Tag: Vietnam Travel guide

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Da Nang best things to do & travel guide

Da Nang is halfway between the capital Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh city in the south. It is the fourth largest city in Vietnam. Apart from some historical sites, the famous Hai Van Pass, the Son Tra peninsula and the beaches are the main reason for staying here.

5 reasons to visit Da Nang

  1. Drive motorbike over the Hai Van Pass
  2. Explore the Son Tra peninsula
  3. Rock climbing at the Marble Mountains
  4. Relax on the beach
  5. Watch the fire show of the dragon bridge

What is in this Da Nang travel guide

Practical information

Recommended days to stay

If you are in Da Nang in the right season, it is a great place to stay for a few days at the beach. If you are desire a bit more culture and things to do, it is recommended to skip this city and stay in the neighboring town of Hoi An.

ATM’s & money exchange

There are ATMs everywhere in the city, including a number at international banks.

Local events and holidays

  • Danang International Fireworks Festival: Held in the months of May or June, with spectacular displays of international fireworks teams illuminating the river and bridges.
Best time to visit
  • Dry season: April – August
  • Monsoon season: September – March
  • Warmest months: June – August (with the highest average temperature of 35 ° C)
  • Coolest months: November – January (with lowest average temperature of 18 ° C)

10 best things to do in Da Nang

Not long ago, Da Nang was a port town like so many can be found in Vietnam. However, in a short time Da Nang has developed into one of the largest and most modern cities in Vietnam. The beautiful beaches of Da Nang and the surrounding area have made the city one of the best beach destination in Vietnam.

There are lots of things to do in Da Nang, but especially around it. It is located right between the two ancient cities of Hoi An and Hue and you can find impressive national parks and stunning coastal roads.

1. Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van Pass is at number one of the top 10 things to do in Da Nang. Made famous in an episode of the Top Gear TV show, the Hai Van Pass is now a must-do for thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts and adventurers looking for alternative things to do in Da Nang. 

This 21 km long mountain pass between Da Nang and Hue offers some of the most incredible ocean views. A new highway tunnel that has been built ensures that the traffic over the mountain pass is minimal. Rent a scooter in the city and leave early in the morning if you plan to be back in Da Nang the same day. 

2. Son Tra

The beautiful rainforest that juts out into the sea from the city of Da Nang is called the Son Tra peninsula. Rent a scooter to ride the newly constructed road to the end of the peninsula and view the nature reserve and head to the top for a great view. If you are lucky you can see a very rare monkey, the red Duoc Langur. There are also a host of unspoilt beaches along the peninsula, making it one of the most beautiful and unspoilt sights in Da Nang.

3. Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are a cluster of marble and limestone hills just 7 km from the city and one of the best sights in Da Nang. The mountains are full of caves, tunnels and Buddhist shrines that you can discover. You can climb to the top of the mountains for spectacular views of the entire area. If you are more adventurous, you can also rock climbing and abseiling in the Marble Mountains.

4. Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is one of the best known landmarks in Da Nang, particularly for Vietnamese tourists. It is one of the newest and most exciting projects in Vietnam. It is a mountain village on top of a mountain that looks like a medieval castle, but within these stone walls are modern accommodations, restaurants and a Fantasy Park full of exciting attractions. The newest addition is the golden bridge that is being held by two giant stone hands.

5. Relax on the beaches

The best beaches in Da Nang are known for their clear water and fine sand. The more popular beaches, such as My Khe and Non Nuoc, are relatively close to the city center and are often full of locals during the weekend and on public holidays. You can also find plenty of local restaurants with fresh fish and Da Nang specialties at affordable prices. Beaches further from the city are often a lot quieter. View here the list of the most beautiful beaches in Da Nang.

6. Dragon Bridge

The Dragon Bridge is a long bridge with six lanes and a popular place among photographers. This unique bridge is built in the shape of a golden dragon. Although it is a beautiful sight at any time of the day, Dragon Bridge is special (and full of tourists) during the weekend because it is illuminated with colorful LEDs as the fire exhales and water spits out from 9 p.m.

7. Cham Island

If you want to see coral reefs, colorful fish, tropical beaches and islets, then the best thing to do in Da Nang is taking a trip to Cham Island. It is actually a cluster of beautiful islands that are only an hour’s boat ride from Da Nang. It is a great day trip or you can spend the night there. In a day trip you visit a few islands, you go snorkeling and you can relax on the beach.

