Spending a week in Central Vietnam is easier than you might think. While many people travel Vietnam from the North to the South, you can escape the comparative crowds and make your holiday in central Vietnam. With the historic Hue, out-of-this-world Phong Nha, modern Danang, and quintessential Hoi An, here’s how you can spend one week around the region.

Central Vietnam Itinerary 1 Week

Day 1: Arrival Danang and enjoy the seafood

Danang is the third largest city in Vietnam, and if you are coming from Southeast Asia, direct flights are available! Whenever you arrive, one thing to do on your first day in Danang is to eat some delicious seafood for cheap!

In Danang’s seafood restaurant, you can find the prices on a huge board next to all the seafood themselves. You are unlikely to find English translation, but you can enlist the help of a staff to pick out your desired seafood. The most highly recommended item is their seafood pot, although on my visit we got excited and end up getting full on pawns and clams.

Recommend restaurant: Quan B Man B Seafood

Address: Lo 13 Durong Hoang Sa – Danang

P.S. if you have time, the beaches there are practically empty during the day!

Day 2: Marble Mountain and sightsee around Danang before heading to Hue

Aside from seafood and the beach, the most famous sight in Danang is the Marble Mountain. The name derives from the five marble mountains that rose high along the flat coastline, and each renamed after the five elements: earth, water, metal, wood, and wind. They are home to some Buddhist and Hindu temples and grottoes, and you can hike up the Water Mountain to get visit the religious sites and get a panoramic view.

If you are looking for garden decorations or souvenirs, the marble from the mountains is used for making statue and carving, too.

Danang is also famous for street food, too. And their prices are so affordable that it’s insane. You can have fish cake noodles for as little as 1.75 USD, so grab a bit before taking a two-hour journey to Hue. If you want to spend more time in Danang, here’s a 3 days itinerary.

Hue is the capital of the last reigning dynasty in Vietnam: the Nguyen. With a few hours left before sunset, set off to Thien Mu Pagoda. It’s best to ask your hotel to get you a taxi driver that would take you there and back because it’s not on a popular road or near the center. Thien Mu Pagoda was built by the Nguyen before they were even emperors and is the tallest religious building in Vietnam. Nearby is the beautiful yet abandoned Temple of Literature, which is worth visiting for photo opportunities if time permits.

Practically no one ventures to Temple of Literature, so it’s a perfect photo spot

Hue is famous for its spicy beef noodles which you can find anywhere – although as someone who can’t handle hot flavour, I didn’t find it that spicy. It’s a must try for your dinner!

Day 3: Hue to Phong Nha, Phong Nha Cave

From Hue it’s a six hour’s journey to Phong Nha, and my advice would be to get a private car or join a bus tour that would stop at interesting sights along the way as you go up. This area was the DMZ – the de-militarization zone – during the Vietnam War, and the history was definitely etched deep. However, the main attraction to Phong Nha is its caves.

Phong Nha is home to some of the largest karst caves in the world, and some have been developed to be easily accessible to tourists. For example, Phong Nha Cave is the most popular one, and you can join a boat along the underground river that would take you inside the cave to admire the surreal stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 4: Dark Cave and Paradise Cave

Unless you can drive, otherwise it’s advisable to join a tour that would take you to the Dark Cave and the Paradise Cave, since both are in the countryside. For more information, you can find a guide to visiting Phong Nha National Park here. But you can easily find the best deals on the ground. The Paradise Cave is true to its name, a surreal underground world that takes your breath away. Unlike Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave is accessed through staircase down and wooden walkways. There are other more adventurous tours that involve kayaking, as well as other caves in Phong Nha that’s worth visiting.

The next destination is the Dark Cave. Unlike the other two, it is an active option that involves ziplining, swimming and walking through small tunnels to get to a dark, muddy cave. It’s a fun experience, so prepare to wear your swimsuits although be warned that the mud does stain. The Dark Cave tour ends with kayaking to its watersports center, where you can use its facilities until the bus goes back.

