Country Facts: Central Vietnam

The long, narrow Central region of Vietnam stretches along the coast bordering the East Sea or the South China Sea, connecting the two large plains, the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south. The Central Region boasts for its beautiful nature, be it a mysteriously sheering mountains in the west or lovely beaches and its clear sea on the eastern coast, precious relics from the gorgeous kingdom of Champa in the past, and a colorful patchwork of ethnic diversity in the Central Highlands. All of that makes your trip in Vietnam worthy and remarkable.

Straddling the Perfume River, Hue is a province in Central Vietnam, bordering Quang Tri province in the north, Danang city in the south, Truong Son Mountain in the west, and the East Sea in the east. It is located 650 kilometers south of Ha Noi, and 1080 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City. Situated in the tropical zone, climate in Hue is divided into four distinct seasons: spring, hot summer, mild autumn, and windy, cold winter. The average temperature is 25°C; the best time to visit Hue is from November to April.

Hue is very important in Vietnam history as the political and cultural center of Vietnam in various dynasties during of Feudal State. The city is packed with the ruins of structures built in the 19th century; the Imperial palace, the Citadel, and numerous tombs of Vietnamese emperors survive to testify the exuberance of the city during its heydays. Although badly devastated during the Vietnam Wars, Hue still keeps its mysteriously enchanting ambiance of the ancient town, leading the visitors back to the past to enjoy its grandeur. Due to its historic importance, Hue is designated to be one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Major attractions in Hue:

• Citadel and Forbidden City: The construction of the Citadel started in 1805 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long of the Nguyen Dynasty. The successive kings of the dynasty have ordered to build ramparts, palaces and other structure for royals. The exterior citadel has 24 bastions on the top of the wall, built for defensive purpose. At the center of the Citadel, locates the Imperial City which was the seat of the highest offices of Vietnam's Feudalism. The Imperial City's compound is connected with the outer citadel by four entrance gates, among which the Noon Gate is only used for the king. The area of Imperial city is divided into sectors, packed with more than 100 beautiful buildings and structures. The Forbidden Purple City is also located in the Imperial City. This area is uniquely reserved for Emperors and his royal family. More than 50 architectural buildings were built in different shapes and different purposes, including the Emperor's Private Palace, palace for conducting political affairs, Queen's residence, royal theatre, Emperor's library, kitchen, etc.
  
• Khai Dinh Emperor's Tomb: This is one of the most famous tombs of Vietnamese Emperors, and is the final monument of the Nguyen Dynasty. Emperor Khai Dinh came to the throne in 1913 and chose Chau Chu Mountain to build his tomb. The construction started in 1920 and lasted for 11 years. Despite its smaller size if compare to the preceding Emperor's tomb, Khai Dinh Emperor's Tomb is praised for its elaborately architectural style which is a combination between the Vietnamese and French colonial architecture. In the courtyard, there line two rows of stone statues of horse, elephant, and guard soldier, and a flight of 36 steps of which the staircase is decorated with a statue of dragon leads to the main building which houses the original artifacts opened to public viewing.
  
• Tu Doc Emperor's Tomb: This is one of the most impressive tombs in Hue, situated southwest of the city. The tomb, which is dedicated to Tu Doc Emperor, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, is graced by the magnificent landscape of mountain overlooking the beautiful Luu Khiem Lake. The complex is composed of two sections. On the bank of the lake, there stand the Xung Khiem Pavilion and Du Khiem Pavilion where the Emperor passed his time looking flowers, composing his poems, reading books, etc. The tomb itself is nestled in the grove of pines on the slope of a hill with the Honor Courtyard adorned with two rows of majestic military and civil mandarins. There is also the stone stele, the biggest in Vietnam, inscribed the narration composed by the Emperor himself, telling about his life and imperial cause as well as his misadventure and diseases, etc. The construction of this tomb lasted for five years by thousands of labor-workers.
  
• Minh Mang Emperor's Tomb: This is the other intriguing tomb in Hue with its elaborate architecture together with its intricate décor. Emperor Minh Mang is the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb is located at the tributaries of the Perfume River, 11 kilometers south of Hue. This complex is the harmony of the majestic architecture and the magnificent scenery. It also houses the excellent collection of stone sculptures. The tomb is said to be at its most beautiful in the mid of March when lotus in the lakes of Trung Minh and Tan Nguyet are all in blossom.
  