8. Cham Museum

Cham Museum shows the age-old culture, lifestyle and customs of the indigenous Cham tribe in Vietnam, dating back to 192AD. Founded during colonial French rule in 1915, it is known as the only museum of its kind in the world. Cham Museum Da Nang is divided into ten rooms, where 300 terracotta and stone sculptures from the 7th to the 15th century are exhibited.

9. My Son

My Son is approximately a 40-minute drive from Da Nang. There are several companies that organize trips there, or you can drive there yourself with a scooter. This attraction is not as big as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, but it does offer a good insight into the past of the country. There is a small museum at the entrance and all the ruins have information boards.

10. Hoi An

The most famous landmark in the region is the old town of Hoi An. If you do not plan to stay in Hoi An, this is the best thing you can do from Da Nang. Read here how to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An. In this well-preserved old trading city you can easily spend a whole day seeing and visiting old buildings, markets and the lanterns that give a nice atmosphere in the evening.

Best hotels & hostels in Da Nang

Where to stay

On the beach – One of the best things to do in Da Nang is enjoying it’s beautiful beaches. So for obvious reasons this is the best place to stay. There is a very long strip along the beach with different neighborhoods like Son Tra, An Thuong, My An and Khue My. This is also the place with the most hotels and (western) restaurants.

Near the river – The Han River is a very popular place to find a hotel in Da Nang with many restaurants, bars and good nightlife.

Staying in Hoi An – Most tourists choose to stay in Hoi An for a better atmosphere and take a day trip to Da Nang. It is only 45 minutes from Da Nang to Hoi An.

Best hostels & hotels in Da Nang

Budget hotels & hostels

  • Barney’S Danang Backpackers House
  • Travellers Nest Hostel
  • Danang Backpackers Hoste

Mid range hotel

  • Halina Hotel and Apartment
  • Mitisa Hotel Danang
  • John Boutique Villa Apartment
  • Frangipani Boutique Hotel Da Nang
  • Avora Hotel

High end hotel & resort

  • Monarque Hotel Danang
  • Grandvrio Ocean Resort Danang
  • InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Food & drinking

Restaurants

There are many places where you can eat well in the city of Danang. Due to its location, in the middle of Vietnam, you can find many types of food from the rest of the country. In addition to local dishes, there are also many international style restaurants, with dishes like pizza, pasta, hamburgers and Indian food .

  1. Thien Ly Danang-style
  2. Madame Hanh
  3. Market’s
  4. Tamarind Tree Restaurant Da Nang
  5. Sofia Restaurant
  6. Red Sky Bar & Restaurant
  7. Lam Vien Restaurant
  8. Madame Lân
  9. Ngon Villa Danang
  10. Burger Bros

Nightlife

The nightlife and nightlife in Da Nang consists of a collection of rooftop bars, sophisticated lounges, friendly expat bars and lively night clubs.

Rooftop bars

  • Sky 36
  • Brilliant Top Bar

Clubs

  • New Phuong Dong Nightclub
  • Golden Pine
  • OQ Bar

Bar & live music

  • The Daw
  • Seventeen Saloon
  • Bamboo Bar 2
  • 7 Bridges Brewery

How to get there

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Flights to Da Nang

The busy Danang airport has many domestic connections and popular international flights to Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore. There are also a growing number of connections with Laos, China, Taiwan and South Korea. Domestic flights to destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Dalat and Nha Trang are operated by regional airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar.

Busses to Hanoi

Buses run regularly between Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An. There is a large Danang bus station in Dien Bien Phu Street, 3 kilometers west of the city center. From there, there are buses to all major destinations in Vietnam, including Quy Nhon, Hue, Nha Trang and Hanoi.

Buses run regularly between Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An. There is a large Danang bus station in Dien Bien Phu Street, 3 kilometers west of the city center. From there, there are buses to all major destinations in Vietnam, including Quy Nhon, Hue, Nha Trang and Hanoi.

Trains to Da Nang

The Da Nang train station is just outside the city center and you will find a train connection that can take you anywhere in Vietnam. The train ride to Hue is one of the best in the country and is worth taking on itself as an excursion.

How to get around

Grab / Taxi: Getting a Grab taxi anywhere in Da Nang is pretty easy. This saves money compared to a normal taxi. You just have to download the app and have an internet or data connection. To avoid expensive taxis, you must choose a well-known taxi brand: Mai Linh Taxi, Vinasun Taxi, Tien Sa Taxi.