Day 5: transfer back to Hue and visit the Citadel and tombs

Take the morning bus back to Hue, it’s time to discover its royal past. The Citadel is dubbed as the smaller version of the Forbidden Palace in Beijing. Despite being damaged during the Vietnam War, there are still enough to see. It was built in the 19^th century after the Nguyen had come to powers, with its own moat and beauty. There really are so many cool things to do in Hue.

After seeing the royal residence, it’s time to visit the tombs of emperor passed. The most famous three are the classically Chinese-styled Minh Mang Tomb, the western-mix-Chinese style Dong Khanh Tomb and the tomb where a king had lived: Tu Duc Tomb. For more information on visiting Hue if you have time to spare, check the post here.

Tip: you can buy a combination ticket for all 4 attractions!

Day 6: Hue to Hoi An

Make your way down from Hue to Hoi An via the beautiful Hai Van Pass, a scenic coastal road that’s 21km long that meandered on the mountain. The journey takes about three hours and once you’ve checked in at your hotel, it’s worth reining in the urge to see the old town and visit the Cam Thanh region where the water coconut forest it. They are famous for the round bamboo raft that the locals use to get around, and it’s a fascinating and fun experience to see the waterways onboard one of them.

As for dinner, there are no ends of amazing options in Hoi An, but my favourite restaurant there is the Rice Drum. They have all the Hoi An specialties, amazing décor and affordable prices.

Address: 75 Nguyen Thai Hoc Minh An, tp Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An

The last day should be spend exploring Hoi An’s Old Town. The beauty of the 17^th century port town was preserved in its entirety, with a charming blend of European and Asian architecture style. While the entire Old Town is a work of art, the most notable site is the Japanese Bridge. If the weather gets too hot, the Reaching Out Tea House is a good place to sit and chill.

Address:  131 Trần Phú, Sơn Phong, Tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

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When people visit Vietnam, they usually do one of the three following things: a) Visit Hanoi b) Visit Ho Chi Minh City and c) Do a motorcycle ride across the entire country. Naturally, when I told people that I’ve been to Vietnam, they assumed that I had done one of the three. Well, actually, people who knew me know that I wouldn’t get on a motorcycle, haha! The truth is there is somewhere better to visit, and here are the reasons to visit Central Vietnam instead.

“What is there to do in Central Vietnam?” they’d ask me. The question always disappears when I show them my photos from the trip. From the world’s biggest caves to long stretches of pristine beaches, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do in Central Vietnam, and here are the top 5 reasons why you should visit.

PS: You DO need a visa for Vietnam! You can read more about that here or if you are Indian, I have an article about it you can read here.

5 Reasons to Visit Central Vietnam

1. Hoi An: for culture and heritage

Okay, so most of you would probably have heard of Hoi An. It is a popular stop for many motorbike adventurists and it’s not hard to see why. With a UNESCO World Heritage Old Town that pretty much hadn’t changed since the 17^th century with its eccentric mix of international influences from its port city days.

If you like culture, you can visit the many Chinese Assembly Halls. If you want to try something exciting, you can go on a round bamboo boat along the water coconut forest. If you want to just sit back and enjoy the view, there are no ends of bars and restaurants with happy hours. How can you go wrong with any of that?

2. Get around without night buses

If you have hung around backpacking Facebook groups, you would undoubtedly have heard of horror stories about night buses in Vietnam. While it isn’t a frequent occurrence, it still doesn’t inspire confidence nor is it comfortable. As I was traveling with my female friend, both of us decided that we would only take daytime buses, and thankfully it wasn’t hard!

It is very easy to find buses from one city to another in Central Vietnam. If you split your time between cities wisely, the longest ride you would have to take is from Hue to Phong Nha, which took 6 hours. Most of these buses are very affordable and included stops along the way. A very pleasant and safe way to get around for those who aren’t keen on motorcycles.

