Quang Nam, Vietnam: Guide to a perfect trip with your beloved

Contents

The portic beauty of Quang Nam, Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1. An overview of Quang Nam, Vietnam

Where is Quang Nam Vietnam? Quang Nam is a beautiful province in Central Vietnam, about 759 kilometers north of Hanoi and 971 kilometers south of Ho Chi Minh City. It borders Hue and Da Nang to the north, Laos to the west, Quang Ngai Province to the south, and the East Sea to the east.

Historically, Quang Nam Province was known for its famous international trading port, where goods, ideas, and influences from around the world entered Vietnam. Today, the province is filled with historical sites and stunning beaches, continuing to charm and surprise visitors.

Quang Nam Provine tourism offers visitors a chance to experience the rich cultural heritage (Source: Collected)

Quang Nam, Vietnam’s cuisine is another major attraction. Known for its simple yet sophisticated dishes, it has been celebrated by domestic and international magazines and tourism organizations. The unique and flavorful dishes reflect the region’s cultural heritage, making dining in Quang Nam Province a delightful experience for visitors.

Let’s plan a wonderful Central Vietnam itinerary together!

2. The best time to visit Quang Nam, Vietnam

Quang Nam Province has a tropical climate with a dry season and a rainy season. The weather is mild year-round, with average temperatures of 20-21°C. The rainy season, from September to December, brings most of the annual rainfall and occasional storms.

The best time to visit is from February to April, when Quang Nam weather is most pleasant. Summer is also great for beach activities. If you want to experience local festivals like the Ba Chiem Son Festival, Hoi An Carnival, Nguyen Tieu Festival, or Old Quarter Full Moon Festival, plan your visit around these events. The Full Moon Festival is especially magical, with lantern-lit streets and flower lanterns floating on the Hoai River.

Don’t forget to check Hoi An weather in advance!

3. The top attractions in Quang Nam, Vietnam

3.1. Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town is a must-visit destination in Quang Nam Province. As one of the province’s two World Cultural Heritage Sites, Hoi An is celebrated for its well-preserved cultural heritage and ancient architecture, drawing food enthusiasts, fashion lovers, and photographers alike.

In Hoi An, you can explore several iconic landmarks, including Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Fujian Assembly Hall, Cantonese Assembly Hall. Its picturesque streets, ancient golden walls, and moss-covered tiled roofs add to its timeless beauty. Foreign tourists are also drawn to Hoi An for unique services such as on-the-spot tailoring and shoe-making.

Hoi An Ancient Town attracts both domestic and foreign visitors (Source: Collected)

3.2. VinWonders Nam Hoi An

Visiting VinWonders Nam Hoi An offers a unique blend of traditional values and world-class entertainment, creating memorable experiences for visitors in Hoi An. This expansive amusement park is divided into five themed subdivisions, catering to visitors of all ages. Tourists can experience the bustling beauty of 16th and 17th century Hoi An at Harbor Corner and explore ancient architecture from across Vietnam at Folklore Island. 

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is a must-visit destination on your journey

Furthermore, you can embark on river cruises through River Safari to spot rare animals like Bengal tigers and rhinoceroses. Adventure Land awaits with over 100 indoor games, while Water World provides exhilarating water slides and 11 exciting water games. VinWonders Nam Hoi An promises both cultural immersion and thrilling activities, ensuring a vibrant and enjoyable visit for families and adventurers alike.

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3.3. My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, boasts over 70 architectural works of Champa temples and towers. These structures, dating from the 4th to the 13th centuries, showcase significant historical, cultural, architectural, and artistic values. 

While exploring My Son, visitors can enjoy Cham dance performances, excerpts from Cham festivals, and religious dances. These cultural performances, held four times a day from morning to afternoon, offer a deep insight into the unique values of Cham culture.

Additionally, visitors can engage in folk games and learn about traditional Cham crafts. Activities include pottery making, crafting ceramic items, weaving brocade, and creating Cham-style earrings.

3.4. Cham Islands

Cham Islands is UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, boasting 1,549 hectares of natural forest and 950 aquatic species. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches like Bai Ong, Bai Xep, Bai Chong, and Bai Huong, a pristine fishing village perfect for exploring local life and fresh seafood. 

The Museum of Cham Islands Marine Protection offers insights into the history, customs, and marine life of the area, featuring a scale model of the islands and various marine specimens. Nearby villages like Bai Huong and Bai Ong provide a peaceful glimpse into island life.