• Thien Mu Pagoda: The pagoda is situated on Ha Khe Hill, on the left bank of Perfume River, 5 kilometers from Hue. Thien Mu, the name of the pagoda originated in a legend saying that an old woman appeared on the hill; she told the local people that a Lord would come and build a Buddhist pagoda for the country's prosperity. Lord Nguyen Hoang, on hearing that, commanded the construction of the pagoda on the hill and named it the "Heavenly Lady". The pagoda is built in an octagonal shape with seven tiers, enshrining the bronze cast statues and housing precious items. The surrounding area is adorned with flower gardens and beautiful plants. The trip to Thien Mu Pagoda is mostly done by a boat cruise on the Perfume River which offers the picturesque countryside along the river.

Danang is the provincial capital of Quang Nam Danang province, situated around 800 kilometers mid way between Ha Noi to the north and Ho Chi Minh City to the south. Demarcated its border from Laos in the west by Truong Son Mountain Range, Danang is mostly covered dense forest alternating with a coast strip in the east.

Danang used to be the center of the gorgeous Cham Kingdom which dominated the area around the early 2nd century A.D. The legacy of the Cham kingdom can be seen as numerous artifacts and fascinating Cham sculpture at Cham Museum

During the French Occupation, Danang, known as "Tourane", was the most important port city in Central Vietnam, and it was where the American Navy first embarked in 1965. Upon the arrival of the American, Danang was transformed to be a town of busy business; service business was boosted to cater the American soldiers who lived here and regarded as the beach resort of the American soldiers during the war.

Boasted for its clam, unspoiled beaches as well as enchanting scenery, Danang is unsurprisingly the ideal place for relaxation and natural appreciation.

Danang's main attractions:

• Cham Ruin in My Son: My Son is a town situated 70 kilometers southwest of Danang. Nestling in the valley, My Son possesses the blissful location for a religious sanctuary of the Champa Kingdom. The valley of My Son is teemed with towers and temples built in Cham architecture dedicated to the Kings and Brahman divinities. Due to its precious architectural works which represent the Cham culture and history, My Son is accredited as World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.
  
• Cham Museum: The museum was built in 1915 in the Cham architectural style. It houses the most extensive collection of Cham artifacts, including around 300 statutes and other artworks collected from the Cham temples throughout the Central Vietnam. There is also an exhibition of the Cham culture, people and history dating back to the 7th century.
  
• Hai Van Pass: "Pass of the Ocean Clouds" is the meaning of Hai Van Pass, so named for its peak is shrouded in the clouds and its foot is close to the sea. The Hai Van Pass is situated on the serpent road from Hue to Danang. On the top of the Hai Van Pass, one can admire the remarkably spectacular views of misty mountains and lovely beach.
  
• Marble Mountain: The Marble Mountain is consisted of five limestone outcrops standing in isolation from the plains. Situated 8 kilometers south of town, the Mountain offers the alluring natural beauty together with the mysterious caves, some of which were the Buddhist shrines and others were the base for the Vietnamese revolutionaries during the wartime. Around the area, there is a village famous for its traditional stone engraving activities; stone from the Marble Mountain is made into statues, jewelry, and other artifacts and exported to many countries.
  
• Non Nuoc Beach or China Beach: This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. It is a five-kilometer-stretch of clean sand, running against the Marble Mountain. The beach used to be resort for the American soldiers who came for relaxation during the wartime; it is famous for surfing as well.

Hoi An is an ancient town, located 30 kilometers south of Danang city and lying on the bank of Thu Bon River. It used to be one of the most important trading ports of Southeast Asian in the 16th century, known among the western traders as "Faifo". Hoi An ancient town is very charming with the distinct Chinese and Japanese atmosphere as well as its traditional houses lining the narrow streets. Most of buildings are still in their original form, including ancient private houses, family chapels, community halls, communal houses, temples, pagodas, bridges, wells and tombs.

The oldest quarter of the town is situated the south, next to Thu Bon River where the town's first street was constructed by the Japanese. Hence, the construction of residence, temples, and community halls among others emerged, providing the Japanese character to the old quarter. The most outstanding Japanese architecture is the Japanese Bridge, built in the 17th century. In the middle of the bridge stands a square-shaped pagoda built in Japanese style.

Ancient buildings along the street are also noticeable for its characteristic architecture. Houses are made of rare wood, decorated with lacquered boards and panels engraved with Chinese characters. The best example of Hoi An architecture is houses along Nguyen Thai Hoc street.

