Top 15 must-visit tourist destinations in Central Vietnam you should know

Address: Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Ngũ Hành Sơn District, Da Nang City.

Address: Ly Son Island District, Quang Ngai Province.

Paradise Cave stretches over 31.4 kilometers, with widths ranging from 30 to 100 meters, and reaching up to 150 meters at its widest point. The cave's ceiling rises about 60 to 80 meters above the floor. Recognized by the Royal Caving Association of the UK as the longest dry cave in Asia, it is also considered one of the most magnificent caves they have explored worldwide. The cave’s awe-inspiring, grand, and mystical structure has led explorers to compare it to a celestial paradise, which is how it earned its name. It is a must-see destination for any traveler visiting Quang Binh, both domestic and international.

To reach the cave, visitors can either walk 570 meters or climb 524 steps. Inside, the temperature is a refreshing 18°C, immediately cooling down visitors as they step inside. The narrow entrance, just wide enough for one person, is tucked beneath a towering rock formation. A 15-meter slope leads into the cave, adorned with numerous large, round stalactites. The walls show signs of past collapses, adding to the dramatic effect. To preserve the cave floor, a -meter-wide wooden bridge, over 1 kilometer long, has been built for visitors. This path currently holds the national record as the “Longest Wooden Path.”

The cave’s stunning beauty is revealed as lights illuminate countless ethereal stalactites. Despite the narrow entrance, the cave opens to a spacious 200-meter wide interior, with towering ceilings providing ample space for visitors to admire the landscape. Inside, you can see formations that resemble cultural symbols from various regions, including steps that resemble terraced rice fields, and stalagmites shaped like Cham towers, making it a visual masterpiece.

Address: Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province.

The Imperial City of Hue is the most significant historical site within the Hue Ancient Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 11, 1993. Every two years, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit to explore its cultural heritage and take part in a festive tour, thanks to strong cooperation with France. Located on the northern bank of the scenic Perfume River, the Imperial City consists of the Imperial Enclosure and the Forbidden Purple City, collectively referred to as the Imperial City. This was the administrative and political heart of the Nguyen Dynasty, as well as the residence of the king and royal family. With its grand architecture and unique gardens, the Imperial City offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

As the largest construction project in Vietnamese history, the Imperial City took 30 years to complete, employing thousands of workers who dredged rivers, dug moats, built walls, and relocated graves. The project involved millions of cubic meters of earth and stone. Visitors to the Imperial City can explore hundreds of majestic palaces, temples, and shrines. With its magnificent architecture and intricate royal designs, the Imperial City offers an exceptional sightseeing experience.

Address: Phu Hau, Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province.

Situated on the beautiful Hon Tre Island, Vinpearl boasts a unique and stunning location with panoramic views of the picturesque Nha Trang Bay. The site is blessed with pristine beaches, golden sand, clear blue waters, and lush green coconut groves. Not only does nature shine here, but Vinpearl has also been transformed into one of Vietnam’s top luxury resorts and leisure destinations, thanks to thoughtful development and innovation.

Vinpearl Land Nha Trang is divided into five main areas: the water park, outdoor amusement park, indoor game zone, aquarium, and performance venue. Visitors can easily find nearby hotels for a convenient stay to enjoy the attractions and activities. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Vinpearl Nha Trang promises to be an exciting destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Address: Hon Tre Island, Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province.

From Quy Nhon port, a high-speed boat will take you to Cu Lao Xanh Island in just about 50 minutes. The lush green vegetation, the blue sky, and the ocean come together to create a stunning landscape that leaves visitors in awe. You can conquer the lighthouse built during the French era, which stands at 119 meters, visit the pristine and crystal-clear Giếng Tiên spring, or take a stroll along the beach paths to enjoy the ocean views and wildflowers, and even witness the turtle nesting sites. In the evening, you can watch a beautiful sunset from the fishing village, ensuring a memorable and poetic experience.

When visiting Cu Lao Xanh, you have the option to either travel independently or book a full-day tour for those with limited time. If you're in a rush, the tour is a good option. However, if you have more time to explore and prefer a more relaxed pace, you can opt for a 2-day, 1-night stay at one of the homestays, where locals offer full services to accommodate you.

Address: Nhon Chau Commune, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province.

Cua Lo Beach is located in Cua Lo Town, Nghe An Province, and is a favorite destination for beachgoers during the summer. The beach is where the two major rivers, Cấm and Lam, meet before flowing into the sea. Just over 15 km from Vinh City, Cua Lo is about a 30-minute drive away, and it has convenient transportation links. The area is equipped with a variety of accommodations, including hotels and restaurants, all just a few minutes' walk from the beach.

As one of the most popular beaches in Nghe An for tourists, Cua Lo sees a surge of visitors every summer. It is also an ideal location for photos, where you can capture beautiful moments by the beach, dunes, or as you ride a tandem bike around the area. The park and surrounding areas with numerous pine trees provide the perfect backdrop for your pictures.

