Bored of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi? Central Vietnam offers rich history and a beach holiday all in one. By June Ng.

Traveling to Vietnam is no longer just about Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. The heart of the country also offers much to explore, with its rich history stretching from ancient times through to the colonial era and onto the Vietnam War. In addition, there are also some stunning beaches to rival destinations such as Phuket. Here’s a look at three of the most popular cities.

Danang

Danang is the fourth-largest city in Vietnam. It is home to the 20-mile-long China Beach, which Forbes ranks among the “World’s Most Luxurious Beaches” alongside other notables such as the Wailea in Hawaii. As a coastal city, Danang is famous for its seafood. A favorite is the local squid, which is left to dry under the sun for a day so that it’s full of flavor by the time it’s grilled.

For a scenic view, head to Bana Mountain via the longest and highest-reaching non-stop cable car, which opened last year. The mountain is 1,487 meters above sea level. From there, not only can you have a bird’s eye view of the city, but you can also experience four different seasons in one day. Locals describe mornings there as spring, noons as summer, afternoons as autumn and nights as winter (average temperature of the area is between 17 and 25 °C). A holiday retreat for French colonials more than a hundred years ago, the area used to require travelers to take a long and winding road trip to get to the top. Thankfully, you can now take the cable car up to the Suoi Mo tourism area in a quick 15 minutes.

If you want a taste of ancient civilization before hitting the real UNESCO heritage sites, check out the Cham Museum, established by French archeologists in 1936. It is known as the world’s finest collection of the Cham art from the 4th to the 14th centuries.

Hoi An

Hoi An was known as the Champa City in ancient times, and went on to become an important trading center from the 15th to the 19th centuries. During that time, its multi-ethnic population consisted of Chinese, Japanese, Indian and even Dutch descendants. Wander through the Old Town and you’ll find plenty of diverse architecture, from Chinese Assembly Halls to the Japanese Bridge, built to separate the town center from nearby settlements. In 1999, UNESCO declared the local buildings World Heritage Sites.

Hoi An is also a paradise for shopaholics. Tailor-made shirts can be had for around HK$130, and you’ll find numerous gemstones such as jade being sold around town. Lanterns are also popular, as the locals celebrate every full moon by making a wish on a lantern and putting it on the river. Finally, if you’re feeling hungry, stop at a restaurant and try the local specialty, Cao Lau noodles, served nowhere else.

Some of the most prized sites in Hoi An can be found in the My Son Sanctuary. It used to be the spiritual capital of the Cham Kingdom over a thousand years ago, and at one time had more than 70 different temples and stupas. Unfortunately, many of them have since been destroyed. Still, that any of them have managed to remain standing and in good shape all these years is a true wonder.

Hue

Hue was the capital of Vietnam in the 19th century, when the country was ruled by the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty that was heavily influenced by the Chinese. Its monumental Citadel, located by the Perfume River, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is where the Emperor once sat. Its architecture bears a strong resemblance to Chinese architecture, and even features bronze vessels with Chinese inscriptions on them. Inside the Citadel is the forbidden city—which, like that in Beijing, was reserved for the emperor, his concubines and his close confidants. Unfortunately, parts of it were destroyed during the Vietnam War, and reconstruction is still going on. Along the river you can find other monuments such as the tombs for the emperors Minh Man, Khai Dinh and Tu Duc.

Where to stay

Furama Resort Danang

68, Ho Xuan Huong, Danang, 84-511-3847 333/ 888,
www.furamavietnam.com
The award-winning five-star resort is located at the China Beach in Danang, just 15 minutes away from the Danang International Airport.

The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province, 84-510-3940 000, www.ghmhotels.com

Also located at the China Beach, the Nam Hai is known as the “wow hotel” for its extravagance. It contains 60 one-bedroom villas and 40 pool villas with lavish décor. Each of the pool villas has its own butler. Over a thousand candles are lit across the resort every night. 

Life Heritage Resort

1 Pham Hong Thai Street, Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, 84-510-3914 555, www.life-resorts.com
This French colonial-style resort is just a five to ten minute walk from the ancient old town. It’s also next to the scenic Thu Bon River.

How to get there

There are no direct flights to Danang yet, so you’ll have interchange at Ho Chi Minh City Airport. Patterson Travel is offering return flights for $2,300 (not including airport tax) until the end of October (3102-2371, www.pattersontravel.com.hk). You can also check the Vietnamese Airlines website www.vietnamairlines.com.vn for more information.