Central Vietnam Trip – Things To Do In 12 Days

Arrival In Ho Chi Minh City

It was early morning at about 01:15 am in Ho Chi Minh City when we touched down at the airport; flying time from Beijing was only 5 hours, so I was not so tired. I withdrew a few local currencies from the ATM and took a taxi to my hotel.

I woke up late, quickly had my breakfast, and went sightseeing in the city. In the beginning, I was a little uncomfortable sitting on the back of a motorbike, but eventually, I started enjoying it.

Hotel In HCMC (Saigon)

Hotel Continental Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, 132-134 Dong Khoi St, Dist 1

This is an iconic hotel in Saigon. The rooms and bathrooms were spotless and pretty spacious, with high ceilings and comfortable beds. Centrally located opposite the Opera house, 5 minutes walk to the City hall, next to the mall and a few minutes walk to other attractions.

I’ve visited Ho Chi Minh City several times over the last few years and did not have a chance to write up something about the city. The locals still love to call it Saigon instead of Ho Chi Minh City. This city is famous for its traditional food, especially Pho (authentic noodle soup), spring rolls, and millions of motorbikes.

Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Visit The Tomb of Le Van Duyet

My local friend suggested this place, and guess what? It was a beautiful place to visit, entirely off the tourist map and with no busload of tourists whatsoever. Instead of a self-guided tour, you could also Book tours, attractions, and activities online.

Le Van Duyet (1764 – 1832) was a Vietnamese general who helped Nguyen Anh – the future Emperor Gia Long – Abolish the Tay Son rebellion, unify Vietnam, and establish the Nguyen Dynasty. After the Nguyen came to power in 1802, Duyet became a high-ranking mandarin, serving under the first two Nguyen emperors, Gia Long and Ming Mang.

Check Out Jade Emperor Pagoda

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is a Taoist one of beautiful and famous pagoda located at 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was built by the Chinese community in 1909. This is a pagoda that is on everyone’s HCMC must-see list.

The Ho Chi Minh Square

An open squire in the center of Saigon with a statue of Ho Chi Minh and The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City in the background. Upscale mall and a great place to visit.

Cho Ba Chieu Market

I like wandering around local markets and walking through the streets of cities to get a feel for the local lifestyle. During my recent Saigon trip, I visited an authentic local market called Cho Ba Chieu in the Binh Thanh district. I spent time roaming the market alleys and met many local vendors. The salespeople in Cho Ba Chieu were by far the friendliest I met. I went through the wet market and observed the art of negotiation and the lifestyle of shopping on the wheel (from the motorbike). It was a great experience.

A Walk Along The Saigon River

A late afternoon walk along the Saigon riverfront gives an interesting perspective on the HCMC. Allow an hour or more if you want to stop, have a drink, and shoot some nice pictures. My hotel Silverland Jolie was in a great location, only one block away from the river, so heading to the riverfront was my daily routine.

Spend an Evening in District 1

The downtown area in district 1 of Saigon is an exciting place to visit. Bui Vien street is popular among backpackers. There are many bars and restaurants, and this area comes alive after 8 pm. It’s great to sit in one of the places, grab a drink, relax, and watch Saigon life.

Early Morning Sightseeing in HCMC

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral

Situated right in the east of Ho Chi Minh City is the most famous landmark, as well as the core Cathedral of the city. It is a beautiful building, attracting Catholics and many tourists for its architecture, historical background, and sacred atmosphere—a nice spot to visit on a hot summer day.

Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda

The Viet Nam Quoc Tu Pagoda is located at 3 Thang 2, District 10 of Ho Chi Minh City. The pagoda is seven stories tall and very colorful. There are oversized statues of Buddha. It’s on the way to the airport and worth a visit for those that enjoy something different and Temples.

Giac Lam Pagoda

It was built in 1744, one of the oldest in Saigon. Grace Lam Pagoda is incredibly atmospheric, with very peaceful and garden-like grounds. About 3 km from Cholon, it is best reached by taxi or Xe Om (motorbike taxi)

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

This Pagoda is one of the biggest in Ho Chi Minh City, located at 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3. Lunar Year, or the 15th of each month, is when the pagoda gets busy, when you may observe the traditional activities of Buddhists, such as giving away lucky money and good buds for the start of the new year. It is easily accessible by taxi or Xe Om.