Known for its clear waters, fine sand, and calm waves, Cua Lo is particularly popular among families with children. The beach is perfect for kids to swim in. If you're visiting with young children, you can take them to Hoa Cuc Bien Park, which is located close to the beach, where they can enjoy various playground activities. Additionally, Cua Lo offers exciting experiences like jet skiing and night squid fishing. You can easily find a hotel close to Cua Lo Beach for convenience when exploring the area.

Address: Cua Lo Town, Nghe An Province.

The sunflower fields in Nghia Dan are located about 100 km from Vinh City. This area, known for its hilly terrain, has become a popular tourist spot where visitors come to admire its natural beauty. Situated along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the sunflower fields emerged in 2010 and are managed by the TH True Milk company. Covering an area of 60 hectares, the vast sunflower fields attract many tourists who come to witness their beauty, all without any entrance fees.

Recently, this location has gained significant popularity in Nghe An, especially during the sunflower bloom season, when the fields draw large crowds of visitors who come to explore and take photos. The site has become so well-known that many artists have chosen it as a location for music video shoots or fashion photography sessions. The beauty of the fields lies in the golden radiance of the sunflowers, which cover the landscape, transforming the entire area into a vibrant, golden carpet beneath the sun.

Address: Nghia Son Commune, Nghia Dan District, Nghe An Province.

Nghe An, a land of “great people and great talents,” is the birthplace of many of Vietnam’s most significant historical figures. The province is renowned for landmarks and scenic spots such as Cua Lo Beach, Tham On Cave, Thanh Lake, and the Phan Boi Chau Memorial Site. However, the most prominent destination is Sen Village, the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of Vietnam. Located about 16 km from Vinh City, Sen Village (Kim Liên) is Ho Chi Minh's paternal hometown. It is one of the four most important historical sites in the country and a source of pride for the people of Nghe An.

Sen Village is where the great leader was born and raised. Behind the green bamboo fences and rows of coconut palms stands a modest 5-room thatched house, once the home of Nguyen Sinh Sac, Ho Chi Minh’s father. Despite the passing of time, many of the relics in the house, such as the chest, cupboard, wooden trays, desk, and stone ink slab, remain largely untouched. A visit to Sen Village gives you not only the chance to learn more about the early life of Ho Chi Minh but also to experience the tranquil, rustic atmosphere with thatched-roof houses, rows of coconut palms, and swaying bamboo groves.

Address: Kim Liên Commune, Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province.

Ha Tinh, a province with a long coastline, is home to many stunning beaches that captivate visitors. One of these is Thien Cam Beach, renowned for its pristine, serene, and unspoiled beauty, often described as the ‘heavenly melody’ of Ha Tinh. Unlike the crowded beaches in northern Vietnam, Thien Cam Beach offers a peaceful, picturesque atmosphere with crystal-clear, turquoise waters, endless sandy stretches, and fascinating rock formations of various shapes.

Thien Cam Beach is shaped like a crescent moon or a stringed instrument, featuring three distinct bathing areas. The main beach stretches 3 km, with another beach extending about 10 km, its smooth, white sand gently sloping, and the water so clear you can see to the bottom. The beach is shallow for over 100 meters from the shore, with high salinity levels in the water.

Located 1 km west of Thien Cam Tourism Area is the Dong Noi Ecotourism Zone, a newly opened ecotourism site since mid-2016. This area offers various activities, beautiful landscapes, and is highlighted by sunflower fields and beautiful mustard flower gardens. It’s a must-visit stop during your trip to Thien Cam Beach. Come to Thien Cam Beach to enjoy the tranquil, unspoiled environment and savor fresh seafood, leaving behind the stresses of everyday life.

Address: Cam Xuyen District, Ha Tinh Province.

Dong Loc Junction on the Ho Chi Minh Road (Ha Tinh) is a monument to the unyielding will and the heroic sacrifices of 10 young women, as well as the entire force of youth volunteers during the resistance against American aggression. They were determined to defend the vital supply route to the frontlines. Even now, after the war has passed, the grass has grown green at Dong Loc Junction, but the story remains alive for those who visit.

Dong Loc Junction is nestled in a triangular valley, with barren hills on both sides and a single road running through it. It is the intersection of National Route 15A and Provincial Route 2, located in Dong Loc Commune, Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province. The history of Dong Loc Junction is passed down through generations. During the war, every route from the North to the South passed through here. The area spans about 50 hectares and is surrounded by barren hills, with the single road in the middle. Because of its terrain, whenever enemy bombs rained down, the debris would block the road, disrupting traffic.

In the past, this area was filled with bomb craters. In front of the monument stands the junction where three major roads converge, with the Voi Mountain range visible in the distance. Behind the monument is the Mui Mac mountain range. The Dong Loc Victory Monument is an everlasting symbol of the strength, determination, and fighting spirit of the youth volunteers, soldiers, traffic workers, police, and militia. Surrounding the base of the monument are representations of smoke, bombs, and clouds symbolizing peace, hope, and the eternal blue skies of Can Loc. At the foot of the monument is an incense burner and a stone pedestal. The monument’s base features bas-reliefs depicting the energetic, urgent atmosphere of youth volunteers, traffic workers, soldiers, militias, drivers, and the people of Dong Loc and nearby communes working together to clear the roads and fill in bomb craters to guide vehicles through.

