From Da Nang’s Ba Na Hills to Hue’s imperial charm and Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, Central Vietnam is full of culture, colors, and unforgettable experiences. Curious? Read my blog!

May 20, 2024
Batangas, Philippines

Date of Trip
April 18-23

My Central Vietnam includes the following locations: Danang, Hue, Hoi An, and Northern Vietnam includes Hanoi.

I had plans to go hiking with my friends to Fansipan, but Toby, one of my friends, mentioned that he was also planning a trip to Vietnam. I suggested that we should explore Central Vietnam instead. I was particularly excited about visiting Bana Hills in Danang, as I had heard fantastic reviews about the area. However, our journey through Central Vietnam turned out to be an unforgettable adventure.

Central Vietnam is a destination that mesmerizes every traveler with its blend of natural splendor, rich history, and lively culture. Whether you’re experiencing the enchantment of Bana Hills in Danang, uncovering the imperial treasures of Hue, or immersing yourself in the ancient allure of Hoi An, it’s an adventure that satisfies wanderlust!

Visa Requirements

Philippine passport holders could stay up to 14 days “visa free” in Vietnam . But before traveling to Vietnam, make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

Flight Amount: I purchased a discounted ticket for PHP5,600, inclusive of 20kg baggage, for my trip from the Philippines to Hanoi and back. Unfortunately, I was unable to utilize the return ticket due to changes in my work schedule.

Flight Amount: Siem Reap to Danang = HKD1733 or PHP12,675 with 20kg carry-on please see link for more info
Flight Amount: Hanoi to Manila PHP 13,371.00 inclusive of carry-on

Flight Amount from Da Nang to Hanoi – PHP5,000 or 2.2M VND

Things to Note:
1. All visitors entering or leaving the Philippines must register at the eTravel website at least 72 hours before the departure time. When it’s done, guests will get a QR code that they need to either scan or take a picture of and show when you leave the country.
2. At Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, there are two security checkpoints: one before reaching Immigration and another after clearing Immigration.
3. Please ensure you arrive at least three hours before your flight as there may be long queues for both check-in and Immigration.

Currency – VND

ATM and Exchange Rates – I prefer using the Gcash Card ATM over my local bank ATM (BPI) in the Philippines for withdrawing money because it provides exchange rates that closely align with those I find online. When I arrived, the exchange rate was 1 PHP= 440VND. Fortunately, there are ATMs scattered across Central Vietnam, so withdrawing money should not be an issue.

*During this trip from Siem Reap, I found it better to exchange USD rather than Riel, as the exchange rate from Riel to VND is low. Unfortunately, I had to exchange money at the airport, where the rates were quite poor. Also, be aware that using a local bank ATM card from the Philippines at Sacombank ATMs incurs a 7% surcharge.

Power Socket – Type A, G and C 220V. It’s essential to carry a travel adapter with you wherever you go, as it can prove to be highly convenient.

Language – English and Vietnamese, not everyone can speak in English so better to use Google Translate

Weather – tropical and has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from April to October and the wet season, which runs from November to March. When I arrived, it was way too hot with average temperature of 35-40 degree Celsius.

Religion – Majority of Vietnamese are Buddhist

Time Zone – +7 GMT

Internet Connectivity – PHP 675.8. I’ve utilized an E-SIM, whenever I travel, and it consistently provides me with excellent connectivity regardless of my destination. I acquired a Southeast Asian E-SIM from Klook, intended for an 8-day duration. In hindsight, I realize I should have opted for the 12-day validity, as my travels within Southeast Asia exceeded the initial 8-day timeframe.

Transportation – Transportation in Vietnam is quite convenient, with Grab available everywhere. During our trip to Central Vietnam, we booked a private car for Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An for 5M VND (approximately PHP11,400), excluding entrance fees. You can contact Pvan and his WhatsApp number is +84932579631

Laundry – everywhere and even in your hotels

Clinics, pharmacy and stores– Absolutely, they’re all over the place.

Things to Note:

1. It was hot when we arrived in Vietnam, but Cambodia was even hotter. It’s essential to have an umbrella, sunblock, a cap, and sandals or an extra shirt with you.
2. It’s advisable to carry cash at all times.

Accommodation –

April 17 Sunset Sea Hotel – PHP 813.61 excluding breakfast
Check in 2:00pm Check out 12:00nn

My room was spacious, and I appreciated that payment is made upon arrival. They will message you via WhatsApp or any other mode of communication to confirm your arrival time; late check-in is fine (I arrived around 6:00 pm). A deposit of 100k VND is required, which is refundable upon check-out. Check-out is by noon. The room includes a bathtub, wifi and a refrigerator, but there is no hair dryer. The only downside is that it’s a bit far from the town proper. Overall, my experience was fine.

