Discover why Nghe An, Vietnam, is a must-visit! Explore Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace, Pu Mat National Park, and vibrant festivals with Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours for an unforgettable adventure.
Nghe An, Vietnam’s largest province at 16,470 km², is a captivating destination in the North-Central region, blending rich cultural heritage with stunning natural landscapes. Just 290 km south of Hanoi, its vibrant hub, Vinh Ward, welcomes over 70,000 tourists annually to explore UNESCO-recognized Kim Lien Village (Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace), the biodiverse Pu Mat National Park, and the 82 km coastline featuring Cua Lo Beach. With activities costing $3–$35 (75,000–875,000 VND), Nghe An appeals to culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and eco-conscious travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Set in a 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), Nghe An embraces sustainability through community-led homestays, electric vehicle tours, and forest conservation efforts. Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours offer immersive journeys into this cultural and natural haven. Book via links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com for a seamless adventure.
Following Vietnam’s administrative reform effective July 1, 2025, Nghe An’s districts have been reorganized into wards and communes. Vinh City is now Vinh Ward, and Cua Lo Town is Cua Lo Ward. Use “Vinh Ward, Nghe An” or “Nghe An Province” for accurate navigation.
With over 17 years leading sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-conscious tours to Nghe An, blending cultural immersion with environmental care. Our low-impact tours use electric vehicles, biodegradable materials, and English-speaking local guides who share insights into Nghe An’s heritage and ecosystems. Supporting local communities, we align with Vietnam’s green tourism initiatives. Enjoy 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 journey.
Nghe An, nestled between Thanh Hoa to the north, Ha Tinh to the south, Laos to the west, and the East Sea to the east, is a treasure trove of diversity. Its terrain spans high mountains, midlands, plains, and a pristine coastline, with 83% of its area covered by the Truong Son Mountain Range and dense forests. The province is home to historic sites like Kim Lien Village, spiritual landmarks like Cuong Temple, and natural wonders like Pu Mat National Park, hosting rare saola and over 2,400 plant species. Vibrant festivals such as Cau Ngu and Lotus Village celebrate local traditions, while sustainable practices—solar-powered facilities, restricted trails, and eco-friendly homestays—preserve its beauty. Nghe An offers a unique blend of spiritual, cultural, and adventure tourism.
These budget-friendly activities ($0–$35) highlight Nghe An’s unique charm:
Explore Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace in Kim Lien Village, best at 8:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), featuring 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).
Trek through Pu Mat National Park’s lush trails, best at 7:00 AM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), spotting rare wildlife and waterfalls.
Cost: $5–$10.
Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Guided trails protect ecosystems; supports local rangers.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Nghe An Nature Tour ($80–$120).
Unwind at Cua Lo Ward’s sandy beach, best at 3:00 PM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND), with local seafood snacks at $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Cost: $0.50–$3.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable packaging; supports local vendors.
Tip: Try grilled squid; included in Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95).
Join the vibrant Cau Ngu Festival (February/March), best at 10:00 AM, for free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), honoring fishing traditions.
Cost: Free; donations encouraged.
Hours: Varies by lunar calendar.
Eco-Friendly Note: Community-led event; low-impact activity.
Tip: Book festival tours early; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
Meditate at the historic Cuong Temple, best at 9:00 AM, for free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), celebrating local legends.
Cost: Free; donations encouraged.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact activity; supports temple upkeep.
Tip: Dress modestly; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).
November–April (Dry Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Perfect for hiking, beach visits, and cultural exploration. Moderate crowds (150–400 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.
May–October (Rainy Season, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F): Ideal for lush greenery and fewer crowds (100–250 daily visitors). 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 Cuong Temple Festival. Avoid Tet for quieter visits.
Timing Tip: Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for cool weather; afternoons (2:00–4:00 PM) for relaxed beach time. Avoid hiking after 4:30 PM for safety.