Motorbike rental: Traveling by motorbike is the most fun option of all. The average price for renting a motorcycle is 130,000 VND ($ 6) per day.

Private car: If you want to make a day trip to certain places of interest or a place outside Da Nang, you can rent a car with driver.

More tips for traveling in Da Nang

Where to go next?

It is very easy to travel from Da Nang to other cities in Vietnam due to its airport with very good domestic connections. You can fly to Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Dalat or Nha Trang. In addition it is also located a 45 minute ride to Hoi An and a 1,5 hour ride to Hue.

Da Nang with kids

Da Nang is a great place to bring children. There is a huge beach where they can play, different attraction parks such as Ba Na Hills and Asia Park and plenty of day trips you can do from here.

Language

Da Nang is a very international city, so most people in hotels and restaurants speak a descent word of English.

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Dalat best things to do & travel guide

Dalat is clearly one of the highlights of Vietnam, especially if you like adrenaline. Dalat is completely different from any other place in Vietnam. The weather is spring-like cool instead of tropical hot, the city is littered with elegant French-colonial villas instead of a grim socialist architecture, and the farms around are littered with strawberries and flowers instead of rice.

5 reasons to visit Dalat

  1. Increase the adrenaline pace with mountain biking, white water rafting, canyoning or a climbing adventure in the hills around Dalat.
  2. Jump on a motorbike and explore the waterfalls, lakes and forests in the area.
  3. In the early morning, gibbons wanted to track down and then search for crocodiles in the Cat Tien National Park.
  4. Visit the local farms and plantations.
  5. Enjoy local food, which comes directly from the area.

What is in this Dalat travel guide

  • Practical information
  • Best time to visit
  • 10 best things to do
  • Best hotels & hostels
  • Food & drinking
  • How to get there
  • How to get around
  • Itinerary

Practical information

Recommended days to stay

If you like adventure it is recommended to stay around 3 days in Dalat, so you have time to do some activities as well as driving through the area and visiting the waterfalls, forests and lakes.

ATM’s & money exchange

Dalat is a relative big town with enough ATM’s.

Local events and holidays

Dalat Flower Festival – A cultural festival which takes place every other year between late December and early January, with the purpose of exhibiting flowers, vegetables and ornamental plants from the local as well as other regions within the country

Best time to visit

  • Spring (January-March) – Season of trees and flowers; between 20 and 28 degrees
  • Summer (April – June) – Season of fog and warm weather; between 24 and 31 degrees
  • Autumn (July – September) – Season of rain; between 24 and 31
  • Winter (October to December) – Season of flowers on the hills; between 20 and 26 degrees

10 best things to do in Dalat

Dalat is a cool mountain town for both Vietnamese and travelers who want to escape the heat and smog of the larger cities. Most people come here so that they can relax and enjoy the natural sights in Dalat, such as the lakes, forests, hills and plantations. But there is also a lot of action for those who want to make their heart beat in perhaps the adventure capital of Vietnam. These are the 10 best things to do in Dalat.

1. Canyoning in Dalat

Without a doubt, canyoning is the best thing to do in Dalat. Especially for the real adventurous travelers it is one of the highlights in Vietnam. During canyoning in Dalat you abseil from waterfalls, jump from cliffs into the river, enjoy a zipline above the water, float in a river and slide down a natural water slide.

2. Explore waterfalls

There are many different waterfalls in Dalat. Some of these are not far from the city and are therefore easy to visit, but others require a long drive. The most famous is the Datanla waterfall. Here you will also find a mountain toboggan roller coaster, cable car and the place where you will find the popular canyoning.

The Pongour waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls, where the water flows down several steps. The forests around the waterfall give it an extra magical atmosphere.

The Elephant Waterfall is another impressive waterfall that is a little closer to the city. The path that leads to the waterfall is a bit tricky, but well worth a visit.

A number of other waterfalls around and in Dalat are Bao Dai waterfall, Prenn waterfall and Tiger waterfall.

3. Mountain biking

Dalat is a paradise for mountain bikers, with some great single-track, technical descents, mountain climbing and once on top, breathtaking views of fields, forests and mountains. Mountain biking is therefore one of the best things to do in Dalat and a great way to explore the region.

4. Trekking

Relaxed walks or adventurous treks through nature and along forest paths are another way to discover the beauty of this area. It is full of many natural sights in Dalat where you can find interesting animals and birds. Some tours can lead you to caves, waterfalls, lakes, volcanic peaks, minority villages, suspension bridges and farmland. The best known treks are to the top of Lang Biang Mountain and treks through the Bidoup Nui Ba National Park.

