1 Week Central Vietnam Itinerary: Beaches, Culture, & History
Ready for some cultural immersion and fun in the sun? Welcome to our ideal 1 week Central Vietnam travel itinerary. Whether you’ve only got a few days or the luxury of time, this 7 day Central Vietnam itinerary will help you make the most of your visit.
Ready to explore Vietnam’s underrated hidden gems? Skip Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh and head to Central Vietnam, home to the modern but homey beach city of Da Nang, the colorful, cultural powerhouse of Hoi An, and the awe-inspiring historical city of Hue. We made Central Vietnam our home for 3 months and completely fell in love. This region of Vietnam offers a rich and varied experience, and we’re here to help you make the most of it! In our Central Vietnam travel guide, we’ll outline an ideal 1 week Central Vietnam itinerary. We’ll cover top sights, where to stay, what to eat, and the tours you can’t miss during your 1 week in Vietnam.
Looking for more detailed guides on these Central Vietnam destinations? Check out the links below:
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Your 1 Week Central Vietnam Itinerary: At A Glance
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7 Day Central Vietnam Itinerary
- Lady Buddha, Monkey Mountain, Marble Mountains, Street Food Tour, Love Pier, Dragon Carp Fountain, Dragon Bridge Fire Show, Bar Crawl
- Ba Na Hills Golden Hands Bridge, Han River Cruise
- Walking Tour of Ancient Town (Japanese Covered Bridge), Custom Tailoring, Nighttime Lantern Boat Ride, Night Market
- Vietnamese Coffee Class, Tra Que Vegetable Village, An Bang Beach
- Quan Thang Ancient House, Lantern-Making Class, Cooking Class, Coconut Boat Ride
- Hai Van Pass, An Dinh Palace, Tu Dam Pagoda, Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh
- Imperial City of Hue, Thiên Mụ Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, Vong Canh Hill
Why Visit Central Vietnam?
Central Vietnam is perfect for families, beach lovers, and those looking to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture. Both Da Nang and Hoi An have some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world, and each offer a wealth of engaging activities where you can learn more about Vietnamese culture. From cooking classes to lantern-making, coffee-making and even community service opportunities, it’s a great place to get hands on. Hoi An and Hue are also rich in history, with tons of ancient temples and Vietnamese architecture to explore. And with each of these cities within 2.5 hours of each other, it’s easy to see it all in a 1 week Central Vietnam itinerary – without any pesky overnight buses or trains.
Looking for more nature and outdoors activities on your trip? Northern Vietnam might be a better option for you – check out our 1-2 week travel itinerary for North Vietnam here.
How To Get To Central Vietnam?
You’ll start your 7 day Central Vietnam itinerary by flying into Danang International Airport in Da Nang. This is a super convenient airport, located only a short 15-minute drive from the city. We recommend taking a Grab, Southeast Asia’s #1 rideshare app (like Uber), but beware of Grab scammers at the airport. Learn more in our Da Nang travel guide.
How to Travel Around Central Vietnam?
After arriving in Da Nang, you’ll be traveling across Central Vietnam by Grab, bus, and train. For your 1 week Central Vietnam itinerary, we recommend using 12 Go Asia to research routes and purchase your tickets. 12 Go has the most complete listing of all available transit options in Vietnam. Make sure to closely review the pickup and drop off points to avoid any unnecessary extra logistical hurdles! Heads up though – there are a LOT of route options on 12 Go Asia. If you want to avoid scouring the hundreds of options there, you can also book trains and buses on Get Your Guide or Viator. 12 Go includes routes from a lot of transit providers – all with varying quality levels – so booking with Get Your Guide or Viator also gives you the added reassurance of photos and reviews from past passengers.
Be Prepared - Central Vietnam Travel Guide Tips
Before we get into your 7 day Central Vietnam travel itinerary, we’ve got a few top travel guide tips for visiting the region:
Visa Required
Unlike many top tourist destinations, Vietnam does not provide a free visa-on-arrival for most countries. As such, you’ll need to apply for an e-Visa before arrival. You cannot enter Vietnam without an approved visa in advance, and you cannot apply for a visa from within Vietnam. (Note – some countries do get a free visa-on-arrival. See if your passport is exempt from the Vietnam visa requirement here. You may receive up to 45 days visa-free entry.)
To obtain the e-Visa, you’ll need to visit the Vietnam e-visa website and complete the application. The application is simple and straightforward, and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to populate. You’ll need a photo of yourself and your passport, and details of your trip, including travel dates, ports of entry and exit, and the address of where you’ll be staying. Once submitted, it should take approximately four days to get approved, but we recommend submitting it at least two weeks before departure in case anything goes awry.
