Nghe An has a lot of different types of land, like tall mountains, flat plains, middle areas, and a coastline that is 82 kilometers long with many pretty beaches and nature reserves. The people there sing about how beautiful their land is in their traditional songs, saying things like “The mountain is green and the water is as blue as a picture.” Even though it’s not very well-known among tourists in Vietnam, trust us when we say that Nghe An is a hidden gem worth exploring. If you read this Nghe An travel guide, you’ll see what we mean.
Where is Nghe An?
Nghe An is a province located in central Vietnam and is often referred to as “Uncle Ho‘s homeland” by tourists. It’s situated around 291 km south of the capital city, Hanoi. Nghe An is bordered by Thanh Hoa province to the north, the East Sea to the east, Ha Tinh province to the south, and Laos to the west.
When people think of Nghe An, they usually associate it with historical celebrities and Vietnamese heroes. Some of the most well-known heroes from the province include President Ho Chi Minh, hero Mai Hac De, and poet Ho Xuan Huong.
When is the best time to visit Nghe An?
Nghe An experiences four distinct seasons. Spring (January-March) is typically cool and warm with an average temperature of 22-29 degrees Celsius, while summer (April-June) is hot with temperatures ranging from 33-38 degrees Celsius. Autumn is characterized by cold and rainy weather with temperatures averaging between 22-28 degrees Celsius. Winter (October-December) is cold and windy with temperatures ranging from 17-20 degrees Celsius.
If you’re planning a vacation that involves swimming, the best time to visit is during the summer. For sightseeing, participating in festivals, and hiking, it’s recommended to visit during spring and autumn.
If you’re interested in seeing beautiful flowers, the best time to visit is during the sunflower season from December to near the Lunar New Year. During this time, the entire field blooms a brilliant yellow color, making it perfect for taking photos.
How to go to Nghe An?
Nghe An is situated in the center of the North Central Coast, about 290 km from Hanoi, 1,400 km from Ho Chi Minh City, and 510 km from Da Nang. This makes it easily accessible from major tourist cities in Vietnam by various means of transportation, including motorbike, passenger car, train, and flight.
Flight
Several cities in Vietnam including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, Khanh Hoa, Pleiku, Buon Ma Thuot, and Da Nang have flights to Vinh, which is located in Nghe An province. In addition, there are international flights to and from Bangkok, Thailand. Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietjet are among the airlines that operate flights to Vinh. The duration of the flight ranges from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the route chosen.
Train
Visitors can also take a train to reach Vinh. The fastest train from Hanoi to Vinh takes 5 hours and 30 minutes, while the journey from Da Nang to Vinh takes 9 hours. However, the train from Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh takes more than a day. The train journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh is recommended for those who have plenty of time and want to see the scenery along the length of the country. You can buy your train ticket on Vietnam Railway’s website.
Passenger car
Another mode of transportation, which is more cost-effective than planes and trains, that you can consider when traveling to Nghe An is by passenger car. There are many bus routes that run throughout the day to Nghe An with ticket prices ranging from about 200,000 VND to 500,000 VND, depending on your starting point. A little tip we would like to remind you of is to take the bus in the evening to save time. However, if you are traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, taking the bus may be tiring and time-consuming, so we do not recommend it.
Book your ticket online here:
*You can adjust the starting point if you are not from the two city.
Motorbike
If you’re in good health and know how to ride a motorbike safely in Vietnam, it’s worth considering as a means of travel to Nghe An. By doing so, you can explore the most beautiful roads and get up close and personal with the natural scenery. These are experiences that can only be enjoyed on a motorbike trip to Nghe An as a backpacker.
Based on our experience, we recommend traveling in groups for mutual support and safety. Depending on your starting point, you can rent a motorbike (we recommend a manual bike for better performance) and hit the road. Remember to check the map frequently to avoid getting lost.
How to move around Nghe An?
When in Nghe An, there are several options for getting around.
Taxi
When traveling to Nghe An, you will see taxis available everywhere, just like in other provinces. However, taxi prices can be quite expensive, so it’s recommended to move in groups to save money. Taxis are more suitable for those traveling with families with young children and the elderly.
