How to See Central Vietnam the Right Way!

My final days living abroad had started to wind down. Three years of life in Ho Chi Minh City sucked me into a glorious vortex of motorbikes whizzing past in every direction, ancient pagodas popping up on unexpected corners, wonderful people soaking constantly encircling you and the scent of the world’s best street food giving your senses a mouthwatering high. But, somehow, traveling central Vietnam slipped through my fingers.

To end my incredible ride in Vietnam, I knew I had to go out with a bang and I knew that traveling through central Vietnam would be a holiday to remember. There’s no written list of imperative travel ingredients, but a dash of dreamy scenery, a splash of cultural riches, a pinch of breathtaking experiences and a handful of life-altering food definitely makes for an unforgettable time!

If you’re looking for an epic week-long itinerary in central Vietnam, don’t miss the lush scenery, vibrant culture, and spectacular resorts that Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon and Hue offer up! Keep scrolling to see exactly how to see everything Vietnam has to offer!

Central Vietnam Trip Overview

To start off our epic travels through Central Vietnam we flew into Da Nang from Ho Chi Minh City. From Da Nang’s airport we took a private transfer straight into Hoi An. We stayed in Hoi An for three nights at the wonderful Anantara Hoi An. 

After our stay in Hoi An we clambered on board The Vietage to Quy Nhon. We stayed at the stunning Anantara Quy Nhon Villas for three nights before getting a private transfer back up to Da Nang.

We hung around Da Nang only for the afternoon before we took another private transfer to Hue. We stayed in Hue for 24 hours (I know!), slept at a cute little hostel and finally caught an evening flight back to Ho Chi Minh City!

Our Route: Da Nang → Hoi An → The Vietage → Quy Nhon → Da Nang → Hue

Our mapped out journey was certainly not the most logical if you take a look at a map of Vietnam, so I’d recommend flying into Hue, spending one or two days exploring before transferring to Da Nang. Then checkout Da Nang for a day or two before heading into Hoi An. Spend a couple of days in Hoi An before departing on The Vietage to Quy Nhon and lay by the beach in Quy Nhon until your heart’s content and then fly out from there!

Best Route: Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An → The Vietage → Quy Nhon

3 Days in Hoi An

A short flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, and a comfortable 45 minute transfer later, we wound up at the breathtaking Anantara Hoi An Resort. With its wonderful vistas, lush gardens and waterfront views of the Thu Bon River, my heart skipped a beat knowing this would be my last visit to Hoi An before returning home to Toronto. 

I mean, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love Hoi An. The charming canals, pretty pagodas and charismatic colonial buildings make it one of the most magical places to spend a few nights. And just when we didn’t think this ancient city could get any more spectacular, we checked into our room at the stunning Anantara’s Hoi An Resort.

Checkout my blogposts “ANANTARA HOI AN RESORT: A DREAMY 3 DAY GETAWAY IN HOI AN VIETNAM” and “5 CUTE COFFEE SHOPS IN HOI AN BREWING UP THE BEST COFFEE” for everything you need to do, know, drink and eat in Hoi An!

Staying With Anantara Hoi An

For the next three nights we would be soaking up this historic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anantara Hoi An’s boutique luxury hotel feels as if you’re stepping into an oasis of elegance and comfort. Their enchanting cove of colonial architecture and Vietnamese charm engulf you in the beauty this city gives off. Checking-in to the glamour of this riverside escape, we couldn’t help but feel the excitement soaking in as the wonderful staff showed us to our room!

Our morning cups of coffee came with a splash of the scenic Hoi An river below at Anantara Hoi An’s Lanterns Restaurant! Our evening usually consisted of enjoying a couple of cocktails at Art Space, before heading over to Hoi An Riverside Restaurant, Anantara’s enchanting bistro right on the water.

No matter how much time you spend in Hoi An, it never seems to be enough. The charming canals, pretty pagodas and charismatic colonial buildings truly make it one of the most magical places to getaway. Our time was slowly coming to an end at Anantara Hoi An as we watched the early morning fishermen patrol the river while enjoying our last breakfast.  

For a more in depth review of Anantara Hoi An checkout my blogpost “ANANTARA HOI AN RESORT: A DREAMY 3 DAY GETAWAY IN HOI AN VIETNAM”

All Aboard The Vietage

After finishing up our last sips of coffee we checked-out of Anantara Hoi An. As we said our goodbyes to the lovely staff we jumped in our private transfer towards Da Nang. We were about to embark on a luxurious railway adventure through the incredible landscapes and spectacular coastlines of Central Vietnam!

Welcome aboard Vietnam’s most exclusive railway experience! Old-world comfort, breath-taking views and incredible gourmet dining, The Vietage will transport your senses to an era of timeless romantic railway travel! Giddy with excitement we boarded the train and took up our seats smiling from ear to ear.

The Vietage was created to provide a luxurious cross-country transfer for guests to easily travel between Anantara Hoi An Resort and Anantara Quy Nhon Resort, however anyone can jump on board Anantara’s incredible railway experience.

