It had been 15 years since I was last in Central Vietnam and when I was lucky enough to be invited on a famil with Room Res I was so excited to see if it still lived up to the hype in my mind.
The answer was YES!
This was my first time flying with Vietjet and I was pleasantly surprised with the smooth flight through to Ho Chi Minh City and then connecting up to Da Nang.
Our first stop was to be the ancient city of Hoi An, so after fuelling up with a delicious Banh Mi it was a quick 40-minute drive to the Victoria Hoi An.
Hoi An has to be my favourite city in Vietnam. Wandering the cobblestoned streets, you pass by ancient homes and temples more than 300 years old, beautiful shops full of handcrafted souvenirs, bars and restaurants serving local cuisine.
There’s also the tailors who can make anything from a suit for the Spring Carnival to that pair of leather cowboy boots you have always wanted, custom made to fit in less than 48 hours!
But the old town really comes to life after dark, when it’s all about lanterns. The river that runs through the city is filled with local boats taking people out to set their lanterns free.
The stalls in the Night Markets are all lit up with lanterns and every shop and restaurant is sparkling as well, creating a magical feeling.
We had a few fabulous days here with a highlight being a cooking class with REU. After doing a quick tour of the garden where they grow all their herbs and vegetables, we learnt how to make rice paper rolls and banana flower salads, finished off with an amazing Vietnamese coffee.
After Hoi An we travelled over the Hai Van Pass, a 21km long road that snakes up the mountain to link Da Nang and the ancient city of Hue.
The journey provided some of the most amazing 360 degree views from the top and then down the other side into Lang Co, which is a small village known for its seafood stands, long pristine beach and oyster fishing.
We had a beautiful stay at the Angsana Lang Co and used this as a base to explore the imperial city of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was the former capital of Vietnam.
Enclosed by formidable walls, it features palaces, temples and royal tombs, reflecting the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty. The city’s rich history and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for travellers.
On the way back to Da Nang we had what was probably the most surprising day trip I’ve ever done.
Visiting Ba Na Hills for the first time was a memorable experience. The journey began with a scenic cable car ride, offering great views of the lush mountains and valleys below.
Arriving at the summit, I was awestruck by the iconic Golden Bridge, its enormous stone hands supporting the structure against a backdrop of vibrant greenery.
The charming French village merely added to the enchantment, with its cobblestone streets and quaint architecture. I explored various attractions, savouring delicious local cuisine and enjoying the cooler mountain air.
Ba Na Hills truly felt like a magical escape, combining nature, culture and adventure in one unforgettable day.
Our final stop was to take in some Vietnamese history. Everyone has heard about the Cu Chi tunnels down south, but here in Central Vietnam is located the country’s third largest tunnel network.
Visiting the Ky Anh Tunnels was a fascinating experience. I explored the intricate underground network used during the Vietnam War, marvelling at the ingenuity of the Viet Cong.
Crawling through narrow passages gave me a sense of the challenges they faced. The exhibits on traps and daily life in the tunnels provided deep insights into the resilience of those who lived there.
All in all, it was so wonderful to visit again and I will be back very soon. The people, the food, the history and culture (don’t forget the shopping!) means that Central Vietnam holds a very special place in my heart.
