Plan the Perfect 7-Day Central Vietnam Itinerary

Visiting Southeast Asia and planning a Central Vietnam itinerary? Excellent choice, as this part of the country is one of the most interesting!

I’ve spent a couple of months traveling around the country and I’m here to tell you everything to plan the perfect Central Vietnam itinerary, from the things to do to how to get around and the best places to eat.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or an architecture buff, a trip to Central Vietnam is sure to please, with attractions like the iconic Dragon Bridge in Da Nang or Hoi An Old Town.

Get ready for breathtaking natural beauty, historic sites, and delicious local street food. So let’s get started and see what Central Vietnam has to offer!

Central Vietnam Itinerary – Overview

Before jumping into the main topic, let’s go through the essential things you have to know when getting prepared.

What are the Best Places in Central Vietnam?

Central Vietnam is a great destination for travelers looking to explore the country’s rich history and culture. With its well-preserved historical sites, stunning natural beauty, and friendly locals, Central Vietnam has something for everyone.

The best places to visit in Central Vietnam are the following, and I added a link to individual guides for each of them, for you to plan your trip:

• Hue
• Da Nang
• Hoi An Ancient town
• My Son Sanctuary
• Da Nang’s Dragon Bridge
• The Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge
• The Marble Mountains and Lady Buddha

Of course, there are many more, as we’ll see in the next sections, but these are the absolute must-do!

When to Visit Central Vietnam

The dry season from January to August is the ideal time to explore Central Vietnam. This is when the weather is at its best – sunny days and mild temperatures.

During this time, the days are warm and dry, making it perfect for sightseeing and exploring the region. The average temperature in Central Vietnam during this period is around 30 degrees Celsius.

The rainy season lasts from September to December, with heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons. The weather during this time can be unpredictable, and it’s best to avoid traveling at this time.

Where to Fly to Central Vietnam?

The most convenient airport in Central Vietnam is Da Nang International Airport, which is minutes away from Da Nang downtown.

I recommend staying here are a base for a few days and visit the places around taking day trips or renting a motorbike.

A word of caution: If you’ve never driven a motorbike before, I do not recommend renting one in Vietnam. As you’ll quickly realize, traffic here is chaotic and you definitely don’t want to end up in a hospital.

Getting Around Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam is a great place to explore; getting around the region is easy and convenient. From international flights to local transport options, visitors have plenty of options depending on their preferences and needs.

The most popular way to get around Central Vietnam is by calling a Grab taxi. This is the fastest and most comfortable option, as it’s cheap, convenient, and private.

You can also get a private transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An Ancient Town or other places and get around walking or by taxi.

Alternatively, booking a guided tour is the best option to discover the area with a local guide and learn history and more from an expert. A guided tour gives you a more organized and structured way to explore all the unique cultural attractions.

7-Day Itinerary for Central Vietnam

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s discuss this ideal 7-day Central Vietnam itinerary, which is sure to give you an unforgettable experience.

The 7-day itinerary starts in Da Nang, where you’ll get to check out the unique bridges, Ba Na Hills, and some stunning beaches.

Then, you’ll head to Ba Na Hills for some amazing views of the lush forests, the cobblestoned streets of French Village, and the 100-year-old Debay Wine Cellar.

From there, we’ll make our way to Hue to explore the Perfume River, the Imperial City (the Citadels), and Hoi An Old Town. Let’s get started!

Day 1: Da Nang

The first stop on the 7-day trip to Central Vietnam is the coastal city of Da Nang, where I recommend flying into for maximum convenience.

It’s the gateway to the region and home to some of the most iconic spots in the country, from the unique Dragon Bridge to the Ba Na Hills and the Marble Mountains.

On your first day in Da Nang, head to the Cham Sculpture Museum and then hit up My Khe Beach. Alternatively, go for a shopping trip to Da Nang’s Central Market and its souvenirs and copy goods.

The museum is an excellent way to get acquainted with the history and culture of the region, the beach is the perfect spot to relax with a drink, and the market is great for getting souvenirs.

In case you get here early in the morning, you will want to take a tour of the Marble Mountains and Lady Buddha, which is the highlight in town! If not, you’ll have time to see it on the last day of this Central Vietnam itinerary.

