Escape to Central Vietnam: The Ultimate Tour from Singapore

Looking to explore beyond Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations? Central Vietnam offers an enticing blend of culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights – all within easy reach of Singapore. From the imperial city of Hue to the charming UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, a central Vietnam tour package is the perfect way to discover this fascinating region. Here’s everything you need to know for planning the ultimate Central Vietnam tour from Singapore.

Danang and Central Vietnam is Conveniently Located for Travel from Singapore

One of the biggest perks of a Central Vietnam tour from Singapore is the convenience. There are direct flights available from Singapore Changi Airport to Da Nang International Airport, which serves as the gateway to central Vietnam. The flight time is under 3 hours, making it easy to get there.

Top Sights to See in Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam is filled with historic and cultural attractions that provide insight into Vietnam’s complex past. Here are some of the top sights and activities to include on a Central Vietnam tour from Singapore:

Marvel at Imperial Hue

As the imperial capital from 1802 to 1945, Hue is home to an incredible complex of palaces, temples, and tombs that comprise the Imperial City (also called the Citadel). Wandering this sprawling site offers a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of past emperors. Don’t miss the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and the lavish Khai Dinh Royal Tomb.

A boat trip along the Perfume River is another atmospheric Hue experience, passing by temples and pagodas. Try to time it for sunset!

Wander Hoi An’s Quaint Old Town

The incredibly well-preserved Ancient Town of Hoi An is Vietnam’s most atmospheric downtown area. Wandering the narrow lanes lined with bright yellow merchant buildings feels like stepping back in time. Visit ChineseAssembly Halls, the covered Japanese Bridge, and the famous lantern-lit alleys.

Don’t miss the opportunity to have clothing tailor-made here. Hoi An has fantastic tailors who can create beautiful garments in just a couple days.

Hit the Beach in Danang

The vibrant city of Da Nang serves up a mix of history and great beach escapes. Walk over the Dragon Bridge, visit the Cham Museum to see sculptures from the Cham era, and take a boat trip to the offshore Marble Mountains.

Make time to relax on My Khe Beach – known for being one of Vietnam’s most scenic stretches of sand. The luxurious resorts along this beach are ideal for recharging.

The Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills

The Golden Bridge in Vietnam’s Ba Na Hills is an Instagram-famous pedestrian bridge that dramatically arches over the mountains west of Da Nang. Made of golden steel and held up by massive stone hands, the 500-foot bridge offers breathtaking panoramas. Nearby, Colonial-era ruins and gardens dot the old French hill station. Visitors can reach the area via a thrilling cable car ride up from the valley below. With stunning vistas and unique attractions like the Fantasy Park and Vong Nguyet Hill Pagoda, Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge make an essential day trip from Da Nang or Hoi An.

Cruise Through Hai Van Pass

The road that winds through the Hai Van Pass offers epic mountain and sea views. The approximately 10-mile route crosses over a spur of the Annamite Mountains that juts into the sea. Stop at the top to snap that classic panoramic vista.

How Much Time Do You Need?

To fully experience the highlights of Central Vietnam, plan on spending at least one week. Ten days to two weeks would allow a more relaxed pace with time to soak up the vibe in places like Hoi An.

If you only have 5-7 days, it’s possible to see the highlights by flying into Da Nang and visiting Hoi An, Hue, and Danang.

With 10-14 days, you could add stops in Quy Nhon or the Ba Na Hills along with spending more time in each place and taking a side trip to Cham Island.

Sample 7-Day Central Vietnam Itinerary

To give you a sense of what you can cover in a week, here is a sample 7-day itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Da Nang, and relax on My Khe Beach

Day 2: Explore Da Nang sites like Dragon Bridge, Marble Mountains

Day 3: Visit Golden Bridge and Cable Car, Sunworld Amusement Pakr. Afternoon take the Hai Van Pass to Hue

Day 4: See more of Hue including the Imperial Citadel, Royal Tomb, Boat trip on Perfume River, and pagodas

Day 5: Drive to Hoi An. Wander the Old Town and get clothes tailored

Day 6: Day trip to My Son Sanctuary. Free evening to enjoy Hoi An

Day 7: Relax in Hoi An before flying back to Singapore

Where to Stay in Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodations from intimate boutique hotels to luxury beachside resorts. In Hoi An, opt to stay in one of the cozy guesthouses right in the Old Town. Hue and Danang have high-end hotels along the Perfume River and on the beachfront respectively.

Some top picks are Anantara Hoi An Resort, Azerai La Residence Hue, and Fusion Maia Danang. But there are bargains to be found as well – you can get nice rooms from $30-$50 per night. Homestays are another local option in Hoi An and Hue.

