Central Vietnam Travelers Recommend

Three days in Hoi An gives you ample time to appreciate the Ancient Town, explore local villages in the countryside, and spend time on the coast. You can also travel farther afield and experience another city in central Vietnam—Hue, Da Nang, and the Hai Van Pass are all within day-tripping distance. See below for the ideal 3-day itinerary.

Day 1: Inside and Outside Hoi An

Kick-start your stay by getting oriented in Hoi An Ancient Town. The pedestrianized zone lends itself well to walking and bike tours, which typically cover top sights such as the Japanese Bridge (Chua Cau) and Quan Cong Temple. If you want to indulge your love of Vietnamese cuisine, opt for a food-focused tour that reveals hidden spots specializing in crusty baguettes and white-rose dumplings. In the afternoon, charter a bicycle and explore the Hoi An countryside, which provides a welcome break from the often crowded Old Town. Cycle past rice paddies and observe locals going about daily life at an entirely different pace. 

Evening activities in Hoi An are varied and typically center around the Ancient Town, which looks even more enchanting at night due to the many lanterns lining its streets and the Thu Bon River. End your first evening in Hoi An on the illuminated river with a sunset cruise. 

Day 2: Discover Da Nang or Historical Hue

Your second day is for exploring farther afield. Day-trip options are plentiful, and private tours give you the freedom to customize your itinerary according to your interests. For history buffs, the imperial city of Hue is the obvious choice: Spend the day exploring the Citadel (Da Noi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and cruising down the Perfume River, and stop to admire the scenery of the Hai Van Pass along the way. Nearby Da Nang also offers a wealth of wonders. Only a 45-minute drive from Hoi An, it’s the shortest day trip on offer. Highlights include the ancient temple caves of the Marble Mountains; the Hindu-temple complex My Son Sanctuary, hailed as Vietnam’s answer to Angkor Wat; and Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain), home to several Buddhist shrines. 

Day 3: Culture, Cuisine, and Countryside

Spend your final day immersing yourself in the culture of Hoi An. Rise early to check out one of the town’s morning markets before getting acquainted with Vietnamese cuisine during a cooking class, many of which include a visit to Tra Que Village, an organic vegetable farm in the countryside. Then, dedicate the afternoon to exploring several local villages on a tour that lets you take part in daily activities such as fishing and farming. Alternatively, get off the beaten path during a jeep tour, which allows you to tackle off-road terrain and see a side of the town that most first-time visitors miss.   

Devote your last evening to soaking up the magical atmosphere of Hoi An by night. Enjoy local delicacies such as avocado ice cream and noodle soup at the night market, and snap your last few photos of the lanterns. 

With three days in the city, you can see all that Da Nang has to offer, cover Hoi An’s highlights, and still have time to explore farther out. Visit one of the world’s most impressive theme parks on a day trip to the Ba Na Hills, and delve deeper into Vietnam’s history during a visit to the imperial city of Hue, via the iconic Hai Van Pass. See below for the ultimate 3-day itinerary.

Day 1: Express Da Nang and Hoi An

Devote your first day to getting an overview of Da Nang and Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 45 minutes away. Day trips generally cover the Marble Mountains and the Buddhist shrines of Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain) and give you free time to explore the Old Town in Hoi An, famous for its colonial buildings and lanterns. Other day-trip options include a ride on a traditional basket boat, an eco-friendly cooking class, and a bike ride through the organic vegetable farm Tra Que Village. In the evening, get the best views of Da Nang by night from the water during a dinner cruise on the River Han. 

Day 2: Hue and the Hai Van Pass

Devote your second day to delving deeper into the rich history of Vietnam. Hue—the historic capital of Vietnam—is only two hours from Da Nang, making it a popular day-trip option. Most Hue tours cover such attractions as the Citadel (Dai Noi) UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Tomb of Tu Duc, in addition to a cruise on the Perfume River (Song Huong). Some excursions make stops along the Hai Van Pass, hailed as one of the most scenic roads in Asia, and Lang Co Beach, famous for its white sands and turquoise waters. Motorcycle tours—which give you the choice of driving your own bike or riding on the back of a guide’s—allow you to fully appreciate the Hai Van Pass without worrying about navigating unfamiliar roads. 

