Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast AT#972 - Travel to Central Vietnam
Nov 29, 2025
Travel writer Joshua Zukas, who has spent nearly 20 years in Vietnam, shares his deep knowledge of Central Vietnam's treasures. He highlights the region's mix of beaches, royal history, and stunning caves, and why spring is the best time to visit. Zukas also dives into must-try dishes like mi quang and bun bo hue, while offering local dining tips. He passionately describes the breathtaking Son Doong cave and emphasizes the resilience of locals during annual floods, making Central Vietnam sound both diverse and delicious.
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Order Mi Quang By Pointing At Ingredients
- Try regional specialties like Mi Quang in Da Nang and Hoi An, noting its wet-noodle style and rice cracker topping.
- Ask or point at ingredients if you don't speak Vietnamese to customize proteins, Joshua suggests.
Travel The Coastal Train Over The Pass
- Take the scenic train between Da Nang and Hue across the mountain pass for dramatic jungle and lagoon views.
- Joshua calls the train ride one of Vietnam's most magnificent stretches and recommends it over driving.
Spend Two Nights To See Hue Properly
- Allow at least two nights in Hue to properly visit the Imperial City and nearby river pagodas like Tianmu at sunset.
- Joshua recommends spending a full day on the Citadel and another day for tombs and riverside sites.
