Discover Nghe An, Vietnam’s land of Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. Book eco-friendly tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic adventure.
Nghe An, Vietnam’s largest province at 16,470 km², located 290 km south of Hanoi in the North-Central region, is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders. Renowned as the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh and historic figures like Phan Boi Chau, Nguyen Truong To, and poetess Ho Xuan Huong, it attracts over 70,000 visitors annually to sites like Kim Lien Village and its 82 km coastline featuring Cua Lo and Quynh beaches. With activities costing $0.50–$35 (12,500–875,000 VND), Nghe An is ideal for culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and eco-conscious travelers.
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 exploration, enhanced by sustainable practices like organic farming, eco-friendly homestays, and community-led conservation. Legend Travel Group’s tours offer an immersive, responsible experience, blending Nghe An’s heritage with its natural beauty. 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, Cua Lo Town is Cua Lo Ward, and areas like Nghia Dan and Quynh Luu are now communes or wards. 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 crafts eco-friendly tours in Nghe An, combining cultural immersion with environmental care. 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 rich history is anchored in its cultural luminaries, from Ho Chi Minh to poetess Ho Xuan Huong, whose legacy lives in sites like Kim Lien Village and local Vi Giam folk singing, a UNESCO intangible heritage. Its natural allure spans the Truong Son Mountain Range, covering 83% of the province, and a stunning coastline with beaches like Cua Lo, Quynh Bang, and Bai Lu. Sustainable initiatives, such as organic tea farming in Thanh Chuong and regulated fishing in Cua Lo, ensure Nghe An remains a pristine destination for eco-conscious travelers.
These budget-friendly activities ($0.50–$35) showcase Nghe An’s cultural and natural highlights:
Explore Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace in Nam Dan Commune, best at 8:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), touring his preserved childhood home and museum.
Cost: $3–$5.
Location: Nam Dan Commune, 16 km from Vinh Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walkable site; supports cultural preservation.
Tip: Respect no-photo rules; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
Unwind on Cua Lo Ward’s 10 km sandy beach, best at 7:00 AM or 3:00 PM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND) entry, enjoying clear waters and casuarina shade.
Cost: $0.50–$2.
Location: Cua Lo Ward, 16 km from Vinh Ward.
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, best at 7:00 AM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), spotting saola and visiting Khe Kem Waterfall.
Cost: $5–$10.
Location: Tra Lan Commune, 130 km from Vinh Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on trails to protect ecosystems; supports rangers.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Pu Mat Nature Tour ($80–$120).
Capture vibrant sunflower fields in Nghia Son Commune, best in March–April or November–December at 7:00 AM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Cost: $2–$4.
Location: Nghia Son Commune, 90 km from Vinh Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid stepping on flowers; supports local farmers.
Tip: Bring a camera; included in Nghe An Nature Tour ($80–$120).
Cruise by eco-friendly boat through lush tea terraces, best at 6:30 AM, for $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND), tasting organic green tea.
Cost: $2–$3.
Location: Thanh An Commune, 50 km from Vinh Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact boats; supports organic tea farmers.
Tip: Visit for sunrise shots; included in Thanh Chuong Eco Tour ($60–$90).
Taste Nghe An’s iconic spicy eel porridge, best at 7:00 AM or 6:00 PM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) at Vinh Ward’s street stalls.
Cost: $1–$2.
Location: Lê Lợi Street, Vinh Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Locally sourced eels; biodegradable bowls.
Tip: Pair with bánh mì; included in Nghe An Food Tour ($55–$85).
Indulge in steamed crabs, best at 6:00 PM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) at Cua Lo’s beachside eateries.
Cost: $3–$5.
Location: Bình Minh Street, Cua Lo Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Sustainably sourced; biodegradable plates.
Tip: Dine at sunset; included in Nghe An Coastal Food Tour ($65–$95).
Savor this refreshing seafood salad, best at 6:00 PM, for $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) at Cua Lo’s night market.
Cost: $2–$3.
Location: Cua Lo Night Market, Cua Lo Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Locally caught squid; eco-friendly vendors.
Tip: Request mild chili; included in Nghe An Coastal Food Tour ($65–$95).
Relax on one of Quynh’s seven beaches (Quynh Phuong, Quynh Bang, etc.), best at 7:00 AM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND), enjoying serene sands.
Cost: $0.50–$2.
Location: Quynh Luu Ward, 65 km from Vinh Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support cleanups; use reusable towels.
Tip: Cycle between beaches; included in Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95).
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.
Location: Tra Lan Commune, 130 km from Vinh Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports artisans; low-impact activity.
Tip: Buy handmade crafts; included in Pu Mat Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
November–April (Dry Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Ideal for beach visits, trekking, and cultural tours, 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 cool weather; evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) for dining and festivals. Avoid hiking after 4:30 PM for safety.
Nghe An’s hub, Vinh Ward, 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.
Within Nghe An: Taxis ($5–$40 or 125,000–1,000,000 VND) or motorbike rentals ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required) for Cua Lo (16 km), Quynh Beach (65 km), Nghia Dan (90 km), or Pu Mat (130 km).
Navigation Tip: Save “Vinh Ward, Nghe An,” “Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An,” or “Kim Lien Village, Nam Dan 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 with reputable taxi companies (Mai Linh, Vinasun); 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 cultural sites.
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).
Activities:
Beach Entry: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Kim Lien Village: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Pu Mat Trekking: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Thanh Chuong Boat Tour: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Food (Cháo Lươn, Crabs): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Tours: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).
Accommodation:
Homestays: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).
3-Star Hotels: $20–$35/night (500,000–875,000 VND).
Transport: See “How to Get to Nghe An” above.
Total Daily Cost (Per Person):
Budget: $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND).
Mid-Range: $35–$60 (875,000–1,500,000 VND).
Luxury: $80–$140 (2,000,000–3,500,000 VND).
Tip: Carry cash (cards rarely accepted); budget for activities ($0.50–$35) and transport ($10–$180).
Timing: Visit November–April for dry weather; weekdays for fewer crowds (100–250 vs. 150–400 on weekends). Avoid Tet (January/February) for lower costs.
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; buy activity tickets on-site.
Sustainability: Use reusable bottles; support vendors with biodegradable packaging. Stay on trails in Pu Mat to protect ecosystems.
Navigation: Save key locations in offline maps; follow Highway 1A for Cua Lo, Route 7 for Pu Mat.
Safety: Swim in designated areas; secure valuables in markets. Avoid unlicensed motorbikes.
Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào”; dress modestly at Kim Lien Village and temples.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Nghe An’s highlights:
Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95/person, 1 day): Relax at Cua Lo and Quynh Beaches, savor crabs, visit Hon Ngu Island. Includes guide, eco-transport.
Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Explore Kim Lien Village, taste cháo lươn, visit Cuong Temple. Includes meals, guide.
Pu Mat Nature Adventure ($80–$120/person, 2 days): Trek Pu Mat, visit Thai villages, stay in eco-homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, eco-transport.
Thanh Chuong Eco Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Boat through tea islands, taste green tea, visit local villages. Includes guide, 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, the land of Ho Chi Minh and cultural icons, offers a captivating mix of historic sites, pristine beaches, and vibrant traditions. From Kim Lien Village to Cua Lo’s seafood feasts, its sustainable practices like eco-homestays and organic farming make it a haven for responsible travelers. Legend Travel Group’s Nghe An Tours ensure an authentic, eco-conscious adventure, guiding you through Nghe An’s cultural and natural wonders. Whether exploring sunflower fields or trekking Pu Mat, Nghe An promises unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to discover Nghe An? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group for an authentic adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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