3. The capital of the last dynasty in Vietnam is there!

The Vietnam War was only forty-odd years ago, with the two biggest cities Ho Chi Ming City and Hanoi in the center of it. So much so that people often didn’t know that the last dynasty of Vietnam’s capital was in Central Vietnam. Hue might be a city recovering from being abandoned after the Nguyen Dynasty fell, but you can still visit the glorious tombs of Emperors and even their citadel. If you are keen, you can even look around the city to see the French influence – such as the bridge that was built by the architect of the Eiffel Tower.

4. Visit the biggest Karst Caves in the world

The beautiful Paradise Cave!

While there are new caves being discovered every now and then, for now, the largest caves known to men can be found in Phong Nha, a little town in Central Vietnam. 6 hours north of Hue, the town itself is nothing more than buildings huddled either side of the highways. Prepare to be transported to another world of stalactites, stalagmites. You can be adventurous and go on a 3-day hike to visit the famous Song-Dong Cave or sit back on a boat and visit the Phong Nha Cave through its underground river. There are so many amazing caves in Phong Nha that I can’t cover it as it could easily take up the entire five reasons. You can find a guide to Phong Nha National Park here.

5. Enjoy the beaches in Danang

Like seriously, this is how empty the beach is!

It is not a well-known fact that Danang is dubbed as the Hawaii of the east. But it’s true. The miles of pristine beaches stretch all the way from the third biggest city in Vietnam to Hoi An, which is a half-hour’s drive away. And the best news is that unlike Hoi An, the beaches in Danang are virtually empty during the day. As the locals try to avoid tanning, they only visit the beach when the sun begins to set, meaning that you can enjoy the beach during the daytime without much interruption. Another great thing is that you can rent a sunbed for 100,000 dong for the entire day. The price is clearly marked on a signboard in front of beaches, so that helps with not feeling like you’d be ripped off. They also have some great, cheap street food – like 2 USD a meal cheap! Here’s how you can spend 3 days in Danang.

So, those are 5 reasons to visit Central Vietnam and include it on your backpacking journey of Vietnam! What are you waiting for!?

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Vietnam is an amazing country, from top to bottom and from side to side. It’s endlessly diverse landscapes, food and culture keep even the most distracted of minds occupied. The only downside, if you can call it that, is that there is perhaps too much to see in one trip.  We’re going to share the best way to spend 2 weeks in Vietnam to get you started on planning your trip.

A Vietnam Itinerary for 2 Weeks

The country is long, a little over 1000 miles to be explored. Planning such a trip can be daunting, but we’ve got your back. Having lived in Hanoi, northern Vietnam, for over two years, we know the north pretty well. So, here we go, two years of travel and exploration of a region condensed into a 2-week itinerary for Vietnam. Let’s do this.

Before going to Vietnam, keep in mind you DO need a visa. You can get your visa quick and easy on iVisa. Don’t forget this step.

Hanoi, Vietnam

The best way to arrive into northern Vietnam is flying into the capital city of Hanoi. The city is filled with charm and vibrance at every corner. There are two rules in Hanoi: expect the unexpected and the only consistency is inconsistency.

Suggested time in Hanoi: 3 days (but you’ll be coming and going from the city, too)

Top Things to Do in Hanoi in 3 Days

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

This lake is one of the most famous symbols of Hanoi, and its banks are considered sacred to Vietnamese people.  A wander around here is lovely at any time of day, but head over as the sun is setting (and the temperature is dropping) to see people playing badminton, jogging and enjoying coffee on the street with friends.

Try to navigate the alleys and laneways of the Old Quarter

Hanoi is famed for its alleyways.  Outside of the Old Quarter these alleyways are where the majority of Hanoians live, inside of the Old Quarter they home markets, street food and shops.  Wander and get lost, stop for a cafe sua da (iced vietnamese coffee) on a little plastic stool and continue on your way.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is almost considered a pilgrimage to a lot of Vietnamese people.  Queue to see the embalmed remains of the communist leader and then head next door to see his home in the grounds of the Presidential Palace.  There is also a museum and One Stilt Pagoda on the site.

