The central region of Vietnam is a showpiece of the country’s rich history, from the ancient Sa Huynh culture centred in Quang Ngai province to the devastation of war in the former DMZ, or Demilitarised Zone. At the heart of Vietnam is Hue, the imperial capital of the Nguyen kings. A few hours south, the charming old town of Hoi An makes for an exquisitely relaxing break.

DISCOVER CENTRAL VIETNAM

 HUE

The former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue (pronounced 'Hway') is a treasure trove of ancient architecture, with royal palaces, ornate pagodas and stunning citadels. Set along the banks of the Perfume River, many of Hue's historical sites have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. These include the main imperial citadel, which contains the former 'Forbidden City' where only the Nguyen dynasty's emperors, concubines and closest confidantes were permitted to tread.

Fortunately this incredible ancient complex is now open to everyone, and can be easily visited along with a series of emperors’ tombs and the Thien Mu Pagoda - the largest pagoda in Hue and the official symbol of the city.

This beautiful city is now becoming one of Vietnam's most sought-after tourist destinations. The city's tropical climate and wide range of attractions makes Hue an engrossing proposition, and an excellent place to explore this region's rich and often turbulent history.

DANANG

The biggest city on Vietnam's central coast, Danang is a regional hub for trade and tourism and the main gateway to the region. With a history dating back almost 2,000 years to the ancient Cham Kingdom, Danang has a rich heritage - a fact demonstrated by the array of ancient ruins and UNESCO-listed landmarks in the area.

Arguably the most famous of these is My Son - an archaeological site nestled in a remote forested valley, some 70km west of Danang. This was the former capital and religious center of the Cham Kingdom and features numerous temples and stupas.

Today, Danang has grown into a major coastal port and a vibrant tourism destination. The city's long coastline is blessed with several stunning stretches of white sand, including My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach and Bac My An Beach.

The city is also home to several excellent attractions, including the Cham Museum which details the area's ancient civilization, Danang Cathedral and the Linh Ung Pagoda. Perched on the Son Tra Peninsula, this pagoda is home to the Lady Buddha Statue, which looks out over the glistening sea.

Whether you are traveling for a beach holiday, a city break or a journey of cultural exploration, Danang has everything a visitor could want, and all wrapped in a warm, tropical climate.

HOIAN

The charming sea-farming town of Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most picturesque settlements. Its position as a trading port led to Hoi An being visited and influenced by many different cultures, including Chinese, Japanese, French and Indian merchants. All of which has contributed to Hoi An becoming a melting pot of architectural styles.

This eclectic development has led to Hoi An being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and the ancient town is now a rewarding destination for tourists. Structures like the Japanese Bridge showcase elaborate building techniques and reflect the city's former prosperity. But Hoi An's modern day wealth derives from the burgeoning tourism trade, and its picturesque waterfront area is now lined with cool bars and trendy boutiques.

Behind this contemporary facade, the appeal of Hoi An's old town is still its multicultural legacy. Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples and ancient tea warehouses line the streets, and outside the town a leisurely bike ride allows guests to explore the area's verdant rice paddies - the classical symbol of Vietnam.

Whatever your reason for visiting Central Vietnam, Hoi An is a destination that should be on every traveler's itinerary.