April 18-19 Ba Na Hills – Mercure French Village PHP6,240 inclusive of breakfast

This is by far my favorite hotel during my stay in Central Vietnam. The room was spacious, featuring two separate double beds, a bathtub, a shower, a refrigerator, wifi, and excellent amenities. Staying here for a night was delightful; it’s a truly magical place. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Da Nang. Ba Na Hills is a must-see, and staying at the Mercure French Village is an equally essential experience.

April 19-20 Hue – Melia Vinpearl Hue PHP3,915 per night excluding breakfast

I also loved my stay in Hue, especially at the Melia Hotel. It’s conveniently located near the town and within walking distance of restaurants and bars. The amenities, including the pool and gym, were excellent. Our room was spacious, featuring a bathtub, wifi, shower, refrigerator, and two separate double beds. I highly recommend this place, and the penthouse bar adds to the hotel’s charm.

April 20-21 Hoi An – Hoi An Pho Library PHP1,225 inclusive of breakfast

Hoi An Pho Library is conveniently located near the town, within walking distance of various establishments. What I love about this place is the abundance of books, available in both English and Vietnamese. They offer same-day laundry service for 40k VND per kilogram. The beds, pillows, and shower were all satisfactory. Overall, my experience was fine.

April 21-23 Hanoi – Affa Boutique Hotel HaNoi PHP3,860/2 nights excluding breakfast

Affa is located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, within walking distance of various establishments. I appreciated the strong Wi-Fi connection, comfortable beds and pillows, and the spacious room. They also provide toiletries and have a refrigerator. We had to stay an extra day because our flight on April 23rd was early in the morning, and we were carrying luggage. If you need to extend your stay, you’ll have to pay for an additional day, as they don’t offer hourly rates, which is understandable. Overall, my experience was good.

Day 1 April 17 (Wednesday)
Siem Reap International Airport

While waiting at the airport in Siem Reap, I discovered that my plane was a propeller aircraft with 2×2 seating, making it quite cramped. The temperature in Siem Reap was extremely high, reaching 42 degrees Celsius, and the Cambodia Angkor Air plane had no air conditioning while on the ground. Thankfully, the air conditioning was turned on right after takeoff.

I arrived at Da Nang International Airport smoothly and exchanged my Riel to VND after clearing immigration outside the airport. The airport was notably spacious and clean. While waiting for a Grab ride, Grab drivers approached me offering tours, and that’s when I met Pvan, he toured us in Central Vietnam. His WhatsApp number is +84932579631. I highly recommend him as he was incredibly kind, patient throughout the trip, and offered excellent recommendations for food spots.

I arrived at Sunset Sea Hotel at 6:00pm, freshen up and went out for dinner

Thia Go Restaurant Da Nang
PHP200-500

This restaurant offers a cozy ambiance with dining options on the second floor and is just a 10-minute car ride from my hotel. Upon arrival, I only had to wait 20 minutes for my order to be served. Although I initially wanted Bánh xèo or Vietnamese pancake, the wait time was estimated to be 50 minutes, and I was feeling quite hungry, so I opted for Beef Bo Bun, spring rolls, and salt coffee instead. It turned out to be an amazing choice! As a lover of Vietnamese cuisine, I found the food to be exceptional, and the salt coffee was the perfect complement to end the evening.

Day 2 April 18 (Thursday)

I met up with my friend Toby in the morning, he has to work for a while and I informed Phvan to fetch us around 10:00am so we could go to Bana Hills.

Bana Hills, Mercure Village
Round-trip Cable Car journey = 630k VND per person or 1, 430.50PHP

Upon arrival, we made our way to the Mercure Village for check-in, a process that took approximately 10 minutes. Following this, we eagerly embarked on the next leg of our journey: the cable car ride. The ascent from ground level to the summit of Bana Hills spanned approximately 10 to 15 minutes. As we soared above the landscape, suspended in the cable car, I couldn’t help but revel in the sheer delight of the experience.

Nha Hang Viet
650kVND = 1.5kPHP

Situated conveniently outside our hotel, we were eager to satisfy our hunger and decided on bun cha, spring rolls, and Vietnamese coffee at this restaurant. While the meal was decent, it didn’t quite surpass my expectations to become a favorite dining spot especially considering the somewhat steep prices typical of eateries in Bana Hills.

