Temples, street food, lanterns & coastlines — explore the soul of Vietnam in just one week
Central Vietnam is where history, culture, and coastline meet. From the ancient Imperial City of Hue, through the misty mountains of Bach Ma, to the sun-soaked beaches of Da Nang and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, this region offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern adventure.
In just 7 days, you can travel through three UNESCO Heritage Sites, sample the region’s most unique cuisine, and discover hidden gems in coastal villages and forested national parks.
Ready for your Central Vietnam journey? Let’s map it out — day by day.
📍 Day 1: Arrive in Hue – The Imperial Capital
Morning:
Arrival at Phu Bai International Airport (HUI): Upon landing at Phu Bai International Airport, you’ll find yourself approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of Hue’s city center.
Transportation to City Center:
Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. The journey to the city center typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Fares range from 200,000 to 300,000 VND (approximately $8–$12 USD), depending on the taxi company and vehicle type . Reputable taxi companies include Mai Linh Taxi, Thanh Do Taxi, Phu Xuan Taxi, and Dong Ba Taxi.
Public Bus: Budget travelers can opt for public buses, such as Bus No. 2 or Bus No. 11. Fares are economical, ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 VND (approximately $0.40–$1.60 USD). However, buses may be less convenient if you have significant luggage or arrive during off-peak hours.
Ride-Hailing Services: Apps like Grab operate in Hue, offering both car and motorbike options. Fares are comparable to traditional taxis, and the app provides fare estimates and driver details upfront.
Accommodation: Once in the city, check into a heritage-style hotel or a boutique guesthouse along the Huong River.
Afternoon:
Imperial City (Đại Nội): Begin your exploration with a visit to the Imperial City, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Wander through Thai Hoa Palace, the Forbidden Purple City, and admire the beautifully restored gates and temples.
Evening:
Culinary Delights: Dine at renowned establishments such as Les Jardins de La Carambole or Hanh Restaurant, savoring Hue specialties like bún bò Huế, nem lụi, and bánh bèo.
Evening Entertainment: Consider enjoying a traditional royal music performance on a dragon boat cruise along the Huong River.
🎒 Travel Tip: Rent a bicycle to get around Hue easily and enjoy its laid-back vibe.
🏯 Day 2: Royal Tombs and Countryside
Morning:
Visit Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh – a fusion of Eastern mysticism and Western architecture.
Continue to Tomb of Minh Mang, set in a serene pine forest and reflecting perfect Feng Shui.
Afternoon:
Stop by Thien Mu Pagoda, the 7-story historic symbol of Hue.
Take a countryside motorbike tour through rice paddies and riverside villages.
🌿 Day 3: Bach Ma National Park Adventure
Morning:
Depart early for Bach Ma National Park (about 1.5 hours from Hue).
Trek to the Five Lakes, Do Quyen Waterfall, and the old French villas hidden in the misty hills.
Afternoon:
Have a picnic lunch and enjoy birdwatching (Bach Ma is a biodiversity hotspot).
Optional: Cool off in one of the natural pools or hike to the Hai Vong Dai summit for panoramic views.
Evening:
- Return to Hue or continue on to Lang Co Beach to stay overnight.
🏕️ Alternative: Spend a night in a mountain homestay or eco-resort near the park for a tranquil escape.
🌊 Day 4: Coastal Drive to Da Nang via Hai Van Pass
Morning:
Drive or ride a motorbike over the legendary Hai Van Pass – “the ocean cloud pass.”
Stop for views of the coastline, Lang Co lagoon, and the old French bunkers at the top.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Da Nang. Grab lunch at Mi Quang 1A — try mì Quảng, the city’s beloved turmeric noodle dish.
Visit the Marble Mountains, explore the caves, pagodas, and climb up for the views.
Evening:
Stroll along My Khe Beach, swim at sunset, and enjoy fresh seafood by the water.
Optional nightlife: Rooftop bars like Sky36 or the riverside café scene.
🏍️ Pro Tip: The Hai Van Pass is safe for confident drivers — rent an automatic bike and go slow for the views.
🐉 Day 5: Discover Da Nang & Head to Hoi An
Morning:
Visit the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture — the best collection of Cham art in the world.
Stop by the famous Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire on weekend nights.
Afternoon:
Head toward Hoi An Ancient Town (just 45 minutes away).
Check into a riverside boutique hotel or a homestay in the Old Town.
Evening:
Get lost in the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and the night market.
Try street food like cao lầu, white rose dumplings, and grilled pork skewers.
🎨 Add-On: Customize your own lantern at a local workshop or take a tailor-made clothing fitting (Hoi An is fashion heaven!).
🍜 Day 6: Culture & Cuisine in Hoi An
Morning:
- Take a cooking class at Red Bridge, Gioan, or Tra Que Garden — including a local market visit and boat ride.
- Learn how to make Hoi An specialties like banh xeo and pho.
Afternoon:
- Cycle through Tra Que Village to see organic farms and local herb gardens.
- Relax at An Bang Beach — swim, surf, or sip cocktails with ocean views.
🚲 Tip: Most hotels offer free bikes — take advantage and explore the rice fields at golden hour.
🏝️ Day 7: Cham Islands or My Son Sanctuary (Choose Your Own Adventure)
🌴 Option 1: Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
Morning to afternoon:
- Take a speedboat to Cham Islands, a marine protected area.
- Snorkel in coral reefs, relax on Bai Chong Beach, and enjoy seafood lunch on the sand.
Evening:
- Return to Hoi An and explore any last-minute shopping or spa sessions.
🐠 Note: The Cham Islands are best visited between March and September.
🛕 Option 2: My Son Sanctuary – Sacred Valley of the Cham Kings
Morning:
- Take a half-day trip to My Son, Vietnam’s mini-Angkor Wat.
- Explore the ruined red-brick towers, over 1,000 years old, nestled in a jungle valley.
Afternoon:
- Return to Hoi An, relax at your hotel, or go café-hopping in town.
Evening:
- Celebrate your last night with a romantic dinner or join a traditional Hoi An Memories Show — a spectacular open-air performance of history and heritage.
✈️ Bonus Travel Tips
- When to Visit:
Best months for Central Vietnam are February to August (dry season). Rainy season begins in September. - How to Get Around:
- Grab car rentals, motorbikes, or book private transfers.
- For budget travelers, local buses and trains are easy to book.
- Packing List:
- Comfortable shoes, sunblock, swimwear, insect repellent, and a raincoat (just in case).
- Respectful clothing for temples and pagodas.
- Safety:
Central Vietnam is safe for solo travelers and families alike. Always carry hotel cards and drink bottled water.
7 Days, Infinite Memories
A week in Central Vietnam is just enough to scratch the surface — but every day reveals something unforgettable. Whether it’s the ancient echoes of imperial Hue, the mountain mists of Bach Ma, the vibrant beaches of Da Nang, or the poetic nostalgia of Hoi An, this itinerary is a love letter to Vietnam’s central soul.
Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to fall in love.