Explore Central Vietnam: cable cars, Ferris wheels, and farming fun!

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network; photos by Yingda Travel

Simple and elegant Vietnam, influenced by Chinese culture and infused with French charm. In central Vietnam, the ancient town of Hoi An, the My Son Sanctuary, and the Hue Imperial City—three UNESCO World Heritage Sites—gather to showcase history, art, religion, and folklore. The "Vietnamese" vibe is more enchanting than ever!

The Ancient Town of Hoi An: A Blend of Diverse Cultures

▲ The Ancient Town of Hoi An, deeply influenced by Chinese culture.

▲ Hoi An at night exudes the charm of a lantern-lit ancient town.

Vietnam borders China to the north and has been deeply influenced by Chinese culture since ancient times, with historical, literary, and artistic ties to China. The ancient town of Hoi An in central Vietnam, located east of the South China Sea, became a major trading city due to its geographical position. In the 16th century, it was an international port where Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, and Indian merchants traded. As a result, Hoi An developed a mixed cultural character.

▲ The Japanese Covered Bridge.

In the past, Hoi An was a divided town, with the "Japanese Covered Bridge" as the boundary—one side for the Chinese community and the other for the Japanese settlement. This bridge, built by the Japanese, is famous for its unique covered structure, and there is also a pagoda nearby. Visiting the ancient town of Hoi An allows you to experience the beauty of cultural fusion, as if you are in a living museum. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

The My Son Sanctuary: Witnessing the Rise and Fall of Cultures

▲ The My Son Sanctuary is also known as the "Little Angkor."

About 40 kilometers west of Hoi An lies My Son, the heartland of the Hindu Champa Kingdom, which once ruled central and southern Vietnam for 14 centuries, demonstrating its glorious history. Historically, the Cham people were known as masters of bricklaying. The tower temples and architectural ruins of the My Son Sanctuary showcase their bricklaying techniques, architectural lines, and intricate carvings, reflecting the artistic and architectural standards of the time and telling the stories of its former glory. Some of the My Son Sanctuary ruins were destroyed by fire, while others were bombed during the Vietnam War. Today, about 25 structures remain, and it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

The Hue Imperial City: Inheriting Historical Glory

▲ The Hue Imperial City was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Great architecture represents a glorious history, and its layout reflects the living culture of its time. Another must-visit destination in central Vietnam—Hue—was once the capital of the Tay Son and Nguyen dynasties and is Vietnam's ancient capital. The "Imperial City" at the heart of the ancient capital of Hue can be considered the "Forbidden City" of the Nguyen Dynasty and is the largest surviving complex of ancient buildings in Vietnam. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Within the Hue Imperial City, you can see city walls, gates, terraces, as well as the Thai Hoa Palace, the Ancestral Temple, and the well-known Forbidden City and inner palace. These structures, built in imitation of Chinese culture, uphold Vietnamese heritage. Strolling through the pavilions, terraces, towers, and halls offers endless fascination.

Danang’s New Landmark—the Eye of the Sun Ferris Wheel

▲ Danang’s new landmark, the Eye of the Sun Ferris Wheel.

When visiting central Vietnam, you must experience Danang’s beaches. With 30 kilometers of pristine white sand, Danang is a dream vacation destination for Europeans. The azure sea and cool breeze attract countless travelers to enjoy their holidays here. Now, when you visit Danang, you’ll see the 115-meter-tall Eye of the Sun Ferris Wheel. At night, the Ferris wheel lights up in dazzling colors, becoming a new landmark. Riding it allows you to enjoy panoramic views of Danang, with all its beauty laid out before you.

▲ The Ba Na Hills Cable Car, the world’s longest single-track cable car (Guinness World Record).

To enjoy even more breathtaking views, don’t miss the chance to ride the Ba Na Hills Cable Car, the world’s longest single-track cable car (Guinness World Record). From the cable car, you can leisurely admire the layered mountain scenery and lush forests, as well as gaze at Danang to the east and the vast central Vietnamese landscape. Upon reaching the top of Ba Na Hills, you’ll be amazed by the sight of French-style architecture standing before you. This is the Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park, built to resemble a French castle, offering endless joy with its European-style amusement park.

A New Vietnamese Experience—Farming Fun

Besides visiting World Heritage Sites and enjoying the views from Ba Na Hills, the most authentic local experience in Vietnam is undoubtedly—farming fun!

▲ Enjoy the fun of farming and cooking.

▲ Learn Vietnamese cuisine and become a master chef.

During the experience, you can ride bicycles along rural roads with farm experts, head to the vegetable garden, change into farmer’s clothes, wear a conical hat, and step barefoot onto the warm soil to engage in farming activities firsthand. Experience the lifestyle of a happy farming family, allowing your body, mind, and soul to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life. Additionally, you can join Vietnamese cooking classes, using farm-fresh ingredients to prepare authentic and delicious dishes. Simple recipes can be memorized, and the traditional flavors of Vietnam will tantalize your taste buds and leave lasting memories.

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Recommended Itinerary: [Cherish Central Vietnam: Ancient Town Charm & Farming Fun, 5-Day New Perspective]
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