• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-963288945440
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "vietnam/central-vietnam",
  "destination": "Central-Vietnam",
  "title": "central-vietnam",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "country": "Vietnam",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Central Vietnam

Vietnam

Vietnam Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book

Getty Images/500px Prime

Overview

The geographic heart of the nation, central Vietnam is packed with historic sights and cultural interest, and blessed with ravishing beaches and outstanding national parks. Marvel at Hue and its Imperial Citadel, royal tombs and excellent street food. Savour the unique heritage grace of riverside jewel Hoi An, and tour the military sites of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). Check out Danang, fast emerging as one of the nation’s most dynamic cities. Also emerging as a must-visit destination is the extraordinary Phong Nha region, home to three gargantuan cave systems (including the world’s largest cave), and a fascinating war history concealed amid stunning scenery. Enjoy well-earned downtime on the golden sands of An Bang Beach or learn to cook central Vietnamese cuisine, the nation’s most complex. With improving highways, and upgraded international airports at Hue and Danang, access to this compelling and diverse part of Vietnam has never been easier.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Central Vietnam? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your Vietnam trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

All-Encompassing Vietnam: 12 Days in Quy Nhon, Hạ Long, Hội An, and the Mekong Delta

12 days / 11 nights

highlights

  1. 1Cruising — and sleeping! — on a luxury boat gliding through the magnificent Hạ Long Bay
  2. 2Delicate hands-on cooking with a local Hội An family to master hand-pulled noodles
  3. 3Swimming in Quy Nhon’s ethereal turquoise waters on a relaxing boat trip
from $2,224

per person

book this tripsee trip details

Explore more trips

  • The Best of Vibrant Vietnam: City, Coastal, and Countryside Traditions
    Vietnam

    12 days / 11 nights

    The Best of Vibrant Vietnam: City, Coastal, and Countryside Traditions

    FROM $2,730

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • The Mighty Mekong Delta: Vietnam’s Floating Markets and Historic River Villages
    Vietnam

    9 days / 8 nights

    The Mighty Mekong Delta: Vietnam’s Floating Markets and Historic River Villages

    FROM $2,853

    per person

    See Trip Details

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-166429178756
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "vietnam/central-vietnam",
  "destination": "Central-Vietnam",
  "title": "central-vietnam",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "country": "Vietnam",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-853462341470
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "vietnam/central-vietnam",
  "destination": "Central-Vietnam",
  "title": "central-vietnam",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "country": "Vietnam",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam and beyond

View all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-493318028133
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "vietnam/central-vietnam",
  "destination": "Central-Vietnam",
  "title": "central-vietnam",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "country": "Vietnam",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}