Simple 7-Day Central Vietnam Itinerary
For your first trip to Vietnam, Central Vietnam is a perfect choice! Famous for beautiful beaches like My Khe, cultural attractions such as Hoi An Ancient Town, amazing views of Ba Na Hills, and historical places in Hue and Quang Tri.
VIET DOVE Travel gives you a simple Central Vietnam itinerary for 7 days that's easy to follow, budget-friendly, and filled with highlights. This itinerary offers the best Central Vietnam travel route for a one-week adventure.
Day 1: Arrive in Da Nang - Beach & Local Food
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Da Nang airport or train station.
- Afternoon: Relax at My Khe Beach, voted one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
- “After a long flight, soaking my feet in the warm sand of My Khe Beach felt like the perfect welcome to Vietnam.” Melisa.
- Evening: For dinner, you can try local dishes like Mi Quang, banh trang cuon thit heo, or banh xeo.
- Stay: Beachside hotel at My Khe or along Tran Phu Street in the central areas of Da Nang.
💡 Tip: Taxi/Grab from the airport. Price about 70,000-100,000 VND.
Day 2: My Son Sanctuary - Overnight at Hoi An
- Map Route: Da Nang → My Son → Hoi An (60km).
- Morning: Visit My Son Sanctuary, which was the ancient temple of the Champa Kingdom.
- Afternoon: Depart for Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Evening: Walk around the old town among the lantern lit streets eating Cao Lau noodles and delicious street food.
Stay: Homestay or boutique hotel that’s close to Hoi An Old Town.
Day 3: Hoi An Discovery - Return to Da Nang
Morning:
- Go visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and assemble into Chinese Assembly Halls.
- Consider taking a cooking class and/or heading out to Thanh Ha Pottery Village.
Afternoon: Return to Da Nang. Evening: Visit Dragon Bridge, Love Bridge, or enjoy the cruise trip on the Han River.
Day 4: Ba Na Hills - Golden Bridge & Fantasy Park
Morning: Journey to Ba Na Hills (30km).
Activities:
- Ride cable car
- Golden Bridge
- French Village, flower gardens, wine cellars
- Fantasy Park
“Riding the Ba Na Hills cable car was like flying through clouds. It was both thrilling and peaceful at the same time.” Hellen.
Noon: Mountain buffet lunch.
Evening: Return to Da Nang, sunbathe on the beach or eat fresh seafood.
Day 5: Da Nang → Hue - Discover the Imperial City
Route: By bus, train, or private car via Hai Van Pass.
Afternoon: Tour the Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City, Thien Mu Pagoda.
Evening: Eat Bun Bo Hue and take a dragon boat cruise on the Huong River.
Stay: Hotel in Hue (in the area of Chu Van An Street).
Day 6: Hue → Quang Tri - Historic Experience
Morning: Drive to Quang Tri (70km).
Activities:
- Quang Tri Citadel
- Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River
- Optional: Vinh Moc Tunnels.
Evening: Drive back to Hue or stay in Dong Ha.
Day 7: Quang Tri → Phong Nha – Caving
Morning: Drive to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (4–5 hours).
Afternoon:
- Boat trip into Phong Nha Cave.
- Optional: Paradise Cave or you can trek in the jungle.
Evening: Riverside homestay in Phong Nha.
Estimated 7-Day Trip Costs
|
Category |
Estimated Budget (VND) |
|
Accommodation |
2,800,000 – 4,200,000 |
|
Food & Drinks |
1,400,000 – 2,000,000 |
|
Transportation |
1,500,000 – 2,500,000 |
|
Entrance fees & tours |
1,500,000 – 2,000,000 |
|
Total |
~7,200,000 – 10,700,000 |
When to visit Central Vietnam
Best months
February - May (dry season, pleasant temps).
Avoid
September - November (typhoons, flooding).
Other note
Crowds are larger during Tet (Lunar New Year) and summer vacation (June, July, August).
Transportation Tips
Intercity transport: Bus, Train, Motorbike, and Private car.
Scenic transport: Don’t miss the Hai Van Pass.
Within city transport: Grab, taxi, cycling, walking.
FAQs about Central Vietnam Itinerary
Is 7 days enough for Central Vietnam?
Absolutely! A Central Vietnam itinerary of 7 days is enough time to cover Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and even Phong Nha and you get a good variety of the beach, history, and culture, while not feeling rushed at all.
What is the best route of travel for Central Vietnam?
The best route for Central Vietnam travel is from Da Nang, to Hoi An, to Hue and ending in Phong Nha; this is the natural north-south direction and reduces backtracking.
Should I start in Da Nang or Hue?
The majority of travelers start in Da Nang because it has an international airport and several flights. However, it is possible to start in Hue and do the same Da Nang Hoi An Hue itinerary backwards.
What is the cost for 7 days in Central Vietnam?
On average, travelers spend around 7,200,000 – 10,700,000 VND/ 400-500 USD for 7 days, including accommodation, food, transportation, and entrance fees.
What is the best time to visit Central Vietnam?
The best time is February to May, because it is sunny, not too hot, and less rainy. Avoid September-November because of typhoons and flooding.
Conclusion
This Da Nang Hoi An Hue itinerary included a good blend of culture and history and adventures. From the Golden Bridge to Hoi An lanterns to the war history of Quang Tri, this is truly the best Central Vietnam travel route for 7 days.
👉 Interested? Let VIETDOVE Travel plan your perfect itinerary.