Pro tip: make sure that your full legal name, matching your passport, is input into the e-Visa application. Colby’s e-Visa did not include his middle name and he was not allowed to board our flight from Thailand to Vietnam, forcing him to procure an emergency visa at a steep cost of $300. Add that to flight rebooking fees and an unexpected hotel stay for the resulting overnight layover, and it turned out to be a very costly mistake.
Vietnam e-Visas cost $25 for single-entry and $50 for multiple-entry. They are valid for a period of up to 90 days. Visa fees are nonrefundable in case of non-acceptance, so make sure all of your details are input accurately before submitting.
Cash is King
While many hotels, restaurants, and activities accept credit cards in Central Vietnam, there are still a lot of vendors that only accept cash, or accept card with a 3% fee. Plus, all it takes is a temporary internet outage for even a card-friendly vendor to become cash-only. So, be prepared and have plenty of cash on hand to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the top things to do during your 1 week Central Vietnam travel itinerary.
Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), which trades with the USD at approximately 25,000 VND: $1. For simplicity, just remember that a 100,000 VND note is worth approximately $4. With a difference this big, don’t be surprised when you’re pulling millions out of the ATM! Note that ATM fees vary wildly here – we recommend TPBank and MB Bank for no-fee withdrawals. Avoid BIDV at all costs. And don’t forget our number one tip for cash withdrawals in foreign countries!
Pro tip: When offered an exchange rate by an ATM, you can – and should – always decline the rate displayed. This rate often includes a heavy markup on top of the market exchange rate. Declining the rate will not stop your transaction, but rather allow your personal bank to set the rate instead.
7 Day Central Vietnam Itinerary
Without further ado, let’s get into your 7 day Central Vietnam travel itinerary! Visiting Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue will provide for a well-rounded experience and unforgettable memories.
Da Nang is truly a city that has it all—beaches, mountains, culture, and incredible food and nightlife. In our opinion, it’s criminally underrated, and the perfect place to start your 1 week in Central Vietnam. Here, you’ll enjoy both a relaxed, beach-town vibe, while still having access to the modern amenities of a bustling urban center, all at an unbelievable value.
Begin your trip to Da Nang with a tour of some of its most iconic sites – Lady Buddha, the Monkey Mountain, and the Marble Mountains. Afterwards, relax at a spa or My An Beach, then join a free Da Nang street food tour with GuruWalk. Next, add a lock to Love Pier and see the Dragon Carp Fountain. Then, grab a seat at Dragon Ball Rooftop bar to see the Dragon Bridge spew fire! Finish your night with a bar crawl to some of Da Nang’s best bars and night clubs.
On Day 2, ride Asia’s longest cable car at Ba Na Hills Sun World, where you can see the famous Golden Hands Bridge. Once you get back, enjoy dinner at NGƯ PHỐ, and then take a cruise along the Han River. Finish your evening in Da Nang with some nightlife in An Thuong or take a Grab to your stay in Hoi An.
Have more time in Da Nang? Add a day trip to My Son Sanctuary or the Cham Islands – learn more in our Da Nang travel guide.
Where to Stay in Da Nang:
Our top recommendation for where to stay in Da Nang during your 7 day Central Vietnam itinerary is the An Thuong area near My An Beach, or nearby My Khe Beach for a slightly more upscale vibe. Check out some of our top recommended hotels below:
- An Thuong/My An Beach:
- Rom Casa Hostel Da Nang ($) – 9.1 average rating
- HAIAN Beach Hotel & Spa ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 average rating
- Halina Hotel and Apartment ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 average rating
- Sofiana Hotel and Spa ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 average rating
- TMS Hotel Da Nang Beach ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 average rating
- My Khe Beach:
- BlueSun Danang Beach Hotel ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 average rating
- Stella Maris Beach Danang ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 average rating
Da Nang's Top Bars & Restaurants:
- Bếp Cuốn – try one of their sampler platters to get a taste of the region. It’s popular, so make reservations in advance.
- NGƯ PHỐ – enjoy a delicious regional specialty out of Hanoi, chả cá lã vọng, cooked tableside for a unique experience
- Maia Beach Bar – our favorite beach club/lounge, with an unbeatable vibe
- Kết High – exceptional cocktails with highly entertaining bartenders
Pro tip: We have an entire post on our favorite restaurants in Da Nang, as well as Da Nang’s best nightlife. Check them out to find even more great spots to eat and drink during your visit.
Can't-Miss Tours & Activities in Da Nang:
Hoi An is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with a UNESCO-designated Ancient Town lovingly decorated with colorful lanterns. But its beauty is just the start – it also has delicious food, tons of incredible tours, and world-famous tailoring. You can get a custom-made, high-quality outfit – the ultimate souvenir – in under 48 hours! Reach Hoi An from Da Nang via a 30-minute Grab or taxi ride.
