Discover the best activities in Nghe An, Vietnam! From Cua Lo Beach to Pu Mat National Park, explore with Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours for a cultural and natural adventure.
Nghe An, Vietnam’s largest province at 16,470 km², lies in the North-Central region, 290 km south of Hanoi. With its rugged Truong Son Mountain Range, 82 km of pristine coastline, and vibrant cultural heritage, it attracts over 70,000 visitors annually. From relaxing on Cua Lo Beach to trekking Pu Mat National Park, activities costing $0.50–$35 (12,500–875,000 VND) cater to adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travelers. Nghe An’s hub, Vinh Ward, and coastal Cua Lo Ward offer a perfect base for exploration.
The province’s tropical climate (dry season: November–April, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F) supports year-round adventures, enhanced by sustainable practices like eco-friendly homestays and regulated trails. Legend Travel Group’s tours immerse you in Nghe An’s wonders while prioritizing environmental care. Book via links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com for an unforgettable journey.
As of July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s administrative reform reorganized Nghe An’s districts into wards and communes. Vinh City is now Vinh Ward, and Cua Lo Town is Cua Lo Ward. Use “Vinh Ward, Nghe An” or “Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An” for precise navigation.
With over 17 years leading sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia, Legend Travel Group designs eco-conscious tours in Nghe An, blending adventure with cultural and environmental respect. Our tours use electric vehicles, support local communities, and feature English-speaking guides sharing insights into Nghe An’s heritage and ecosystems. Aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals, we offer transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our eco-tours via links on this page for a responsible adventure.
Nghe An’s diverse terrain, from mountains to beaches, offers a range of budget-friendly activities ($0.50–$35) for an authentic experience:
Unwind on Cua Lo Ward’s 10 km sandy shoreline, best at 7:00 AM or 3:00 PM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND) entry. Swim in clear waters and enjoy casuarina-shaded relaxation.
Cost: $0.50–$2.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support beach cleanups; use reusable towels.
Tip: Pair with seafood dining; included in Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95).
Hike biodiverse trails in Pu Mat, 130 km from Vinh, best at 7:00 AM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), spotting saola and visiting Khe Kem Waterfall.
Cost: $5–$10.
Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on trails to protect ecosystems; supports rangers.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Pu Mat Nature Tour ($80–$120).
Visit Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace in Nam Dan commune, best at 8:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), exploring his childhood home and museum.
Cost: $3–$5.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walkable site; supports cultural preservation.
Tip: Hire a local guide; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
Taste Nghe An’s iconic dishes like cháo lươn (eel porridge) or mực trộn tép bưởi (squid with pomelo) at Vinh’s Chợ Vinh or Cua Lo’s Bình Minh Street, best at 6:00 PM, for $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Cost: $1–$5.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with biodegradable packaging; local sourcing.
Tip: Try cháo ngao in Cua Lo; included in Nghe An Food Tour ($55–$85).
Engage with Thai and Dan Lai communities in Pu Mat, best at 10:00 AM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), learning brocade weaving and tasting cơm lam (bamboo rice).
Cost: $5–$10.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports artisans; low-impact activity.
Tip: Buy handmade crafts; included in Pu Mat Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
Capture stunning vistas at Thanh Chuong’s tea hills, best at 7:00 AM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) entry, with rolling green landscapes.
Cost: $2–$4.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Minimal environmental impact; supports local farmers.
Tip: Bring a camera; included in Nghe An Nature Tour ($80–$120).
Experience Cua Lo’s vibrant fishing festival (February/March), best at 10:00 AM, for free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), celebrating coastal traditions.
Cost: Free; donations encouraged.
Hours: Varies by lunar calendar.
Eco-Friendly Note: Community-led; low-impact event.
Tip: Book festival tours early; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
November–April (Dry Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Ideal for beach visits, trekking, and cultural exploration, with moderate crowds (150–400 daily visitors). Book 1–2 weeks ahead.
May–October (Rainy Season, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F): Perfect for lush greenery and fewer crowds (100–250 daily visitors), but trails may be slippery. Last-minute bookings often available.
Festival Seasons: Lunar New Year (January/February) for Cau Ngu Festival, with high crowds (600+ visitors); spring (February–March) for cultural events. Avoid Tet for quieter visits.
Timing Tip: Mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for outdoor activities; evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) for dining and festivals. Avoid hiking after 4:30 PM for safety.
Nghe An, with Vinh Ward as its hub, is 290 km from Hanoi and 950 km from Ho Chi Minh City:
From Hanoi (5–7 hours):
Train: $20–$60 (500,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5.5–7 hours to Vinh Station.