Late Evening Flight to Da Nang

I took a Jetstar flight from HCMC (SGN) to Da Nang (DAD), and the flying time was about an hour. Transfer to Hotel and Rent a Motor Bike to see the Dragon bridge at night.

Enjoy the show at Dragon Bridge

Dragon Bridge is about 666 meters long, making it the longest bridge in Vietnam. A popular spot amongst photographers, the six-lane bridge crossed the Han River and was built in the shape of a golden dragon, which locals believe symbolizes strength, royalty, and good fortune. While it’s a beautiful sight at any time of the day, Dragon Bridge is particularly cool during weekends as it is illuminated with colorful LEDs while it breathes fire and spits out water from its mouth.

Where Did I Stay in Da Nang

Diamond Sea Hotel, 232 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Da Nang

This hotel is on the famous beach called My Khe, just across the street, and you are right there. There are many restaurants along the beach, so whether you are a beach addict or not, it’s a fabulous place to be. Spending an evening by the beach and having dinner overlooking the gorgeous view of My Khe beach could be an unforgettable moment. Also, only a few minutes walk from another fabulous beach called Non-Nuoc.

Balcona Hotel Da Nang, 288 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Da Nang

Located in Danang, Balcona Hotel Da Nang offers beachfront accommodations a few steps from My Khe Beach and provides facilities like a bar and a terrace. In addition, the property features an outdoor pool, indoor pool fitness center, and restaurant.

Sightseeing in Da Nang

Visit Son Tra Mountain

Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain is a breathtaking national park in Da Nang that stands 693 meters above sea level. It is a popular escape among locals and travelers looking to escape the heat and the city’s heavy traffic. Locally known as the Son Tra Peninsula, the verdant mountain is surrounded by pristine beaches such as Bai Bac, Bai Nam, Bai But, and Tien Sa Beach.

The winding and inclining roads surrounding the mountain is a popular route for motorcycling and photographer alike. However, the journey is well worth the try as you can enjoy panoramic views of Hi Van Mountain, Cham Island, Da Nang city, and Son Tra Peninsula from the summit.

Quick Stop At Linh Ung Pagoda

A prominent attraction in Da Nang is Linh Ung Pagoda, also set on Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain. The stunning pagoda was built during the 18th century and housed a 67-meter-tall white statue of the Goddess of Mercy, which is set atop a lotus-shaped platform.

Spend Time At My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach is one o the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. It stretches about 20 miles of white sands located about 6 km east of Da Nang. The area has several high-end resorts and seafood restaurants, and My Khe Beach is also a popular spot for sunbathing, fishing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and surfing.

Visit Phap Lam Pagoda

Phap Lam Pagoda is a two-story temple in the heart of bustling Da Nang but inside the complex, a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy vegetarian cuisine at local restaurants and food carts surrounding Phap Lam Pagoda. The best time to visit this Buddhist temple is during the annual festivals like Tet and Lunar New Year.

Sunbathing On Non-Nuoc Beach

A 20-minute drive from Da Nang City, Non-Nuoc Beach boasts international acclaim as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It features soft white sands, a gentle slope, unpolluted waters, and mild waves. Visitors can do plenty of leisure activities such as sunbathing, jet-skiing, and surfing. In addition, this is the best place to try out local seafood dishes.

Take Cable Car To Ba Na Hills

Get to the European theme resort perched on top of Ba Na Hills via the Ba Na Cable car, which has received four Guinness World Records. One of the world records is for the longest non-stop single-track cable car at 5801 meters in length. Spend a day at the theme park with underground rides and games spanning four levels underground, catering to adults and children. Or visit the 27-meter tall Thich Ca Buddha statue at the nearby Linh Ung Pagoda.

Heading to Hoi An

If you are not staying in Da Nang, I found it convenient to take a taxi or pre-arranged private taxi from the airport to Hoi An. It may cost you about US$ 20 – 30, but that will eliminate all the hassle of finding the bus stop and language barriers. Also, if you are traveling in a group, then the shared taxi fare is reasonable, in my opinion.

