To gather

The heritage coast: Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang

Seven days along the central coast, from the imperial city of Hue to the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An, with days by the sea in between.

Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Places: Hue · Da Nang · Hoi An
Best season: February to August
Ideal for: Families of several generations

The central coast is ideal for families travelling together. Distances are short, the beaches are long, and history is never far away. We begin among the palaces and tombs of Hue, cross the Hai Van Pass to Da Nang, and settle into Hoi An, where grandparents, parents and children can each find their own pace.

The Imperial City before the crowds

We enter through the Ngo Mon Gate early in the morning with a historian, then take a dragon boat along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda.

Over the Hai Van Pass

The road climbs above the sea between Hue and Da Nang. We stop at the top for the view and at a fishing village below for a seafood lunch.

III

A lantern workshop in Hoi An

Children and adults make their own silk lantern with a local craftsman, then carry it into the old town as the evening lights come on.

Note from the journey designer

In Hoi An we choose a riverside or beachfront hotel with connecting rooms and a shallow pool, so the family can be together while each generation keeps its own space.

Tailored for you

Pace

One outing each morning, with afternoons free for the beach or the pool.

You could add

A cooking class with a market visit, or a bicycle ride through Tra Que vegetable village.

You could swap

Exchange a beach day for a visit to the My Son temple ruins.

Read the story from this journeyDa Nang, between the mountains and the sea →

Before you go

Day by day

Day 1Arrive in Hue, settle in by the Perfume River
Day 2The Imperial City and royal tombs; dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda
Day 3Over the Hai Van Pass to Da Nang; afternoon on My Khe Beach
Day 4Marble Mountains in the morning; on to Hoi An
Day 5Hoi An old town on foot; lantern-making in the evening
Day 6A free day by the sea or in the countryside
Day 7Morning at leisure, transfer to Da Nang airport

We take care of

Private vehicle sized for the whole family, with child seats on request
Connecting rooms, with ground-floor rooms for older guests where possible
An English-speaking Asia Sun guide throughout
Menus adapted for children and older travellers

Good to know

From September to December, central Vietnam has its rainy season; we recommend February to August.
Some temples ask visitors to cover shoulders and knees; a light scarf is useful.