If you get here during the weekend, make sure to go and see the Dragon Bridge Show, where the famous dragon sprays fire and then water at 9.00 PM for about 15 minutes – a must-see!

Day 2: Join a Day Trips to Ba Na Hills

Let’s start day 2 with a trip to the famous Ba Na Hills and their Golden Bridge from Da Nang, famous for the 2 hands holding the bridge.

Take the cable car for some stunning views of the lush forests from the Golden Bridge and continue to the top to wander around the cobblestoned streets and Parisian-style architecture at French Village (also known as Sun World Ba Na Hills).

Get lost in the beauty of Le Jardin d’Amour – The Paradise of Flowers, and sip some wine at the 100-year-old Debay Wine Cellar.

When you book a Ba Na Hills Tour from Da Nang, you’ll be treated to a delicious buffet lunch, and that is definitely welcome!

The Ba Na Hills are slightly out of Da Nang City and it takes a while to wander around fully, so you should plan the whole day here, but it’s worth it!

Day 3: Discover Hue – The Imperial City

Day 3 of your Central Vietnam itinerary is all about getting to know the city of Hue. And you have 2 options to get there – Joining a comprehensive day tour from Da Nang or going there through the Hai Van Pass.

I recommend the first option as, while the Hai Van Pass is a scenic route through Central Vietnam, it can be risky if you’ve never driven a scooter.

Drive the scenic route and take a quick stop at Lang Co Beach for some unforgettable memories. Once in Hue, you’ll visit the Imperial Citadel, which was home to the Nguyen Emperor, as well as the Thien Mu Pagoda.

The Thien Mu Pagoda is Hue’s largest pagoda and was built in 1601 – it holds a fascinating history and is considered the unofficial symbol of Hue.

Finally, the tour concludes with a drop-off back in Da Nang. This day trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy and is an ideal way to experience the best of Hue.

That being said, I highly recommend booking your day trip ahead of time as it sells out super fast, and you definitely don’t want to miss the Imperial City!

Day 4 and 5: Hoi An

Ah, Hoi An – Easily my favorite day trip from Da Nang, with its old town that’s known as a UNESCO World Heritage, its pretty lanterns on every corner, and stunning architecture and museums.

While you can stay longer in the area and spend 3 days in Hoi An, 2 full days should be enough to see the best places in town.

The Japanese Covered Bridge, the Old House of Tan Ky, the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation are some of the main attractions in Hoi An that you can’t skip.

Book here: Transfer From Da Nang to Hoi An Old Town

Visiting Hoi An Old Town is free, but you’ll need to pay for an entrance ticket if you want to visit the main spots in town, which I highly recommend.

You can buy your entrance ticket online and with that, you can pick 5 spots in town out of a dozen. It only costs a few dollars and it’s definitely worth it. I did the attractions below and loved my day out:

• Japanese Bridge
• Fujian Assembly Hall
• Hainan Assembly Hall
• Cam Pho Communal House
• Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre

After a day of exploring, you can relax and enjoy some of the local culinary delights, from steamed rice cakes to BBQ wrapped in rice paper. Alternatively, you can also join a cycling tour in Hoi An, which is a great way to discover the old city and its countryside.

Day 6: My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary is an ancient Hindu temple complex, and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, and you simply can’t miss it while in Da Nang or Hoi An.

The My Son Sanctuary Day Tour will take you through the ruins of the former Champa Kingdom and the impressive stone sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses.

Here, you can also learn about the history of My Son, as well as the Lingas and Shiva gods that were once worshipped here. I highly recommend joining a day trip to My Son Sanctuary, which leaves from both Hoi An and Da Nang.

You can book a My Son Sanctuary Day Tour online ahead of time, and the tour bus will pick you up from your hotel.

I myself took the trip on a motorbike and I don’t recommend you do the same – Traffic in Vietnam is chaotic and the way to My Son is crazy hot and uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, much of the original 70 temples have been destroyed during the Vietnam War, but most temples have been restored, which gives you an incredible sight into what it used to be in the past.

Day 7: Da Nang

On Day 7, explore the city of Da Nang – Once you’ve visited all the incredible spots around, it’s time to give a chance to Da Nang, with the old town, its Central Market, the Da Nang Cathedral, and the endless delicious eateries.

Start the day by checking out the Han River and its Dragon Bridge, two of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Located on the banks of the Han River, the Dragon Bridge is a cool spot to take photos of.

