The geographical heart of the nation is also its most historically significant. Hue is Vietnam’s most impressive testament to a grand imperial past. Graceful Hoi An sways to a different beat with its otherworldly laidback vibe. Stream towards the coast and you will discover some of Asia’s oldest karst mountains; hike up its interior and you can cool yourself down in former colonial hill towns resembling Europe more than Asia. See all these and more in central Vietnam with a customised tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and experience the core of the country today.
All things imperial
Surrounded by rivers and mountains all around and boasting a moniker like “the city of romantics”, it is no wonder the Nguyen emperors chose Hue as their imperial capital. The highlight is obviously its impressive citadel and its many imperial tombs but that’s not all – the city’s repertoire of fine dynastic cuisine is very much a cultural gem as tantalising as its architectural marvels. Buckle down and dig in to an endless supply of “Bun Bo Hue” (beef noodle in spicy broth) and “Com Hen” (spicy baby clams served over rice or noodle).
A different beat
If Ho Chi Minh City dances energetically with modernity and Hanoi proudly trumpets Vietnam’s iconic rhythm of vibrant street life, then Hoi An is only swaying to its own unique beat seemingly unperturbed by all the commotion. Historic abodes converted into charming teahouses, rows of quality tailors flaunting mountains of colourful fabrics shop after shop and delightful shophouse-restaurants tempting passersby with impeccable Vietnamese cuisine all conjure up a hard-to-resist hot spot for you to just slow life down and take it all in.