On Your Way

Climb Up The Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills within Hoa Hai District, about 9 km south of Da Nang. There are a few peaks that are individually known as Thuy Son (water), Moc Son (wood), Hoa Son (fire), Kim Son (metal), and Tho Son (earth). Here you will find several 17th-century Buddhist temples and pagodas for the locals to pray. Climbing the steps to the top of the Marble Mountains is challenging, but once up there, you will be rewarded with spectacular views across Non-Nuoc Beach or My Khe Beach. Alternatively, an elevator service (VND 30,000) is available for those with physical disabilities.

Arrival in Hoi An

From wandering around the town and exploring the countryside — including rice fields, traditional fishing villages, and a beautiful sandy beach — to sporting activities and cooking tours, there’s plenty to do in Hoi An to satisfy every family member.

Evening Photo Tour in Hoi An

There are a few interesting tours available if you are interested in photography. Morning Sunrise with the Fishermen and afternoon Sunset on the river is most interesting. You will surely have the opportunity to capture some amazing sceneries, river landscapes, and portraits of local people.

Try Street Food in Night Market

When it comes to open-air eating, pick street food stalls where you can see the food being prepared and cooked. Also, eat where the locals eat!

Where Did I Stay in Hoi An

Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi-An, 09 Thai Ngoc Hau Street, Hoi An City

Featuring an indoor pool, Lantana Boutique Hoi An Hotel is just 1,950 feet from Hoi An Ancient Town. The hotel is located 5 minutes walk from the Japanese Covered Bridge and 0.6 mi from the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation. Danang Airport is approximately 19 mi away.

Places Where Friends Stayed

Hoi An Beach Resort, 01 Cua Dai Street, Cua Dai Beach Hoi An Quang Nam

Nestled between Cua Dai Beach and De Vong River, Hoi An Beach Resort features two outdoor pools—only a 45-minute drive from Danang International Airport and 2.5 mi from Hoi An’s town center.

Sightseeing in Hoi An

Early Morning Visit to Hoi An Central Market

By the Thu Bon River banks, the bustling Hoi An Central Market is certainly worth a look for its authentic slice of Vietnamese life. The best time to visit is in the early morning, even though the market is busy throughout the day. I was able to experience the negotiation of a fishing auction as the fishermen drop their catch off and the market vendors and local buyers dive in to get the best fish. Bargaining is one of the art and is widely exercised in the wet market.

Hoi An Countryside Sightseeing Bike Tour

One of the best ways of exploring Hoi An is by bike. Any bicycle Tours will take you off the beaten track and into the heart of traditional Vietnam. With so much to see and experience beyond the main town, getting out into the countryside is a real must-do experience. Visit local businesses and learn about trades like rice making, mat weaving, and furniture engraving. You’ll also be treated to some delicious home-cooked food at a local family’s home.

Sunbathing in An-Bang Beach

An-Bang Beach provides a fantastic day out by the sea. It’s family-friendly, with clean sand, a gentle slope into the ocean, and numerous places to have lunch and a refreshing drink or two. Less famous than Cua Dai Beach, An Bang is one of the few remaining stretches of beach that remains largely unspoiled by commercial development. Buy a drink or meal at one of the bohemian beachside restaurants here, and you’ll invariably get a sun lounger and an umbrella for free.

Visit Tan Thanh Beach

Tan Thanh Beach in Hoi-An is quiet and not so crowded – you will definitely have a private beach-like experience. There are a few nice restaurants near the beach which is very convenient. In addition, the Lantana Boutique Hotel, where I was staying, offers a complimentary shuttle service to this beach, so it was perfect for us to enjoy the beautiful sunny day on this quiet and clean beach.

Visit Hoi An Ancient Town

Located on the banks of the Thu Bon River, the Ancient Town is what people tend to conjure up when they think of Hoi An. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a captivating and historic area home to some truly remarkable buildings, including temples, old houses, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. Despite being a well-known tourist spot, the Ancient Town hasn’t lost its charm. The architecture and the streets are small and narrow, so spending hours simply wandering the streets in and out of shops and cafes is fun.

End Your Day With a Dinner Cruise

If you like your evening meal with a view, hop on a Dinner Cruise down the Thu Bon River and enjoy scenes of Hoi An’s waterways as you glide along. The cruise offers six set menus, a full bar, and friendly and attentive waiting staff. The food matches the experience, and the atmosphere is always fun and friendly.