5. Easy Rider Tour

Would you like to explore the forests, lakes, waterfalls and plantations of Dalat, but would you rather not be in a car or would you rather not drive a motorcycle yourself? The Dalat easy riders are the perfect solution! Easy Riders are experienced guides who take behind travelers to popular sights, as well as places that all these local guides know where to find a more authentic experience. They can be found all over Vietnam today, but are originally from Dalat. This is therefore the best place to take an Easy Rider in Vietnam.

These motorcycle guides drive around the city, but you can also book them in advance. They often have a book with reviews and pre-made routes, but you can also indicate your wishes. It is possible to take a day tour to a waterfall, plantations and forests, but you can even take a multi-day easy rider tour, where you can choose to go through the central highlands or drive to the coast and continue along one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam.

6. Coffee shops

Vietnam is the second largest coffee exporter in the world, just after Brazil and most coffee comes from the central highlands, where Dalat is located. So what better place than to have a coffee in this region?

In addition to coffee in Vietnam, a whole culture has also developed around coffee shops, and Dalat is the capital of this. It is more than a place where you come to drink coffee, but also where you come for the environment. These small coffee bars are often uniquely decorated or have a special theme and others have are situated in a unique environment. For example, you will find coffee shops in Dalat on top of mountains with a beautiful view over the forests or greenhouses that are lid in the evening. Enjoy the view over a lake or the city. And coffee shops in less good locations are uniquely decorated or with a special theme, such as Harry Potter, fairy tales or a jungle theme.

7. Tuyen Lam lake

Tuyen Lam Lake is the most beautiful lake in the Dalat area and is also called Paradise Lake. The lake is surrounded by a green pine forest and gives a peaceful feeling in a beautiful landscape. In addition to enjoying the romantic scenery around the lake, you can go horse riding, climbing, fishing and kayaking. You can combine a visit to this lake with the cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda, which is right next to the lake.

8. Dalat night market

The best thing to do in Dalat at night is a visit to the Dalat night market. When the night market is open in the weekend, the central market area is pure madness, with thousands of people shopping and socializing. It is a lively scene apart from the usual relaxed pace of the city. Even on weekday evenings, the area is rich with inviting scents from all street vendors.

9. Coffee and tea plantations

Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee exporters and many of the highlands around Dalat are used for plantations. The central highlands of Vietnam offer the ideal climate for growing tea and coffee. When you drive through the Dalat region you will pass large plantations of both coffee and tea and depending on the season there will be countless tarps on the road where coffee beans dry in the sun.

10. Crazy house

The Crazy House in Dalat offers a bizarre structure and completely unique experience. It is officially called the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, but is known as Crazy House for its bizarre and crazy design. With many revolving corridors and odd spaces, this is something completely different.

You can choose to stay here overnight, altough you have to keep in mind it is also a tourist attraction. A better option might be just visiting this place for an hour.

Best hotels & hostels in Dalat

Where to stay

Staying in the center – Located near the Dalat night market, suitable for shopping, eating and relaxing, most means of transport (taxi, motorcycle, bicycle) are available, with many beautiful views that are worth seeing, including Xuan Huong Lake, the flower garden of the city of Dalat.

Hotels outside the city of Dalat – Staying further away from the city center also has some unique advantages: a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, less touristy and a cheaper price. Although it takes you more time to travel to the market or other highlights of the city, in return you get a beautiful landscape to enjoy, as well as more private space to relax.

Best hotels & hostels in Dalat

Budget hotels & hostels

  • The Lake House
  • Gaia hostel
  • Magnolia
  • Cozy Nook Hostel
  • Mr.Peace Backpacker’s House

Mid range hotel

  • La Vie En Rose Villa
  • Tasme Hotel
  • Boutique Stop and Go
  • Tulip Hotel
  • Iris Dalat Hotel
  • Sam Tuyền Lâm Resort

High end hotel & resort

  • Zen Valley Dalat Resort
  • Swiss Belresort Tuyen Lam
  • Terracotta Hotel and Resort Dalat

Food & drinking

Restaurants

Dalat has numerous restaurants to serve varied visitors, of all shapes and sizes, ranging from local Dalat dishes to central and South Vietnamese dishes and a large number of Western and French-inspired eateries, bars and restaurants. The city has a reputation for high-quality fresh produce and is also the source of some of the best coffee in Vietnam.