After our meal, it started to rain, and Toby had to head back to the hotel because of work obligations—boohoo Toby! haha I, on the other hand, took advantage of the inclement weather to explore the various entertainment options in Bana Hills.

First, I had a blast playing carnival games, where I managed to pop a balloon and win a prize—though, let’s be honest, I suspect they let me win after I’d already paid 200k VND for it! Afterward, I took a stroll along Beer Plaza, wasn’t able to sample local brews though. When I returned, I decided to tackle the highest peak in Da Nang. It was only 100 steps to the top, and thanks to the recent rain, the temperature was pleasantly cool. I savored the view from the summit, grateful for the refreshing shower that had made the ascent all the more enjoyable.

After a delightful stroll, I returned to the hotel to freshen up. Later, we set out once more to explore other parts of Bana Hills, particularly the Hands of God and the gardens. I couldn’t wait to see the Hands of God in person!

The Hands of God is a striking architectural feature located in Bana Hills, Vietnam. Known as the Golden Bridge or Cau Vang, this unique pedestrian bridge stretches across a vast expanse, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery.

Bana Hills looked enchanting at night, with its lights illuminating the French Village, creating a captivating atmosphere. I have more videos than photos of it.

Bana Hills at night is truly breathtaking, especially with fewer people around. Many tourists visit for a day tour and then return to town, making the experience of staying here at night even more special. Walking through the French Village at night is a memorable experience. However, due to the fewer visitors, only a few restaurants are open, limiting the dining options available.

Le Table
2.5M VND or 5.6k PHP

We dined at Le Table near our hotel, enjoying rib eye steak, rose wine, escargot, spaghetti, and truffle fries. Although it was a pricey meal, we found the taste to be somewhat disappointing. The rib eye steak was a bit bland, and the escargot had a slightly fishy flavor. Perhaps being atop a hill influenced the taste, but regardless, we may opt for steak elsewhere next time we visit Bana Hills. Despite this, our overall experience was satisfactory, and we may explore other menu options at this restaurant in the future.

Day 3 April 19 (Friday)

We had our al fresco breakfast in Bana Hills. After breakfast, we took the time to explore other areas, including riding a train and enjoying some relaxation in Bana Hills, before embarking on our journey to our next destination, Hue. We arranged for Phvan to pick us up around 11am, and on our way to Hue, we stopped at Lang Co Beach Resort for a meal.

Lang Co Beach Resort
650kVND = 1.5kPHP

This restaurant is situated along the road, providing a convenient pit stop on our journey to Hue. We opted for seafood, including fish snapper and shrimp. However, I found that none of the dishes lived up to my expectations. The fish was tough, lacking in tenderness, and the shrimp lacked flavor. Moreover, considering the high prices, I wouldn’t recommend this place to others.

Bana Hills to Hue takes around 2 hours. We made a first stop to Imperial City Hue

Imperial City Hue
Entrance 200kVND or PHP455

Upon arriving at this location, we were greeted by intense heat, prompting us to frequently indulge in iced coffee and ice cream to cool down. The area was expansive, and we relished exploring its various sites. Alternatively, you can rent a cyclo to explore the area instead of walking, but walking is still a great option to fully experience the place.

The Imperial City of Hue, located in central Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historical significance and architectural grandeur. Built during the Nguyen Dynasty in the early 19th century, the Imperial City served as the political and cultural center of Vietnam for over a century.

Enclosed by a fortified wall and a moat, the Imperial City spans an area of approximately 520 hectares and comprises numerous palaces, temples, pavilions, and gardens.

Perfume River

The Perfume River, named for the fragrant flowers that fall into its waters, flows gently through the heart of Hue. It is not only a picturesque waterway but also holds cultural and spiritual significance for the local people. Unfortunately, due to time constraints we were not able to cruise this river, I will definitely do this on my next visit.

Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh
Entrance fee 150k VND or 341PHP

One such royal tomb situated along the Perfume River is the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh. Built in the early 20th century, this majestic mausoleum is a blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles, reflecting the emperor’s admiration for Western aesthetics. Perched on the slopes of Chau Chu Mountain, the mausoleum commands stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Upon check in and freshen up, we headed over for dinner. After checking in and freshening up, we proceeded to dinner.

Madam Thu Restaurant
450kVND or 1,022 PHP for 2 persons

We ordered their set menu which was the Taste of Hue and it did not disappoint. I love everything on our plate and the waiter also explained to us how to eat each dish. I loved the experience of food in Hue, I will definitely be back here!