Day 3: Head for the Hills

Spend your final day marveling at the Ba Na Hills, a hill station and resort modeled on a quaint French village. The theme park was catapulted to fame after the completion of the Golden Bridge, which is held up by two giant stone hands. Ba Na Hills day trips tend to include round-trip transportation from Da Nang, a buffet lunch, a ride on the cable car, and help navigating the sprawling resort. Alternatively, you can spend your final day on Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham), a tiny archipelago home to white-sand beaches and granite cliffs. Cham Island tours tend to explore the islands by speedboat or wooden boat and nearly always include time to snorkel and swim. 

With three days in Nha Trang, there’s time to experience all of the coastal city’s main draws— which range from the snorkeling paradise of Ho Mun Island to therapeutic mud baths—and spend a day away from the city. Here’s how. 

Day 1: Sea Sailing and City Sightseeing

Spend your first day getting your bearings in Nha Trang, by exploring on both land and sea. Kick-start your stay with a boat trip, most of which last for half a day. Choose among snorkeling at Hon Mun Island, famous for its diverse marine life; eating fresh seafood on a secluded beach on a private tour; or staying dry on a glass-bottom boat ride around Nha Trang Bay. 

Back on land, discover the city sights without worrying about getting lost on a sightseeing tour by bike, cyclo, or air-conditioned vehicle. Tour staples include the 8th-century Po Nagar Cham Towers; the 19th-century Long Son Pagoda, with its 80-foot tall Buddha; and Stone Church (Nha Tho Nui), a reminder of French colonialism in Vietnam. Conclude your day with dinner and drinks at a restaurant overlooking Nha Trang Beach, the central hub of the resort’s nightlife scene. 

Day 2: Escape to the Country

Devote day two to getting a taste of local life on a tour that transports you to the countryside. Choose to explore the countryside—which is characterized by emerald rice paddies and rugged mountains—either by bike or a horse and carriage, and make stops at rural villages to meet locals and sample food  that is traditional to central Vietnam. Alternatively—especially if you’ve got kids in tow—spend the day at Vinpearl Amusement Park, which is accessible by a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) cable car that offers panoramic views of the South China Sea. Booking your admission ticket in advance means that you avoid waiting in a ticket line. Most day trips return to Nha Trang in the early evening, which leaves you time for a sunset or evening cruise that reveals the bay in all of its illuminated finery. 

Day 3: Mud and Markets

Dedicate day three to enjoying Nha Trang’s markets and mud baths, which attract visitors from all over Asia. Start with a shopping tour that covers Dam Market, a bustling hub with stalls selling fresh produce; XQ Historical Village, where you can purchase Vietnamese silk and embroidery; and Tran Phu Street, a top shopping destination. Then, spend the afternoon relaxing in a mud spa, an experience you can upgrade to private for added treatments such as massages. Finally, conclude your time in Nha Trang with a food tour that reveals lesser-known specialities and hidden gems you might miss otherwise.

Located smack-dab in the middle of Vietnam—close to both Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue—Da Nang is the perfect base from which to explore the central highlands. Two days in Da Nang allows you to get a feel for Vietnam’s fastest-growing metropolis and explore farther afield. Here’s how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: A Tale of Two Cities

**Morning:**Begin your time in Da Nang by orienting yourself on an express sightseeing tour, which allows you to cover city highlights in just a few hours. Tours typically cover the Marble Mountains, My Son Sanctuary, and the Son Tra Mountain, home to two Buddhist shrines. 

**Afternoon:**Dedicate the afternoon to discovering Da Nang’s food scene, which packs a real punch when it comes to flavor and diversity. Some tours give you the chance to ride between eateries on the back of a motorbike, while others take you to the bustling Han Market and explore street-food stands on foot.  