Roam arond the Temple of Literature

Not far from the Ho Chi Minh Complex is Vietnam’s first university: The Temple of Literature.  The Temple of Literature is still of great importance amongst local people (particularly students) today.  If you happen to visit around exam period, you’ll see students here studying and paying respect to Confusious, and after exams posing for pictures around the gardens.

What to Eat in Hanoi

Hanoi is famed for its amazing street food, and it certainly lives up to its reputation. Although a recent “sidewalk ban” has reduced the amount that is actually on the street, you can still pick up a bowl of pho or bun cha for around $1.50.  You can also try Hanoian egg coffee, which is surprisingly awesome!  Unfortunately, the same sidewalk ban has also put an end to the famed beer hoi corner, which was almost considered a rite of passage amongst backpackers in the country.  Head to a beer hoi hall (you’ll see them everywhere) to try a glass of $0.35 fresh beer.

Read More: A luxury guide to Hanoi

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Considered to be one of the “New” 7 Wonders of the World, Ha Long Bay is a mystical and beautiful place to visit and spend a night.

Suggested time in Ha Long Bay: 2 days, 1 night

Most visitors to Ha Long Bay take a tour from Hanoi. The company will pick you up from your hotel super early and take you by bus to the harbor.  From here you’ll board your boat for the night and set out into the bay.  Most trips include swimming, a beach stop, kayaking and a visit to Surprising Cave.

Nights on the boat are pretty chilled.  For those looking to let loose with a bit more party, the 3-day, 2-night Castaway tour is where it’s at: they have a private island filled with activities from rock climbing to kayaking to beach volleyball at the bar to keep you entertained. And lots of parties.

Sapa, Vietnam

Suggested time in Sapa: 2-3 days

The mountainous region of Sapa is breathtaking.  The area is famed for it’s views across rice paddies, hiking and the minority tribe of the H’Mong people.  An easy walk downhill to Cat Cat Village is the easiest option for exploring, and is rewarded with a beautiful waterfall (the walk back up is a little more painful for those that are perhaps not in awesome shape).  For more challenging hikes, H’Mong ladies wander the town offering hiking and homestay trips.  This will get you off the beaten path a little and give you a little insight into the rice wine loving culture of the people here.  And give you a good bit of exercise, too.

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

This beautiful part of the north is relatively un-trafficked by backpackers aiming to see the entire country in just a few weeks.  And what a shame for them to miss it, but what a treat for those with the time to enjoy it!  The area is known as Ha Long on land, due to its lime peaks, and is surrounded by picturesque rice paddies.  Although Tam Coc is the more famous site to visit in Ninh Binh, we’d recommend heading for Trang An, which is an easy cycle away.  The tour will take you through caves and stop off at tranquil pagodas.

Read More: getting super cheap flights to Asia

Cuc Phuong National Park

Suggested time at Cuc Phuong National Park: 2 days

About an hour from Ninh Binh is Cuc Phuong National Park which offers some awesome guided tours through dense rainforest.  There is also an Endangered Primates Rescue Centre at the park which can be visited with a guide.  There are also guided night walks, for those that want to get a look at some of the animals.  However, we’d recommend just going for the day. Enjoy a cycle or hike through the rainforest before returning to Ninh Binh for the night.

Phuong Nha National Park

Suggested time in Phuong Nha National Park: 2 days

This area has gained in popularity in recent years. It’s home to the world’s largest cave. The area is still very peaceful. Also, it is easy to get out of the town if you’d prefer to stay somewhere quiet. Head down to the river for a boat tour into a cave that was used for shelter during the Vietnam/American war. You could also go on a tour to explore the muddy dark cave.

Read more: getting insurance for traveling in Vietnam

Vietnam is an amazing country from top to bottom, and it can be challenging to see everything on one trip. I hope this two-week itinerary for Vietnam has helped give you an idea of what to see and do in the north of the country.

