Nghe An Province is known as a hidden gem located in the north-central of Vietnam and one of the largest provinces of Vietnam, with an area of approximately 16,490 square kilometers.  In this article, our travel agency will provide you with the best travel guide to Nghe An.

Nghe An Province Overview

Nghe An is a province located in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam, proud to be the birthplace of many talented historical figures, including Ho Chi Minh—a beloved leader of the Vietnamese people—making it a significant destination for those who want to know more about Vietnamese history, culture, and natural beauty.

Having nearly 82 km of coastline, Nghe An Province is famous for its beautiful beaches such as Cua Lo, Bai Lu, and Quynh Phuong and mountains and caves that are sure to attract many nature lovers all over the world.

In the next few years,  Nghe An tourism is expected to develop into an important destination for tourists with a diverse range of tour types: spiritual tourism, beach tourism, discovery tourism, forest tourism, etc.

How to Get to Nghe An Province

There are different ways to get you to Nghe An Province, depending on your preference and budget. You can consider one of these means of transportation:

Plane: It is easy for tourists to travel to Nghe An by air as the flight routes to Vinh City from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have already been put into operation. This is the fastest way to reach Nghe An Vietnam from Hanoi, about 55 minutes and about 2 hours from HCMC. 

Bus: Choosing a bus for moving can be a much more cost-saving and convenient way. There are many bus routes for you to choose from with a total price of only around 200,000 VND/person. You can take a bus to Nghe An city center from My Dinh, Giap Bat, and Nuoc Ngam stations. However, it can be uncomfortable during peak times, as people are usually packed like sardines and the service may not be good. 

Train: You can also catch the train to Vinh, Nghe An. It takes visitors around 5 hours and 30 minutes from Hanoi to Vinh and more than a day if you travel from Ho Chi Minh City. This means of transport is usually for those who have plenty of time and want to watch the scenery on the way.

The Best Time to Visit Nghe An 

Nghe An weather is likely to be warm every month with both a wet and dry season, as it has a tropical savanna climate. For beach lovers and visitors who enjoy water sports, the best time to visit is June to July. 

If you want to go take part in outdoor activities such as sightseeing, camping, trekking, and visiting historical sites, come in season from December to April, as there is less rainfall interrupting your trip.

For those who love to watch fully bloomed flowers, come during the late winter or early spring to get the best photos.

The Best Places for Tourists to Visit in Nghe An Province

Cua Lo Beach

Located in the Cua Lo Town of Nghe An Province, Cua Lo Beach is a wonderful beach with deep blue seawater and a long, wide sandy beach. In addition to bathing on this beach, tourists who love water sports can try windsurfing or riding a water motorbike or a jetski. Cua Lo Beach is also famous because of its diversity of seafood, such as squid, crabs, and oysters, which can be found in any restaurant near the beach.

Khe Kem Waterfall

Heading to the Western part of Nghe An province to the Pu Mat National Park, Khe Kem Waterfall is a breathtaking natural gift created on this sunny and windy land. The waterfall reaches a height of 500 meters and flows all year round. The magnificent and poetic beauty of this place is perfect for taking stunning pictures and trekking through the park.

Sen Village—Ho Chi Minh's Hometown

Sen village is located in Kim Lien Town, Nam Dan, Nghe An province, about 20 km from Vinh city center. This is where President Ho Chi Minh—the founding father of modern Vietnam was born and raised. 

Coming here, you can learn more about Vietnamese historical stories and discover artifacts and documents about Uncle Ho’s childhood and his family. Walking along a beautiful lotus pond in full bloom, you will reach Ho Chi Minh’s home, which is always well-preserved. Stepping inside and you’ll see a bed and belongings attached to the life of President Ho Chi Minh. 

This home and the nearby museum dedicated to President Ho’s world travels and his contributions to Vietnam’s independence are available to visitors year-round.

Tham Om Cave

Located in the limestone mountains of Thuan Chau commune, Quy Chau district, Nghe An, Tham Om Cave is an archaeological site that was discovered and excavated in the year 1975. This is a beautiful cave bestowed by nature and one of the most mysterious caves in Vietnam.

Coming to Tham Om cave, tourists can travel back in time to ancient eras, discovering the unique culture of the ancient community who lived over 20,000 years ago. Along with that, they can admire the beautiful lines in the cave through various stalactites, sedimentary rock blocks, cliffs…. Visitors can also enjoy local dishes made from forest vegetables such as bamboo shoots, berries, etc., making it an ideal destination for those who want to explore more about nature and authentic Vietnam.

Along with the annual tourism development here, Tham Om Cave becomes a favorite Nghe An attraction visited by many tourists.

Lan Chau Island

Lan Chau Island is located next to Cua Lo beach, it is divided into two separate areas. While the West connects to the mainland, the East has a variety of rock formations with beautiful shapes stretching towards the sea.

This island is an ideal place to relax, take photos, swim in the clear water, and watch the beautiful sunset. It is also known for its fresh seafood and diverse dining options.

Quyet Mountain

Coming to the South of Nghe An province, Quyet Mountain is a must-visit for those who love activities such as trekking and hiking and want to watch stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 

It takes you 400 steps to start climbing at the bottom and hike to the top. As you reach the top of the mountain, you will get a large picture of Vinh City, which can help you escape the hustle and bustle of the city and rejuvenate your mind. 

Top Must-Try Nghe An Specialties

Nghe An culinary experiences offer visitors a wide range of choices, from seafood to eel porridge and rice or noodle dishes. One good way to find the very best the city has to offer is to take a tour with us for recommendations.

Banh Muot 

Banh muot is a traditional dish that is made from rice flour and served with fish sauce. It is a staple breakfast dish that tastes similar to Banh Cuon in the North of Vietnam but has a different texture and thickness.

Eel Porridge

Eel porridge is a delicious and nutritious Nghe An signature dish with eel and rice as the main ingredients. The eel will be fried with lemongrass and chili before being added to the porridge, making the dish an addictive taste and more visually appealing. 

Do Luong Rice Paper 

Do Luong rice paper is a specialty of Nghe An Province, made from rice, black sesame seeds and spices such as pepper and garlic. The rice paper is cooked on charcoal and then dried in the sun, giving it a unique flavor and texture. 

It can be eaten or dipped in various sauces and served with spicy eel or snails. Having a bite with crispy Do Luong rice paper and drinking a cold beer is one of the most refreshing experiences to try when you come to Nghe An Vietnam.

Recommended Accommodations When Traveling to Nghe An

 Here are some of our recommended accommodation options to choose to stay at when traveling to Nghe An, ranging from reasonably priced hotels to luxurious resorts.

Thong Do Hotel—A budget-friendly hotel located in Vinh city, offering clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price and fully equipped with a garden, a restaurant, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a bar.

Muong Thanh Grand Cua Lo Hotel—A 4-star hotel located near Cua Lo Beach, offering big rooms, professional staff and excellent dining options.

Melia Vinpearl Cua Hoi Beach Resort—A luxurious resort located near Cua Lo Beach, offering stunning views of the beach and beautiful architecture with modern facilities such as spa, restaurant, outdoor pool, entertainment area,  …

In conclusion, it is worth spending time exploring more about Nghe An Province with its splendid nature and so many things that can't be missed on this trip. We hope that this travel guide has provided you with valuable information to plan your trip and make the most of your time while visiting Nghe An Vietnam.

Tips!

You can combine a visit to Nghe An with a trip to other places in the center to make your trip more complete. Also check out the best food and drinks tour in Central Vietnam for your useful information.

Check out this article for

=> 10 top things to do in Nghe An