Imagine The Best Places In Central Vietnam

By Author: Shirley MacKenzie
Total Articles: 4717
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For most visitors to Vietnam Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are immediate attractions, being the bustling metropolises of the country. However despite the many attractions, travellers often find the noise and pollution too much of a shock to their system, which is why a visit to Central Vietnam is often high on their lists.

With a charming mix of culture, sea and shopping, the two main destinations in Central Vietnam are Hue and Hoi An. Hue offers imperial majesty - beautiful tombs and pagodas, remnants of kingdoms past, hidden away in the forest up the Perfume river from Hue City, plus of course the imperial Citadel itself, palace of the last Emperor of Vietnam who was driven out for collaborating with the French at the start of the first Indochina War.

Many visitors come to Hue and only see the historic sites, before hopping back on a bus to pastures new - and completely miss the fact that just 20 mins from the centre is a wild, unspoilt beach, only ever visited by locals. With a wild coastline and simple shacks where you can order shrimp and beer at rock bottom prices it offers a glimpse of real Vietnam beach life, ...
... a world away from the shores at Mui Ne or even Hoi An down the coast.

Hoi An, by contrast, has been snapped up by the backpacker industry, and tough competition means if you are looking for a special place to stay you can get a bargain room by the sea. Hoi An itself is an ancient trading town, and its rows of Chinese shophouses hold a unique charm, a glimpse of old world Vietnam. Much has been done to preserve the town and in the evenings the streets are free of motorbikes making it a tranquil place to explore.. and shop!

Just down the road from Hoi An lies Cua Dai beach, another delightful stretch of wild beach, though one that has been colonised far more by vendors and restaurants. Nevertheless, a stay on the beach offers a great chance to relax and unwind, with culture and shopping on hand in the beautiful nearby town of Hoi An.
About Author:
After a wonderful trip to Vietnam, I can't wait to return! To learn more about Hoi An and Hue Hotels I recommend Vietnamtravel.org.