Things to Do in Central Vietnam

Those who enjoy the great outdoors and want to better understand the history and culture of Vietnam’s rural communities shouldn’t miss a trip to Tra Nhieu. Officially recognized as an ecological village in order to preserve its traditional fishing and farming life, Tra Nhieu is located along the banks of the Thu Bon River, not far from Hoi An.

A peaceful and simple village, the bamboo-lined lanes wind around traditional garden houses, giving visitors a glimpse of local life. While in the village you will get to see the local community’s activities relating to river life, as well as a wide range of other trades, such as farming, rice-paper making, and basket-boat making. You you can also sample some regional food made from local ingredients.

There are various Tra Nhieu eco tours departing from Hoi An, including half-day and full-day cycling tours through the countryside, with boat trips often included. For a unique cycling adventure around Hoi An that diverts from the usual tourist itineraries, book a full-day off the beaten path bicycling tour, which includes a visit to Tra Nhieu village.

Unlike the famed Cu Chi tunnels—which served as supply caches and strategic combat routes for Viet Cong soldiers and today are swarming with tourists—the Vinh Moc tunnels served a different war time purpose and receive far fewer visitors. Stretching almost two from the coastal town of Vinh Moc to a beach overlooking the South China Sea, the Vinh Moc Tunnels were dug in the late 1960s to serve as a live-in bomb shelter for more than 60 families. The families lived their lives underground, some for up to six years, and one frequently-cited figure says as many as 17 children were born in these underground tunnels their occupation.

Today, visitors can enter the dark and earthen tunnel complex, via a rock-wall rimmed stairway, and, unlike at Cu Chi, walk upright through them. Nooks notched into the sides of the main tunnel served as family quarters or meeting rooms and are today populated by strategically-placed human-sized dummies that show how cramped the villagers must have been. Two deeper layers, up to 70 feet below the ground’s surface, served as storage for weapons and supplies and as a deeper subterranean hiding space from direct bombing attacks. There are more than 10 separate gated entrances to the tunnels that visitors can see along the route. A small on-site museum has photographs and memorabilia that help to paint a picture of life in the tunnels and a map depicting the extent of the Vinh Moc tunnel system.

Hoi An is a popular spot for Vietnamese cooking classes, and Red Bridge Cooking School offers three different courses. 

The most popular option is the half-day class: you'll start off with a trip to Hoi An's lively Central Market with your chef and teacher, who will give tips on how to pick the best herbs and ingredients. Then it's time for a 4km boat ride along the Thu Bon river to the open-air Red Bridge Cooking School. Complimentary drinks and snacks are on-hand as you take your two-hour lesson and learn how to prepare local dishes. Ever wanted to learn how to make your own rose tomato? Here's your chance. You'll learn the art of Vietnamese plate decoration and food carving before sitting down to enjoy the meal you just created.

There is also a full-day deluxe cooking class: prepare dishes like beef pho and clay pot fish with dill (Cha Ca) as part of a four-course menu that you'll learn to create over three hours of cooking. The class size on the deluxe tour is never more than eight people. You'll also visit Central Market and Tra Que organic herb gardens, and if you feel like some refreshment, there's always the 20-meter Red Bridge swimming pool to dip into. 

There is also an evening cooking class available at Hai Cafe, the sister restaurant of Red Bridge in the center of Hoi An's old town. In this 1.15-hour taster class, which has a maximum class size of 10, you'll get to learn how to prepare fresh spring rolls, grilled fish in banana leaves, and beef salad before sitting down to enjoy your meal.