**Evening:**In the evening, head out of town to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s at its most magical when illuminated at night. Night tours usually include a guided walk around the Old Town, a Vietnamese dinner, and round-trip transport from your Da Nang hotel. 

Day 2:

**Morning:**Start the day with a drive along the famous Hai Van Pass, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. If you don’t feel confident enough to drive the intimidating mountain road yourself, guided tours let you skip the stress of navigating and typically include a stop at Lang Co Beach, a secluded coastal spot. Alternatively, devote your morning and afternoon to exploring the nearby imperial city of Hue, home to the UNESCO-listed Citadel (Dai Noi).

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, continue your Hue tour or dig deeper into Vietnam’s past on a tour of the lesser-known demilitarized zone (DMZ), used to distinguish north and south Vietnam during the Vietnam War. 

**Evening:**For your last evening in Da Nang, swap sightseeing for self-care with a package that includes a hot-stone massage and Vietnamese dinner. Alternatively, choose to admire the city lights from the water on a Han River cruise, most of which include live entertainment and hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off. 

Often overlooked in favor of Hoi An, Da Nang promises visitors a wealth of cultural and natural delights. In just one day, you can experience hidden temple caves, ancient ruins, and colossal shrines to Lady Buddha, plus one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in Vietnam. Here’s how. 

Morning: Sightseeing in the City

Kick-start your time in Da Nang with a visit to Han Market, a traditional shopping complex that offers a glimpse into local life. Browse stalls selling traditional Vietnamese goods and enjoy a crusty banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) for breakfast before taking a walk over Dragon Bridge, which spouts fire and water on weekends. History buffs can delve into Da Nang’s ancient past at the Museum of Cham Sculpture and the Dong Dinh Museum, while food lovers can master the art of Vietnamese cuisine during a cooking class at a local home. 

Afternoon: Mountains of Marble and Monkeys

In the afternoon, discover Da Nang’s religious heritage on a guided tour of the Marble Mountains and My Son Sanctuary. Scramble into Buddhist and Hindu cave temples and explore the 4th-century ruins of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site hailed as Vietnam’s answer to Angkor Wat. For sunset, head to the summit of Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain) for the best coastal panoramas. Here, you’ll also find the Linh Ung Pagoda and the 220-foot-tall (67-meter-tall) statue of Lady Buddha and great opportunities for spotting wildlife. 

Night: City of Lights

Once the sun has set, immerse yourself in the neon glow of Da Nang on an evening food tour, during which you’ll visit eateries that devote their energies to perfecting just one or two dishes. To admire the city lights as you eat, book a Han River dinner cruise and float downstream while you feast on Vietnamese classics. If you’re looking to explore Da Nang like a local, you can book an evening sightseeing tour, which whisks you around the city on the back of a scooter and takes you to local haunts that few first-time visitors get to see. 

As Vietnam’s premier holiday resort, Nha Trang packs a punch with its beaches, bays, and water-based activities. If you’ve only got one day in the coastal city, explore by both land and sea to make the most of your 24 hours. Here’s how. 

Morning: Sail the Seas

Devote your morning to getting out on the water. Tour options, which typically last half a day, cater to every traveler type: Opt to zoom alongside the coast on a high-octane Jet Ski tour; discover some of Vietnam’s best marine life during a snorkeling trip to Hon Mun Island; sail the sea on a traditional junk boat, most of which feature an open bar; or escape the crowds during a private trip that takes you to a secluded beach for a seafood lunch.  

Afternoon: Explore the Land

Nha Trang may be well-known for its beaches, but it’s also got plenty of history, which is best discovered as part of a sightseeing tour. Tours tend to visit the 8th-century Po Nagar Cham Towers, named after a Hindu Champa princess; the 19th-century Long Son Pagoda, with its 80-foot-tall (24-meter-tall) Buddha; and Stone Church (Nha Tho Nui), a reminder of French colonialism in Vietnam. Choose between exploring by bike, cyclo, or air-conditioned vehicle. 