Every morning, The Vietage departs from Da Nang Railway Station at 8:47, arriving in Quy Nhon at 15:14. Also making a return journey in the late afternoon, it departs from Dieu Tri Railway Station at 18:36 and arrives in Da Nang at 00:44. The 318 kilometres of lush scenery and six-hour carriage journey will immerse you in the romance of the rails.

‘Getting there’ is a pivotal part of the journey and it’s also one of my favourite parts. Choosing how to get from destination to destination always adds to the fun and it’s where the sense of adventure starts to build. This time around, ‘getting there’ may just be the highlight of our entire trip! 

As the train chugged along, we sipped sparkling Prosecco, chatted over a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, laughed as we gulped down our Chilean Shiraz and cheersed our flutes of rosé. Our glasses never quite managed to empty thanks to their well-stocked bar and wine cellar!

The Vietage offers selected free-flow wines, beers, soft drinks, tea and coffee throughout your journey. And for a touch more indulgence, à la carte premium wines, Champagnes, caviar, and international and local cheeses are available to pre-order. We sipped bubbles to our hearts content as we passed through the spectacular scenery, drinking in panoramic views of postcard-perfect terrains is something you just cannot forget! 

It’s true what they say, time flies when you’re having fun because before we knew it, it was time to indulge in our three-course epicurean experience. Around 12:00 noon, The Vietage’s Executive Chef brings together modern Vietnamese cuisine, French culinary techniques and international flavours using locally sourced ingredients. Their specially curated menu offers deletable meat, fish and plant-based dishes, which you’re able to choose from prior to boarding!

Our 6 hours aboard The Vietage seemed to have flown by. Through the train’s windows, we watched the landscape blur into an ever-changing feast of colours. Inside we chatted and laughed the afternoon away as Hoi An slowly faded into the distance and Quy Nhon came into full view. To put it simply, my journey aboard The Vietage is a stand out, above any of my other travels. Its charm speaks to the thrill of travel as a whole and my only vice is that I wish our ride was longer! 

For a more in depth review of The Vietage checkout my blogspot “THE VIETAGE: A LUXURY RAIL ESCAPE THROUGH CENTRAL VIETNAM”

3 Days in Quy Nhon

As we watched the sun washed beaches of Quy Nhon come into view from The Vietage, we knew it’d only be a matter of time before we’d be floating in the sparkly waters of Anantara Quy Nhon Villas. Our coveted beach vacation was about to begin! That calm stretch of sand and private beachfront villa we spent months dreaming about was finally becoming a reality!

Besides soft golden beaches and clear, turquoise seas there is so much to uncover and explore in Quy Nhon. The beauty of this untouched seaside city immerses you in an undiscovered side of this vibrant country. You’ll find yourself off the beaten track, relaxing on beaches all to yourself, driving through colourful coastal villages and uncovering hidden coves of crystal clear water. Quy Nhon, is definitely a bucket list destination for every type of beach lover.

Most people tend to visit Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue during their travels to Central Vietnam, but Quy Nhon is a strong contender! With delicious seafood, beautiful landscapes and historical landmarks you’ll never run out of things to do in this beachside city. Visit Ky Co Beach, snorkel the Phuong Mai Peninsula, swim at Bai Xep Beach, visit the historical Thap Doi (Twin Towers) or climb the stairs up to Buddha at Ong Nui Temple.

Staying With Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

As we checked-in with Anantara Quy Nhon’s incredible staff, we lounged in their lobby, gazing out to the ocean letting that glorious sea breeze hit our faces. Now, that’s a feeling I wish I could bottle up – beachfront breezes just hit different!

Anantara Quy Nhon is a sanctuary where lazing away the day is an expectation. I mean, is there a better way to vacation? Private plunge pools, direct beach access, luxury amenities, and unmatched ocean views. Villas perched overlooking a pristine bay with emerald water and golden sands, Anantara Quy Nhon is definitely a gateway to discovering the secrets of Quy Nhon’s hidden gems.

Surrounded by lush mountains overlooking the Bay of Quy Nhon, Anantara Quy Nhon, is a tropical, luxurious retreat home to breathtaking villas and scenic suites. With only 26 villas dotted throughout seven acres of lush landscaping and tucked away into a private cove, Anantara Quy Nhon has the ability to tug at anyone’s beachfront-basking heartstrings! 

Each morning, we woke up to a beautiful gourmet breakfast buffet of tropical fruits and juices, freshly baked goods, hot dishes made to order, and wonderful stations showcasing Vietnamese favourites. In the evenings we typically walked along the shore back to Sea. Fire. Salt. restaurant.

Their beautiful beachfront bistro offers an a la carte menu with an extensive inventory of wines and rare vintages! We absolutely fell in love with the ‘Crab Salad And Crispy Sesame,’ ‘Sea Bass Ceviche,’ and the ‘Avocado And Roasted Beetroot Salad,’ which were an incredible spread of tasty starters.

The ‘Spiny Lobster Bisque,’ is also a delicious choice! But once infamous Executive Chef Mawa brought out his phenomenal ‘Salt Brick Speciality’ it was a complete game changer. An unimaginable feast of squid, tiger prawns, scallops, mussels, sea bass, spiny lobster and a divine Australian Tomahawk cooked on an ancient Himalayan salt brick! Wow!