Hoi An today still keeps its fascinating atmosphere from the past by an attempt to reserve its architecture, luring then a great number of visitors to appreciate its ancient beauty.

Nha Trang city, lying on the coastline in the south central region, is a famous beach city of Vietnam with its secluded, clean beaches. It is then the ideal place for relaxing and drinking in the sunlight as well as scenic sights. Several islands punctuating offshore also provide the abundant coral reefs, allowing the great site for snorkeling and scuba diving. On the beach, small hotels, restaurants offer a wide range of food, and other small-scaled service shops make Nha Trang beaches more charming in its simple way. Apart from its lovely beaches, Nha Trang also endows the historical relics inherited from the Cham civilization between the 7th century and 12th century represented as towers and pagodas where you can have chance to experience its glorious past.

Nha Trang's attractions:

• Po Nagar Cham Tower: The tower majestically stands on Cu Lao Mountain north of Nha Trang as a sacred sanctuary of Brahmanism. A group of towers on the site were built between the 7th and 12th century. The biggest tower with its height of 23 meters is dedicated to Lady Po Nagar, believed to be an incarnation of the Goddess Uma, Shiva's consort. The statute of the Lady has ten arms, seems dancing. Her head disappeared during the French rule and appears again in Giumet Museum in Paris. Lady Po Nagar is still worshiped as a protector of the city and the Po Nagar Tower is deemed to mark a developed culture of Cham civilization.
  
• Long Son Pagoda: Long Son pagoda is a shrine of a huge 14-meter-high white Buddha image seated on a lotus blossom, lying atop the hill with a flight up of 152 steps. The White Buddha is crafted in 1963 to dedicate to Buddhist monks and nuns who, in the time of Diem Presidency, soaked themselves with gasoline and set themselves on fire to protest against the policies of the government.
  
• Dam Market: Located in the city center of Nha Trang, the market is lively and vibrant with merchants selling their merchandises. The Dam Market itself is a circular three-story building. In the middle locate the souvenir shops. Outside is teemed with cap, hat, and dress shops, and behind the market is the fresh food market.
  
• Nha Trang Municipal Beach: The six-kilometer-stretch of soft yellow sand shaded with trees offers a relaxing spot in town of Nha Trang. The water is warm and always tranquil in the morning when you can enjoy swimming or basking without a throng of vendors. The Mieu and Tre Islands is springing up a few kilometers offshore, good for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is notorious for thieves at nights, so watch out your belongings if you are supposed to be on the beach at post-dusk.
  
• Hon Chong Beach: Situated immediately up the famous Hon Chong promontory, the beach is very quiet and isolated, good for real relaxation. People of Nha Trang often go swimming there early in the morning or after four p.m.

In addition, visitors can visit the outlying islands offshore which will provide the opportunity of snorkeling and scuba diving to view their abundant underwater garden. The outstanding islands are: Hon Mieu, Hon Tam, Hon Tre, Hon Mot, and Hon Mun Islands.

Phan Thiet, the main coastal town of Binh Thuan province, lying on the coastline of the East Sea is boasted for its blissful landscapes of spectacular sand dune sloping towards the clear turquoise sea which is escorted by the sheering mountain. The town of Phan Thiet itself is the area of developed fishing industry enveloped by a stench from the factories producing a well-known local product, nuoc mam. Apart from a throng of fishermen in town, a throng of tourist also flocks here for its picturesque scenery of Mui Ne beach situated out of town. Coming to this charming city, visitors can also experience the beauty of the old towers as vestiges of the ancient Cham civilization. With its stunning landscape together with cultural importance, Phan Thiet has a good reason to be one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam.

Phan Thiet's attractions:

• Mui Ne: Mui Ne is located 24 kilometers northeast of Phan Thiet town. It is characterized by sweeping gold sand dunes lined with the palm trees and lapped by turquoise sea. Around Mui Ne, there are secluded and pristine beaches with their imposing landscapes. The most outstanding, in addition to its lovely beaches and clear water, is Doi Cat (Sand Hill), the golden sand hill which is caused by the wind. It looks like the moving waves when seen from afar. The sand hill will be more intriguing when the hill glows in gold color when bathed by the first light of the day. Mui Ne is an ideal place for relaxation in the midst of striking scenery which provides soothing atmosphere as well as endless inspiration to artists' creation.
  
