Central Vietnam – The place of peaceful and poetic

Top 10 famous tourist destinations in Central Vietnam

The central region is the convergence of the beauty of the sun, sand and wind, the clear blue beaches stretching along with the rustic, sincere and dear people. From the North along to the South of Vietnam, only the Central region is the place where the forest and the sea intersect the most. This creates a unique beauty that makes tourism in the Central region attract tourists from all over the world and all over the world.

1. Phong Nha – Ke Bang

Phong Nha cave belongs to Phong Nha – Ke Bang landscape complex, Son Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province. The scenic area is about 50 km northwest of Dong Hoi city. The feature of this national landscape complex is the longest and most beautiful caves in the world.

With a dense underground river system with rare flora and fauna, beautiful natural landscape. Phong Nha – Ke Bang landscape complex has become an attraction not only for tourists in the Central region but also throughout the country and around the world.

Especially, there is Son Doong cave, the largest natural cave in the world. This cave is located in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang cave complex. Son Doong Cave is an extremely majestic and magnificent natural picture with many stalactites with strange shapes and many rare animals and plants. The cave is considered by archaeologists as the most magnificent cave in the world.

2. Hue

The romantic ancient capital of Hue is located on both sides of the Perfume River, a world cultural heritage in Thua Thien-Hue province. When it comes to Hue tourism, people immediately think of the sweet, gentle voice and the great song resounding on the Perfume River. It is also a feature that only Hue can make people’s hearts flutter so much.

Hue is also a famous tourist destination of tourism in the Central region with many beautiful landscapes that captivate people, many historical relics preserving the national culture… Especially, in 2003, Hue royal court music recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Humanity. Coming to Hue, there will be many interesting things for visitors to discover such as going back to the past to learn about the ancient history.

3. Da Nang

The name Da Nang has long been no stranger to tourists when it comes to the beautiful scenery of Central Vietnam. The beautiful city suddenly turned into a key tourist city of Vietnam with rapid development. Not only famous for countless strange and beautiful scenes. Da Nang is also honored as the most livable city in Vietnam because of its proximity and peace.

In particular, Da Nang city is fortunate to be surrounded by 3 world cultural heritages: Hue, Hoi An and My Son holy land. A little further is Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Therefore, it can be said that this is a bridge and one of the tourist centers of Vietnam. Da Nang is famous for tourist attractions such as Marble Mountains, Linh Ung Pagoda, Ba Na Mountain, My Khe Beach, Han River Bridge… And countless other beautiful attractions.

4. Hoi An

Hoi An is located in the lower reaches of the Thu Bon River, Quang Nam Province. Located on the famous heritage road of Vietnam, Hoi An is an outstanding central tourist destination attracting domestic and foreign tourists. This small old town is the intersection of many Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European cultures in both cuisine, architecture, and the traditions of local people.

Along with the poetic natural landscape with the quaint yellow old streets; The roof tiles are tinged with moss; The rows of red confetti and the colorful lantern streets… Hoi An deserves to be the most beautiful central scene attracting tourists in the world.

5. My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary is a complex of Cham Pa temples in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province. The relic site is 45 km west of Hoi An ancient town, 68 km southwest of Da Nang city, 145 km south of Hue ancient capital. Recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1999, My Son Sanctuary preserves more than 70 architectural works of temples and towers of the Champa civilization.

Ancient architectural works contain many values ​​of history, culture, architecture and art and were created over a long period of time over many centuries. My Son Sanctuary is rated on par with famous monuments in Southeast Asia such as Angkor, Pagan, Borobudua… With mysterious beauty, unique ancient architecture with distinctive features of the Champa people. My Son attracts domestic and foreign tourists to visit and explore the beautiful scenery of Central Vietnam.

6. Phu Yen

Phu Yen tourism has long become an attractive destination for tourists across the country. With a large and majestic landscape but still has rustic and simple features, Phu Yen becomes an ideal rendezvous for those who travel to the Central region.

More prominently, the richness of terrain with blue beaches, beautiful and gentle bays, cool mountain passes, rugged and unique cliffs, Ghenh Da Dia. The land of “yellow flowers on green grass conquers the hearts of many people when they come here.

7. Da Lat

Referring to Da Lat, one thing is certain that everyone thinks of a poetic city filled with flowers and fanciful in an interesting fog. Because of this peacefulness, warmth and strange beauty, Dalat tourism is always the focus of many domestic and international tourists. Due to the favorable natural climate as well as the great creativity of people, the beautiful scenery of Da Lat has many outstanding features that no other place in Vietnam can match.