After that, just a few minutes’ walk away, visit the awesome central market for good-quality copy goods, coffee and snacks, as well as shoes and other memories of Vietnam.

Then, visit the Cham Museum, one of the best museums in Vietnam, housing a variety of Cham artifacts and sculptures from digs around the central coast and My Son Sanctuary, ranging from the 5th to 15th century. The An Long Temple right behind is a must-do too!

If you want a more off-the-beaten-path kind of thing, you can check out the Fresco Village and its street art, the Museum of Da Nang City, or the Fine Arts Museum.

Of course, you can’t skip My Khe Beach, one of the best beaches in Vietnam, and you can definitely stay here and work on your tan for a while!

And of course, make sure to enjoy the city’s food and drink scene. Here below are some of the best restaurants in Da Nang for lunch and dinner:

• Adobo Mexican Grill
• Roots Plant-based Cafe
• Emo’s Vietnamese Restaurant
• Bravo Pizzeria
• Athena Souvlaki

I personally went to each of these places and loved them all, and I’m sure you will too.

If you didn’t do it on your first night, make sure to see the bridge show, which happens every Saturday and Sunday at 9.00 PM – a show you definitely don’t want to skip before leaving!

I have an ultimate guide about Da Nang with endless things to do here below, so make sure to read it before traveling!

Central Vietnam Itinerary – FAQ

With this ultimate Central Vietnam itinerary ending, you’ll want to get a closer look at how things work in the area, as well as questions from first-time visitors.

How Long to Stay in Central Vietnam?

Planning one week to explore Central Vietnam is a great plan, as this gives you enough time to explore Da Nang, Hoi An, and take a few trips to Hue, the Ba Na Hills, and the other must-see places.

This is enough time to explore the city and its attractions while still leaving plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the local culture.

How Many Days in Da Nang is Enough?

You will want to stay at least 3 days in Da Nang.

This will give you plenty of time to roam around and see the cathedral, the fire show at the Dragon Bridge, and vist the Marble Mountains.

On top of that, Da Nang is centrally located and you’ll be able to get to Hoi An easily and take day trips all around Central Vietnam.

Where to Stay – Da Nang or Hoi An?

While I do recommend staying in Da Nang, Hoi An is a good alternative if you don’t mind the crowds of tourists.

Da Nang and Hoi An are two popular destinations in Vietnam, each offering a unique experience for visitors. Here are the key differences between the two for a short trip of a few days.

• Location: Da Nang is a vibrant coastal city located in central Vietnam, while Hoi An is a charming ancient town situated about 30 kilometers southeast of Da Nang.

• Atmosphere: Da Nang has a more modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere with skyscrapers, bustling streets, and lively nightlife. Hoi An, on the other hand, retains its old-world charm with well-preserved historic buildings, lantern-lit streets, and a relaxed ambiance.

• Beaches: Da Nang boasts beautiful sandy beaches, including My Khe Beach, which is one of Asia’s best beaches. Hoi An, although not directly on the coast, is just a short distance away from An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach.

• Cultural Heritage: Hoi An is renowned for its well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town. It is a pedestrian-friendly area with narrow streets lined with historic buildings, Chinese temples, Japanese merchant houses, and charming cafes and shops. Da Nang, while it lacks the same level of historical heritage, has its own attractions, such as the iconic Dragon Bridge, and Marble Mountains.

Overall, Da Nang offers a modern city experience with stunning beaches, while Hoi An is a charming ancient town with a rich cultural heritage.

Choosing between the two depends on your preferences, but it’s worth noting that Da Nang and Hoi An are located close to each other, making it possible to visit both easily.

Summary – Central Vietnam Itinerary

There is no better way to experience the wonders of Central Vietnam attractions than by following this 7-day itinerary. From the former capital of Hue Imperial city to the fantasy park of Ba Na Hills, there are so many hidden gems to explore.

But don’t let all the sightseeing distract you from the amazing food located nearby. Make sure to take a break and enjoy local cuisine and visit the Golden Bridge and the capital city of Hanoi.

In conclusion, your 7-day itinerary for Central Vietnam promises to give you a unique, memorable experience that combines a mix of historical sites, delicious local cuisine, stunning views, and fantastic shopping opportunities – what more can you wish for?!