Skybar Vinpearl Hue
230k VND or PHP500/drink

We enjoyed a drink at the Skybar in our hotel. Although it was quite hot in the open space, the presence of fans made it more comfortable, and the night sky was absolutely stunning. I ordered their refreshing drink that can only be found in Hue.

Day 4 April 20 (Saturday)

We had breakfast at the hotel for an additional cost of 250k VND or PHP 568 per person. I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast, especially with plenty of pho! I adore Vietnamese cuisine!

I had an absolutely wonderful time in Hue; it was so relaxing. The atmosphere was cozy, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I loved my stay in Hue and will definitely return.

Phvan picked us up from our hotel around 1:00 pm, and we set off for our next destination, Hoi An. The journey took us 2-3 hours. Upon arriving in Hoi An, we decided to rest at the hotel first before exploring the neighborhood and having lunch.

White Rose Restaurant
90kVND or PHP204

White Rose, also known as Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc, is a traditional Vietnamese dumpling renowned for its delicate appearance and delicious filling. These dumplings have a translucent, thin skin made from rice paper, enveloping a savory mixture of shrimp and meat. The skillful wrapping technique forms a shape resembling a rose, giving the dish its poetic name. Not only are White Rose dumplings a visual delight, but their unique texture and flavor also make them a culinary highlight for anyone exploring Vietnamese cuisine.

We returned to the hotel to freshen up because it was extremely hot. We decided to skip the coconut basket tour and rest instead, waiting until 5:00 pm to go out again.

92 Station Resto and Cafe
90kVND or PHP204 per salt coffee

We enjoyed a refreshing coffee drink here while overlooking the entire Hoi An Ancient Town. It was truly remarkable to take in the view of this historic town, unobscured by tall buildings.

*The Japanese tunnel was under renovation when we went here.

Hoi An Memories Show with Hoi An Impression Theme Park 
536k VND or PHP1,215
Showtime for the show – Wednesday-Monday: 20:00-21:00
Impression Theme Park – Wednesday-Monday: 16:00-22:00

We strolled to witness the Hoi An Memories Show and were captivated by the gradual dimming of lights along the streets, which transported us to a mesmerizing spectacle of lanterns. Experiencing Hoi An illuminated at night was truly enchanting and magical.

Hoi An Memories show was so captivating and I had goosebumps watching this show, it is a spectacular cultural performance that takes place in Hoi An, Vietnam, captivating audiences with its vibrant portrayal of the town’s history and heritage. Through a combination of music, dance, and visual effects, the show brings to life the rich cultural tapestry of Hoi An, from its ancient origins to its modern-day charm.

This is a must when you visit Hoi An!

Quán Ăn Bony
45k VND or 102PHP
Cash only

While strolling, we stumbled upon a restaurant offering Hoi An noodles and couldn’t resist trying their Cau Lau. This dish showcases thick, chewy rice noodles, uniquely crafted with water from specific wells in Hoi An. Its savory flavor is distinctive and exclusive to Hoi An, making it a truly appetizing dish. I highly recommend giving it a try.

Day 5 April 21 (Sunday)

We enjoyed breakfast at the hostel, consisting of sunny-side-up eggs and iced tea. Later, we walked to a nearby banh mi shop called Banh Mi Queen, where we ordered their signature banh mi for just 30k VND or 68 PHP. It was incredibly crunchy and juicy—I absolutely loved it! This banh mi is a must-try when you’re in Hoi An.

Coconut Basket
500kVND or PHP1,135

The Coconut Basket is a popular attraction in Hoi An, Vietnam, offering visitors a unique and memorable experience. This eco-friendly adventure involves cruising down the Thu Bon River in traditional bamboo basket boats shaped like coconuts.

As we glided gently along the river, we were surrounded by lush greenery, charming villages, and tranquil countryside vistas. Along the way, we were delighted to witness the lively dancing coconut basket villagers, adding an extra element of fun to our journey. Although we opted not to ride the dancing coconut baskets ourselves, simply observing them enhanced our experience on the serene river of Hoi An.

Silk Village
Entrance fee 50k VND or PHP114

The Silk Village in Hoi An is a captivating destination where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tradition of silk production and weaving in Vietnam. Located just a short distance from the ancient town of Hoi An, this village offers a glimpse into the intricate process of silk making and the cultural significance of this ancient craft.

At the Silk Village, visitors have the opportunity to explore traditional silk weaving workshops, where skilled artisans demonstrate the various stages of silk production, from harvesting silkworm cocoons to dyeing and weaving the delicate threads into exquisite fabrics.

