Central Vietnam Holidays

Central Vietnam

Positioned midway between the northern and southern parts of the country, central Vietnam is sandwiched between Laos in the west and the South China Sea in the east.

Distinct to the other regions of Vietnam, this central portion of the country has its own unique climate, landscapes and cultural traditions from coastal plains, a mountainous interior, jungle-clad river valleys and sandy palm-fringed beaches to ancient temples, imperial cities and UNESCO protected world heritage sites. This region is home to many of Vietnam’s most significant historical treasures and, more recently, is also synonymous with Vietnam’s more recent history having been partitioned by the DMZ during the Vietnam War and being closely associated with the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Discover Hue, the former imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty, its grand citadel and tombs of the emperors, or cycle through the surrounding countryside for a flavour of everyday local life. From Hue travel by road or rail south over the Hai Van Pass to quaint Hoi An where a few days can easily be spent wandering the town’s cobbled streets or relaxing by the sea at one of the many resorts that line nearby China Beach. Further north it is possible to visit the well maintained Vietnam War era tunnels at Vinh Moc or Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park which is home to over 100 species of mammal. All of our tailor-made holidays to Vietnam and bespoke tours to central Vietnam are unique and fully personalised.

Holiday Ideas for Central Vietnam

21 DAYS

The Best of Indochina

from £6300 - £7400
per person

16 DAYS

Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

from £4700 - £6900
per person

14 DAYS

Classic Vietnam - Land of the Ascending Dragon

from £4300 - £5300
per person

Mekong Delta fisherman and nets, Vietnam

18 DAYS

Images of South Vietnam

from £4500 - £6000
per person

17 DAYS

Central Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh Trail

from £4200 - £5800
per person

Hoi An fruit and vegetable market, Vietnam

13 DAYS

A Culinary Journey through Vietnam

from £3800 - £5400
per person

Start Planning Your Holiday

When to visit Central Vietnam

Similar to the rest of the country, central Vietnam has a tropical climate that is characterised by distinct wetter and dryer seasons. For the majority of the year the weather in central Vietnam is, in general, hot and humid with temperatures typically averaging between 25°C and 35°C. However, the most significant influence on the region’s weather are the two major monsoon systems – the northeast monsoon which occurs from October to March and the southwest monsoon that takes place between the months of April and September. During the period of the northeast monsoon, which corresponds with the winter months, central Vietnam experiences cooler and drier weather with skies often clear, rainfall sporadic and the temperature more pleasant. Conversely, the southwest monsoon brings an increase in both temperatures and humidity, heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons, particularly from July to September, which can occasionally disrupt travel. Although rainfall can happen at any point throughout the year it is generally considered that the best period to visit central Vietnam is from February to August and, specifically, from the end of February to early May when the weather is relatively dry and landscapes lush and green due to the earlier rains.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

BEST TIME

GOOD TIME

LOW SEASON

OFF SEASON

This is a general overview suggesting when to travel in the country. Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

What to do in Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam is home to two of the nation’s most important, and most visited, places – the imperial city of Hue and the picturesque town of Hoi An. The region is also blessed with great natural beauty, little-visited national parks, traditional villages and landscapes shaped by action during the Vietnam War. An undoubted highlight of the region is Hue – dominated by the grand Imperial City which bears more than a passing resemblance to the Forbidden City in Beijing. In Hue visits can also be made to see the imperial tombs and a boat can be taken on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. To the south of Hue is the historic trading port of Hoi An. The architecture of this beautiful town draws on centuries-old Chinese, Japanese and French influences and its quaint cobbled streets, merchant homes and wooden temples are a delight to explore. For those wishing to discover more of the region, visits can be made to the ancient Cham city of My Son, UNESCO protected Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, best known for its extensive cave systems, and two sites associated with the Vietnam War – the complex of tunnels at Vinh Moc and the ancient citadel of Quang Tri which was the site of two major battles.