Stroll down the narrow streets of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, where timber frame shophouses still appear the way they did centuries ago, and the streets are aglow in colourful lanterns each night. Or acquaint yourself with the final days of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue, where royal citadels, tombs and temples are sprinkled along the tranquil Perfume River.

In between, modern Danang City offers a taste of some of Vietnam’s most luxurious resorts and top golf courses -- as well as one of the country's best beaches. And a few hours away, Phong Nha’s spectacular caves are the latest frontier for nature enthusiasts.

TOP DESTINATIONS IN CENTRAL VIETNAM

Da Nang

With broad beaches, fantastic street food, the fabled Hải Vân Pass, and a growing collection of cafes, restaurants, and bars, it’s no wonder the residents of Đà Nẵng sport some of the broadest smiles in the country. The warm sands of Mỹ Khê Beach sweep south from the mountainous Sơn Trà Peninsula. Đà Nẵng hosts some of Vietnam's top luxury resorts, but much of the beach still belongs to the people who make it their playground, gym, and source of livelihood.

Hoi An

Hội An is a place where the bold march of progress peters into a leisurely amble. In this one-time trading port, the Thu Bồn River meanders past crumbling shop houses and weathered pagodas, while sampans come and go from the old ferry quay. Outside the Old Town, two-lane roads slice through waving rice fields and emerge at a frothy coastline. Stay a couple of days, and Hội An's easygoing beauty and lantern-lit nights may leave you hopelessly beguiled.

Nha Trang

Perched on a pristine stretch of the southern coast, Nha Trang is a playground for sunseekers. Days here are spent dining on delicious seafood, snorkelling around stunning islands, and partying on the sand after dark. Nha Trang lays claim to some of the country's finest luxury resorts and thrilling watersports. Despite the development boom, colourful fishing villages and serene riverside restaurants are just a stone's throw away.

Hue

Huế is a city chock-full of stories. The Kings of the Nguyễn Dynasty built their feudal capital along Huế’s fertile riverbanks and atop its forested hills, but their imperial legacy is just one of many reasons to visit. Huế’s refined cuisine is the stuff of legend, and its leafy streets are lined with mossy pagodas, art déco mansions, and eye-popping markets. Through the whole scene flows the Perfume River, setting a languid pace the rest of the city is happy to follow.

Phong Nha

Not long ago the sleepy village of Phong Nha barely got a mention in guidebooks, but the surprise discovery of one of the world's largest caves has catapulted it into the adventure tourism spotlight. The Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is a rugged swathe of limestone mountains riddled with gigantic caves. It's also home to endangered wildlife and ethnic minority groups. The gateway to this land of adventure is Phong Nha, a welcoming village on the banks of the graceful Son River.

Da Lat

Hidden away in the Central Highlands, Đà Lạt plays the cooler cousin to Vietnam's seaside destinations. Famous for its countryside charm, Đà Lạt draws couples, wellness seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. This mountain resort town was once a summer getaway for the French, who left their mark in the European-inspired architecture and countless lakes. Đà Lạt's main lake is the centre of the action, but amazing natural wonders await in the hills all around.