Central Vietnam: Hue & Hoi An Holidays

The ancient town of Hoi An, 20 miles south of Danang on the coast of central Vietnam, is an enchanting, sleepy riverside town that offers a glimpse of a bygone era. In a country so ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to escape untouched and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the town is extremely well preserved, with traditional wooden houses, bridges and temples surviving in their original form. Hoi An holidays are a wonderful holiday destination for seeing the Vietnam of a bygone era. Along the coast to the north of Hoi An is the old imperial capital of Hue, set on the banks of the Perfume River. Hue was the country's political, cultural and religious centre from 1802 to 1945 and its citadel is an old palace complex from where the Nguyen emperors ruled Vietnam. Hue is also an important centre of Buddhism, and the city and its surrounding area are dotted with dozens of pagodas and temples. Just downstream, and also worth an excursion, are the tombs of the last emperors of Vietnam. For a spot of relaxation while you’re in either Hoi An or Hue, pop to the coastal city of Da Nang for a mix of culture and history alongside shopping and beach time; or head to An Bang Beach where you can laze the days away from a sunlounger on the white sand as you watch the waves roll in. Read more