Top 10 Must-Visit Backpacking Spots in Central and Southern Vietnam

Anyone who has visited Vietnam knows that the country's climate varies significantly from north to south. While the southern region enjoys a tropical climate, the north experiences a temperate one. The weather in Hue is typically hot and humid, combining elements from both the northern climate and the southern coastal areas. Hue is rich in cultural heritage, and no other region in Vietnam boasts as many well-preserved historical sites as this former imperial capital.

On the northern banks of the Perfume River stands a remarkable complex of castles built in a defensive style, stretching for over 11 kilometers. This invaluable site includes more than 100 architectural works that offer a glimpse into the lives of the Nguyen Dynasty's royal family. On the southern bank of the river, you'll find the exquisite tombs of the Nguyen emperors, with the most famous being the tombs of Gia Long, Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh. Each tomb reflects the personality of the emperor and their distinct architectural style.

Hue is also a significant center for Buddhism. In Hue and surrounding areas, dozens of ancient temples, some over 300 years old, remain intact, alongside hundreds of shrines and pagodas built at the beginning of the 20th century. Moreover, Hue is regarded as the birthplace of imperial court music and is famous for its traditional dishes and fine crafts.

Quang Binh is a province in Central Vietnam, bordered by Ha Tinh and Quang Tri. Often called the 'kingdom of caves', it is home to over 300 caves, both large and small. The most famous include Son Doong Cave, En Cave, Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave, Tien Son Cave, Mooc Stream, and the Zipline at Song Chay - Hang Toi...

Quang Binh is also known for its pristine beaches, offering an escape for those seeking a sense of freedom and adventure. If you are looking for untouched natural beauty, this is the place to visit. Additionally, Quang Binh has important spiritual landmarks like the tomb of General Vo Nguyen Giap, the historic Eight Maidens Cave, the General's memorial house, and the ancient Hoang Phuc Pagoda, which is over 700 years old...

When you backpack through Quang Binh, you can't miss the opportunity to enjoy the local seafood, especially squid, which is noted to be sweeter than that from Da Nang, though it comes at a higher price. Despite this, it remains a must-try for travelers. Quang Binh promises to be a thrilling destination for those looking to explore both nature and history.

When you visit Thanh Hoa, make sure to explore the ancient Ho Dynasty Citadel, with its imposing gates, fortifications, the Ho Dynasty Citadel Museum, and surrounding temples and shrines, to uncover the intriguing history of this mysterious dynasty in Vietnam’s past.

Inside the 600-year-old citadel, you’ll find four grand gates, three fortification sections, and massive stone slabs, some weighing several tons, all transported from distant areas. If you visit during the harvest season, the citadel is particularly breathtaking, with the golden fields surrounding it creating a stunning view.

Don’t miss Sầm Sơn Beach, one of the largest and most picturesque beaches in the north, with long, smooth stretches of sand. The beach is divided into several zones (A, B, C, D) along Hồ Xuân Hương Street. Be sure to check with lifeguards or tour guides about the tides before heading into the water.

Another must-see is the Cẩm Lương Fish Spring, just 30 minutes from the town center. Known for its unique fish, believed by locals to be divine, this spring is a fascinating site. The spring stretches for over 100 meters, teeming with thousands of fish that swim freely in the clear waters. During the day, they swim with the current, and at night, they retreat into caves. The sight of these large fish gliding through the water is truly mesmerizing, and the surrounding peaceful, pristine landscape adds to the mystery of the place.

Also worth a visit is the historic Lam Kinh Site, located in Thọ Xuân District. From Thanh Hoa city, head west along Provincial Road 15A for about 51 kilometers to reach the ancient Lam Kinh Citadel, where the tombs of the kings and the royal family from the Later Le Dynasty are located. This site also marks the birthplace of the Lam Son Uprising, led by the national hero Le Loi, which helped overthrow the Ming invaders. The area is lush with trees, providing a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Located right on the Hồ Chí Minh Highway, the sunflower fields in Nghĩa Sơn, Nghĩa Đàn District, managed by TH True Milk, have become a popular destination since their first appearance in 2010. Spanning 60 hectares, the fields offer a breathtaking view right from the highway. Though the farm primarily grows sunflowers for livestock feed, the flowers are planted in beautiful, neat rows to attract tourists.

The golden sunflowers stand tall in the cool weather, creating a lively and striking scene. The vibrant yellow petals contrast with the deep green backdrop of the forest, making it hard to believe that such a colorful field can flourish in the hot, dry central region of Vietnam.

The sunflowers bloom twice a year, during March-April and November-December, with the fields reaching their peak beauty during these months. Best of all, the sunflower farm is open to visitors free of charge, with no entry fee required. In addition to this stunning natural attraction, the western part of Vinh city offers more attractions, including the Hồ Chí Minh Square, the shrine and tomb of Quan Hoang Mười, and the Pu Mat National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and towering waterfalls.

When people mention Vinh Linh District in Quang Tri, they often refer to the heroic historical landmarks left behind by the region's brave people. However, in recent years, Vinh Linh has also become home to an exciting new travel destination—Mui Treo. This hidden gem offers a serene escape for those who love to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and provides a peaceful contrast to the historic significance of Quang Tri.

Mui Treo is located in Vinh Kim commune, Vinh Linh district, about 40 km from the center of Dong Ha city. The journey there is not too difficult. To reach the site, you must pass through an untouched forest, and when you emerge, you’ll be greeted by a rocky promontory that rises 25-30 meters above the sea level. What could be more incredible than embarking on an adventure in Quang Tri, where the forest lies behind you, the ocean stretches before you, and the sky above seems endless?

