How to Plan an Incredible Family Trip to Japan in 2024/2025. Learn more.

5-Day Central Vietnam Scenery Exploration

By Nora OuUpdated Apr. 26, 2021
Central Vietnam Exploration with Phong Nha-Ke Bang and DMZ

This tour is specially designed for people who want to see areas of natural beauty and the most spellbinding historic sites in Vietnam.

From the awe-inspiring Paradise Cave and mysterious Dark Cave as well as the gorgeous Mooc Spring in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which highlights a tumultuous past, and the grand Hue Citadel, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the spectacular views of Central Vietnam and discover Vietnam's ancient and modern history.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the magnificent view of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and marvel at its remarkable cave system.
  • Go kayaking in the blue water of Mooc Spring while enjoying the tranquil natural beauty of the karst landscape in Phong Nha.
  • Revisit an important chapter of Vietnam's history when you go to the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
  • Walk through Hue's grand Imperial Citadel and take a boat ride on the Perfume River.

Itinerary in Detail

Day 1
Dong Hoi Arrival, Vietnam
Sun Spa Resort (4-star)

Upon arrival at Dong Hoi, your private guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your leisure.

Day 2
A Day Tour to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park with Paradise Cave and Dark Cave
Breakfast and lunch

Your first destination is Paradise Cave, which is the largest and considered by many people to be the most beautiful cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Surrounded by forested karst peaks, this remarkable cave system features cathedral-like spaces with colossal stalagmites and glimmering stalactites.

Continue your trip to Mooc Spring. The name means "unknown stream" as it surfaces from the bottom of a karst cliff. The cool water there has a unique blue color and it is thought to come from a large but undiscovered cave system. Take a trip in a kayak to enjoy the cool blue water and admire the rich flora and fauna.

Later, visit Dark Cave,which is 5,558 meters (3.45 miles) long. It got its name because of the dark-colored rocks inside as no artificial lighting has been installed. Enjoy lunch outside the cave followed by some exhilarating zip lining and kayaking on the Chay River.

The most beautiful cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang
The most beautiful cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Day 3
Explore Historic Sites from Dong Hoi to Hue via the DMZ and Vinh Moc Tunnels
Eldora Hotel (4-star) / Indochine Palace (5-star)
breakfast and lunch

In the morning, you will leave Dong Hoi for Hue and, on the way, visit the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is a 5-kilometer (3-mile) strip of land on either side of the Ben Hai River. Established after the First Indochina War, the zone functioned as the division line between North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. You can tour places of military significance just south of the DMZ including the former American military base of Khe Sanh, the Rockpile, Dakrong Bridge, the Lang Vei Special Forces Camp, Hien Luong Bridge in the 17th Parallel, the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and more.

Later, visit the old citadel of Quang Tri, which was the site of a bloody battle during the Easter Offensive in 1972, and the Vinh Moc Tunnels where a village was constructed underground to avoid being bombed.

Hien Luong Bridge in the 17th Parallel
Hien Luong Bridge in the 17th Parallel
Day 4
Hue City Highlights Exploration
breakfast and lunch

You will discover Hue's essence: the Imperial Citadel, the Imperial City, the royal tombs, the Perfume River, and Thien Mu Pagoda.

Hue was the Vietnamese capital during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945). The Imperial Citadel was built in the 19th century and modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. It holds many palaces and temples inside its giant walls. Remnants of the past can still be seen inside the Imperial Citadel and the Imperial City when spending some time wandering around. Then, continue to the surrounding countryside to see the final resting place of the emperors at two of the most impressive royal tombs. Take a boat trip along the Perfume River to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda.

Hue Imperial City
Hue Imperial City
Day 5
Airport Transfer and Departure
breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy some free time before your private tour guide and driver collect you and take you to the airport. Have a safe flight home and we hope to see you again soon!

Our Service Includes:

5 days from
US$ 739
per person (based on 2 persons and 4-star hotels)
  • Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
  • All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
  • Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
  • Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
  • Governmental taxes

ah-vn-5

Hand-Picked Hotels

We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

Sun Spa Resort
Dong Hoi
Sun Spa Resort
Eldora-Hotel
Hue
Eldora Hotel

Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

How would you travel?

What's your hotel choice?

When would you travel?

I prefer to be contacted via:

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

  • Save Your Time:
  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning
  • Maximize Your Flexibility:
  • Personal local guide and ride
  • Explore at your own pace
  • Celebrate Your Journeys:
  • Specially-crafted family adventures
  • Celebrate milestones with style!

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create My Trip
4.9 ExcellentTrustPilot rating TrustPilot Logo

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Click to sign up

Why Asia Highlights

Customize Your Tour

Customize Your Tour

  • Travel Advisors Rooted in Asia
  • Instant Response, No More Waits!
  • Direct Connections, Supreme Values
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfactory

Ensure Your Satisfactory

  • The Top 20% nationwide guides at your service.
  • 20% more space on your group's transportation.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Celebrate Your Journey

Celebrate Your Journey

  • Family adventures
  • Celebrate milestones with style!
  • Photographer service for special moments

Where Can We Take You Today?

Rated 4.9 out of 5 | 98.8% Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China