Restaurants
1. Artist Alley Restaurant
2. Le Chalet Dalat
3. Goc Ha Thanh Restaurant
4. Da Quy Restaurant
5. Chu Quan Bbq Grill

Cafe / coffee shop
1. An cafe
2. Me Linh Coffee Garden
3. Wednesday’s Violet book cafe
4. Ma Rung Lu Quan (Ma Rung Inn)
5. Panorama Cafe Dalat
6. Cafe Nông Trại Vui Vẻ

Nightlife

The nightlife in Dalat is quiet compared to other cities in Vietnam because it is best known as a place for rest and relaxation. However, you can still find a handful of great bars and pubs until late in the evening:

  1. Dalat Night Market
  2. Maze bar
  3. The Escape Bar
  4. Beepub Hostel & Bar
  5. Rain Nightclub
  6. V Club Da Lat

How to get there

Flights to Dalat

There are regular flights with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar, including a daily service to Danang (1¼ hour), four daily to Hanoi (1¾ hour) and HCMC (45 minutes), and twice a week to Can Tho (1¼ hour) ).

Busses to Dalat

Dalat is an important bus stop for open bus tickets. The Sinh Tourist has daily buses to Mui Ne, Nha Trang and HCMC.

Dalat’s long-distance bus station is 1.5 km south of Xuan Huong Lake and is dominated by Phuong Trang buses that offer free hotel pick-ups and drop-offs and buses to all major regional destinations.

How to get around

Motorbike: The bets way to get around is by motorbike/scooter. Rent is 150,000d to 200,000d per day. It is understandable if you don’t want to drive around yourself, as the roads in Vietnam as not very safe. In this case we highly recommend doing a Easy Rider tour.

Car: Alternatively you can travel by comfortable car. Daily rental (with driver) starts at around $ 50.

Taxi: For within the city you can use taxis. Uses Mai Linh for reliable service.

More tips for traveling in Dalat

Where to go next?

From the city you can easily travel by bus or car to the coast cities of Nha Trang (if you are planning to go north) and Mui Ne (if you are planning to go south). You can also go by bus or flight to to Ho Chi Minh City. It is possible to go straight to Hoi An / Da Nang by bus, but it is not recommended to takes these long bus trips. There are flights available too from Dalat to Da Nang.

You can also choose to continue your journey through the central highlands and visit destinations such as Dak Lak, Kon Tum and Pleiku.

Dalat with kids

Dalat is a nice destination in Vietnam with kids, especially if they are a little older. You can take wonderful walks through the forest, mountain biking and kayaking. There are also plenty of sights that you can visit in the city and the surrounding area.

Plan well before your cruise to make your every moment in Vietnam unforgettable.Make your plan to Vietnam right now by apply a Vietnam visa at vietnamvisapro.net. We, a reputable and reliable Visa service, will assist you turn your plan into reality at the very first step

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Travel guide & Hue best things to do

The ancient city of Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty at the beginning of the 19th century and during the Vietnam-US war some of the most intense conflicts took place in this region. One of the main tourist attractions of Hue is the Royal Palace of the imperial city. There are also a number of places of interest left over from the Vietnam War, such as a military base and tunnels in the DMZ.

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Recommended days to stay

Most of the temples and city you can see within one day. You can choose to stay another day or two if you want to make a day trip to the DMZ or Bach Ma National Park.

ATM’s & money exchange

Hue is a big city, there are plenty of ATMs to be found.

Local events and holidays

  • Hue Festival: This art festival is held in even years with local and international artists at historic buildings, street parades, sampan races and markets.

Best time to visit

  • The best travel time: From January to April, with 20 to 25 degrees and almost no rain.
  • Dry season: The complete season that there is little or no rainfall is from March to August.

10 best things to do in Hue

The city is a beautiful mix of old and new buildings that are mainly separated by the Parfume River. Hue was the imperial capital of Vietnam between 1802 and 1945. Although many beautiful buildings have been lost as a result of the wars, Hue is busy restoring various highlights in the city.

1. Hue Imperial Citadel

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Without a doubt, the most impressive and best thing to do in Hue is a visit to the Imperial City. In the walled Hue Imperial City, also known as the Citadel, you will find the Forbidden Purple City, dozens of royal tombs, pagodas, temples, royal rooms, a library and a museum.

You can easily walk around here for 3 hours to visit everything. A guide is not necessary but recommended if you want to learn more about the history and the times when there was fierce fighting here during the Vietnam War.