Bus: $16–$30 (400,000–750,000 VND) round-trip, 6–7 hours from Giap Bat.
Private Car: $80–$100 (2,000,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours.
Xanh SM Taxi: $140–$180 (3,500,000–4,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours.
From Ho Chi Minh City (2–30 hours):
Flight: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip, 2 hours to Vinh Airport (unavailable July–December 2025), plus taxi ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).
Train: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip, 26–30 hours.
Bus: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) round-trip, 28–30 hours.
From Vinh to Cua Lo (45–60 minutes): Taxi ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND) or motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).
From Vinh to Pu Mat (2.5–3 hours): Private car ($30–$40 or 750,000–1,000,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Save “Vinh Ward, Nghe An,” “Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An,” or “Pu Mat National Park, Tra Lan Commune” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose trains or Xanh SM taxis for lower emissions; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.
Safety: Confirm fares; avoid unlicensed motorbikes to prevent fines ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND).
Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:
Clothing: Lightweight attire, sturdy hiking boots, swimsuit; waterproof jacket ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) for rainy season; modest attire for temples.
Outdoor Gear: Reusable towel, SPF 50+ sunscreen, insect repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), hat.
Dining Gear: Reusable chopsticks, cloth napkin ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable water bottle, tote for souvenirs ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Cua Lo Beach Entry: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Pu Mat Trekking/Waterfall: $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).
Kim Lien Village: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Food (Cháo Lươn, Mực Trộn): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Cultural Visits: $0.50–$10 (12,500–250,000 VND).
Guided Tours: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).
Homestay: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).
From Hanoi: Train: $20–$60; Bus: $16–$30; Private Car: $80–$100; Xanh SM Taxi: $140–$180.
From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight: $60–$120 + taxi ($6–$10); Train: $50–$100; Bus: $50–$80.
From Vinh to Cua Lo/Pu Mat: Taxi/Car: $10–$45 (250,000–1,125,000 VND).
Budget: $10–$25 (bus, beach, street food).
Mid-range: $35–$60 (train, homestay, guided tour).
Luxury: $80–$140 (private car, premium dining, nature tour).
Tip: Carry cash (cards rarely accepted); budget for activities ($0.50–$35) and transport ($10–$180).
Timing: Start activities at 7:00–10:00 AM for cool weather; November–April for dry conditions. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–250 vs. 150–400 on weekends).
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; book homestays and activities on-site.
Sustainability: Use reusable bottles; support vendors with biodegradable packaging. Stay on trails in Pu Mat.
Navigation: Save key locations in offline maps; follow Highway 1A for Cua Lo, Route 7 for Pu Mat.
Safety: Swim in designated areas; wear sturdy shoes for Pu Mat. Secure valuables in markets.
Weather: Dry season for outdoor activities; rainy season needs rain gear ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào”; dress modestly at cultural sites.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Nghe An’s best activities:
Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95/person, 1 day): Relax at Cua Lo Beach, dine on seafood, visit night market. Includes guide, eco-transport.
Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Explore Kim Lien Village, Cuong Temple, taste local cuisine. Includes meals, guide.
Pu Mat Nature Adventure ($80–$120/person, 2 days): Trek Pu Mat, visit Khe Kem Waterfall, Thai villages, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, eco-transport.
North-Central Vietnam Explorer ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Combine Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transports.
Prices include guides, eco-transports, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Nghe An Province, 290 km from Hanoi, is a vibrant destination offering a diverse array of activities, from lounging on Cua Lo Beach (free entry) to trekking Pu Mat National Park ($2–$3 entry, 50,000–75,000 VND) and immersing in Thai village culture at homestays ($10–$30/night, 250,000–750,000 VND), drawing thousands yearly. Explore rich landscapes like Pu Huong Nature Reserve’s tea hills, perfect for photography, or delve into cultural heritage at Kim Lien Village, birthplace of Ho Chi Minh ($1 entry, 25,000 VND). Supported by sustainable practices like eco-friendly homestays and low-impact tours, Legend Travel Group’s Nghe An Tours ensure an authentic, eco-conscious Nghe An Travel experience, blending adventures with visits to Cua Lo’s Cau Ngu Festival (February/March) and culinary delights like cháo lươn ($1–$3, 25,000–75,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to discover Nghe An’s cultural and natural treasures? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group for an unforgettable adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Nghe An Activities Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, localvietnam.com, vietnamoriginal-travel.com, originvietnam.com
Favorite experiences booked by travelers