Vietnam encompasses the beauty of pristine beaches, tropical jungles, and traditional villages fused with modern cities. While most tourists flock to the north or south of the country, the central coast of Vietnam remains an unexplored destination. The central coast of Vietnam encompasses a 1,000 km stretch from the popular beach city of Danang to the countryside of Phong Nha, offering diverse landscapes and experiences. Here, I’ll take you on an incredible journey through the heart of Vietnam’s lesser-known central coast region, with plenty of sunshine, sea, and sand.

Tour the cultural city of Hue: Start your Vietnam discovery with a visit to the ancient capital city of Hue, located in Central Vietnam. Home to a total of 19 royal tombs, pagodas, and temples, Hue is a city full of cultural heritage and historical importance. The most iconic tourist attractions in Hue are the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. Both locations are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are a must-visit for any traveler who wants to experience rich history and architecture.

Explore the lifestyle of Hoi An: The charming city of Hoi An on the banks of the Thu Bon River is a beautiful place that has managed to retain its old-fashioned beauty despite the influx of tourists. Admire the majestic architecture that dates back from the 16th century and roam the picturesque streets lined with colorful lanterns, art galleries, and markets! Hoi An’s Ancient Town is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's the ideal place to discover your adventurous culinary side. The diverse mix of cuisines from all over the world is served in restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese dishes or fusion meals with a modern twist. One of the local delicacies in Hoi An is the famous “Cao Lau”- a pork noodle bowl that you cannot miss out on!

Hike through the lush jungles of Ba Na Hills: Take a day to escape the coastal cities and delve deep into the wilderness of Ba Na Hills, located near Danang. Teeming with a range of flora and fauna, with the highest peak reaching up to 1,487m, this area is a paradise for nature lovers. Hike through the lush green forests, see the indigenous wildlife species, and take a cable car ride through the clouds to witness the jaw-dropping beauty of the Golden Bridge. The bridge, built to support pedestrian traffic, is an iconic architectural masterpiece perched on top of a mountain peak complete with stunning views.

Relax by the Beaches of Danang and Nha Trang: Danang's sandy beaches are a must-visit spot on your travel-lust itinerary. My Khe, Non Nuoc and Lang Co beaches are the most popular and offer clean waters, white sands, water sports activities, and delicious seafood offerings. Nha Trang, located just 90 km from Danang, is the tropical paradise you may have been seeking! With its crystal-clear waters, exotic corals, and a wide range of water activities, it is the perfect place to unwind and soak up some sun!

Explore the Caves of Phong Nha: If you’re feeling adventurous, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a 400-million-year-old masterpiece and is home to hundreds of limestone caves! The longest and most dangerous caves in the world, Son Doong and  Hang Son, allow visitors to trek deep into the belly of the earth. You can also explore the Paradise and Dark caves for more of the area's beauty. Taking a trip through the caves is a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of this mesmerizing country.

Conclusion: Vietnam's central coast has something unique for everyone who chooses to find it, from exploring ruins of ancient relics, hiking through scenic routes for nature enthusiasts, indulging in delicious local cuisines, relaxing by the beach, to spelunking through hidden caves. The possibilities for adventure, relaxation, and discovery are endless. This undiscovered gem in Southeast Asia is waiting to be explored and experienced, with a rich cultural, environmental and historical landscape that you’ll never forget. So, what’s stopping you from packing your bags and discovering a whole new world today?