2. Lang Co beach

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One of the best beaches in Vietnam can be found close to the city of Hue. The beach is 10 kilometers long with palm trees, clear water and a number of good resorts. It is still a 60 km drive from the center. You can also choose to stay here for a night, a day trip or a stop on the way between Hue and Da Nang just before the Hai Van Pass.

3. Tombs and temples

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Besides the Imperial City, you can find many other tombs, temples and pagodas in and around the city of Hue. The tombs of the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty are scattered on hills south of the city and can be reached by boat or bicycle. In total there are seven tombs: the other emperors died in exile and were buried.

The best known and most impressive are the Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Hon Chen Temple and The To Mieu Temple.

4. Hai Van Pass

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The Hai Van Pass is located between Hue and Da Nang and is one of the most stunning coastal roads in Vietnam. It is very popular to drive the road by motorbike (or on the back of one), but you can also go by car or an old army jeep. The views along the way are spectacular and you can combine to drive with a visit to some other sights along the way, such as Lang Co beach, fishing villages, the Marble Mountains and a small waterfall.

  • Tip:Excited to go? Check out our Hai Van Pass tours here, including behind on the motorbike of an Easy Rider, a comfortable car or by military jeep!

5. Bach Ma National Park

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Bach Ma National Park is an old French hill station that extends over 40,000 hectares and offers great hiking trails, dilapidated French villas, waterfalls, a campsite and lots of wildlife.

The best way is to go on a Bach Ma national park trekking tour through the forest. There are several routes to choose from. The nicest routes bring you along some small lakes and waterfalls. Also make sure to visit the peak with amazing views over the forest. 

6. Dong Ba market

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Dong Ba market is the largest market in Central Vietnam and is the perfect place to see the local life. It is a lively market hall where you can buy handicrafts, vegetables, fruit, meat and clothing.

The market is not far from the citadel and on the Perfume River, so you can easily combine a visit with other sights. Walk around the market to watch locals negotiate and get their daily groceries. It is a unique and above all authentic experience.

7. Dragon boat trip on the Perfume River

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The perfume river flows through the middle of the city and can be a relaxing break from city life. Boat trips, pedal boats and dinner cruises are available.

The best way to discover the river is by a dragon boat ride – they are not to be missed. From the boat you can see the local life on shore and the fishermen and transport boats on the water. There are also a number of riverside temples that you can visit on a dragon boat tour.

8. Cycling

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With less traffic than other major cities, Hue is arguably the best city for cycling in Vietnam. Many tourists choose to ride a bicycle along the banks of the Huong River, to the Citadel. You can also visit a number of temples a little further from the center. Some accommodations lend bicycles for free, otherwise you can rent a bicycle cheaply in the center of the city.

If you are a fanatic cyclist, you can also choose to cycle out of the city and explore the quiet countryside. You can also take a bike tour through Hue countryside so a guide can show you the way. It’s a very calming experience, and quite authentic, as you pass through areas where few other travelers go.

  • Tip:If you prefer not to cycle yourself, you can enjoy a traditional cyclo ride. A cyclo is a three-wheeled bicycle taxi that appeared in Vietnam during the French colonial era. Local Vietnam offers various cyclo rides in Hue. View all tours in Hue here to see your options.

9. DMZ

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During the Vietnam War, there was fierce fighting in the city of Hue, which damaged many historic buildings. But the city is also adjacent to the DMZ – Vietnam’s Demilitarized Zone. Here you will find the border between the former North Vietnam and South Vietnam. There are still a number of sights that you can visit in this area where you can get an idea of how it went. On a tour of the DMZ you usually visit the Hien Luong Bridge which is right on the border, an abandoned American base with abandoned vehicles and the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a tunnel system where an entire village lived to shelter from the bombs.

  • Tip:If you want to see this area, have a look at our DMZ tour by small group. If you are also planning to go to Phong Nha after or before Hue, you can also do a sightseeing transfer through the DMZ between these two destinations.

10. Hue abandoned water park

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Photography enthusiasts and urban explorers will want to go here. Ho Thuy Tien is a small abandoned water park on a lake not too far from the city.

The water park has been abandoned for over 10 years. Certain parts are ruins, overgrown and broken, it feels a bit like you’ve walked into a horror movie. In the middle of the lake is a dragon’s head, the main attraction. All around you will find empty swimming pools and dirty slides.

It is not an official tourist attraction and in some places there is glass on the floor, so watch out and don’t wear flip flops.

