South Central Vietnam

South Central Vietnam is a stretch of Vietnam dotted with fishing villages and serene beaches. In its hinterland you can still find indigenous ethnic groups.

This was where the Kingdom of Champa appeared since the 4th right up to in annex by Emperor Minh Mang in 1832. The remains of the Champa civilization can still be seen today in this region. They stand in the form of temple ruins in the hills.

Champa ruins of Po Nagar in Nha Trang


Notable tourist destinations in South Central Vietnam includes resort towns and a hill station, now receiving a steadily growing stream of tourists. You can find here some of the finest beaches in Vietnam, in particularly the 18-km stretch of fine white sand between Phan Thiet to Mui Ne. Famous for its seafood is the resort town of Nha Trang, your base to visiting an offshore archipelago.

If you want to escape the heat, then head for the hill station of Dalat, established as a retreat by the French during colonial times. Farther inland are towns where you can visit the local hill tribes such as the Bahnar Ede, and Jarai people. Their traditional dwellings are also worth checking out, in particular the Bahnar longhouse, called the nha rong.

South Central Vietnam suffered immensely from the Vietnam War. The memorial at Son My stands today to commemorate those who perished in the My Lai Massacre.

Mui Ne Beach at Phan Thiet