Unusual but Authentic Ways to Delve Into The Beauty of Central Vietnam
Stroll down the narrow streets of Hoi An old town? Visit the imperial city of Hue or go island hopping in Nha Trang? These are too common things to do in the diversified central of Vietnam. If you seek for untouched beaches, lesser-known villages or just want to have something special and authentic memories in the Middle, take a look and note down these following experiences/ things to do in Central Vietnam.
1. Immerse in the lush green jungles in Quang Binh
Since when Phong Nha Ke Bang was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, Quang Binh is widely known as a kingdom of stunning caves such as Son Doong, Phong Nha, Paradise Cave, En Cave and the like, which are bounded by a large area of the forest. Though it is home to a wide range of adventurous experiences that require extensive training and skills, Quang Binh still has a lot of places to enjoy the greenness of nature, escape from the stressful work and play less-risky games. One of them is Ozo Treetop Park, which is the first park nestled inside a primary forest- Phong Nha Ke Bang National park and has the longest complex of treetop and water activities in Vietnam.
For those who do not want to play any games, just stroll around the park to have a taste of woodsy fragrance and immerse yourself into poetic surroundings under the shade of thousand-years-old trees or along the wooden path that runs along a peaceful stream. Besides, the camping zone with a Vietnamese restaurant around is a good option for relaxing after an exciting day and enjoying the local cuisine.
For adrenaline junkies, there are various activities to enjoy above... the trees or on the stream such as high ropes & obstacle course, treetop zipline, cave exploration and water sports. Ozo Treetop Park offers 3 packages with different activities and level of risks as follow:
- Package 1: You can challenge yourself with treetop zipline and 16 high rope & obstacle course (average height from 5-7m). You can also enjoy kayak rides and experience supping on Ozo stream. This package lasts in 3 hours and costs 200.000vnd/pax for adult and a half-price for children (1m-1.4m in height).
- Package 2- Ozo Stream Challenge: Lasts in 4 hours and costs 750.000vnđ/pax. It allows you to experience everything in package 1 and 1km Stream wading Challenge
- Package Ozo 3 – Conquering Ozo Cave is the longest and most challenging package with 8 hour- duration in total. Its price is 1.050.000vnđ/pax. During this, you will have to swim, climb and explore the cave, then trek through the stream and finally enjoy activities at the park.
Ozo Treetop Park is situated on Highway 20 Victory and bordered by Tra Ang river to the East and South, which is 12km far from the center of Phong Nha. Thus, to reach this place, you can choose from:
- Renting a motorbike (200,000 VNĐ/ day) and drive your self
- Getting a taxi from Phong Nha which costs from 200,000 to 300,000 for one way.
This activity is not included in our tours in Quang Binh, however, we can do a customizable trip with this experience as you request. It is the safest and most convenient way to explore Quang Binh. Take a look at a tour that includes Quang Binh.
Cycling to Countryside - Hoi An Day Tour
Highlights: Enjoy a peaceful exploration of the villages around Hoi An, cycling through rice paddies, along narrow country lanes and trip to Tra Que Village to soak up the idyllic atmosphere and taste delicious vegetables. Price from: US$ 25/pax |
6. Explore the Underwater life in Ky Co, Quy Nhon
The S-shaped country-Vietnam has a long coastal line of more than 3000 km long, the majority of which lies in Central Vietnam. Therefore, besides hundreds of stunning beaches throughout the Middle, Vietnam owns a wide area of coral reef under the sea from Quang Ngai to Binh Thuan. Among all, Ky Co, Quy Nhon is emerging as a new destination for scuba diving besides crowded Nha Trang for the last 5 years.
Fondly named, by local tourists, ‘the Maldives of Vietnam’, Ky co beach is situated in Nhon Ly, which is 25km from Quy Nhon city and can be reached easily by a motorbike or a taxi. As one of the lesser-known beaches in Vietnam, with the creamy sand and high rock cliffs facing with the emerald ocean, Ky Co catches your eyes immediately at first sight. Though Ky co is in Nhon Ly, it is surrounded by the ocean on one side, and the gorgeous mountain on the other. Thus, it is only possible to get here by boat or canoe operated by the local people. There are some few pristine beaches in Ky Co and a place for scuba diving to view coral reefs. The only way to these places is to ask the local people and follow their instructions as it takes a lot of time to find it yourself. Once you get into the crystal water, you can see a magnificent world with colorful coral reefs, small fishes of all colors and sizes and the like.
On the way from Ky Co back to Quy Nhon, you will definitely pass by a Thi Nai bridge, a swamp and a famous pass called Eo Gio, one of the most magical sunset views in the Middle of Vietnam. Spare at least one day to arrange a day trip to Quy Nhon and Ky Co.
7. Explore Vinh Hy bay- the hidden charm in Ninh Thuan
Just 60 kilometers away from Cam Ranh International airport, the Vinh Hy bay is a little known place in comparison with famous Nha Trang Bay which is one of the most bustling destinations in Vietnam. To escape from the crowd of Nha Trang, why not spending a few days on in the pristine place like Vinh Hy bay?
The secret bay of Vinh Hy owns some stunning creamy sand beaches, emerald seawater, a lush green national park named Nui Chua for those who love trekking and vineyards to explore around. Some untouched nearby islands like Binh Hung, Binh Lap has a lot of lobster farm to visit. To get around the whole area, it takes at least 2 days.
As Vinh Hy Bay is still a mysterious place for global tourists as there are not many accommodation options there. However, you can choose to stay at Amanoi- a 5-star resort for one night or some small resort like Vinh Hy resort.
To get there, just take a taxi from Cam Ranh Internation Airport or a bus from Phan Rang city. You can combine this place with a long journey including Nha Trang and Mui Ne, Binh Thuan as they are quite near.
8. Learn to make a vase in Bau Truc pottery village
This small village in Phuoc Dan town, Ninh Phuoc district, Ninh Thuan Province is one of the two oldest pottery villages in Southeast Asia. Bau Truc pottery products are characterized by the natural reddish-brown or yellowish red, red-pink, dark gray and brown streaks which symbolize Champa culture.
The pottery-making techniques set Bau Truc apart from other ceramic villages throughout Vietnam. Instead of using turntables like others, local artisans manually create everything from the vase to the plates and bowl, thus, none of their products are similar to each other. Besides, they make the clay by mixing sand with the soil under Quao River that they only take once a year.
The beauty of traditions, skillful hands of craftsmen in Bau Truc and the use of local ingredients deliver the soul of Cham people and their art inside any products they make, which are the one and only in the world. Now the ceramics products from Bau Truc are delivered throughout the globe and loved by international customers.
A visit to this small town just takes a few hours but will give an overview of craftsmanship in Ninh Thuan as well as the uniqueness of Cham ceramics. Besides, do not just take a look, come to try to shape a vase yourself and bring back home a hand-made pot with your name on!
There are still more and more experiences as well as untouched destinations in the Middle of Vietnam. Just let your travel bud leads your way or gets professional help from our travel experts to arrange a trip of your life.
Take a look at some of our most interesting tours in Vietnam