The next morning we ditched breakfast in bed for an incredible heart-shaped floating breakfast in our villa pool. With a little knock on our door, this was one breakfast we happily jumped out of bed for! 

In the afternoons we typically napped under the sun, swam up to the bar and soaked in those much needed vacation vibes at their main pool. A pool this stunning simply makes you float away the day!

Anantara Quy Nhon, was the perfect getaway. Sometimes all we need is a tropical, luxurious retreat and breathtaking views to slow down and get away from it all. Trust me, there is no better feeling than lounging in the elegance that is this absolutely stunning beachside resort.  

For a more in depth review of Anantara Quy Nhon Villas checkout my blogspot “A BEACHFRONT ESCAPE TO ANANTARA QUY NHON VILLAS: A LUXURY GETAWAY IN VIETNAM”

An Afternoon in Da Nang

It’s safe to say that neither of us wanted to leave the incredible Anantara Quy Nhon. As we jumped in our private Anantara transfer back to Da Nang, we waved goodbye to the wonderful staff, sparkling ocean views and all of the absolutely mouthwatering food we indulged in over the last three days! For the next six hours we’d be relaxing in the comforts of our Anantara SUV transfer looking out to lush scenery of Central Vietnam.

We arrived in Da Nang mid-afternoon and thought we’d explore the city a little bit. Both of us had been to Da Nang before so a quick stop was all we needed. We took a walk to the infamous dragon bridge and grabbed some coffee along the way, nothing too special on our part, but if you’re looking to stick around and explore more of Da Nang, be sure to visit some of their highlights I mention below!

What to Do in Da Nang

Da Nang’s tranquil beaches, clear blue waters and verdant national parks are, a sun-seeker’s paradise. This beachside city is known as the tourist capital of South Central Vietnam, which is made totally obvious as soon as you step foot downtown.

Aside from being a lush beach destination it’s also home to Vietnam’s Golden Bridge, also known as the infamous Giant Hand Bridge. If you plan to check out the Giant Hand Bridge you’ll want to set aside a day here to drive out to Ba Na Hills Amusement Park where it’s located. Going in the morning as early as possible will help you avoid the massive crowds that usually linger around and will give you all day to enjoy the park. 

If amusement parks are not really your thing then try catching a sunset on My Khe Beach, climb Marble Mountain for some spectacular views, hit up a beach club at An Bang Beach, watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire during the weekends after 9:00pm or eat Da Nang’s legendary dish Mi Quang at Mi Quang Ba Mua!

After our short stint in Da Nang it was time to hop in another private transfer to the ancient city of Hue!

24 Hours in the Ancient City Of Hue

Hue is one of the most charming cities in all of Vietnam. From the rambling ancient architecture to the tombs of former emperors, this city provides a fascinating insight into old Vietnam. Be sure to try their salt-coffee and eat as much Banh Khoai as humanly possible. Although we jammed packed our 24-hours in Hue, I would totally recommend hanging around for a couple of days to really dive deep in the history that’s here!

Checkout my blogpost “1 Day in Hue Itinerary: How To Have The Most Epic 24 Hours In This Ancient City“ for a complete guide to Hue.

Wrapping Up Our Epic Central Vietnam Trip

Our week-long Central Vietnam trip was an unforgettable one! It truly was the best way for me to remember Vietnam as I departed for Toronto.

From the charming canals, pretty pagodas and charismatic colonial buildings of Hoi An, to a railway adventure of a lifetime aboard The Vietage. From laying on the sparkly shores of Quy Nhon to strolling across Da Nang’s dragon bridge and onward to exploring ancient tombs of emperors past in Hue, Central Vietnam had everything I was looking for and more.

When people ask ‘well, what’s there to do in Central Vietnam?’ my answer is always the same. What isn’t there to do?

From some of the world’s largest caves, to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to the long stretches of sandy beaches, there’s an infinite amount of incredible things to do and see in this part of the country. And although it feels as if we just scratched the surface of Central Vietnam, I’m sure there are endless possibilities to keep exploring here! 

Looking for a place to stay in Vietnam?

If you have any questions or just want to see some more travel content find my on Instagram at @agirl.enroute! I’m always happy to chat!

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After living in Vietnam for over 4 years, a piece of my heart will always be left in Ho Chi Minh City! Vietnam should be a top destination for all travelers! White sand beaches, limestone mountains, terraced rice fields and incredible street food make Vietnam a bucket-list destination! From foodies to beach hoppers, arts & culture buffs to adventure seekers, Vietnam has something for everyone! Checkout more of my Vietnam blogposts below!

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What to do in Central Vietnam…

📌 1 Day in Hue Itinerary: How To Have The Most Epic 24 Hours In This Ancient City
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📌 Anantara Hoi An Resort: Luxury In An Ancient City
📌 Anantara Quy Nhon Villas: A Luxury Beachfront Escape in Vietnam
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📌 Journey Through Central Vietnam: Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon & Hue is Your Trip of a Lifetime
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