• Ca Na Beach: Ca Na beach is situated 32 kilometers south of Phan Rang, about 100 kilometers from Phan Thiet. This is a calm, pristine beach with its turquoise water lapping the relatively rocky shore. Snorkeling is also a possibility. Due to its proximity to the highway, Ca Na Beach is a popular stop-over for the passing tourists; or those, with time in hand, can consider an overnight stay on the beach where there are enough accommodation, restaurant, and facilities available.
  
• Po Klong Garai Tower: Situated west of Phan Rang, this Cham tower stands atop of a hill with a complex of a sanctuary, a smaller gate tower, and a repository. The complex of towers can be traced back to the 13th century during the rule of Cham King, Jaya Simhavaraman III. The main sanctuary is the most outstanding structure for its bas-relief of six-armed Shiva above the doorpost decorated with stonework and etching. Inside the vestibule the statue of Shiva's bull Nandin is enshrined and worshipped by farmers who wish for good harvests.

Its name, Da Lat, comprises two words: "da" means "river" or source and "Lat" is a local tribe, the Lat. Da Lat city is the center of Lam Dong province, elevated at 1500 meters of altitude, the highest part of the West Central Highlands. Nestling in the isolated valley hugged by the lushly pine-forested mountains, Da Lat offers tranquility in the midst of spectacular scenery. Various kinds of vegetation and flower enjoy growing in the large fertile terrain and mild climate of Da Lat, allowing then its title as "the city of eternal spring". Flowers and vegetable are then the main commodities of the city; many are exported to several countries. Its average temperature never dips below 10°C in winter and not over 20°C in summer, making the city an ideal place for relaxing.

Its picturesque landscapes and romantic ambiance desperately charmed the European, especially the French during the colonial period that they have built villas, communities and holiday residence in the area. Then Da Lat city was founded in 1893 as a balmy respite from the sweltering temperature of Mekong Delta among the expatriates living in Vietnam at that time. Hence, Da La used to be called "Le Petit Paris" or "The Little Paris" with its French-styled buildings like chalets, cafes and villas on the hillside or in the city center, allowing the intriguing atmosphere of the colonial past.

Due to its blissful location in the natural paradise, the area around Da Lat is dotted with lakes, waterfalls, pine-forests, and flower gardens, all have their poetic names according to local legends or remarkable memories. Da lat today is one of the most famous natural retreat as well as the well-known honeymoon spot, attracting a great deal of visitors. It is also the gateway for cultural appreciation of ethnic minority in the Central Highlands, north of the city.

Da Lat's major attractions:

• Xuan Huong Lake: Located at the center of Da Lat, Xuan Huong was created when the Cam Ly River was dammed by the French in 1919. It used to be part of golf course built for Emperor Bao Dai. The Lake is surrounded by the pine forest and lush mountains, offering the stunning scenery. At the north end of the lake is Da Lat Flower Garden. Inside the garden, paths lead you past a great flower selection of hydrangeas, roses, orchids, poinsettia, and topiary, offering the colorful sights as well as invigorating atmosphere. Da Lat is famous for its flowers and many are exported overseas.
  
• Cho Da Lat or Da Lat Market: Coming to the central market of the city, you will be bewildered with a riot of multi-colored flowers as well as various kinds of fresh vegetable and mouthwatering fruits. Also, lacquerware, back packs, and hill-tribe handicrafts are sold here. In the morning, you can see the Montagnards carrying their goods and trading with stall holders.
  
• Prenn falls: Nestling in the valley covered with densely lush vegetation and hugged by pine-forested hills, the Prenn Falls is a major tourist attraction in Vietnam. Go south of Da Lat, the Prenn Falls with its pure white waters tumbling down 10 meters from the cave into the pool below. From afar, its white water looks like a white curtain, painted with a flower garden and green draped hills at the foot of the falls, creating the awe-inspiring sight. You can enter the cave behind the curtain of water by a small bridge and fell the balmy spray there.
  
• Valley of Love (Thung Lung Tinh Yeu): Originally named Valley of Peace by Emperor Bao Dai, and changed into Valley of Love by romantically minded students from Da Lat University. The Valley used to be a favorite site for big-game hunting of the Emperor. Situated about 5 kilometers from the city center, the Valley of Love is embraced by the hilly slopes covered with pine forest. Its romantic scenery and atmosphere was enhanced when the Da Thien Lake was created in 1972. Visitors can hire a boat to appreciate the lake or riding horse rented by cowboy-dressed guide along paths around the area.
  