Evening: Admire the Sunset

Continue to enjoy the city’s seafront location on either a sunset or evening cruise, both of which reveal Nha Trang Bay at its most magical. In addition to unobstructed views of the coastline, you can enjoy a 5-course meal accompanied by free-flowing drinks or stop at a riverside restaurant instead. After you get back to dry land, head to the bars that back Nha Trang Beach for a taste of the resort’s raucous nightlife; karaoke and cocktails are in abundance here. 

Two days in Nha Trang gives you ample time to explore the city by both land and sea, soak up the beachfront buzz of the resort’s nightlife, and sample local seafood specialities. Here’s how to plan your time. 

Day 1: Essential Nha Trang

**Morning:**From the water, Nha Trang looks even more impressive, so start your visit with a boat trip to escape the crowds on land. Options include private catamaran cruises, Jet Ski adventures, snorkeling tours of Hon Mun Island’s reefs, and glass-bottom boat tours of Nha Trang Bay.  

**Afternoon:**Take a break from sightseeing to relax in Nha Trang’s famous mineral-rich mud baths, which are said to have healing properties. Opt for a private package if you only want to share the mud baths with your party, or upgrade to include a mud-based massage. 

**Evening:**Spend the evening watching the sun set from the water. Cruises, which tend to include dinner and free-flowing drinks, offer unobstructed views of the coastline, which lights up the night sky after sunset. 

Day 2: City Sights and Local Bites

**Morning:**Devote the morning to dry land on a city tour that reveals the historic highlights of Nha Trang. Whether you choose to explore by cyclo, bicycle, or air-conditioned vehicle, you’re likely to check off Po Nagar Cham Towers, Stone Church (Nha Tho Nui), and Long Son Pagoda.

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon immersed in local life during a visit to Dam Market, XQ Historical Village, and Tran Phu Street, all of which are abundant with shopping opportunities and covered by several half-day sightseeing options. 

**Evening:**Dedicate your final evening to Da Nang’s food scene, which is characterized by fresh seafood. Opt for a food tour to overcome the language barrier and sample snacks and dishes that you may otherwise have missed. Then, toast your last night with a cocktail on the terrace of a Nha Trang bar. 

With two days in Hoi An, you can tour Hoi An Ancient Town and explore some beyond city limits. Plan carefully and you can discover the quiet countryside, take a cooking class, and delve deeper in Vietnamese culture. Here’s how to enjoy two perfect days in Hoi An.

Day 1: Essential Hoi An

**Morning:**Spend your first morning getting acquainted with Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that looks almost the same today as it did hundreds of years ago. Make the most of the pedestrian-only zone on a walking tour before escaping the crowds on land during a riverboat ride down the Thu Bon River. 

**Afternoon:**While the Old Town offers a wealth of attractions, the countryside of Hoi An is well worth exploring. Rural villages and farms operate at a completely different pace to the often-crowded center. The easiest way to get around the countryside is on a bike tour, the majority of which make stops at Tra Que Village, an organic vegetable farm.

**Night:**After your bike tour, head back to the Ancient Town to watch Hoi An’s famous lanterns lighting up. Ensure you sample the best of Hoi An’s culinary offerings on a food tour, most of which focus on no-frills street-food stalls that serve classic central Vietnamese dishes such as cao lau (noodles topped with boiled egg and pork). 

Day 2:  Beaches, Basket Boats, and Banh Mi

**Morning:**If you’re keen to beat the crowds, rise early and watch Hoi An wake up on a sunrise tour of the fish market, where you can get an authentic glimpse into local life. If sunrise is a little too early, opt for a morning cooking class instead. Hoi An offers a wide variety of food-focused experiences, which can include a ride on a basket boat or a visit to a fishing village.   

**Afternoon:**Take the afternoon to delve deeper into the culture and history of Hoi An. For a couple of hours of family fun, book a lantern-making class; indulge a love of history at My Son Sanctuary, home to ancient ruins; or, if you’re ready to take a break from sightseeing, head down to An Bang Beach to relax on golden sands.  

