5 Days Discovering the Imperial and Coastal Charms of Central Vietnam

The Imperial City anchors the day, a walled complex modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City that once housed the Nguyen Dynasty's royal court for over a century. Within its grounds, the Thai Hoa Palace, the Nine Dynastic Urns and the remaining sections of the Forbidden Purple City offer a layered look at how the royal family lived, governed and performed ceremonies during Vietnam's last dynasty. A local guide's commentary fills in the history behind the architecture, from the layout's symbolic alignment to the damage sustained during the wars of the 20th century and the restoration work still ongoing today.

From the Citadel, continue to one of the royal tombs — Khai Dinh or Tu Duc are the two most commonly visited, each reflecting a distinct architectural style and the personality of the emperor it was built for. Khai Dinh's tomb blends European and Vietnamese elements in stone and concrete, while Tu Duc's complex unfolds more like a private retreat, with a lake, pavilions and gardens designed for the emperor's own use during his lifetime. Lunch at a local restaurant fits in around this stretch of the day, often featuring Hue's smaller, more delicate dishes such as banh khoai or nem lui.

The afternoon continues with a boat ride along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story tower that has marked the riverbank since the 17th century and remains one of Hue's most photographed landmarks. The ride offers a quieter view of the city from the water, passing fishing boats and riverside villages before docking near the pagoda grounds.

In the evening, a royal-style dinner brings the day to a close, featuring dishes once served to the Nguyen emperors, plated in the elaborate style associated with imperial cuisine, and accompanied by traditional Hue folk music performed live during the meal.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Hue

The Hai Van Pass carries the route out of Hue toward Hoi An, a coastal mountain road once ranked among the most scenic drives in the world by international press. The road climbs through cloud cover for much of the way, giving the pass its name, before opening onto views over Lang Co Bay and the coastline toward Da Nang. A stop at the summit, where the remains of a French-era bunker and a Vietnamese watchtower still stand, offers a chance to take in the view.

Descending toward Da Nang, the route continues to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills each named after one of the five elements and still an active pilgrimage site today. Caves within the hills house shrines and pagodas, some reached by stairway, others by elevator, with viewpoints looking out over the coastline. Lunch at a local restaurant in Da Nang follows, before the final stretch into Hoi An.

Check in to the hotel on arrival, with the rest of the day open to explore the Ancient Town on foot — the Japanese Covered Bridge, centuries-old merchant houses, and tailor shops line the streets close to most hotels in town. Lanterns are lit along the river as the light fades, one of the defining images of Hoi An after dark, drawing both locals and visitors out for a walk or a boat ride on the water.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Accommodation: Hoi An

Ba Na Hills takes up most of the day, reached by a cable car ride that ranks among the longest in the world, climbing over jungle-covered slopes before reaching the hilltop resort more than 1,400 meters above sea level. The Golden Bridge is the centerpiece here, its walkway held aloft by two giant stone hands above the clouds, one of the most photographed spots in Central Vietnam.

Beyond the bridge, the French Village recreates a small European town with cobblestone streets and a Gothic-style church, while Fantasy Park offers an indoor amusement area for those looking to extend the visit. Lunch is available at one of the resort's restaurants, with the buffet option a common choice given the range of dining venues spread across the hilltop. The flower gardens near Le Jardin d'Amour are worth the extra walk, timed well for photos when the mist rolls through in the early afternoon, before the cable car descent back toward Hoi An.

The remaining hours are free to revisit the Ancient Town after dark, or to browse the tailor shops for a same-day fitting — a common last errand before departure the following day.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

• Accommodation: Hoi An

The morning is free in Hoi An, suited to a last walk through the Ancient Town, a bicycle ride through the surrounding rice paddies, or a visit to An Bang Beach before checking out. A basket-boat ride through the Cam Thanh coconut forest is a popular addition for those with time to spare, weaving through the palms with a local rower.

Depending on flight schedules, lunch at a local restaurant fits in before the transfer to Da Nang, a drive of approximately 45 minutes. For those with extra time, a stop at Han Market or along Da Nang's riverside offers a last look at the city before heading to the airport.

Transfer to Da Nang International Airport for the departure flight, bringing the five-day journey through Central Vietnam to a close.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch