Unmissable Sights in Central Vietnam

Vietnam’s Central region is full of incredible views, gorgeous beaches, delicious food, and some fascinating historic sites. With so much to see in Central Vietnam and things to do spread out among Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue, we spent the longest time in this region on our recent trip. Here’s some sights you should definitely add to your travel bucket list.

Things to see in Central Vietnam

Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass has to be one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. With green hills overlooking gorgeous beach and a perfectly blue green sea, it is a must-see.

Hai Van Pass is located just north of Da Nang in the way to Hue.

Made popular by the Top Gear Vietnam Special, the best way to experience this winding road through the hills is by motorcycle. But it is just as beautiful by car (make sure to enjoy a few stop offs). You can rent a motorcycle at your starting point. Or, as I was too terrified of the city traffic throughout Vietnam (and motorcycles in general), get a private hire car. We did this between Hoi An and Hue as part of a wider tour with many of the other sights on this list. We booked through Viator for about $59 dollars. If you’re limited on time and want to do a tour anyway, I found it best to do so between places. You can get picked up at one hotel and dropped off at another.

Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) is a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located just outside Da Nang.

Only one mountain is open for visitors (the water mountain). But it’s full of caves for exploring, temples, and some great views if you want to hike to the top and get a spectacular view over My Khe Beach below.

When visiting the Marble Mountains, start early to avoid the heat and crowds. Bring a lot of water and wear comfortable shoes with good grip (the steps and caves are steep and slippery). It took us nearly four hours to explore, and we still missed a few parts.

Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is a popular spot to visit just outside of Da Nang. The Hills are home to an impressively long cable car and the Golden Bridge (a new attraction which has become an Instagram favourite. For my full review, check out my blog on Da Nang.

Lang Co Bay

Located just outside of Hue, the picturesque bay has become another favourite stop off while travelling around central Vietnam.

Stop for lunch at one of the seafood restaurants overlooking the bay and enjoy the view.

My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach is one of the most popular in the region, and with its vivid blue waters and white sand, it’s not hard to see why.

It’s a popular choice for surfers and other water sports, and best of all, it’s not too overdeveloped like some beaches in the country (and elsewhere). Spend a day relaxing in the sea and sand.

Hoi An Ancient Town

There is no end to this town’s charm, as my previous blog has said. From it’s silk lanterns, fascinating architecture, lantern-lit boat rides down the river, and more, it has become a favourite among travellers for a reason.

Dragon Bridge

The growing city of Da Nang is becoming known for it’s over-the-top bridges, none more eye catching than the Dragon Bridge,

Like most things in Da Nang, it lights up in a range of colours come night fall

If that wasn’t enough, on Saturday nights it spits fire and water from its mouth.

The Imperial City – Hue

Moving from modern architecture to the ancient and traditional, the next must-see on our central Vietnam list is the city of Hue. Spend a day exploring the historic buildings within the Citadel, including the Purple Forbidden City of the former capital of Vietnam.

Have I missed any of your must-sees off this list? Which would be top things to see in Central Vietnam?