**Evening:**Dedicate your final evening in Hoi An to the Thu Bon River, which provides visitors with a magical way to watch sunset and see the Ancient Town light up with lanterns. Couples can opt for a romantic candle-lit dinner cruise, while groups can charter a traditional wooden row boat and release paper lanterns into the water. 

A convenient location in central Vietnam makes Hue an ideal launchpad for exploring farther afield. Three days in the city allow you to do justice to all of Hue’s historical attractions and discover some of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural scenery. Here’s how to divide your time.

Day 1: The History of Hue

Devote your first day to the history of Hue—which dates back hundreds of years and culminates in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Citadel (Da Noi)—on a city tour. Travel back in time during stops at the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Minh Mang, and then cruise by dragon boat along the Perfume River (Song Huong River). This afternoon, tour the Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia. Tours tend to return after dark, when the street-food stalls of Hue walking street are in full swing, so grab a snack on the recommendation of your guide.

Day 2: The Wonders of Central Vietnam

Venture farther out on your second day. History buffs can delve deeper into Vietnam’s military history on an excursion to the demilitarized zone (DMZ), home to the Vinh Moc Tunnels, while families can spend the day at the Ba Na Hills, a former French hill station that’s been transformed into a theme park and now boasts the well-known Golden Bridge, upheld by two giant hands. Alternatively, spend the day in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Ancient Town, which looks today as it did hundreds of years ago. Day trips to Hoi An typically go via the Hai Van Pass, hailed as one of the best coastal drives in the world, and stop in the thriving beach city of Da Nang.

Day 3: The Culture of Vietnam

Spend your final day in Hue gaining deeper insight into the culture of Vietnam’s central highlands. Fun and family-friendly activities include a cooking class, during which you’ll master the basics of classic Vietnamese dishes; a bike tour of the countryside; and a craft workshop, where you’ll have the chance to make lampshades and passport holders from textured bamboo paper. In the afternoon, browse Dong Ba for local handicrafts such as non la bai tho (conical hats with poems woven in the design), xung sesame candies, and Tuan black tea. Spend your final evening sampling the best of Hue’s distinctive local cuisine on a street-food tour.

The historic capital of Vietnam, Hue is a mecca for history buffs. The Perfume River (Song Huong River), so-called because of the fragrant aromas released by riverside flowers, provides a convenient way to combine travel and sightseeing for time-pressed travelers. Here’s how to make the most of a 1-day stay in Hue.

Morning: Travel Back in Time

Dedicate your first morning to discovering Hue’s ancient history: as the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue boasts some of the best preserved examples of imperial architecture in Vietnam. Top attractions—including the The Citadel (Da Noi), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Thien Mu Pagoda—are far enough away from one another to be best visited on a sightseeing tour, which saves time and the trouble of navigation. After, immerse yourself in local life at the Dong Ba Market, where more than 7,000 locals go to barter on a daily basis.

Afternoon: Royal Tombs and Classic Cuisine

For more history, spend the afternoon exploring the Imperial tombs of Hue, renowned throughout Asia for their ornate grandeur. Dedicated to Vietnamese emperors such Minh Mang and Tu Duc, each tomb has a distinctive character established by lavish architecture and landscaped gardens. Exploring each with a guide offers insight into the significance of each. If you’d rather delve deeper into Vietnamese cuisine, Hue is a great place to try a cooking class. Master the basics of classic dishes such as pho (noodle soup) and learn more about Vietnamese cuisine. 

Night: Cruise the Perfume River

There’s no better place to enjoy the sunset than from a boat on the Perfume River (Song Huong River). For magical photo opportunities and traditional Vietnamese entertainment, book an evening cruise. You can choose between a fine-dining experience accompanied by Vietnamese folk performances or a simpler cruise by traditional dragon boat. Alternatively, experience the casual nature of Vietnamese cuisine during a street food tour, which allows you to overcome the language barrier and make sense of the diverse dishes on offer. 