8. Nha Trang

Nha Trang belongs to Khanh Hoa province, here is recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, known as a tourist paradise. Coming to Nha Trang tourism, you will discover famous tourist attractions, attractions, or interesting points for spiritual tourism. The beaches along the length of the city and on the islands of Nha Trang Bay are all wonderful sights that attract domestic and foreign tourists.

9. Ninh Thuan

Ninh Thuan belongs to the South Central Coast, where there are vast white salt fields, green vineyards and beautiful pristine beaches. Characterized by the sun and wind of the central climate, Ninh Thuan has become a famous tourist destination such as Hang Rai, Vinh Hy Bay…

Especially the Cham culture imbued with the identity passed down in the ancient pottery village of Bau Truc or Po Klong Garai tower makes Ninh Thuan a famous tourist destination in the Central region.

10. Quy Nhon 

The coastal city of Binh Dinh province, in the South Central Coast region, is 1,065 km from Hanoi and 650 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Quy Nhon is nestled between the sea on one side and the mountain on the other side with long, curved coastlines, fine golden sand and ravishing blue water.

Top 10 Famous Central Specialties Delicious

Each region, each place has its own products and specialties, with its own colors and flavors and the Central region is no exception. Central specialties are very rich, from snacks, traditional dishes on Tet, even desserts with their own characteristics. It is the charm and sophistication in the way of processing that makes it difficult for diners to put down their chopsticks. Let’s take attendance and enjoy 10 most “addictive” Central specialties!

1. Nha Trang fish noodle soup

Nha Trang fish noodle soup is one of the most attractive Central specialties. Fish is selected from the freshest fish, be it beef, tuna or raft fish, not fixed on a single type of fish. They will be washed and pureed to cook the broth. A bowl of Nha Trang fish noodle soup has a sweet and slightly salty taste like sea fish. The noodles are small and soft, chewy and soaked in the broth. When eating, the host will add fish cakes or some jellyfish. If you have time, come and enjoy the taste of Nha Trang fish noodle soup to feel the uniqueness of this dish.

2. Hot pot (Phan Thiet)

Hot pot drop (also known as seafood hot pot) is a dish of fishermen in the waters of Mui Ne, Phan Thiet when tourism has not yet developed. People often put things caught from the sea into iron barrels, then pour water in and cook them into hot pot dishes. Now, hot pot is put on the menu by many local restaurants and hotels to serve tourists.

This dish is a harmonious combination of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth to bring health and necessary energy to people. The main ingredient of this dish is fresh apricots caught from the sea, washed, and seasoned with garlic and chili. When eaten, served with vermicelli, salad, pork intestines, omelette, … The deliciousness of this hot pot is also reflected in the full presentation of the ingredients on the lid. Surrounded by fresh apricot fish, next to a steaming hot pot. The banquet table is like a blooming flower.

3. Cao Lau (Hoi An)

Referring to the ancient town of Hoi An, everyone remembers the famous Cao Lau dish, which is considered the pride of the cuisine here, this dish is very special from the name to the way of processing, it is considered one of the most famous dishes in Hoi An is considered typical for specialties of the Central region. To make crispy noodles, it has to go through many stages, from soaking fragrant rice in ash water and then filtering it thoroughly, grinding rice, boiling, dissolving water, then stuffing and steaming, finally drying.

Fresh noodles, garnished with slices of fried dry noodles, thin slices of pork, filled with sweet broth, served with bitter cabbage, coriander or basil are all delicious. After visiting the beautiful Hoi An, stopping at a roadside restaurant to order a bowl of Cao Lau to enjoy its signature flavor is the perfect choice for your trip.

4. Quang noodles – a specialty of the Central region

This is a dish that is praised as the “soul” of Quang Nam cuisine, it is a pity if you have not tried this dish considered a specialty of the central region. It is not difficult to find a spacious noodle shop, because here, from street corners to markets, villages and busy streets, you can easily enjoy a delicious bowl of Quang noodle. Sliced fresh pork or shredded chicken, the fatty taste of oil, the aroma of peanuts, the sweetness and permeability of the broth are indispensable, crispy sesame rice paper combined with salads such as lettuce, coriander , basil, cilantro, bananas, etc. What are you waiting for, come here and enjoy this delicious dish with a genuine reputation!

