975). In Quảng Trị, visit Trường Sơn Martyrs' Cemetery, Đường 9 Martyrs' Cemetery, and explore landmarks like Hiền Lương Bridge, Dakrong Suspension Bridge, Vĩnh Mốc Tunnels, Khe Sanh Combat Base, McNamara's Electronic Fence, and the ancient Quảng Trị Citadel, associated with the 1972 Summer Offensive. Don't miss the beautiful Cửa Tùng and Mỹ Thủy beaches.
Arriving in Huế is immersing yourself in the Perfume River, exploring Vĩ Dạ Village, and crossing Trường Tiền Bridge with Dong Khanh School girls gracefully wearing their traditional white áo dài dresses. Huế boasts attractions like Thiên Mụ Pagoda, Bạch Mã Mountain, Lăng Cô Beach, and Tam Giang Lagoon – familiar names that have been immortalized in Vietnamese poetry throughout the ages. With two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Huế and Huế Court Music, Huế is a fantastic destination for those passionate about exploring Vietnam's rich cultural and historical heritage. When in Huế, don't forget to try the delicious and affordable local specialty, 'cơm hến' - a dish with a unique Huế flavor.
6. Hue – Da Nang (102km)
To reach Da Nang, you'll traverse the enchanting town of Lang Co and the majestic Hai Van Pass. Opt for the Nguyen Luong Bang, Ton Duc Thang route to cross the recently inaugurated Hue intersection, just a month ago. Da Nang will immediately captivate you with its stunning bridges like the Han River Bridge, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, and more. Next, explore monumental structures such as the administrative building, free cancer hospital, Sun Wheel roundabout, Carp Turns into Dragon sculpture, and Love Bridge. You'll then be perplexed by Da Nang boasting three Linh Ung pagodas - one at Ba Na, another on the Son Tra Peninsula, and the third at Ngu Hanh Son. Conclude your journey by indulging in an array of indescribably delicious dishes in Da Nang.
Explore Da Nang may take up a significant amount of time as there is so much to discover, including Cu Lao Cham, Son Tra Peninsula, Ba Na Hills, and numerous breathtaking beaches. The people of Da Nang are lovable and hospitable, a crucial factor that makes Da Nang listed among the most livable cities in Vietnam.
7. Da Nang – Hoi An (29km)
Just around 30 km from Da Nang, arriving in Hoi An reveals the extraordinary charm of this small city. With closely packed ancient houses, Hoi An allures with its rich culinary culture and magnificent beaches like An Bang and Cua Dai. The highlight of the Hoi An experience is during the evening, when the city lights up. The colorful lanterns and floating candles on the Hoai River will enchant even the most discerning souls. Discovering the tranquility of Hoi An through small cafes along the ancient streets is a captivating experience found nowhere else.
By Tieu Duy
Sparkling Stars
Explore: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourMay 29, 2015