Start your visit to Hoi An with a free walking tour of its Ancient Town. Fuel up with the best banh mi in Vietnam, then head to Maya Tailor to get a custom outfit made. Come sunset, visit 92 Station to watch the lanterns light up from its rooftop bar, then walk to the river for a magical nighttime lantern boat ride. Finally, visit Hoi An’s night market for any late night munchies or souvenirs.
Get energized for your second day with a Vietnamese coffee-making class, then rent a bicycle from your hotel. Ride through the rice paddies to Tra Que Vegetable Village, stopping for lunch before continuing on to An Bang Beach. Soak in the sun for a bit, then try Hoi An’s signature dish, cao lầu, at Cao Lầu Hồng Quyên.
On your last day in Hoi An, visit Quan Thang Ancient House to try Hoi An’s famous white rose dumplings. Next, join an epic combo tour that includes lantern-making, a cooking class, and a ride on Hoi An’s iconic coconut basket boats. Finish with a final visit to the tailor’s to pick up your outfit before you head north tomorrow.
Have more time in Hoi An? Add a show at the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House or a visit to the Museum of Folk Culture – learn more in our Hoi An travel guide.
Where to Stay in Hoi An:
For maximum convenience and walkability, we recommend booking a hotel near Hoi An’s Ancient Town. However, there are also several great beach stays (like CHiEM HoiAn) if you don’t mind taking a few Grabs to get around. Check out some of our top recommended hotels below for your 7 day Central Vietnam itinerary:
- Mad Monkey ($) – 9.5 average rating
- Hoi An TNT Villa ($$) – 9.3 average rating
- CHiEM HoiAn ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.8 average rating
- Moire Hoi An ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 average rating
Hoi An's Top Bars & Restaurants:
- Madame Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen – literally the best banh mi we ate in 3 months in Vietnam – don’t miss it!
- Nữ Eatery – try the fish tacos, they were unbelievable
- Cao Lầu Hồng Quyên – the perfect spot to try Hoi An’s signature dish, cao lầu
- Market Bar – one of the top cocktail bars in the city (reserve your table at Market Bar here)
- 92 Station Restaurant & Cafe – two rooftops, ideal for watching Ancient Town’s lanterns light up at night
Can't-Miss Tours & Activities in Hoi An:
To round out your 1 week Central Vietnam itinerary, finish in Hue. Seat of the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam, Hue is a city rich in history. It’s home to incredible architectural sites like the Imperial City, royal tombs, and epic pagodas. Lovingly restored after the destruction of the Vietnam War, Hue is a quiet but welcoming city that gives you a glimpse into the spirit of Vietnam – resilient, warm, and optimistic.
The journey from Hoi An to Hue is actually an activity of its own. Hire a private driver to take you via the famous Hai Van Pass, or hop on the back of a motorbike on an easy-rider tour to Hue. Once you arrive, tour An Dinh Palace, the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, and Tu Dam Pagoda. We recommend renting a motorbike from your hotel for convenience (usually only ~$4-5 per day). Once you’re done touring for the day, grab dinner at Nhà hàng Bánh Gánh.
On your second day in Hue, start with a tour of Hue’s star attraction, the Imperial City. Grab a quick bite after, and then take a dragon boat across the Perfume River to Thiên Mụ Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Next, drive to the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and enjoy a stroll around the lake. Finally, visit nearby Vong Canh Hill for a stunning, sunset conclusion to your 1 week in Vietnam.
Have a little more time in Hue? Add on the Tomb of Minh Mang, a visit to Thuy Tien Lake Abandoned Water Park, or a DMZ Tour. Ready to head back to Da Nang? Hire another driver or save a few bucks by taking a bus or the train – learn more in our Hue travel guide.
Where to Stay in Hue:
Hue is a pretty small city, so really any hotel within a 15-30 minute walk of the Imperial City should work out fine for your visit. As an added bonus, hotels here are some of the cheapest we’ve ever seen. Check out some of our top recommended hotels below for your 7 day Central Vietnam itinerary:
- Nam Phương Riverside Villa ($) – ⭐, 8.8 average rating
- Lavande Hue Homestay ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐, 9.4 average rating
- Melia Vinpearl Hue ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.4 average rating
- Indochine Palace ($$$) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 average rating
Hue's Top Bars & Restaurants:
- Nhà hàng Bánh Gánh – they have a great sampler platter, and also serve Hue’s famous bun bo hue
- Nina’s Cafe – a well-rounded spot to satisfy your final Vietnamese food cravings
- HAPPY Bar – though there’s not much nightlife in Hue, owner Happy lives up to his name and will surely bring a smile to your face at his casual bar
Can't-Miss Tours & Activities in Hue:
FAQs: Central Vietnam Travel Itinerary
When is the Best Time to Visit Central Vietnam?