5. Tam Ky chicken rice (Quang Nam)

Besides the famous Quang Nam Noodles, Quang Nam is also famous for another central specialty, which is Tam Ky Chicken Rice. Chicken rice is taken from chickens we raise in the garden in Tam Ky, the rice must be cooked with a new type of rice to make the rice delicious, flexible and fragrant. In addition to these two main ingredients, the yellow color of turmeric powder mixed with rice, the red color of tomato slices, and the green color of cucumber slices, mixed together and dipped with chili garlic fish sauce is absolutely delicious . It can be said that this is a specialty of the Central region that is worth your time to come and enjoy

6. Apricot fish salad

Mai fish salad is considered a specialty of the Central region that cannot be missed when traveling in this land. The shape of apricot fish is very similar to anchovies, fragrant, tough meat, no blood, so it is not fishy, ​​very suitable for processing into delicious dishes such as hot pot, especially apricot fish salad. The apricot fish salad is delicately processed, giving diners an unforgettable taste.

Delicious apricot fish is first scaled, tailed, boned, then patted dry with paper towels, squeezed lemon, and sour tamarind vinegar to cook with. Then sprinkle a layer of hearing on top, add shredded carrots, chopped laksa leaves, roasted peanuts, chopped onions, basil, dipped with a little garlic and chili fish sauce for flavor, and we have apricot fish salad. great already. Just hearing it makes my mouth water, the difference in this apricot fish salad is probably in the dipping sauce, because it brings a very unique flavor that is unmistakable. Fish salad dipping sauce is made from tamarind juice and sugar. This is a must-try main dish when you visit this sunny and windy desert land of Ninh Thuan!

7. Quang Tri snakehead fish soup cake

Snakehead fish cake soup here is often called “fish porridge” or “powder porridge”. There are many names and with them more than one cooking method. The most common method is to filter the fish, marinate it, cook it and boil the bones to make the broth. The flour is milled from delicious rice, kneaded thoroughly to the point of “ripe” and then rolled and cut into pieces. Instead of waiting for customers to call, the flour is put into the pot from the beginning.

With just a bowl of mullet cake soup, some coriander, chili and a cup of fish sauce, Quang Tri people have created a brand dish that can be considered as their own central specialty. The hot soup cake is scooped out into the bowl, sprinkled with some finely chopped scallions, from the white powder to the fragrant and delicious fish cake. To have a standard bowl of mullet cake soup, you can go to the following restaurant: Sea mullet cake soup, Quang Tri province. A bowl of banh chung costs only from 30,000 to 40,000 VND.

8. Rice paper rolls with pork

Rice paper rolls with pork is a specialty dish of the Central region with carefully selected ingredients and excellent taste. Pork is only taken from the skin or shoulder and steamed to keep the sweetness. Vegetables are very common, easy to find but must be fresh, including lettuce, basil, lettuce, green onions, herbs, bitter vegetables, bean sprouts, white banana buds, cucumbers, green bananas…

Wrap all the ingredients in a plate of rice paper, dip it in a cup of fragrant fish sauce, and then take a bite into your mouth. All your senses are awakened by the wonderful taste of this dish, the aroma of the sauce emanating, blending the ingredients brings an indescribable feeling.

9. Nam O fish salad – Da Nang

You may also wonder why this fish salad is famous in Nam O and not in other places, because there is a simple reason, when explained, everyone nods in agreement. Because the nature of Nam O Fish Salad is to use ingredients entirely from fresh fish, and Nam O Fishing Village is the place to catch many types of fish used to make this salad. Therefore, the fish salad in Nam O will be fresher and sweeter, and the fingerlings used to make Nam O fish salad are usually herring.

After catching fish, people are scaled, removed the head, gutted, washed, boned and cut into pieces. A unique way to get rid of the fishy smell is to wash the fish with a little salt and vinegar. Nam O fish salad has two types: dry salad and wet fish salad, although the ingredients are the same, the processing of these two types of salad is very different. Dried fish salad after preliminary processing and letting the fish drain, add many typical spices such as hearing, roasted sesame, roasted peanuts, pounded baked rice paper. For wet fish salad, after cleaning, herring is marinated with ginger, galangal, garlic, minced chili and then soaked in broth mixed with fish sauce.

10. Mussel rice (Hue)

The name of this dish sounds rustic, but when you enjoy it, you will find it is not rustic at all. Instead, this delicious dish of Hue has bold “soul of color”. Mussel rice, as the name suggests, is a combination of fried mussels, dried bamboo shoots and pork belly that has been cut over the head when eaten, then served with peanuts, roasted pork skin, raw shrimp, crispy skin, rice paper crumbs and boiled water. Hot mussels with a little minced ginger add more sweetness to the rice bowl. It can be said that mussel rice is the most delicious dish in Hue cuisine, while eating and sweating, but for the people here, it must be like that to fully absorb the flavor of this dish.

Each region has its own unique culture and cuisine. Here is a list of 10 specialties of Central Vietnam that you will enjoy discovering. If you have the opportunity to set foot in the Central land, remember to come to see the super cooking skills of the people here!