- Taxi Mai Linh
- Phone number: 0238.3.57.57.57 – 0238.3.788.788 – 0238.3.819,819
- Taxi Van Xuan
- Phone number: 0238.3.98.98.98
- Taxi Vinaxu Nghe An
- Phone number: 0238.3.699,699
- Thanh Chuong Taxi
- Phone number: 0238.3.87.87.87
- Thanh Vinh Taxi
- Phone number: 0238.8.500.909
- Mekong Taxi
- Phone number: 0238.3.93.93.93
- An Binh Tam Taxi
- Phone number: 0238.3.828.2828
- Taxi Vinh
- Phone number: 0238.3.84.84.84
Private car with driver
Renting a car with a driver is a convenient option for traveling in Nghe An. Local drivers are often honest and knowledgeable about the area’s attractions, providing useful information for your journey.
If you want to rent a car with a driver for your trip to Nghe An, you can contact Scooter Saigon Tour to arrange a private car from Hanoi to Nghe An. If you want to rent a car in Nghe An, we recommend seeking help from local friends to ensure that you get a reliable and safe service.
Motorbike
If you want to explore Nghe An in a comfortable and flexible way, traveling by motorcycle is a good option. You can easily rent motorcycles at rental shops located in the center of Vinh city, with prices ranging from 80,000 VND to 150,000 VND per day.
Here are some reputable motorbike rental places in Vinh City, Nghe An:
| Unit name | Phone | Address | Manual bike rental price | Scooter rental price |
| Uy Nguyen Phi | Not updated | No. 28 Pham Kinh Vi, Vinh City | 80,000 VND – 100,000 VND/day | 130,000 VND – 140,000 VND/day |
| Ngo Thi Thu Huong | 0238 3956 685 | No. 53 Block Lien Co, Hung Binh ward, Vinh city | 80,000 VND – 100,000 VND/day | 130,000 VND – 140,000 VND /day |
| Dinh Nghia | 0972 781 943 | No. 44 Cu Chinh Lan, Trung Do, Vinh City | 80,000 VND – 100,000 VND/day | 130,000 VND – 140,000 VND/day |
| Hong Duong | 0971 511 777 | No. 26 Bach Lieu Street, Ben Thuy Ward, Vinh City | 100,000 VND/day | 150,000 VND/day |
| Mr. Dung | 0978 812 435 | No. 18 Phuong Hoang, Trung Do, Vinh city | 100,000 VND/day | 150,000 VND/day |
| Mr. Danh | 097 646 2949 | No. 12, lane 86 Doc Thiet, Vinh City | 90,000 VND – 120,000 VND/day | 140,000 VND – 150,000 VND/day |
The journey to discover Nghe An by motorcycle will be extremely interesting as you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the trees lining the roads, swim in the turquoise waters of the beaches, or admire the majestic mountains in the distance. Riding a motorcycle allows you to stop and explore along the way, providing a level of convenience that other modes of transportation cannot offer.
Local Bus
Buses are a popular means of transportation in Nghe An, but it is not a common choice for tourists. It is important to note that buses have limited operating hours, from 5am to 6:30pm daily, so it’s important to plan your schedule accordingly.
What to do for the first time in Nghe An?
Nghe An is the largest province in Vietnam, covering an area of over 16,400 square kilometers. Therefore, it may take up to a week to visit all the landmarks. However, in this article, we will focus on some of the best places for you to select for your first trip, ideally for around 2 to 3 days.
President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Zone
President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Zone is a popular tourist destination in Nghe An, located in Kim Lien commune, Nam Dan district, 13km away from Vinh city along Highway 46. The memorial area includes President Ho’s father’s hometown and maternal hometown, his childhood home, and the tomb of Hoang Thi Loan, the mother of President Ho Chi Minh. This place preserves relics and artifacts related to the homeland, family, and childhood of President Ho Chi Minh.
Chung Son Temple
Chung Son Temple is the ancestral temple of President Ho Chi Minh’s family, situated in the middle of Chung mountain – a land of geniuses and pride of the people of Kim Lien. The temple is built in harmony with the overall landscape and spatial architecture of Kim Lien Special National Monument. Chung Son Temple is not only a cultural and spiritual treasure but also a highlight of the journey to visit President Ho Chi Minh’s hometown. Chung Mountain is considered a sacred land, and in 1991 it was classified as a National Historical Monument.