Early Morning – Heading to Hue

Quick Stop at Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass stands 500m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam. It’s located on the border between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of verdant mountains, Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and the South China Sea. Unfortunately, the pass also hosts a battered French-built fort later used as a bunker by South Vietnamese and US armies during the Vietnam War.

Lunch Stop At Thuan An Beach

It is worth visiting one of the best beaches about 14 km outside of Hue. The beautiful beach on a long strip of white sand is best for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying local food and drinks at beachside restaurants.

Arrival in Hue

Stroll Along The Perfume River

The waterfront hike along the famous Perfume River is one of Hue’s best things to do. Early morning is perfect for jogging and watching the scenic beauty along the way. The evening is best to enjoy the sunset, scenic dragon boat ride, rent a paddleboat, or take a dinner cruise, among various activities.

Perfume River Boat Ride

The boat trip eventually became enjoyable despite the uncomfortable hot, and humid weather. The view at dusk, especially the rolling mountains on the horizon and the sunset behind the Truing Tien Bridge from the Perfume river, was priceless.

Where Did I Stay

Muong Thanh Holiday Hue Hotel, No. 38, Le Loi Street, Hui

This hotel is next to the Perfume river, and since I was staying on the 8th. The floor room with a window and open balcony overlooking the city skyline and the amazing view of the Perfume River and the mountain range was as perfect as possible.

Saigon Morin Hotel, 30 Le Loi Street, Hue

Centrally located in Hue, Saigon Morin Hotel overlooks the Perfume River and the historic Truong Tien Bridge. The hotel features French colonial architecture and has an outdoor swimming pool and three dining options. In addition, the property has a garden and provides free public parking at a site nearby.

Hue’s ancient bridge of Truong Tien

I was thrilled to cross the historic bridge which has become part of the history of Hue city. Although over 100 years have passed, the graceful bridge still reflects on the Perfume River to witness all the ups and downs of history and countless ‘scars of time’ and becomes a romantic symbol of the ancient capital.

Imperial Citadel

This sprawling complex in Hue was where the Emperors of old would have lived and conducted all their business. There was even a part of the citadel known as “The Forbidden Purple City,” which was reserved for only the most important people in Vietnam, much like China’s Forbidden City.

Visit The Tomb of Khai Dinh

Khai Dinh, original name Nguyen Bun Dao was the 12th Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam, ruling from 1916 to 1925. The Emperor started building his tomb in 1920, which took about 11 years to complete. Unfortunately, he died in 1925 before it was finished, so his son, the Emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai, finally completed the tomb in 1931. I highly recommend visiting this tomb.

Thien Mu Pagoda

This pagoda was built in 1601 and is located at Ha Khe hill, on the left bank of the Perfume River, in Huong Long village, 5 km from Hue city. You could have a beautiful view of Hue city and the perfume river from this place. Flowers and ornamental plants surround the pagoda.

Road Trip to Paradise Cave

The Spectacular limestone Paradise cave is located in Phong-Ka Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 146 miles (236 km) north of Hue. The first kilometer of the 31 km long Thien Duong Cave is accessible to visitors and is a must-see destination in Vietnam. The 360 million years old rock formations are the longest and most stunning cave in Phong Nha. However, if you can stay there longer, ample other exotic activities will make your long vacation unforgettable.

Quick Stop – The Church Of La Vang

On our way, we stopped at the church of La Vang, located about 58 km from Hue’s ancient capital, a great stop to visit this Catholic church. Our lady of La Vang is a major pilgrimage center for Catholics in Vietnam worth visiting.

DMZ On The Way

The 17th Parallel is where the Geneva Accords of 1954 partitioned Vietnam into north and south. There are old guard towers on both the south side and a museum on the northern side that bears a lot of memories. We passed the DMZ area and crossed the Ben Hai River and Hien Luong bridge, which may give you an idea about how life once was for the local people during the hard times of the American War.

Thien Duong (Paradise) Cave

It is around 30 minutes drive from Son Trach town, which can be accessed by motorbike, taxi, bus. Some claim that this is among the most beautiful caves in the world. The entry fee is 250,000 (US$ 12.00), then take an electric golf cart to the base of the stairs. Approx. Five hundred stairs up to the cave’s entrance, then another 100-200 stairs down inside. Paradise cave is absolutely massive, and the wooden pathway will lead you through the cave. I believe it’s about a 1.1 km long pathway.