The Silk Village also features a range of shops and boutiques where visitors can purchase high-quality silk products. They informed us that authentic silk, when burned, does not produce flames and will not continue burning on its own and it was also demonstrated to us. I did not purchase any silk but it was an immersive experience and I did not know that I will enjoy this.

We headed back to Da Nang for our 8:00 pm flight to Hanoi, but first, we took some time to explore Da Nang town.

The Marble Mountains
Entrance Fees 140kVND or PHP318
40k VND or 90PHP for elevator back and forth

I was too exhausted from my period and the intense heat when we arrived at the Marble Mountains at noon. Thankfully, there was an elevator available for an additional cost, which made the ascent easier. I opted not to hike and instead stayed in the shade of the trees to escape the unbearable heat.

At the base of the Marble Mountains, there are numerous marble workshops and stores where artisans craft and sell intricate sculptures and souvenirs. We checked but did not buy anything.

The Marble Mountains, located just south of Da Nang in central Vietnam, are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills named after the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. These mountains are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, historical significance, and spiritual importance.

Son Tra and Linh Ung Pagoda

We headed over next to Son Tra Peninsula and visited the Linh Ung Pagoda. Son Tra, also known as Monkey Mountain, is a picturesque peninsula located in Da Nang, Vietnam. This area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural significance.

Linh Ung Pagoda is home to the tallest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam, this pagoda provides breathtaking views of the coastline and the city of Da Nang.

Mi Quang Ba Mua
350k VND or 794PHP

In Da Nang, Mi Quang typically features a base of chewy rice noodles, topped with a variety of protein options such as shrimp, pork, chicken, or quail eggs. The dish is then garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables, including lettuce, mint, cilantro, and banana blossom, which add color and freshness.

One of the distinguishing features of Mi Quang in Da Nang is its savory broth, which is flavored with spices like turmeric and annatto seeds, giving it a rich and aromatic taste.

This particular noodle dish isn’t my favorite, as it’s an acquired taste. Initially, I found the fish sauce to be too overpowering, making it difficult to enjoy dipping my banh xeo. As a result, I didn’t quite enjoy this dish as much as I had hoped.

My journey through Central Vietnam was absolutely unforgettable. I cherished every moment, diving deep into the vibrant culture, timeless traditions, and mouthwatering cuisine of the Vietnamese people. The idea of returning is already on my mind, especially since I have yet to explore the South. It’s definitely high on my list for future adventures.

We returned to Hanoi for another day, arriving around 9:00 pm VN time. After such a exhausting journey, we had to prioritize resting first.

Day 6 April 22 (Monday)

We enjoyed breakfast and egg coffee at La Place Cafe while overlooking St. Joseph Cathedral. It was a fantastic morning filled with numerous meetings. I missed Hanoi’s Old Quarter, I always have great time here with my friends.

Toby and I went souvenir shopping, though truthfully, it’s not my favorite activity while traveling. Spending hours buying souvenirs isn’t exactly my idea of fun—I prefer shorter shopping trips. Plus, I’m not keen on carrying items for others. Haha! I only did it for a friend.

Bun Cha Huong Lien
50k VND or 133PHP

This establishment is air-conditioned and boasts a Michelin star. We were initially searching for the restaurant my friend wanted to try, the one where Barack Obama had dined. However, we got lost along the way and opted for another nice place instead. Upon finding this restaurant, I was delighted to discover that they offered bun cha and Vietnamese spring rolls, two dishes I love. It turned out to be an excellent choice that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Cha Ca Thang Long
250k VND or PHP567

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Hanoi so I had to try it again for dinner. Cha Ca is a traditional Vietnamese dish that originated in Hanoi. It typically consists of grilled or pan-fried fish fillets, usually catfish or snakehead fish, marinated in turmeric, garlic, ginger, and other spices. The fish is then served with a variety of accompaniments, including rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs such as dill and mint, roasted peanuts, shrimp paste, and nuoc cham sauce (a mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili).

This place remains the best as my initial experience here was unforgettable, and I’ll certainly return.

Day 7 April 23 (Tuesday)
1:00am VN time

As we prepare for our early morning flight back to the Philippines, I reflect on my arrival at around 6:00 am PHL time, where I managed to catch some sleep before gearing up for work. My time spent exploring Central Vietnam and Hanoi was nothing short of enjoyable. From traversing through charming towns to indulging in the unique flavors of each cuisine, Vietnam has truly captivated me. Its allure remains strong, making it one of my favorite countries in Southeast Asia. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to return and continue my adventures in this remarkable destination. You can see the video of my whole Central Vietnam trip here

Love,
Maria, sometimes, Niskie