• Than Tho Lake or Lake of Sighs: Five kilometers northeast of the city, the Lake offers the pleasant scenery and relaxing atmosphere. The melancholy name of the lake originated in a love story of Hang Tung and Mai Nuong. Hang Tung was summoned to the Quang Trung war against the Chinese invasion. Mai Nuong thought that without her, her sweetheart would go serving the nation without worries, so she drowned herself in the lake. Witnessed this tragedy, the pine trees lining around the lake bake are said to have sighed in grief for her, hence its name. Today, the lake is teemed with tourist shops ad boat rentals for riding in the lake.
  
• Bao Loc: Bao Loc is the famous stopover on the way to Da Lat; the area is covered with the rich cultivated plains alternating with lush hills. The main cultivations here are coffee, tea, and the mulberry whose leaves silkworms feed. Around the area of Bao Loc, locate the interesting attractions like Cat Tien national Park and Dambri Falls. The Cat Tien National Park covers a large area of tropical rainforest, a good habitat of various species of birds, wild animals, and plants. Dambri falls is a great place for relaxation for its cool climate all year round and its picturesque surroundings.
  

Buon Me Thuot is the administrative center of Dak Lak, the largest province in the Tay Nguyen Highlands (Central Highlands), and also an unofficial capital of the region. This land is boasted for its awe-inspiring landscapes of misty mountains and the fascinating traditional cultures of E De tribe, the largest minority group of the region. Years before, very few tourists traveled to these areas of the Highlands, but today, this ever-mysterious land has been revealed to the astonishment among the increasing tourists, not only for its imposing nature but also its mythological atmosphere lingering amidst the ethnic cultures, allowing then Buon Me Thuot is one of the marvelous lands that is worth exploring.

Buon Me Thuot's major attractions:

• Ethnographic Museum: Located in Buon Me Thuot town, the museum offers the opportunity to find out about local minority groups. There are exhibits displaying items used in daily activities of minority people like rice-wine jar, funerary statues of peacocks and tusks, instruments for taming elephants, and a scale model of an E De longhouse.
  
• Draysap Waterfall: This crescent-shaped waterfall is located 20 kilometers from Buon Me Thuot. It got its name in E De language meaning "the Fall of Mist" due to its mighty flows of water tumbling down and hitting the water surface below that its foams and gives spray up to the air. One can hear a thunder of the falls from a long distance all year round. Not far from the waterfall, it is a settlement of Tour Village of E De ethnic people who adhere to a matriarchal social system. They live in the stilted wooden longhouses with their almost primeval lifestyle, allowing enchanting atmosphere.
  
• Dak Lake: Some 60 kilometers south of Buon Me Thuot, Highway 27 passes Dak Lake, one of the top tourist destinations of Vietnam. This charming lake is encompassed the forested hills, famed for trekking, hiking, and fishing activities. Nearby, there situates the Jun minority village which offers a possibility of an overnight stay to visitors. Around the lake, one can take a canoe with one of the locals on the calm lake.
  

Kontum has once faced its hard time during the American War as being a battlefield. Now, Kontum is a quiet town with a limited exposure to tourism, but enchanting for its striking nature and intriguing cultural scene of several minority groups scattering around the province. Kontum town is a charming first stop with French-styled buildings, a legacy from the colonial era. The Wooden Church, built by the French in 1913 is another attraction in Kontum town. The essential experience when visiting the province is going to villages Bahnar ethnic people whose characteristic culture considerably attract tourists. In their villages, one can see bamboo houses built on stilts, of most interest seems to be the communal hall called "rong". Rong is used as a venue for festivals and village meetings as well as a court of the village. Visitors can also have a chance to enjoy dancing and singing performance of Bahnar people.

Similar to Kontum, Pleiku was a major battlefield disastrously bombarded by the air raids of American troop during the wartimes, especially in Ia Drang Valley where hundred American soldiers and more Communists died. There is not much to see in Pleiku town itself, one should head further to the ethnic villages out of town where you can feel the lively culture. Pleiku is a home to various groups of minority people, among which Jarai and Bahnar tribes are the main groups. Visitors can experience their distinctive culture and fascinating lifestyle. The village of Plei Mrong is where you can touch the culture of Jarai minority. At the village of Dek Tu, De Cop, De Doa, and Dek Rol, the wonderful lifestyle of Bahnar people will amaze you there.

Central Vietnam: Hue | Danang | Hoi An | Nha Trang | Phan Thiet | Da Lat | Buon Me Thuot | Kontum | Pleiku

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