One could spend hours here, marveling at the shapes and seeing various things in them, subjectively, much like cloud, star-gazing, or paradise like a waterfall.

Phong Nha and Tien Son Caves

Phong Nha cave and the Thien Son cave can be visited during the same trip as they are close. These caves are stunning and very large. Renting a boat is a requirement as there is no other way to get to the caves. It will cost you 350,000 Don’t (US$ 17.00) to rent a boat, but it can be shared with other tourists. The boat ride itself is scenic and exciting.

Where Did I Stay In Phong Nha

Thong Hai Hotel, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Son Trach

This hotel is on the main street, surrounded by many restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, an open market, and the central bus station. The beautiful Son river is only a few minutes walk from the hotel.

Note: Hotel is required by the local police to keep hold of your passports during your stay here. They keep them securely locked in a safe, and ask for your understanding in this matter.

Visit Local Market

If you are staying in Son Trach, get up early in the morning and head towards the Son river. The market is by the river and a great way to meet locals and traditional lifestyles. I saw wild chickens and ducks that were not caged. Early morning but still trading was in full swing; one of the attractions in the wet market was to see a different kind of fresh catch right from the Son river.

Nuoc Mooc Spring Eco-Trail

It can be accessed by motorbike or taxi 12 km southwest of Son Trach on the same road to the Thien Duong (Paradise) cave. The ticket is 80,000 dong (US$ 4.00). A beautiful hike takes you along the spring on stone paths and bamboo bridges inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. You will pass the orchid garden, which eventually meets with the Chay river. It is a safe and relatively easy walk through the Park where visitors are encouraged to relax and swim in its pristine clear waters with an additional fee.

A real adventure cave that you explore with headlamps and still without large tourist groups to spoil the experience. You can explore this spectacular cave with a tour group or independently. After kayaking across the river, enjoy swimming through the cave with your headtorch leading the way, then explore a narrow passageway leading to a mud pool. One of the attractions is having a mud fight in the mud baths deep in the cave and then washing clean with a swim in the lake inside the cave.

The entry fee is 150,000 dong ( US$ 7.00). It can be accessed by boat from Phong Nha – Ke Bang Tourism center by dragon boat for 350,000 dongs/boat (max 14 people can share the cost). By motorbike, it’s on the same road towards Paradise cave.

Flight From Dong Hoi Airport to HCMC (Saigon)

Domestic flights are cheap in Vietnam if purchased a few days in advance. VietJetAir and Jetstar stand out among many other airlines.

Where I Am Staying In Ho Chi Minh City

Silverland Jolie Hotel & Spa, Ho Chi Minh City, 4D Thi Sach St, Ben Nghe Ward

This hotel is centrally located in Dist 1, only one block from the Saigon River. I was on the 5th. floor with a great view of the river. Rooms were exceptionally clean so were the bathrooms. The rooftop pool was also an excellent, great view from the top. The staff was lovely and helpful in arranging taxis and breakfast to go.

Day Trip To Mekong Delta

A day trip to Mekong Delta was the perfect way to start my southern Vietnam adventure and experience the countryside. That is where the great river splits into trails of canals, waterways, and leading through islands, one of the most beautiful places to visit while in Vietnam. Besides its rich culture and natural beauty, I enjoyed visiting floating markets, local cuisines, and locally produced delicious tropical fruits.

Boat Trip Through The Canals

Our boat was cruising through the winding canals between lines of coconut trees, palm trees, and mangrove forests had to duck once in a while to avoid being hit by the tree branches. I was trying to enjoy the moment, knowing that not all parts of the tour would be as interesting as it was. I hate to waste time going to outlet centers for coconut candies, wine, or tea, but what can I do? It’s part of the package, and don’t blame them; they also need to make some extra bucks.

Canoe Ride Through Canals

Another interesting part was when we went for a canoe ride through beautiful waterways and narrow canals and experienced the same Mekong I saw and read about in my 7th-grade classroom. I also enjoyed the Vietnamese music show and having the variety of colorful local fruits.

Returning to HCMC (Saigon)

Early Morning Ride

Flight Back To USA

After a fantastic 11 days trip in the Central Vietnam it’s time for me to return back home.