The 200-year-old Champa ancient well in Xom Cam serves as the island’s sole freshwater source, revered for its reputed benefits. Visitors can also explore Tan Hiep Market for dried and fresh seafood, along with unique souvenirs at lower prices, thanks to direct sales from local fishermen.

The pristine beauty of Cham Islands in Quang Nam Province (Source: Collected)

3.5. Hoi An beaches

Quang Nam Province is renowned for its stunning coastline, offering a variety of pristine beaches like An Bang, Cua Dai, and Ha My, each celebrated for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

• An Bang Beach: TripAdvisor ranks An Bang Beach among Asia’s top 25 beautiful beaches. Its white sands and coconut shacks are perfect for relaxation, with activities like windsurfing and paragliding adding excitement.

• Cua Dai Beach: Just 5 kilometers from Hoi An’s center, Cua Dai Beach is another TripAdvisor favorite among Asia’s top 25 beaches. Its fine white sand, clear blue waters, and opportunities for fishing and boat rentals make it a delightful spot for beachgoers.
• Ha My Beach: In 2017, the British Telegraph selected Ha My Beach, Quang Nam, Vietnam as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Asia. It is located nearly 7 kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town, offering various accommodations, including homestays, hotels, and resorts, making it a convenient and tranquil tourist getaway.

3.6. Hoi An traditional villages

While in Quang Nam, tourists should also spend time visiting Hoi An traditional villages, where you can immerse themselves in the authentic cultural heritage of Vietnam.

• Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Dating back to the late 15th century, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is located about 3 kilometers west of Hoi An Ancient Town. Here, visitors can learn about pottery making and try crafting their own ceramic products.

• Tra Que Vegetable Village: Situated in Cam Ha Commune, Quang Nam, it is renowned for its fresh vegetables grown on fertile land. Visitors can explore diverse vegetables and spices, participate in planting and harvesting, and savor Quang Nam specialties prepared with freshly harvested produce, such as “Tam Huu” spring rolls, sweet basil seed drink, organic shrimp, Quang noodles, and cao lau.
• Kim Bong Carpentry Village: With a history of over 600 years, Kim Bong Carpentry Village is famous for its intricate wooden works, ranging from houses to boats, and today, includes fine arts, decorative items, and souvenirs. Visitors can witness the skill and craftsmanship that goes into creating these unique wooden products.

Traditional craft villages in Quang Nam Province showcase centuries-old skills and craftsmanship (Source: Collected)

3.7. Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Just over 3 kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town along the Hoai River in Cam Thanh Commune, Quang Nam Province, lies Bay Mau Coconut Forest, spanning over ten hectares. This area offers unique basket boat rides, a popular attraction in Hoi An tourism, with each boat accommodating up to two people for a one-hour trip at 200,000 VND per person. 

Visitors can also enjoy boat dance performances, learn to make small toys from nipa palm leaves, and taste ripe water coconuts during the 8th lunar month. Hoi An Coconut Village provides a serene and culturally rich experience, showcasing the natural beauty and traditional crafts of the region.

3.8. Tam Thanh Beach and Mural Village

Tam Thanh Beach is one of Quang Nam renowned landscapes, offering clear blue water, cool green coconut trees, and gentle waves that provide a relaxing atmosphere for visitors. The warm sunlight at dawn and the red hues of sunset provide a peaceful backdrop, perfect for photography enthusiasts capturing memorable moments. 

The colorful Tam Thanh Mural Village (Source: Collected)

Just steps away, the Tam Thanh Mural Village adorned with colorful murals by young Korean artists in 2016, offers a vibrant and artistic setting. Visitors can wander through the village with a camera or phone in hand, capturing countless unique and picturesque moments. 

3.9. Tam Hai Island

Tam Hai Island in Quang Nam is known for its pristine natural scenery, featuring coconut tree-lined shores, fine white sand, clear waters, and expansive sea and sky views. The island’s unique terrain, bordered on three sides by the sea and separated from the mainland by the vast Truong Giang River, adds to its charm.

A highlight of Tam Hai Island is the Ban Than rock reef, famous for its stunning scenery and naturally sculpted rock formations. This attraction offers a mesmerizing landscape with uniquely shaped stones, perfect for exploration and photography.

An unforgettable activity on Tam Hai Island is fishing with local fishermen. Joining them early in the morning, preparing the gear, and sailing a few nautical miles from shore provides a thrilling adventure amidst the rolling waves, creating lasting memories of island life.

3.10. Phu Ninh Lake

Phu Ninh Lake spans over 23,000 hectares with 32 islands, often likened to a miniature Ha Long Bay. Visitors can explore its scenic landscapes and islands and relax with a hot mineral water bath. The lake features a conference center and a restaurant that can accommodate over 200 guests, offering rustic local dishes.