Address: Dong Loc Commune, Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province.

Hai Tien Beach is located in Hoang Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province, about 17 kilometers from Thanh Hoa City center. With convenient transportation and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Sam Son Beach, Hai Tien is gradually becoming one of the most attractive beach destinations in Thanh Hoa Province and Northern Vietnam. Hai Tien Beach is like a perfect stroke in the picturesque landscape along the coastline, standing out from other beaches in the region.

This place is known for its pristine natural beauty. Hai Tien Beach features a long, gentle shoreline, with unspoiled landscapes and a captivating environment. Not only does it offer clear blue waters, white sands, golden sunshine, and green coconut trees, but it also boasts vast rows of casuarina trees. The development of modern and elegant tourist infrastructure has transformed this once barren land into a picturesque and romantic destination.

Address: Hoang Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province.

Located 35 kilometers southwest of Da Nang city center, Ba Na is nothing short of a celestial paradise. Here, visitors can experience all four seasons in a single day while enjoying panoramic views of the vast landscape, including Da Nang’s colorful bridges, the crescent-shaped Vung Thung Bay stretching from Hai Van Pass to Son Tra Peninsula, the majestic Ngũ Hành Mountains, My Khe Beach, and the winding Thu Bon River hugging the lush fields of Quang Nam. In the distance, the Chàm Island rises above the sparkling East Sea, painting a stunning natural landscape.

Along with this breathtaking scenery, the cable car system offers a unique experience of floating through the clouds, providing a bird’s eye view of the expansive beauty below. Visitors can also explore Linh Ung Pagoda, the wine cellar, the flower gardens, or enjoy thrilling adventure games. Ba Na has become a well-known destination, especially for travel enthusiasts, drawn by its mystical atmosphere, vastness, and tranquility. Coming here feels like entering a paradise on earth. As one visitor described: 'The clouds rise halfway up the mountain, birds chirp near the pass, and the waterfall splashes like strands of white hair in the green forest.' These are the kinds of words travelers speak when they visit Ba Na.

Address: Hoa Ninh Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City.

Hoi An Ancient Town is an old town located on the lower Thu Bon River, in the coastal plain of Quang Nam Province, about 30 km south of Da Nang. Thanks to its favorable geography and climate, Hoi An once thrived as a bustling international trading port, where merchant ships from Japan, China, and the West met during the 17th and 18th centuries. Before this period, it was also home to remnants of the Champa Kingdom's port and was associated with the Maritime Silk Road. In the 19th century, as waterway transport became less convenient, Hoi An's port gradually declined, giving way to Da Nang, which was being developed by the French.

Hoi An was fortunate to avoid devastation during both world wars and escaped the rapid urbanization at the end of the 20th century. Beginning in the 1980s, the architectural and cultural heritage of Hoi An started attracting scholarly attention and tourists, turning it into one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations. Hoi An Ancient Town is a captivating place in Central Vietnam. It looks like a painting—rustic and simple, yet possessing a unique beauty. Whether it's raining or sunny, the old town has a charm that's both familiar and mysterious.

A visit to Hoi An is an opportunity to immerse oneself in traditional culture, with ancient craft villages such as Kim Bong woodworking village, Phuoc Kieu bronze casting village, and Thanh Ha pottery village. In addition to its diverse architectural heritage, Hoi An also preserves a vast intangible cultural heritage. The daily lives of the people, their customs, folk arts, festivals, and local delicacies make Hoi An even more appealing to travelers from all around the world.

Address: Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.

Ghenh Da Dia is a unique landmark with a landscape featuring stone blocks that are either round or square, creating a natural scenery that seems intentionally arranged by nature. Based on numerous surveys and studies, it is believed that around 200 million years ago, volcanic activity in the Van Hoa Plateau caused lava to flow into the sea. Upon contact with the cold seawater, the molten rock solidified and cracked, largely along vertical lines, forming various shaped stones. This place is blessed with a poetic and harmonious natural beauty, resembling a picturesque watercolor painting. Ghenh Da Dia is a fascinating, breathtaking spot that attracts and captivates tourists.

Ghenh Da Dia, also known as Ganh Da Dia, is considered one of Vietnam's most extraordinary natural attractions, both for its striking landscape and unique geological features. Ghenh Da Dia resembles a gigantic beehive, measuring 50 meters wide and 200 meters long, with upright prismatic stones arranged neatly, stretching out toward the ocean. The dark stones gleam mysteriously against the vibrant blue of the sea and the foamy waves, evoking a deep sense of awe. The stone pillars either lean toward the sea or stack vertically, resembling a neat pile of plates that could have been carefully arranged by the hands of a god, offering an invaluable gift to the peaceful land of Phu Yen.

Address: An Ninh Dong Commune, Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province.