The people, culture, and traditions change throughout the country, but we have a particularly fond spot in our hearts for the north.  If you’d like more information about the north of Vietnam check out our Hanoi guide and please feel free to get in touch!

Pin this two-week itinerary for Vietnam for later (feature image from M M on Flickr):

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Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

You DO need a visa to visit Vietnam. Get one easily here. 

A Luxury Guide to Hanoi

Tell us a little about  yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Hanoi.

I have lived and worked as a fashion lecture in Hanoi for last 2 years before quitting my job and starting my blog Haute Culture in August. Trust me when I say I have spent a lot of time seeking out the most unique and stylish places to wile away a weekend.

What makes Hanoi a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Hanoi is the most culturally unique and charming city of Vietnam because it still retains much of it’s international and traditional character. Although it can be extremely busy at times there are many hidden oasis’s to be discovered.

What 5 star hotel is the best in Hanoi?

The most luxurious and renowned hotel is the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. This colonial landmark is the the pinnacle of French grandeur and timeless elegance. Only 5 minutes walk from Hoan Kiem lake, it is most recognisable by the countless bride’s and groom’s having their portraits shot in front of the Rolls Royce and inhouse boutiques such as Hermes and Cartier.

What about boutique hotels in Hanoi, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

Cinnamon Hotel is a really lovely converted Vietnamese traditional house that has retained much of it’s original features and overlooks the charming St Joseph’s Cathedral square.

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler?

Hanoi Vespa Tours are really cool, you can hire a retro style automatic Vespa motorbike and guides will get you of the regular tourist traps. It’s a really fun and unique way to see the city. If you don’t fancy hitting the road, Sophie’s Art Tour is a delightful way to spend a cultured morning in the company of  English speaking art critics. The tour will take you to different museums and galleries around the city explaining the history of Vietnam’s fight for independance told through the hands and hearts of it’s artists.

Where are the best hang outs during the day in Hanoi?

Hanoi has a huge cafe scene, you can’t go far wrong with Cong Caphe for their famous coconut cream coffees whilst surrounded by vintage Vietnamese decor. D’alice is a gorgeous Alice in Wonderland style bakery that is new in Hanoi, enticing a fashionable crowd of locals and tourists for their selection of  boutique cupcakes, macaroons and speciality teas.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Hanoi and what are their best dishes?

The best place to try authentic Vietnamese street style food is Quan An Ngon at 34 Phan Đình Phùng street, 100 times over. Here you can select from a fantastic variety of different dishes made right before your eyes, whilst being surrounded by pretty lanterns in a pagoda style setting. If you don’t fancy Vietnamese food, there is a new (hugely talked about) Japanese pizza restaurant has just opened called Pizza 4P’s on 24 Ly Quoc Su Street reservation is required. Afterwards be sure to take a romantic stroll around Hoan Kiem lake.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers in Hanoi?

The best place for luxury shopping is Trang Tien Street, here you will find a combination of European and established Vietnamese fashion designers. Valenciani, Mestiko, Chula and Thuy’s Design house are my favourites for contemporary collections with cultural details.

Time for a great sunset view in Hanoi… where would you go?

Head to the Sofitel Summit Lounge on the 20th floor by West Lake for the most spectacular sunset skyline in the city.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

The Press Club is the most stylish venue you for city slickers staying in the luxury hotels near by. Head there for the long cocktail list, a la carte menu and international dj’s. Tadioto’s is a small yet sophisticated wine and whisky bar attracting local artists and intellectuals for good conversation in oriental atmospheric surroundings.

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

There are no luxury clubs in the city that officially stay open after 11pm.

Donna Wanderlust is a devoted style seeker from the UK with an insatiable passion for exploring cultures, countries and clothes. Her blog Haute Culture focused on fashion, costume, shopping, art and design in every destination she visits, alongside her funny and awe inspiring encounters along the way. Readers can get the full Haute Culture Guide to Hanoi for FREE from January 2016. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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