A highlight of Phu Ninh Lake is its resort bungalow and hot mineral bath spa, designed with unique, luxurious architecture that blends seamlessly into the pristine natural surroundings. The resort offers a variety of entertainment options, including mountain biking, fishing, camping with tents and campfires, island tours, and walking trails around the islands.

There are numerous fascinating activities await tourists at Phu Ninh Lake, Quang Nam Province (Source: Collected)

3.11. Monument of Mother Thu

Quang Nam, Vietnam is home to not only natural and cultural attractions but also significant historical sites, such as the Monument of Mother Thu. Located in Tam Phu Commune, Quang Nam Province, this monument is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia and honors Vietnamese Heroic Mother Nguyen Thi Thu. She sacrificed greatly during resistance wars, losing nine sons, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren.

The 18.5-meter-tall marble statue depicts a mother with open arms, symbolizing her embrace of the nation’s children. Surrounding it are additional statue blocks arranged in a 120-meter wide arc, creating an impressive and solemn tribute. The monument stands as a poignant reminder of Vietnamese mothers’ sacrifices, offering visitors a place to contemplate the nation’s history and resilience.

It is crucial to check out Central Vietnam map to better plan your Quang Nam, Vietnam itinerary!

4. Not-to-be-missed things to do in Quang Nam, Vietnam

4.1. Take a boat ride on Hoai River

Taking a boat ride on the Hoai River in Quang Nam Province offers a romantic and tranquil experience, perfect for immersing yourself in the local, slow-paced lifestyle. In the early morning, you can enjoy the rustic charm of ancient houses, temples, and traditional craft villages under the serene sunrise. In the evening, the old town lights up, reflecting beautifully on the water and creating a romantic atmosphere. 

Releasing flower lanterns is a unique activity in Quang Nam Province (Source: Collected)

A unique cultural activity is releasing flower lanterns, typically on the 14th and 15th days of the lunar month. Visitors can float lanterns with wishes and prayers, adding a magical touch to the river as the illuminated lanterns drift along the water.

4.2. Enjoy Quang Nam specialties

Coming to Quang Nam, Vietnam, visitors will find not only beautiful scenic spots but also a rich and diverse Central Vietnam food that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Here are some famous dishes that you should not miss out on trying:

• Mi Quang: A beloved specialty of the Quang people, mi Quang features Quang Nam noodles in a flavorful broth made from pork, chicken, frog, snakehead fish, and shrimp. Served with herbs, banana blossoms, sesame rice paper, and crispy peanuts, it is often enjoyed with spicy green chilies for added flavor.
• Cao Lau: A Hoi An specialty, Cao Lau consists of yellow noodles served with a little broth made from pork bones, char siu, shrimp, and pork. It is garnished with fresh raw vegetables and crispy fried rice paper, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
• Chicken Rice: Hoi An and Tam Ky are famous for their delicious chicken rice. This dish features fragrant rice and tender, fatty chicken, often served at renowned establishments such as Nga Chicken Rice, Ba Buoi, and Xi in Hoi An, and Ba Luan and Tan Duyen in Tam Ky City. 
• Rice Paper Pork Rolls: Quang Nam rice paper pork roll, made from rice and served with thinly sliced pork belly, seasoning sauce, fish sauce, and vegetables from the Vu Gia and Thu Bon rivers, is another delectable dish to try during your food tour in Quang Nam Province.

Quang Nam Chicken Rice – a famous local delicacy (Source: Collected)

4.3. Drop by Instagrammable cafes

Exploring coffee shops in Quang Nam Province, especially in Hoi An Ancient Town, is a unique experience, as each café has its own distinct charm. Many of these Hoi An cafes are housed in centuries-old buildings, blending history with relaxation. Some are rooftop venues, offering stunning street views, while others, like those employing deaf staff, foster an inclusive atmosphere.

Tourists leisurely enjoy a cup of coffee at a cafe in Quang Nam Province (Source: Collected)

For panoramic views, Faifo Café on the 3rd floor of a house on Tran Phu Street is a must-visit, providing a perfect spot to admire Hoi An from above. For a quieter setting, Reaching Out tea shop provides a serene space to unwind. And for coffee and ice cream enthusiasts, Hoi An Roastery is renowned for its delicious beverages and cozy ambiance.