Getting Around Central Vietnam

One of the biggest decisions is whether to join a tour or travel independently. A private car and driver can be hired affordably in Vietnam and provides the greatest flexibility. Otherwise, domestic flights and trains connect the major cities.

For shorter distances, consider renting a motorbike in Vietnam. This adventurous option allows you to explore remote areas, but road safety must be considered carefully. Organized shuttle buses are better for covering ground between cities and towns efficiently.

Within cities, taxis are inexpensive and plentiful. Reputable companies like Mai Linh operate metered taxis so you don’t have to haggle over the price.

When is the Best Time to Go?

The best time to visit central Vietnam is during the dry season from January to August when you’ll have sunny skies. The worst time is September to December when heavy rain and flooding can occur.

Peak tourism is from March to May when humidity starts rising and June to August when the weather is quite hot and humid. For the best experience, target late January to February or September/October. The beaches will be less crowded and prices lower.

Cuisine You Have to Try in Central Vietnam

Get ready to eat incredibly well in Central Vietnam! Foodies will be in heaven with the diversity of fresh, flavorful dishes served up in the region.

Don’t leave Hoi An without getting a banh mi sandwich from Banh Mi Phuong. This street food staple reaches its pinnacle with mouthwatering combinations stuffed into crunchy baguettes.

Make room for cao lau, Hoi An’s specialty noodle dish bursting with herbs, greens, and pork.

Hue’s imperial cuisine stands out. Try bun bo hue, a spicy beef noodle soup with lemongrass. Locals also love banh khoai, edible rice paper stuffed with pork.

And you can’t visit Vietnam without eating plenty of fresh seafood. Mackerel, shrimp, crab, and squid turn up in rice plates and soups.

Shopping Opportunities

Beyond having clothes tailor-made, Hoi An offers wonderful shopping opportunities for handicrafts and souvenirs. Check out the night market for lanterns, ceramics, art, and more. Reachable from Hoi An, Kim Bồng Village is great for woodworking and carpentry items.

In Da Nang, Han Market and Con Market are huge local markets with clothes, crafts, and foodstuffs. Hue has Dong Ba Market along the Perfume River and the sprawling Dong Ba Night Market.

Don’t forget to haggle – vendors expect you to negotiate and bargain for items in Vietnam. It’s part of the fun!

Extend to Nearby Destinations

If time allows, it’s easy to tack on side adventures to a Central Vietnam tour. Some possibilities include:

• Cu Lao Cham – Full-day boat trip to this scenic island with jungle trails, beaches, coral reefs and sea turtles.
• My Khe Beach – An excursion to Da Nang’s pristine white sand beach surrounded by lush hills.
• Quy Nhon – Stop in this coastal city for even more historic sites, beaches and seafood.

Costs and Budgeting

One huge advantage of a Central Vietnam tour from Singapore is the value. Your money goes a long way, making this an affordable vacation option.

• Accommodation: You can find nice hotels from $30-$50 per night, or $200+ for luxury resorts.
• Food: Dining out on local cuisine generally costs $5-$10 per meal per person.
• Attractions: Most attractions and activities range from $5-$20 per person.
• Transportation: Bargain Vietnam Airlines flights, and trains cost ~$10 for a short trip. Expect to spend $50+ per day for a private car and driver.

You could comfortably plan on a trip budget of $100-$150 per day including lodging, activities, food, transportation, and some shopping. Costs also depend heavily on your choice of hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Here are some common FAQs about visiting central Vietnam from Singapore:

Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam from Singapore?
No, Singapore citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for visits up to 30 days.

What vaccinations should I get?
Hepatitis A and typhoid immunizations are recommended. Malaria medication may be suggested if going to rural areas.

Is it safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Vietnam is generally safe, especially in the well-touristed central region. As usual, take normal safety precautions as when traveling anywhere new.

Can I get around if I don’t speak Vietnamese?
You can get by fine without Vietnamese – English is often spoken in tourism centers. Learn key phrases, travel with a guide, or use a translation app if venturing off the beaten path.

How much cash should I take?
Have some cash on hand, but ATMs are widely available to withdraw Vietnamese dong. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels and many restaurants.

Start Planning Your Central Vietnam Adventure

A tour through central Vietnam offers the chance to soak up culture, feast on local cuisine, laze on tropical beaches, and enjoy world-class attractions. Conveniently accessible from Singapore, this region provides the perfect balance of must-see highlights mixed with tropical relaxation.

Hopefully, this guide has provided a great overview of how to plan the ultimate central Vietnam tour package from Singapore. Let the travel inspiration begin!