📍 Vietnam

CENTRAL VIETNAM: IMPERIAL HUE TO COASTAL HOI AN TREASURES

Explore Hue's imperial citadels, cross spectacular mountain passes and let yourself be charmed by Hoi An and its lanterns. Central Vietnam will captivate you.

≈ 5
Days
0
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Live cultural Vietnam in fast-forward: Hue and its citadel, then Hai Van Pass above clouds. Detour through Ba Na Hills for unexpected scenery, lose yourself in Hoi An between lanterns and patios, then settle at Quy Nhon, quiet beaches and Cham towers in the background.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Hue

nguyen emperors citadel royal tombs incense

Hue - Photo 1Hue - Photo 2Hue - Photo 3Hue - Photo 4Hue - Photo 5Hue - Photo 6Hue - Photo 7Hue - Photo 8Hue - Photo 9Hue - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Imperial Citadel of Hue, second citadel protecting most important palaces
2
Forbidden City dedicated to the king and royal family
3
Temples of Nguyen ancestors within the citadel
4
Thuy Tien Lake Park, abandoned water park built in 2004 with magical beauty
🎯

Activities

→
Explore wide Royal Citadel area requiring half day to full day
→
Visit palaces and royal palace works throughout the complex
→
Check-in at mysterious abandoned park popular with foreign visitors
+2 Optional activities
2
Day

Da Nang

marble mountains dragon bridge hai van

Da Nang - Photo 1Da Nang - Photo 2Da Nang - Photo 3Da Nang - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Hai Van Pass, 25km mountain pass at 500m above sea level
2
Highest pass in Vietnam crossing Truong Son mountain range
3
Da Nang Bay panoramic views from winding mountain roads
🎯

Activities

→
Motorcycle trip through Hai Van Pass taking 3-5 hours with stops
→
Experience winding roads, sudden curves and blind corners
→
Enjoy gorgeous views of Da Nang Bay from 500m elevation
+2 Optional activities
3
Day

Ba Na Hills

golden bridge french village cable car

Ba Na Hills - Photo 1Ba Na Hills - Photo 2Ba Na Hills - Photo 3Ba Na Hills - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Ba Na Hills founded by French with cool alpine climate
2
Golden Bridge with two giant stone hands holding golden walkway
3
French village and entertainment complex at mountain top
🎯

Activities

→
Ride very long cable cars to the top of the mountain
→
Experience fairytale scenery covered with trees
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Visit Golden Bridge that spread quickly on social networks
+3 Optional activities
4
Day

Hoi An

japanese bridge lantern festival tailor streets

Hoi An - Photo 1Hoi An - Photo 2Hoi An - Photo 3Hoi An - Photo 4Hoi An - Photo 5Hoi An - Photo 6Hoi An - Photo 7Hoi An - Photo 8Hoi An - Photo 9Hoi An - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Hoi An Ancient Town with yellow houses and red tile roofs
2
Lanterns hanging everywhere throughout the old town
3
Bay Mau Coconut Forest feeling like West River Mekong
4
Small rivers, canals and ditches with coconut groves
🎯

Activities

→
Enjoy full natural scenery without high-rise buildings
→
Experience rowing or basket boat through coconut waterways
→
Navigate through canals with coconut groves interspersed on both sides
+4 Optional activities
5
Day

Quy Nhon

pristine beaches cham ruins coastal serenity

Quy Nhon - Photo 1Quy Nhon - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Ky Co Beach, one of famous beaches of Quy Nhon
2
Eo Gio coastal area near Ky Co beach
🎯

Activities

→
Travel between Eo Gio and Ky Co by boat or canoe in 30-40 minutes
→
Immerse yourself in idyllic rustic life at developing destination
→
Experience rhythm of local people in simple accommodations
+3 Optional activities

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🛡️ Travel advice - Vietnam

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (February-April): Perfect weather with comfortable temperatures (18-25°C), minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for exploring diverse regions. Excellent balance of pleasant weather throughout country, blooming landscapes, moderate tourist numbers.

Autumn (September-November): Comfortable temperatures (20-28°C) with clear skies, perfect outdoor conditions, and harvest season beauty. Second-best season with excellent weather nationwide, reasonable prices, cultural festivals.

Winter (December-January): Cool temperatures in north (10-20°C), warm in south (25-30°C), dry season with regional variations. Northern mountains cold, central coast pleasant, southern regions ideal, diverse regional experiences.

Summer (May-August): Hot, humid weather (28-35°C) with rainy season affecting travel plans but lush landscapes. Monsoon rains, flooding possible, but fewer crowds, lower prices, and authentic local experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 4 and 6 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Vietnam?

Southeast Asian authenticity with incredible history, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Experience Ho Chi Minh City energy, Halong Bay beauty, and traditional Vietnamese culture. The country offers cultural immersion with natural wonders and culinary excellence. Vietnam provides transformative Southeast Asian experiences with historical depth and natural beauty.