1-week Central Vietnam Itinerary With Caroline’s Recommendations

Q: Are these tours suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, the central Vietnam tour is ideal for solo travelers. The itinerary is well-organized, with secure transportation between Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. Many activities include guided tours or group activities, offering solo travelers the opportunity to meet others. Whether you're interested in culture, history, beaches, or immersion in local villages, a central Vietnam itinerary offers both safety and comfort, making it a perfect option for solo adventurers.

Q: How many days are needed for a central Vietnam tour?

The ideal duration for a central Vietnam tour depends on the pace you prefer. A 5-day itinerary is enough to cover the main attractions such as Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, offering a glimpse of the beaches, ancient towns, and historical sites. However, for a more relaxed and in-depth experience, a 1-week itinerary is highly recommended. This allows ample time for excursions like Ba Na Hills, visiting villages around Hoi An, and a relaxing Perfume River cruise in Hue. Both 5 days and 1 week are great options for a fulfilling central Vietnam itinerary.

Q: What is the best time to visit central Vietnam?

The best time to visit central Vietnam is typically from February to April, when the weather is dry and temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing. It's perfect for enjoying the beaches of Da Nang, exploring Ba Na Hills, and visiting cultural sites in Hoi An and Hue. The summer months, from July to August, are also great for beach activities, but the heat can be intense. It's advisable to avoid October and November due to the rainy season, which can make travel and sightseeing more challenging. Planning your central Vietnam tour during the dry months ensures a great experience, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

If you don’t know what to do or how to plan a trip for 1 week in central Vietnam, I want to share my experience with Autour Asia. I just returned from an incredible 1 week central Vietnam itinerary organized by Autour Asia, and I hope this review helps other travelers discover the beauty and culture of this region. This central Vietnam itinerary was perfectly balanced, combining cultural tours, natural landscapes, immersive activities, and relaxing moments. Every day was carefully planned to maximize experiences while leaving enough free time to rest or explore at your own pace. Here is my day-by-day experience, highlighting the best places to visit in central Vietnam.

What to do in central Vietnam in 1 week?

1. Day 1: Arrival in Da Nang
2. Day 2: Ba Na Hills Excursion
3. Day 3: Da Nang - Hoi An - Ancient Town
4. Day 4: Hoi An - Eco-Village Tour
5. Day 5: Hoi An - Hue
6. Day 6: Hue - Imperial Tombs and Perfume River Cruise
7. Day 7: Departure from Hue

1. Day 1: Arrival in Da Nang

We arrived at Da Nang International Airport in the late morning. As soon as we exited, our driver, arranged by Autour Asia, took us straight to our hotel. The drive allowed us to get our first glimpse of Da Nang’s scenery: a modern city framed by beautiful beaches and verdant mountains. After checking in and resting a bit to recover from the flight, we began exploring the city at a gentle pace.

What to do in central Vietnam? In the early afternoon, we visited My Khe Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Da Nang. The water was clear, the beach clean and peaceful, perfect for relaxing after a long journey. We walked along the shoreline, felt the soft sand under our feet, and enjoyed the sun. The kids loved swimming while the adults simply soaked in the calm atmosphere. This moment was ideal to recover and immerse ourselves in the relaxing vibes of central Vietnam.

Mi Quang, a signature noodle dish in Da Nang

For dinner, we tried local specialties at a renowned restaurant. We tasted Mi Quang, a signature noodle dish from Da Nang, and Bánh xèo, crispy Vietnamese pancakes. The flavors were authentic and gave us a wonderful introduction to the culinary richness of the region. After dinner, we strolled along the beach, watching the sunset before returning to our hotel. We stayed at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, a luxurious property with stunning sea views and exceptional comfort. This first day of our 1 week central Vietnam itinerary was gentle, ideal for recovering from the journey and starting our adventure in central Vietnam.

2. Day 2: Ba Na Hills Excursion

After an early breakfast, we set off for Ba Na Hills, about 45 minutes from Da Nang. The drive offered beautiful views of green hills and the countryside. Upon arrival, we took the famous cable car, which holds the world record for the longest cable car ride. The ascent was spectacular, with breathtaking views of the mountains and valley below. At the summit, the first thing that amazed us was the Golden Bridge, supported by giant stone hands. Walking on this bridge suspended in the sky was an unforgettable experience.

We then explored the Linh Ung Pagoda, a peaceful site dominated by a massive Buddha statue. The gardens at Ba Na Hills were perfect for a leisurely stroll, with colorful flowers, fountains, and sculptures. Next, we visited Fantasy Park, an indoor amusement park offering attractions for all ages, a wax museum, and various fun activities. The kids had a blast, and even the adults enjoyed the lively atmosphere.

Lunch was served at one of the hilltop restaurants, offering local and international cuisine along with spectacular views. Afterward, we had some free time to wander before descending back by cable car. The afternoon was free for relaxation or exploring Da Nang city center. In the evening, we had dinner at a local restaurant and took a leisurely night walk to enjoy the city lights. We stayed at Fusion Maia Da Nang, an all-inclusive resort ideal for unwinding after a full day. This was one of the highlights of our central Vietnam itinerary, combining scenic views, fun, and relaxation.

3. Day 3: Da Nang - Hoi An - Ancient Town

After breakfast, we departed for Hoi An, only 30-45 minutes away. The drive was scenic, passing through rice fields and small, picturesque villages. Upon arrival, we checked into our hotel and then started exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We visited the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, strolled through narrow streets lined with old houses, Chinese temples, and artisan shops. Each lane was full of surprises: colorful lanterns, beautifully renovated façades, and artisans working at their displays. The local market offered a variety of handicrafts, from lanterns to handmade clothing and traditional souvenirs.

