Choose from 45 Fun Things to Do in Central Vietnam
ShowingFilter 41-45 of 45 listings.
Red Bridge Cooking School
Hoi An is a popular spot for Vietnamese cooking classes, and Red Bridge Cooking School offers three different courses.
The most popular option is the half-day class: you'll start off with a trip to Hoi An's lively Central Market with your chef and teacher, who will give tips on how to pick the best herbs and ingredients. Then it's time for a 4km boat ride along the Thu Bon river to the open-air Red Bridge Cooking School. Complimentary drinks and snacks are on-hand as you take your two-hour lesson and learn how to prepare local dishes. Ever wanted to learn how to make your own rose tomato? Here's your chance. You'll learn the art of Vietnamese plate decoration and food carving before sitting down to enjoy the meal you just created.
There is also a full-day deluxe cooking class: prepare dishes like beef pho and clay pot fish with dill (Cha Ca) as part of a four-course menu that you'll learn to create over three hours of cooking. The class size on the deluxe tour is never more than eight people. You'll also visit Central Market and Tra Que organic herb gardens, and if you feel like some refreshment, there's always the 20-meter Red Bridge swimming pool to dip into.
There is also an evening cooking class available at Hai Cafe, the sister restaurant of Red Bridge in the center of Hoi An's old town. In this 1.15-hour taster class, which has a maximum class size of 10, you'll get to learn how to prepare fresh spring rolls, grilled fish in banana leaves, and beef salad before sitting down to enjoy your meal.
Practical Info
The half-day class at Red Bridge Cooking School lasts from 8;=:15am - 1pm and costs $31 per person. This deluxe class costs $51 and includes a trip to Tra Que village as well as a recipe booklet and apron. The evening class runs from 6am - 8pm at Hai Cafe (111 Tran Phu Street) and costs $20 per person. Classes run daily.
Address: Hoi An, Vietnam
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 38
Tra Que Village
Old-school farmers at Tra Que vegetable village in the Cam Ha Commune use traditional techniques to produce some of the region’s most unique crops. Guided farmland tours provide visitors with detailed explanations of growing seasons as well as opportunities to sample freshly-picked, local herbs. Rent bicycles and explore the scenic landscape of Tra Que, then stop off at independent workshops to purchase local crafts before enjoying a traditional dinner with a glass of regional peach wine.
Practical Info:
Tours depart daily from Hoi An and most include transportation, a meal
and cost about $5-12USD. Bike rides are easy and flat, making them
perfect for families.
The city of Hoi An was once considered a destination by Japanese traders who believed the heart of East Asia beat below the port town’s cobbled streets. Today, travelers can feel the pulse of Vietnam’s old and new meeting in this historic town. Ancient temples and classic architecture exist alongside modern storefronts, innovative cuisine and expert tailors. The historic town offers sites and activities to keep everyone content.
The city of Hoi An was once considered a destination by Japanese traders who believed the heart of East Asia beat below the port town’s cobbled streets. Today, travelers can feel the pulse of Vietnam’s old and new meeting in this historic town. Ancient temples and classic architecture exist alongside modern storefronts, innovative cuisine and expert tailors. The historic town offers sites and activities to keep everyone content.
Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An, Vietnam, Hoi An, Vietnam
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
From $ 34
Tra Nhieu
Those who enjoy the great outdoors and want to better understand the history and culture of Vietnam’s rural communities shouldn’t miss a trip to Tra Nhieu. Officially recognized as an ecological village in order to preserve its traditional fishing and farming life, Tra Nhieu is located along the banks of the Thu Bon River, not far from Hoi An.
A peaceful and simple village, the bamboo-lined lanes wind around traditional garden houses, giving visitors a glimpse of local life. While in the village you will get to see the local community’s activities relating to river life, as well as a wide range of other trades, such as farming, rice-paper making, and basket-boat making. You you can also sample some regional food made from local ingredients.
There are various Tra Nhieu eco tours departing from Hoi An, including half-day and full-day cycling tours through the countryside, with boat trips often included. For a unique cycling adventure around Hoi An that diverts from the usual tourist itineraries, book a full-day off the beaten path bicycling tour, which includes a visit to Tra Nhieu village.
Insider’s Tip: Most tours will give you the chance to paddle a thung chai across the river – a traditional bamboo basket boat used throughout rural Vietnam. Also, don’t miss a walk over the water coconut forest on the village’s bamboo bridge.
Practical Info
To make the most of your time in Tra Nhieu, most tours start early in the morning. If not traveling as part of a tour, ride your bicycle or moped over the new bridge from Hoi An and take a left at the end.
Address: Tra Nhieu, Hoi An, Vietnam
From $ 48
Tomb of Tu Duc
It took nearly three years to build some 50 structures that make up the Tomb of Tu Duc, located 8 kilometers outside of Hue amid an expansive pine forest. The grounds are divided into two main parts—tomb and temple areas. Near the entrance visitors can wander the pavilion where the emperor once perched to compose poems and admire the flowers. This leads to his work station, and ultimately to his resting place. The impressive tomb, located just beyond the Honor Courtyard, houses a massive stone engraved with a narrative written by the Emperor himself.
Practical Info:
Visit after the rainy season, when the tomb’s foliage is in full bloom. Tomb of Tu Duc is accessible by bike from Hue. The ride along the Perfume River is flat and scenic. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 pm.
Address: Thủy Xuân, Hue Thua Thien, Hue Province, Vietnam
Hours: Open Daily: 7:30am - 5pm.
From $ 49
Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain)
American soldiers stationed near Son Tra Mountain during the Vietnam War gave it the nickname Monkey Mountain after the troops of monkeys that dwell in the jungle-covered cliffs. The peak towers above the Son Tra Peninsula near the city of Da Nang. During the war, the mountain served as a military base used for radar and communications, and some of the radar domes are still visible.
A rather steep road leads to the summit of Son Tra Mountain, some 2,790 feet (850 meters) above sea level. On a clear day, the view from the peak is spectacular. Son Tra Mountain is also home to one of Da Nang’s most famous — and highly visible — landmarks, the 220-foot (67-meter) Lady Buddha statue, housed on the grounds of Linh Ung Pagoda.
Practical Info
The best way to reach the top of Son Tra Mountain is by renting a scooter and riding up. You can also hire a local with a motorbike to take you to the top.
Address: Da Nang, Vietnam
From $ 38