Discover the Highlights of Central Vietnam in 5 Days

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Discover the best of Central Vietnam on a 5-day journey through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and the Imperial City of Hue. Walk across the world-famous Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, cruise through coconut groves in a traditional basket boat, and marvel at the stunning Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Bay, and Tam Giang Lagoon. Along the way, taste authentic local cuisine and immerse yourself in the charm of Vietnam’s most captivating region.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival in Da Nang | Welcome to Central Vietnam

Your journey begins in Da Nang – a dynamic coastal city where white sandy beaches meet sacred mountains.

Morning:

Arrival at Da Nang International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Welcome lunch with fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

Afternoon:

Visit Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) – a cluster of five majestic limestone peaks symbolizing the five elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth). Explore mysterious caves with ancient Buddhist sanctuaries, climb to scenic viewpoints overlooking Da Nang’s coastline, and discover traditional stone-carving villages at the mountain’s base.
Visit My Khe Beach- One of the most beautiful beaches on the planet (voted by Forbes). Customers can swim or go ahead and watch the sunset.

Evening: Welcome dinner with Central Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight in Da Nang.

Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son)

Visit My Khe Beach

Day 2 – Ba Na Hills – A Fairytale in the Clouds

Escape into the cool mountain air and discover the fairytale landscapes of Ba Na Hills.

Morning:

Take the world’s longest cable car (Guinness record) to the Ba Na Hills.
Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) – Marvel at the iconic hand-shaped bridge rising above the clouds, offering surreal photo opportunities and panoramic mountain views.
Le Jardin d’Amour – Explore the romantic flower gardens, each with a different theme and colorful blooms.
Linh Ung Pagoda – admire the serene Buddhist sanctuary and its giant statue overlooking the mountains.
Debay Wine Cellar – step inside the historic French-built cellar from 1923, hidden deep within the mountain.
Linh Ung Pagoda – admire the serene Buddhist sanctuary and its giant statue overlooking the mountains.

Noon:

French Village– explore cobblestone streets, Gothic-style churches, castles, and lively squares, all designed in European style.
Enjoy a buffet lunch at a mountaintop restaurant, offering a mix of international and Vietnamese cuisine.

Afternoon:

Fantasy Park – dive into Asia’s largest indoor amusement park with thrilling rides, 4D cinemas, and family games.
Wax Museum – see life-sized wax figures of global celebrities and historical icons (extra ticket required).
Take the cable car down while admiring the sunset over the mountains. Return to Da Nang.

Evening: Dinner by the Han River, then free time to enjoy the colorful lights of the Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire and water on weekend nights.

Golden Bridge

Linh Ung Pagoda

Day 3: My Son Sanctuary – Coconut Village – Hoi An Ancient Town

A day blending UNESCO World Heritage with authentic cultural experiences. Explore the sacred ruins of an ancient kingdom, glide through a coconut forest on traditional basket boats, and end the day in the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An.

Morning:

Transfer to My Son Sanctuary – once the spiritual capital of the Champa Kingdom (4th–13th century).
Explore the ancient Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva, admire red-brick towers surrounded by lush mountains, and learn about Cham culture.
Watch a traditional Cham dance performance, bringing the heritage to life.
Return to Hoi An and enjoy a local lunch featuring specialties such as Hoi An noodles (Cao Lau) or Quang noodles (mì Quảng).

Afternoon:

Visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village (Bay Mau Coconut Forest) – board a traditional basket boat rowed by locals through the lush water coconut groves.
Experience fun activities such as basket boat dancing, casting fishing nets, and learn about the daily life of local fishermen.
Stroll through Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO) – visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and old merchant houses.

Evening:

Dinner in Hoi An with local delicacies (white rose dumplings, fried wontons, grilled pork with rice paper).
As night falls, enjoy the magical atmosphere of lantern-lit streets and the Thu Bon River.
Optional: release paper lanterns for good luck or take a short boat ride on the river.
Overnight in Hoi An or Da Nang.

My Son Sanctuary

Hoi An Ancient Town

Day 4: Hue Imperial City

Morning:

Journey to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Travel through the Hai Van Tunnel – the longest in Southeast Asia – before reaching stunning coastal landscapes of Lang Co Bay and the tranquil Tam Giang Lagoon.
Visit Khai Dinh Mausoleum, the most striking royal tomb in Hue, blending Eastern and Western design. Climb its grand staircase to admire intricate mosaics and the famous “Nine Dragons Hidden in the Clouds” ceiling painting. At the heart of the tomb stands a gilded bronze statue of Emperor Khai Dinh, cast in France, radiating both power and grandeur.
Lunch at a local restaurant with Hue specialties.

Afternoon:

Explore the The Imperial City of Hue (UNESCO) – once the political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Stop by Thien Mu Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hue, overlooking the Perfume River.

Evening:

Explore Dong Ba Market – taste local specialties: bun bo Hue, banh beo, nem lui.
Optional: Royal Court Music performance on a dragon boat, a UNESCO intangible heritage.
Overnight in Hue or Da Nang.