For lunch, we sampled cao lầu, Hoi An’s famous noodles, and Bánh bao bánh vạc, delightful Vietnamese dumplings. The afternoon was free for exploring at our own pace. Some of us cycled along the rice paddies, others wandered through the town, and a few relaxed by the Thu Bon River. At night, the town illuminated by lanterns was magical. We had dinner in the Ancient Town before returning to Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, a luxurious beachfront hotel near the Ancient Town, providing comfort and a beautiful setting to rest after the first day of our central Vietnam tour.

4. Day 4: Hoi An - Eco-Village Tour

After an early breakfast, we embarked on an eco-tour of villages around Hoi An. We traveled along the Thu Bon River on a traditional boat, discovering rural landscapes and villages where locals still practice traditional crafts. We participated in workshops for basket weaving, textile weaving, and even learned rice farming techniques. Observing daily life in the villages offered a deep cultural insight.

Lunch was served in a traditional village, prepared with fresh local ingredients, providing a taste of authentic home-cooked Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon, we returned to Hoi An. The free time allowed us to explore further, shop, or enjoy a riverside café. Dinner was in the Ancient Town, and we stayed at Anantara Hoi An Resort, a charming and comfortable hotel ideally located for exploring the city. This day was one of the most immersive experiences in our 1 week central Vietnam itinerary.

5. Day 5: Hoi An - Hue

After breakfast, we departed Hoi An for Hue, the former imperial capital, about 2.5 hours away. The drive was scenic, offering views of countryside landscapes, hills, and rivers. Upon arrival, we checked into our hotel before exploring the Imperial City, a historic complex of palaces and fortifications dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty.

We explored the royal courtyards, museums, and major monuments, admiring the majestic architecture and well-kept gardens. Lunch included local specialties such as Bánh khoai and Bánh bèo, both delicious and authentic. The afternoon was free for strolling the city, visiting Dong Ba Market, or taking a short walk along the Perfume River. In the evening, we had dinner at a local restaurant and stayed at Azerai La Residence Hue, an elegant historic hotel on the riverbanks, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing on our central Vietnam tour.

6. Day 6: Hue - Imperial Tombs and Perfume River Cruise

After breakfast, we spent the day visiting the imperial tombs around Hue. We explored Minh Mang Tomb with its pristine gardens and majestic architecture, and Khai Dinh Tomb, which blends Eastern and Western design influences. Next, we visited Thien Mu Pagoda, a peaceful spiritual site on the Perfume River.

We then enjoyed a cruise on the Perfume River, a tranquil experience offering picturesque views of temples, pagodas, and riverside landscapes. Lunch by the river was delicious and relaxing. The afternoon was free for exploring Hue at our leisure, shopping, or enjoying a riverside café. Dinner was at a traditional restaurant, and we spent our final night at Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa, a charming, peaceful hotel, ideal for ending our central Vietnam itinerary.

7. Day 7: Departure from Hue

On the last morning, after breakfast, we had free time to stroll the streets of Hue, visit a final temple, or buy souvenirs. Depending on our flight schedule, we were transferred to Hue Phu Bai Airport or Da Nang Airport. This final day allowed us to relax and soak in the unique atmosphere, concluding a memorable 1 week central Vietnam itinerary.

This central Vietnam tour with Autour Asia was exceptional. The itinerary perfectly balanced beaches, mountains, village immersion, history, and culture while leaving ample free time daily. The hotels were all comfortable and well-located, meals allowed us to taste authentic local cuisine, and all transfers and tours ran smoothly.

I highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting a complete, comfortable, and authentic central Vietnam itinerary. With Autour Asia, Vietnam tour agency, everything is planned in detail, making it easy to enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics. This 1 week central Vietnam itinerary covers all the best places to visit in central Vietnam, including beaches, mountains, historic towns, and riverside villages.

It is advisable to refer to:
> Da Nang travel guide
> Things to do in Da Nang
> Central Vietnam tours
> 2 weeks vietnam itinerary

5/5 - (1001 Vote)

Kelly Plessis

5.0 Excellent

Are these tours suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, the central Vietnam tour is ideal for solo travelers. The itinerary is well-organized, with secure transportation between Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. Many activities include guided tours or group activities, offering solo travelers the opportunity to meet others. Whether you're interested in culture, history, beaches, or immersion in local villages, a central Vietnam itinerary offers both safety and comfort, making it a perfect option for solo adventurers.

Brigitte Sourice

5.0 Excellent

How many days are needed for a central Vietnam tour?

The ideal duration for a central Vietnam tour depends on the pace you prefer. A 5-day itinerary is enough to cover the main attractions such as Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, offering a glimpse of the beaches, ancient towns, and historical sites. However, for a more relaxed and in-depth experience, a 1-week itinerary is highly recommended. This allows ample time for excursions like Ba Na Hills, visiting villages around Hoi An, and a relaxing Perfume River cruise in Hue. Both 5 days and 1 week are great options for a fulfilling central Vietnam itinerary.

Antoine Challes

5.0 Excellent

What is the best time to visit central Vietnam?

The best time to visit central Vietnam is typically from February to April, when the weather is dry and temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing. It's perfect for enjoying the beaches of Da Nang, exploring Ba Na Hills, and visiting cultural sites in Hoi An and Hue. The summer months, from July to August, are also great for beach activities, but the heat can be intense. It's advisable to avoid October and November due to the rainy season, which can make travel and sightseeing more challenging. Planning your central Vietnam tour during the dry months ensures a great experience, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.