Renowned throughout Asia for its traditional charm, Hoi An is a town untouched by modernization. The pedestrian-only streets of Hoi An Ancient Town lend themselves well to walking tours, making it an easy place to explore in just a few hours. Here’s how to make the most out of even the shortest stint in Hoi An.

Morning: Explore the Ancient Town

Rise early and devote your morning to exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, an open-air museum characterized by colorful heritage houses. Orient yourself on a walking tour, which typically only takes two hours to cover highlights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau) and sometimes includes a cruise on the Thu Bon River. Some tours focus on the history and cuisine of Hoi An, while others take you to relatively undiscovered parts of town. To enter any of the 18 heritage houses that are open to visitors, you’ll need to purchase an Old Town ticket, valid for 10 days. 

Afternoon: The Taste of Hoi An

No visit to Hoi An would be complete without taking part in a cooking class. In all of Vietnam, Hoi An offers the widest range of cooking classes, which last anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Express classes tend to include a tour of a local market and a couple of hours making classic dishes such as pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), while others include a bicycle tour of Tra Que Village and a ride on a traditional basket boat. 

Evening: Lanterns Light Up the Night

After sunset, Hoi An Ancient Town becomes even more magical, with lanterns lighting up the streets and the river. Although you can expect the Old Town to become crowded, it doesn’t diminish the enchanting atmosphere. Experience the best of Hoi An’s food scene on a food tour, on foot or on the back of a moped, that reveals street-food stalls favored by locals. Alternatively, you can see the Ancient Town from a new perspective during a Thu Bon River cruise by wooden riverboat. Book a cruise that includes a candlelit Vietnamese dinner for a romantic end to your day in Hoi An. 

Two days in Hue gives you ample time to view the city’s historical attractions and offers a glimpse into rural life in central Vietnam. Delve deeper into Vietnamese cuisine; explore Hue countryside by motorbike; and visit the fishing communities on the banks of the Tam Giang Lagoon. Here’s how to spend two days in Hue. 

Day 1: Historical Hue

**Morning:**Your first morning is all about the ancient history of Hue. Get the inside scoop on The Citadel (Da Noi) and the Forbidden Purple City on a sightseeing tour before catching a glimpse of local life at Dong Ba Market, which hosts an array of Vietnamese produce. 

**Afternoon:**Dedicate your first afternoon to food. On a cyclo or motorbike tour, zip among street food stalls, which sell everything from noodle soup to crispy pancakes, and learn about the importance of food in Vietnamese culture. To delve even deeper, book a cooking class and take the recipes home to loved ones. 

**Night:**See Hue from a different perspective on a sunset cruise on the Perfume River (Song Huong River). Cruise options include gourmet dinners and traditional Vietnamese entertainment, and typically include convenient pickup and drop-off at your Hue hotel, to save you the stress of navigating at night. 

Day 2: Get Off The Beaten Path

**Morning:**Your second day is all about exploring further afield. Devote the morning to the imperial tombs of Hue, which are scattered throughout the countryside. Booking a tour of the tombs allows you to focus on the scenery between each and ensures you understand the significance of elaborate mausoleums designed to immortalise Vietnamese emperors such as Minh Mang and Tu Duc.  

**Afternoon:**Swap the bustling Hue for the tranquil countryside on a tour of Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia. More than 300,000 Vietnamese locals live on its shores, and sightseeing tours typically visit local villages to experience a very different way of life.

**Night:**Conclude two days in Hue by watching the sunset over the Perfume River. Then, head to Walking Street, a pedestrian zone that gives you a break from crossing Hue’s busy roads, to enjoy classic Vietnamese or international food, and shop for handcrafted souvenirs.

With a number of royal tombs set in and around the city, Hue knows how to honor its leaders. With that, the once-capital of Nguyen Lords is a place of historical, artistic, and political significance. Here are some of the Imperial Tombs to visit.