The weather in Central Vietnam is pretty consistent, and you won’t have any particularly mountainous areas or otherwise tricky microclimates to navigate during your 1 week Central Vietnam itinerary. You’ll be safe to plan your visit anytime between February and August. During this time, it will be warm enough to enjoy the beaches, while avoiding the typhoon season from September to November. If you’re not a fan of the heat, aim for February to May.
Do I Need to Speak Vietnamese to Visit Central Vietnam?
Definitely not. We had no issues interacting with people in the service industry in English during our time in Vietnam, though knowing a few key words will definitely win you some brownie points with the locals. Practice these ones before your trip:
- Hello – Xin chào – Sin chow
- Goodbye – Tạm biệt – Tahm bee-ET
- Please – Làm ơn – Lahm oon
- Thank you – Cảm ơn – Gahm oon
Vietnamese is notoriously tricky to pronounce, so we recommend listening to Google translate pronunciations to ensure you’ve got it right. Want to learn more? Check out our post 120+ Common Vietnamese Words and Phrases for Travel & Tourists.
Where Else Should I Visit in Vietnam?
Whether it’s on this trip or your next, we highly encourage you to check out Northern Vietnam. From the crystal clear waters of Ha Long Bay to the terraced rice paddies of Sapa, there is so much to explore in Northern Vietnam! It’s especially great for those that love the outdoors. Check out our travel guides on popular destinations below:
Are There Helpful Apps I Should Download Before I Visit Central Vietnam?
Absolutely! These are the top apps we recommend you download before your trip to Vietnam:
- Airalo – having full use of your phone while traveling is incredibly important! ESim apps like Airalo make getting cell service anywhere you travel easy and affordable. If you haven’t used it before, you can use this Airalo code to get a discount on your first purchase.
- Grab – another highly valuable app to download before you visit Vietnam is Grab, Southeast Asia’s #1 ridesharing app (like Uber). Requesting rides on Grab will be much cheaper than purchasing them on the street, and without any stress or haggling.
- Google Translate – we recommend downloading the Vietnamese language for offline use on Google Translate, so you can always communicate even if you lose cell service.
- Google Maps – for the same reason, we also recommend downloading the offline map of the city you’re visiting on Google Maps.
Which Travel Resources Should I Use to Plan My Trip to Central Vietnam?
For starters, use our site! Check out all of our Vietnam travel guides to help you decide where to go, what to do, and where to stay. We’ve got detailed itineraries and travel guides, plus recommendations on all our favorite bars, restaurants, and more.
Once you’re ready to plan your trip, we recommend the following resources:
- Flights – we use Google Flights and Skyscanner to book our flights. These resources help you compare all the airlines at once, plus give you tips on the best times to purchase. I use their price tracking features religiously to make sure we get the best deal.
- Hotels – we always use Booking.com for choosing hotel stays. We think they have the best prices, their star ratings are super reliable, and we love the perks we get with their rewards system.
- Transit – if you’re traveling throughout Vietnam on anything other than planes – like trains, buses, or ferries – we recommend 12Go.Asia. This site is the most detailed and reliable to see all your route options within Vietnam. We found it particularly helpful when booking our train to Da Nang from Hue.
- Trip Planning – the most frequently opened app on our phone, regardless of our destination, is Wanderlog. This app makes travel planning SO easy. You can import all your flights, hotels, and transit information, add top sites to your itinerary, and even track and split your budget amongst your travel buddies. It also provides recommendations on where to visit and a map of all the attractions you plan to see, with transit time between each.
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit Vietnam?
While it’s not required, we highly recommend it, especially if you’ll be riding a motorbike along the Hai Van Pass. You never know when something might go wrong, and it’s best to be prepared. We use and recommend SafetyWing, which is an especially good option for those traveling for a month or more. For as little as $56, it covers everything from lost luggage to hospital stays – a heck of a deal if you encounter any emergencies while abroad.
Final Thoughts on Your 1 Week Central Vietnam Itinerary
Central Vietnam offers one of the most well-rounded and engaging travel experiences out there. It’s one of our favorite places in the world, and we hope this 1 week Central Vietnam travel itinerary helps you get the most out of your time there! Make sure to check out our full travel guides for each city to find more details like opening hours, prices, and other travel tips. Let us know what your favorite parts of your 1 week in Vietnam were!
This 7 day Central Vietnam itinerary is just the start – check out all of our Vietnam travel guides here to get inspired for your next destination.
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