Central Vietnam

Squeezed between Vietnam’s better-known north and south, Central Vietnam is often overlooked. Many travelers pass through just to visit the lantern-lit streets and yellow colonial facades of Hoi An, or the crumbling citadels and royal tombs of Hue, the former imperial capital. But this region deserves far more attention. 

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Head inland and you’ll find Phong Nha, Vietnam’s adventure capital—home to jungle treks, underground rivers, and some of the largest cave systems in the world, including the record-breaking Son Doong and the spectacular Hang En. 

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Back on the coast, Da Nang is often dismissed as little more than a transit point. But spend a few nights here, and you’ll discover a vibrant, modern city with clean beaches, great food, and a growing nightlife scene, complete with beach clubs and rooftop bars that rival those in the south.