Best hotels & hostels in Hue

Where to stay

The best area to stay in Hue is the city center, in the area closest to the imperial city, the main attraction of Hue, located on the banks of the river. Here you will find the vast majority of hotels in the city. The area also offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shops nearby.

Best hotels & hostels in Hue

Budget hotels & hostels

  • Hue Happy Homestay
  • Sunny A Hotel
  • Jade Hotel Hue
  • Hong Thien Ruby Hotel

Mid range hotel

  • Beaulieu Boutique Hotel
  • The Scarlett Boutique Hotel Hue
  • Moonlight Hotel Hue

High end hotel & resort

  • Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa
  • Vedana Lagoon Wellness Resort & Spa
  • Indochine Palace Hotel

Food & drinking

Restaurants

Hue is known for its imperial cuisine, originally prepared for the emperor. Although the food emphasis more on presentation than on taste, an imperial banquet is worth it. If you are a street food lover, then Hue is also the right place for you.

  1. Serene Cuisine Restaurant
  2. Risotto Restaurant
  3. ZUCCA Restaurant
  4. Golden Rice
  5. Elegante Restarant
  6. Madam Thu Restaurant
  7. Family Home Restaurant
  8. Nina’s Cafe
  9.  Les Jardins de La Carambole
  10.  Hanh Restaurant

Nightlife

There is is a lot to do at night in Hanoi. You can join the locals with a beer on the street, go clubbing, chill in a bar or enjoy a impressive performance in the Opera House.

  1. Explore the illuminated sights in the evening
  2. DMZ Bar
  3. Why Not? Bar
  4. Secret Lounge Hue
  5. Le’s Garden Hue
  6. Brown Eyes Bar
  7. One For The Road

How to get there

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Flights to Hue

Hue has a small international airport, with daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Hue’s Phu Bai International Airport is currently served by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet and JetStar Pacific.

Buses to Hue

Hue is connected by bus to other cities in Central Vietnam. Buses run daily from Hoi An and make the journey to Hue in about three and a half hours. There are also daily buses from other cities, such as Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Dong Hoi, Da Nang and even from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Trains to Hue

Hue train station is one of the many stops on the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train route that goes through the largest part of Vietnam. The train journey from Hue to Da Nang is a very beautiful route that is even worth doing as an excursion.

Private transportation

A great alternative is getting private transportation. The route between Hue and Da Nang/Hoi An goes over the Hai Van pass, a stunning coastal road. On the way there are a few sights that you can visit too.

If you go north to Phong Nha, you can visit the sights that are located in the DMZ.

You can either go by Easy Rider or private car for both routes.

How to get around

Taxis are everywhere in Hue, although there are a few that take you on a rather detour if you don’t know the area. To prevent this, look out for the Green Mai Linh or yellow Taxi Vang, which use both meters.

Cyclos and motor taxis are very popular. Drivers will name an amount they think they can get, so you have to come up with a price that you think is reasonable.

Cycling is best suited for those who want to visit the sights themselves in and around the center of Hue. There are numerous hotels with bikes and bicycle shops.

Itinerary 2 days in Hue

Day 1

The first morning in Hue you start with a walk around Hue Citadel and the imperial city. In the afternoon you rent a bike or a motor-taxi to the Thien Mu pagoda along the romantic Perfume River. If you have more time, you can cycle even further. At night you take a boat trip along the Perfume River, where you can enjoy live music.

Day 2

Take a day trip. Choose to go through the DMZ and visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels and the Khe Sanh Combat Base.

Or make a trekking in Bach Ma national park.

Make your plan to Vietnam right now by apply a Vietnam visa at vietnamvisapro.net. We, a reputable and reliable Visa service, will assist you turn your plan into reality at the very first step.

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Moc Chau: Your One-Stop Nature Escape

Need a quick “Green” fix? Then a few days in Moc Chau is just what the doctor ordered. Crowned “World’s Leading Regional Nature Destination” by the 2022 World Travel Awards, Moc Chau provides a year-round, weather accommodating bounty. Located in the northern province of Son La (about 200km from Hanoi), Moc Chau is known as the “Green Pearl.”

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Situated on a massive plateau (80km long, 25km wide and rising over 1,000 meters above sea level), the “Green Pearl” delivers a host of nature’s wonders: mountains, rivers, waterfalls, caves, an abundance of flowers and breathtaking blooms of apricot, plum and peach blossoms. 