Tomb of Minh Mang This tomb may be furthest from Hue (and the priciest to enter), but it's also the most impressive. Beautifully kept gardens, winding walkways and vast grounds make this a tomb worthy of an entire afternoon.

Tomb of Tu Duc Nearly 50 structures make up this tomb that lies five miles (eight km) outside of Hue. The grounds are divided into two main areas—the tombs and the temples. Visitors can wander through and admire the ornate architecture, then rest where the emperor once sat to compose poems and admire his land.

Thai Hoa Palace Stop by this palace, located in the heart of the Forbidden City, and experience the life of ancient royalty. Visit the site of the emperor’s coronation, see where foreign dignitaries were received and congregate where vital political meetings once took place.

The Noon Gate (Cua Ngo Mon) This entrance into the Imperial City underwent significant damage during war, yet it remains a highlight of this historical attraction. Climb to the top level for unmatched views of the grounds, the city, and the Perfume River.

Hoi An is home to five assembly halls. These intricate structures, which were built as regional gathering spaces for merchants to do business, are protected by ornate entrance gates. They house central courtyards and protect temple shrines. While assembly halls share similar features, each has unique distinctions making it worth the visit. 

Quang Dong Assembly Hall One of the city’s most historic buildings, this Cantonese gathering space was built in pieces and assembled in Hoi An. It is known for its brilliant red entryway and collection of unique Cantonese statues.

Trieu Chau Assembly Hall Built in 1845, this assembly hall in the heart of Hoi An once served as a congregation hall. Today it stands as a remarkable example of Vietnamese architecture where locals can worship General Phuc Ba, who is capable of maintaining peace in the seas. 

Kien Fujian Assembly Hall Perhaps the most impressive, this hall was built in 1690 for use by the Chinese. Courtyard fountains and delicately carved dragons make this one of the city’s most beautiful and photogenic assembly halls. An altar dedicated to the goddess of fertility is often visited by childless couples. 

Hainan Assembly Hall This hall was built as an homage to 108 Chinese merchants who were wrongfully killed after they were mistaken for pirates. It is said that King Tu Duc gave money to build this space so they could be worshiped by the people of Hoi An forever. 

Trung Hoa Assembly Hall Built to worship Thien Hau Holy Mother, this assembly house also commemorates leaders of the Chinese Revolution and soldiers killed in the anti-Japanese resistance war. Today, it functions as a school for Chinese nationals studying in Hoi An.

With one of the world’s most beautiful bays, numerous white sand beaches, and typically sunny weather, Nha Trang ranks as one of Vietnam’s top seaside resorts. If you’re looking for a day of sun, sand, and sea, these beaches are your best bets.

Tran Phu Beach

Tran Phu, sometimes just called Nha Trang Beach as it fronts the town itself, is the main beach area and center of action, complete with a beachside promenade and easy access to numerous resorts, shops, and seafood restaurants. It’s also a popular nightlife destination.

Doc Let Beach

Doc Let Beach, situated north of Nha Trang, is well worth a visit to experience a simpler beach day. Local fishing families will cook for you right on the sand, and the calm, limpid sea is perfect for a good, long swim or snorkeling.

Hon Mun Island

Situated a few miles off the coast of Nha Trang, Hon Mun ranks among the region’s most popular beach escapes for snorkeling and scuba diving, thanks to the colorful fish-filled coral reefs located just offshore.

Long Beach

Long Beach, also known as Bai Dai Beach, attracts beach-goers looking for a more secluded and relaxed atmosphere. The clear water at this beautiful beach is perfect for swimming, and a few restaurants scattered along the waterfront serve a mix of Vietnamese and Western food.

Hong Chong Beach

Just north of Nha Trang lies Hong Chong Beach, a quiet stretch of sand next to a rock formation stretching out into the water with excellent panoramic views of the bay. Hong Chong is one of the area’s quieter beaches, yet visitors will still find several coffee shops and seafood restaurants lining the shore.