The Square and Statue of President Ho Chi Minh
The Square and Statue of President Ho Chi Minh are located in the center of Vinh City. This place was built in 2000 and inaugurated on May 19, 2003. The statue of President Ho Chi Minh is made of Binh Dinh granite and stands 18 meters high, weighing 150 tons. It is situated in the middle of an 11-hectare square named after President Ho Chi Minh.
Milestone Km number 0
Milestone 0, located in Tan Ky town, Tan Ky district, Nghe An province, is the starting point of the Truong Son road – the legendary Ho Chi Minh trail that supported the southern battlefield. The landmark has been remodeled and the campus now covers an area of 600 m2 with traditional houses displaying wartime artifacts.
Temple of Ong Hoang Muoi
The Temple and tomb of Mr. Hoang Muoi in Xuan Am village, Hung Thinh commune, Hung Nguyen district, about 3km from Vinh city center, worships Mr. Hoang Muoi – Thai Lieutenant Vi Quoc Cong, a famous general of the Le Dynasty, originally from Nghe An. Nearly 100 meters from the temple to the east is the tomb of Monsignor, a unique feature that only the temple of Monsignor Hoang Muoi in Nghe An has.
According to records, the temple was built in 1634, from the post-Le period. Throughout history, the temple was destroyed and later rebuilt in 1995, becoming the famous cultural, religious and spiritual center of Nghe An province.
Other spiritual tourist attractions in Nghe An include Qua Son Temple, Bach Ma Temple, Chin Gian Temple, Cuong Temple, King Mai Hac De Temple and Tomb, Co Am Pagoda, and Dai Tue Pagoda.
Thanh Chuong Tea Island
Located in Thanh An commune, Thanh Chuong district, 60km from Vinh city and 200m from Ho Chi Minh road, Thanh Chuong tea island is a famous check-in point that attracts many tourists to visit.
The island is about 80 hectares wide with dozens of small “oases” lying close, reflecting on the lake bed. This place is also likened to “Ha Long on land”. Visitors to the island do not need to buy an entrance ticket but must buy a ticket for a motorboat (15,000 VND one way). On the islands with water bars, visitors can eat local snacks and drink sugarcane juice for 15,000 VND a cup.
Pu Mat National Park
Pu Mat National Park is located about 130km west of Vinh City and can be reached by three routes: national highway 7, 15, or Ho Chi Minh road. This natural reserve is situated in the world biosphere reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2007, and is home to diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy the unspoiled nature, take a boat ride on the river, visit Pha Lai dam and Khe Kem waterfall, and savor local cuisine such as cool fish in the Giang river and rice lam.
Community Tourist Spot in the West of Nghe An
Con Cuong town, near Pu Mat National Park, is known for its community eco-tourism. Here, visitors can rest, live with local people, listen to folk songs, drink can wine, and enjoy Thai specialties.
Cua Lo Beach
Cua Lo beach, located 16km east of Vinh city, is an ideal destination for swimming, volleyball, golf, and rowing basket boats for squid fishing at night. The area has many high-end resorts and great photo spots, including the infinity pool at the Summer Hotel and the rocky beach of Lan Chau island. Visitors should not miss the seafood at the restaurants on the Binh Minh coastal road, such as the famous floating squid.
The aforementioned tourist attractions are perfect for a 2-3 day trip in Nghe An. However, if you plan to stay longer, we recommend checking out our latest post for more places to explore.
Read more: TOP 17 Nghe An – Ha Tinh tourist attractions
What to eat in Nghe An?
Nghe An is known for its delicious and unique local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes when traveling to this province:
Mussels with rice wafer
This dish is a combination of spicy fried mussel meat with chili, onion, served with crispy Do Luong rice paper wafer, roasted peanuts, and raw vegetables.
Address: Ly restaurant, 203 Phan Chau Trinh, Vinh city, Nghe An.
Eel dishes
Eel porridge or eel vermicelli are a must-try when in Nghe An. The bowls of eel vermicelli and rich eel porridge with toppings are really satisfying.
Address: Hong Son Luong Restaurant is located at 154 Mai Hac De, Quan Bau ward, Vinh city.
