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NORTHERN CENTRAL AT A GLANCE:

The Northern Central Zone of Vietnam includes the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue.  Click on the map to enlarge.

Thanh Hoa: Activities and Map

Thanh Hoa is located in the gateway connecting the northern and southern parts of the country. It is surrounded by Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh, Nghe An, Laos, and the East Sea.  Many ethnic groups live in this area, including the Kinh, Muong, Thai, H’mong, Dao, and Tho.  The tropical monsoon climate brings cold winters. Rains and typhoons are concentrated in August, September, and October.  The central region near Nha Trang in Thang Hoa province features some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. The ocean waters are transparent, and the sands immaculate, attracting more and more visitors in recent times.  Tours cover the Cham Ponagar complex, the north tower of which was built in 817 A.D. Ruins of the long-deceased Champa still stand as a testament to this once prominent kingdom.  Famous sites include Sam Son Resort with smooth beaches, emerald waters, and a view of the Truong Le Mountain.  Doc Cuoc Temple is another interesting destination in the area. 

Nghe An: Activities and Map

Nghe An is a large province in the central part of Vietnam that connects the North and South. More than 90% of the population belongs to the Kinh ethnic group.  The tropical monsoon climate has an annual average temperature of 23°C.  Nghe An offers several historical sites such as the native land of President Ho Chi Minh and poet Nguyen Du. Other sites include Cua Lo, the Lam River, and the Ben Thuy Wharf. 

Ha Tinh: Activities and Map

Ha Tinh is located in North Central Vietnam between Nghe An and Quang Binh provinces and shares a border with Laos. The main ethnic group to live in this area is the Kinh, along with a small percentage of Chut.  Ha Tinh is influenced by the tropical monsoon climate: the cold rainy season from November to April and the dry hot season from May to October.  Famous sites include Vu Mon Waterfall, Vu Quang Forest in Huong Khe, Ke Go Lake, Son Kim Springs, and Ngang Pass.  Several nice beaches are located along the 137km coast.  Villages have erected many temples, pagodas, and shrines such as Huong Tich Pagoda, Tam Lang Temple, and Cua Dieu Stupa.  The harmonious combination of the traditional and intellectual cultures creates a sound atmosphere that is appealing to visitors. 

Quang Binh: Activities and Map

Quang Binh spreads along the northern part of Central Vietnam and is the narrowest part of the country.  The coastal line of Quang Binh is 126km long. The population constitutes 16 different ethnic groups, including the Kinh and Bru-Van Kieu.  Quang Binh has a tropical monsoon climate with an annual average temperature of 26°C. The hot and dry season lasts 170 days, from March to October.  The rainy season, during which temperatures can fall as low as 10°C, lasts from November to March.  The best period to visit Quang Binh is between February and April.  Famous sites include Phong Nha Caves, Nhat Le Beach, Ban Tro Lake, Ngang Pass, and Dong Hoi Citadel. 

Quang Tri: Activities and Map

Quang Tri is located in Central Vietnam near the crossways between North and South Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Several different minorities populate this province (Kinh, Bru-Van Kieu). The humid tropical monsoon climate has an annual average temperature varying between 20 and 25°C.   Famous sites include Quang Tri Citadel and the holy land of La Vang.  Violent battles took place in Quang Tri during the war against the Americans; such battles have left revolutionary vestiges such as Hien Luong Bridge, Tung Gate, and Vinh Moc underground tunnels.

Thua Thien-Hue.  Activities and Map

Thua Thien Hue is one of places, which has many cultural heritages.  Up to now, there is no places like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges as in this ancient Capital City.  For additional information, see the Hue webpage.