4.4. Try tailoring in Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town is also renowned for preserving one of Vietnam’s oldest trades—tailoring clothes. Tailoring shops in Hoi An attract tourists with their “speedy” service, crafting a wide variety of garments in a remarkably short time. From elegant suits and traditional ao dai to intricate dresses, swimsuits, and bikinis, these tailors can create custom pieces in just a few hours. 

Each item is tailored to the customer’s fabric choice, style preference, and precise measurements. The best part is that customers can usually pick up their bespoke clothing on the same day, making it a convenient and memorable experience for visitors.

Customers choosing fabric at a tailoring shop in Quang Nam, Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Let’s explore fascinating things to do in Hoi An!

5. Essential information for visitors to Quang Nam, Vietnam

5.1. How to get there?

There are several ways to get to Quang Nam Province, including road, rail, sea, and air:

• By Air: Visitors can fly into Da Nang or Chu Lai airports, depending on their destination. Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways offer daily flights to Da Nang from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. 
• By Rail: Several Thong Nhat trains (SE 1-2, SE 3-4, SE 5-6, SE 7-8, and SE 11-12) depart from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and stop at Tam Ky Station, Quang Nam. 
• By Road: Quang Nam Province is easily accessible via National Highway 1A and the Ho Chi Minh Road. Passenger buses operated by providers like Hoi An Express, Queen Cafe, Dong Hanh Travel Bus, Hanh Cafe, Sinh Cafe, Ha Linh, and Truong Thinh offer routes from Da Nang to Hoi An or Tam Ky. Bus number 14 runs between Da Nang and Hoi An every 15-20 minutes. are also options for the Da Nang-Hoi An route, as well as group trips (sharing with others) from the station or airport.

Thanks to the advancements in transportation, traveling to Quang Nam Province has become remarkably easy (Source: Collected)

5.2. Where to stay?

Quang Nam, Vietnam, a burgeoning tourist destination, offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, homestays, and resorts. The resort sector, particularly, has seen rapid growth, with numerous options along the scenic coastlines of Ha My, An Bang, Cua Dai, and Binh Minh beaches. 

One standout choice is Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, an exquisite blend of contemporary architecture and natural beauty. Overlooking the pristine 1.3-kilometer Binh Minh Beach, Vinpearl provides top-notch facilities and a variety of services, such as luxurious spas, gourmet dining, and world-class golf courses, making it an ideal retreat for a memorable holiday.

A luxurious room at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An

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5.3. What to bring home?

When visiting Quang Nam, you can bring home a variety of delicious specialties and souvenirs that capture the essence of this ancient town. These items not only reflect the local craftsmanship but also carry the spirit and culture of Quang Nam, making them perfect mementos of your journey:

• Hoi An mung bean cake: This famous specialty comes in two types: dry and wet, often shaped into rounds. Known for its unique flavor, the cake features a salty filling with a rich and fragrant lard taste.
• Hoi An chili sauce: A quintessential spice for Quang Nam dishes, this chili sauce combines the spicy heat of chili with the subtle aroma of sesame, adding a distinctive kick to dishes like An Nhu Cao Lau and Quang noodles.
• Grilled coconut cake: Made from fresh coconut, glutinous rice flour, and sugar, this cake is golden brown, crispy, and rich in coconut flavor. It is a perfect choice for those seeking a sweet and memorable Quang Nam, Vietnam treat.
• Thuan cake: Unique to Quang Nam, Vietnam, this simple yet flavorful cake is made from flour, eggs, and special spices. Its golden color and distinctive taste make it a delightful gift.
• Cloth products: Quang Nam’s ethnic minorities have a rich weaving tradition, producing colorful textiles such as coats, tablecloths, pillowcases, handbags, and ethnic clothing. Each piece reflects a vibrant cultural heritage.
• Ceramic products: When visiting Thanh Ha Pottery Village, you can consider buying a beautifully hand-painted tea set or beautiful tiny pottery items. These pieces make for unique and artistic additions to your collection.
• Drawings and pictures: From striking wall paintings to pieces by talented Vietnamese artists, these artworks bring the beauty of Quang Nam into your living space, offering lasting memories of your visit.

These specialties not only serve as delicious souvenirs but also as a way to share the unique culinary traditions of Quang Nam Province with friends and family.

The special Hoi An Mung Bean Cake in Quang Nam Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Let’s explore some special Hoi An souvenirs!

Quang Nam, Vietnam, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. This province is not just a travel destination but a journey into the heart of Vietnam’s cultural and natural heritage, leaving visitors with a deep appreciation for its enduring allure. Hopefully, this article has provided you with necessary information to help you better plan for your trip!