Muot cake
Similar to Banh cuon in the North, this type of Banh cuon in Nghe An does not have filling but is made up of thin layers of rice paper with crispy fried onions on top. Best served with fish sauce.
Address: Mrs. Man’s shop, 36 Tran Hung Dao, Vinh city, Nghe An.
Ngao cake
Made from glutinous rice flour, molasses, and ginger, this cake is soft, flexible, and has a moderate sweetness mixed with a little spiciness from ginger. It’s a typical dish for Vietnamese cuisine.
Address: Phuong Thuy Tran, 138 Nguyen Phong Sac, Vinh city, Nghe An.
Cua Lo squid
Cua Lo squid is a must-try when visiting Nghe An. These squids are freshly caught from the sea, cleaned, and grilled on a charcoal stove, giving them a natural sweetness. It’s recommended to dip them in soy sauce or chili sauce for an even better taste. Don’t miss out on trying them at one of the restaurants at Cua Lo beach.
The above are our suggested local foods to try during a short trip of 2 or 3 days in Nghe An. However, if you have more time, we recommend checking out our latest post to discover more delicious dishes to try: 15 Nghe An Local Foods You Should Try Once in Your Life
Hotels in Nghe An
If you have only chosen one destination, it’s best to look for motels or hotels near that location. However, if you’re open to exploring more of Vinh, here are a few places to stay that are located close to the city center, offer good quality, and are reasonably priced. It’s recommended to book your accommodation about 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure room availability and avoid high season rates.
- Muong Thanh Song Lam Hotel 5*: 13 Quang Trung Street, Vinh. Room rates start from 1,000,000 VND per night.
- Muong Thanh Grand Cua Lo Hotel 4*: No. 232, Nguyen Binh Minh Street, Cua Lo. Room rates start from 3,300,000 VND per night.
- Lam Giang 3* Hotel: No. 43 Quang Trung Street, Vinh. Room rates start from 630,000 VND per night.
- Vinpearl Cua Hoi: Cua Hoi Beach. Room rates start from 1,000,000 VND per night.
If you’re looking to stay in the Nghi Loc district, Bai Lu Resort is a great option. The resort offers fresh, cool air and you can enjoy swimming in the sea or walking through the pine forests to watch the sunrise at Bai Lu Heaven Gate.
How long should you stay in Nghe An?
As mentioned earlier, Nghe An is a large province with landmarks that are far from each other. To explore all of them, you would need about a week. Based on this travel guide, if you want to visit all the places mentioned, it would take about 2 to 3 days to fully enjoy them.
ATM and Money Exchange in Nghe An
There are plenty of ATMs in Vinh City and other districts of Nghe An. Payment methods here are flexible, and you can pay by card at some tourist sites. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you in case you need to make purchases at small stalls or visit remote places.
To exchange foreign currency, you can ask some jewelry shops, but be sure to go to legal places to do so. We recommend asking beforehand at the shop or going to major banks like Vietcombank, Sacombank, etc. To ensure safety, we suggest doing so in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang before you go to Nghe An.
Local Emergency Contact for Tourists in Nghe An
- LifeGuard o Cua Lo Beach: (0383).959.114
- Emergency Rescue: Dial 112
- Police: 113
- Fire Department: 114
- Ambulance and Medical support: 115
- Remember to save your hotel/homestays phone number in case of emergency
Other notes to ensure a wonderful trip beside of this Nghe An travel guide
- Get a Viettel SIM Card to ensure data connection along the trip
- Choose the time to explore Nghe An based on your travel purpose.
- During the rainy season, bring extra clothes to change when wet, as well as a raincoat and umbrella.
- Bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
- Jackets, hats, and scarves are necessary accessories when visiting this sunny and windy region.
- Be aware of the prices when buying specialties or food and drinks in tourist areas.
- Be a responsible tourist and do not litter while having fun in Nghe An.
- Choose the most convenient places for you to visit and move around.
- When visiting temples and sacred places, dress politely and discreetly, and speak softly to preserve the sanctity of the place.
- If you are not familiar with the area, consider renting a car with a driver.
- Traveling by motorbike in Nghe An can be a more budget-friendly option.