Living harmoniously with this natural wonderland are 12 indigenous ethnic groups, their cultural practices very much on display (in daily life and through myriad festivals). 

You’ll find community-based green attractions such as Ang Village, Doi Village and Vat Village. These villages actively embrace eco-tourism as a way of promoting sustainability. You can also visit Moc Chau Island which was created in a concerted effort to embellish and preserve Moc Chau’s eco-friendly status. 

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Below are a few suggestions for your Moc Chau/Green Pearl experience:

You hear Dai Yem waterfall before you see it. As you meander through the dense forest along the winding road that leads to the falls, you begin to feel the rumble—to hear the roar as it joins in harmonious chorus with the birds and cicadas. Dai Yem is divided into two shelves. From the top, the drop is over 100 meters, while the lower shelf provides visitors the convenience of exploration and swimming in the pond just below the lower ledge. A benefit of visiting Dai Yem is the opportunity to cross the red painted Love Glass Bridge (Cau Kinh Tinh Yeu). This ornately carved transparent glass bridge offers a unique view of Dai Yem itself.

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With about 3000 hectares of tea fields, Moc Chau is the largest tea growing region in all of Vietnam. These sprawling waves of green tea leaves are found in an area mostly inhabited (and worked) by the Hmong and Thai ethnic groups. Conical hats and colorful costumes bob amongst the blanket of green as they go about their cultivating practices, creating a visual feast. Visitors can mingle and take photographs. Bicycle and motorbike rentals are available for deeper exploration. You can also visit the Moc Suong eco-tourism area to experience the ancient tea ceremony and witness the processing of this most valuable crop. 

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It requires quite a bit of uphill hiking to reach Pha Luong Peak, dubbed “The Roof of Moc Chau,” (2,000 meters above sea level) but it’s worth every step. As you ascend, you’ll find the mountainside draped in rice terraces. The simple path takes you through dense forest as you continue your hike upwards. Bordering Vietnam and Laos, the views from the top are unapparelled. The icing on the cake—the rock ledge overhang where bucket-list photo ops have become tradition. 

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Dong Doi (Bat Cave) has an area of over 7,000 square meters, 100m in height and 930m long. Follow the 240-steps to the entrance of this National historical and cultural site. The interior of this impressive limestone cave is wonderous in its riches—from the twinkling, multi-colored stalactites (which eerily resemble Buddhas, elephants, tigers, eagles…), to the dry lake located in the center of the cave.

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Ang Pine Tree Village is a bucolic vision—traditional stilt houses under verdant green canopies with a lake surrounded by pine forests. The nearby hills are cloaked in green tea leaves while the pine forest is speckled with blossoming flowers and blooms. A pleasant option is exploring the area on horseback. Ang Village is home to the Thai ethnic people whose culture is very much alive and evident in their housing, farming, costumes, customs, music and dance. Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to experience both nature and culture. Dine on traditional Thai food and try the homemade rice wine, which is drunk from a gourd with a long narrow bamboo tube.

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The past and future blend seamlessly on Moc Chau Island (with nature being the bond that holds both together). It starts with Bach Long Bridge (White Dragon Bridge) – the world’s longest glass bridge. Spanning two mountains and providing breathtaking visuals from every angle. This epic crossing also has a cliff-side path that slithers along the mountainside. 

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Once across the bridge you’ll find Chim Than (God Bird) cave with its natural stalactites, ponds and stone sculptures. While not surrounded by water, Moc Chau Island is truly an island unto itself. There’s Central Park Lake with its performing arts water-stage, artificial beaches, amusement parks (ziplines, air slides et al), bike paths and swimming area. The resort park farming area (with regulated humidity and clean water source), is a place where visitors can stroll through fields or fish in streams. The natural culture area and rural tourism ethnic zone showcase traditional ethnic villages, hosting ethnic festivals and offering crafts and cuisine of the indigenous peoples. There’s just so much to experience on Moc Chau Island: The Ecology Tea Garden, The Grasslands Tourism Area, Experimental Gardens and Flower Park. There are also eco-friendly, hyper-modern accommodations available, as well as the open-aired, TaBamboo restaurant, built entirely of bamboo and covered with a thatched roof.

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If it’s an environmentally friendly, outdoor experience you seek, then open the oyster that is Moc Chau and embrace Vietnam’s “Green Pearl” …

Make your plan to Moc Chau,Vietnam right now by apply a Vietnam visa at vietnamvisapro.net. We, a reputable and reliable Visa service, will assist you turn your plan into reality at the very first step.