Getting There

Getting to, and getting around, central Vietnam can be accomplished in a number of ways. Given the abundance of scenic trips and out of the way places to see, you'll most likely want to combine flights, trains and even transport by private car.

Planes

Both Danang and Hue have airports. Danang's airport occupies the huge former American airbase and is one of only three international airports in Vietnam. Flights from Bangkok to Danang are operated by Thai Airways and fly three days a week. The flight actually makes a stop in Ubol Ratchatani, in Thailand near the Cambodian border, so be prepared for a couple of short hops (less than an hour each) to get to Danang. You can also reach Danang via domestic flights operated by Vietnam Airways from Saigon, Hanoi and Nha Trang. Hue also has a domestic airport, so you could easily fly into Hue, travel south through the Hai Van Pass by car or train to Danang and Hoi An, then fly out of Danang.

Trains

Danang is on the main north-south line connecting Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh city. Express trains from Hue take about 3 1/2 hours, and the view by train is almost as spectacular as the drive. There are several long tunnels along the route, so travellers are advised to keep track of their valuables in the dark.

Automobiles

The trip south from Hue through the Hai Van Pass has to be one of the most scenic trips in Southeast Asia. From Hue, you first pass through rice fields still dotted with guard towers from the war, then you begin to travel up through hills and several connected bays until you reach the pass, from which you then descend down into Danang.

Renting a car with driver is quite inexpensive and can usually be booked through a local travel agent.