Mui Treo was only discovered as a tourist spot in recent years, and as a result, it remains largely unspoiled by human activity, retaining its pristine beauty. Standing atop Mui Treo, surrounded by nature’s harmonious blend, will undoubtedly be a memorable backpacking experience in Quang Tri that you will never forget.

Spanning across the provinces of Gia Lai, Binh Dinh, and Quang Ngai, Kon Chu Răng Nature Reserve was established in 2004. Covering an area of 15,446 hectares, with 98.5% forest cover, the reserve is home to nearly 1,000 species of plants and animals. This unique sanctuary also harbors rare wood species and several endangered animals listed in the Red Book.

In addition to its biodiversity, the reserve boasts stunning landscapes, including breathtaking waterfalls, with K50 waterfall standing at over 50 meters tall. Most of the reserve’s area is designated for strict conservation.

With its abundant tropical rainforest resources and picturesque rivers, streams, and waterfalls, Kon Chu Răng offers excellent opportunities for trekking and ecotourism, attracting adventure seekers and nature lovers eager to explore its majestic forests and stunning waterfalls.

Binh Hung Island is a popular travel destination in Khanh Hoa, particularly favored by young adventurers. Located in Cam Binh commune, Cam Ranh city, the island is also known as Hon Ty or Hon Chut. With its untouched beauty, Binh Hung boasts pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. One of the island's most unique features is the abundance of rocks covered with green moss, creating a picturesque landscape.

Binh Hung Island, also called Hon Chut or Hon Ty, sits in Cam Ranh Bay, Khanh Hoa Province. Travelers can reach the island by motorbike, car, train, or plane to Cam Ranh, then follow National Route 1A to Bai Kinh, where a boat ride will take you to the island. If you're already in Nha Trang, head towards Vinh Hy, follow Route 702, turn left at the junction, and continue for about 13 km to reach Bai Kinh.

Though often called a 'rough diamond,' still preserving its natural and serene beauty, Binh Hung offers a variety of accommodations for visitors. The island is fully equipped to welcome tourists with a range of lodging options that cater to every preference.

Traveling in Da Nang is an experience you won’t want to miss. The coastal city enjoys two distinct seasons: the dry season from January to July and the rainy season from August to December. The best time to visit is between March and August, when the weather is sunny and pleasant, with little rainfall. This is also when you can join various festivals and activities, as well as enjoy Da Nang’s beautiful beaches.

A trip to Da Nang is incomplete without exploring the legendary Hai Van Pass. Located about 30 km from the city center heading towards Thua Thien-Hue, this 21 km-long pass is famous for its steep hills and sharp bends. Known as one of the most scenic mountain roads in both Vietnam and the world, the Hai Van Pass offers stunning views on both sides: lush green mountains on one side and the vast blue ocean on the other. Be sure to stop at several curves along the way for some incredible photo opportunities. At the summit, you'll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring panoramic view of nature’s beauty.

Additionally, the Son Tra Peninsula is a must-see gem in Da Nang. This area, with its rich mix of forests, mountains, and coastline, is perfect for outdoor adventures. Don’t miss out on top sights like Linh Ung Pagoda, My Khe Beach, the Ban Co Peak, and the ancient thousand-year-old banyan tree. History and nature enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting the Dong Dinh Museum. For a relaxing beach experience, you can visit Bai Rang, Bai But, Obama Rock Beach, Nghê Point, and Bai Da Den.

Nam Du is an island chain located in the farthest reaches of Kien Hai district, Kien Giang province, 83 km from Rach Gia city by sea. Situated southeast of Phu Quoc and nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Nam Du remains largely untouched, with 21 islands large and small. The largest island, Nam Du, has a peak rising over 300 meters. The islands are scattered across the ocean, creating a breathtaking view. The entire archipelago is managed by An Son and Nam Du communes, and it has become a favorite destination for young travelers.

Standing atop the Kiểm báo tower on Hon Lon, more than 300 meters above sea level, you can spot the various islands below, each with its own name and legend. Local tales speak of islands like Hon Mau, Hon Lo, Hon Nang, and others, each with its own unique history. The islands form an intricate pattern, each one connected to the others in a seemingly endless chain. The area is rich in folklore, like the tragic story of the Chệt Beach, where, in the 16th century, a fierce battle between Dutch and Chinese ships left many casualties, whose bodies washed up on the beach, giving it its name.

Among the islands, Cu Tron is the largest, covering 9 square kilometers, while the smallest is Hon Lo, measuring only 200 square meters. The islands of Cu Tron, Mau, and Bo Dap are home to the local communities. Each island and beach has its own story, like Dốc Năm Đài, named after a legendary Taoist priest who once flew from a mountain peak. The Nam Du archipelago is not only a stunning natural wonder but also a place steeped in history and folklore, making it a perfect destination for adventurous travelers.

Lang Co Bay lies at the foot of Hai Van Pass, approximately 70 km from Hue and just over 30 km from Da Nang. A few years ago, Lang Co Bay was merely a stopover for travelers between Hue and Da Nang, lacking accommodation and services. However, in recent years, it has gained popularity as a must-visit beach destination near Hue.

Lang Co Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With a 10-km stretch of white sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and a backdrop of lush tropical forests nestled among rolling hills, it offers one of Vietnam's most picturesque landscapes. The natural beauty of Lang Co never fails to captivate anyone who visits. The best time to visit for beach lovers and sightseeing enthusiasts is from April to July. During the months of August through November, the weather is often rainy, and the beach waters lose their clarity, making it less ideal for swimming and exploring the area.