Nghe An, 290 km from Hanoi and 30 km from Cua Lo Ward, is accessible in 5–6 hours from Hanoi or 45–60 minutes from Cua Lo:
From Hanoi:
Private Car: Via Hanoi–Ninh Binh–Nghe An Expressway to Vinh Ward, $80–$100 (2,000,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly, $70–$90 (1,750,000–2,250,000 VND) one-way; $140–$180 (3,500,000–4,500,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
Public Bus: From Giap Bat to Vinh Ward (6 hours, $8–$12 or 200,000–300,000 VND), $16–$24 (400,000–600,000 VND) round-trip.
Private Tour Bus: Legend Travel Group bus, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person for 20+ people.
Train: To Vinh Station (5–6 hours, $10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND), $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) round-trip.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($90–$110 or 2,250,000–2,750,000 VND, 6 hours); Xanh SM taxi ($80–$100 or 2,000,000–2,500,000 VND); or airport bus to Hanoi ($0.80 or 20,000 VND, 45 min) + private car ($70–$90).
From Ho Chi Minh City: Fly to Vinh Airport (2 hours, $60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), then taxi to Vinh Ward (10 km, $3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND). Total: $66–$130 (1,650,000–3,250,000 VND) one-way.
From Cua Lo Ward: Taxi ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND, 45–60 minutes) or motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required) via Highway 1A.
Navigation Tip: Save “Vinh Ward, Nghe An” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow Highway 1A signs. Parking: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis and walking tours reduce emissions.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorbikes; confirm fares. Avoid unlicensed driving 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 shoes for Pu Mat; waterproof jacket ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) for rainy season; modest attire for temples.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($4–$8), mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.80).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND).
Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, camera, meditation cushion.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Cash for vendors; water for hiking.
Activity Fees
Kim Lien Village: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Pu Mat National Park: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Cua Lo Beach Entry/Snacks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Guided Walk: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND).
Homestay in Vinh Ward: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).
Souvenirs (Handicrafts, Sweets): $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND).
Guided Nature Tour: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hanoi)
Private Car: $80–$100 (2,000,000–2,500,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $140–$180 (3,500,000–4,500,000 VND).
Public Bus: $16–$24 (400,000–600,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Train: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Airport to Vinh Ward: $90–$110 (2,250,000–2,750,000 VND).
Ho Chi Minh City to Nghe An: $132–$260 (3,300,000–6,500,000 VND).
Cua Lo to Vinh Ward: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $12–$25 (bus, beach, snacks).
Mid-range: $35–$60 (private car, homestay, guided tour).
Luxury: $90–$140 (Xanh SM taxi, premium stay, nature tour).
Tip: Budget for activities ($0.50–$10) and transport ($5–$180); carry cash (cards rarely accepted).
Timing: Visit 7:00–10:00 AM for cool weather; November–April for dry trails. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–250 vs. 150–400 on weekends). Avoid Lunar New Year for quieter visits.
Booking: Buy activity tickets on-site; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead. Book transport in Vinh Ward.
Sustainability: Support local vendors with snacks ($0.80–$3); use reusable bottles. Stay on trails to protect ecosystems.
Navigation: Save “Vinh Ward, Nghe An” in offline maps; follow Highway 1A. Avoid hiking after 4:30 PM.
Safety: Wear sturdy shoes for slippery trails; secure valuables. Avoid upper trails during heavy rain.
Weather: Dry season for hiking; rainy season needs rain gear ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) and waterproof bags ($6–$10 or 150,000–250,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at temples; greet with “xin chào.” Respect festival rituals.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.80); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Nghe An’s cultural and natural gems:
Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Visit Kim Lien Village, Cuong Temple, and enjoy local lunch ($4–$8). Includes guide, eco-transport.
Nghe An Nature Adventure ($80–$120/person, 2 days): Explore Pu Mat National Park, Cua Lo Beach, and homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, guide.
North-Central Vietnam Explorer ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Discover Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, and Ha Tinh with eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transports, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Nghe An Province, a cultural and natural masterpiece 290 km from Hanoi, captivates with its historic Kim Lien Village, the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh, the biodiverse Pu Mat National Park, and vibrant festivals like the Cau Ngu Festival, held annually to honor fishing traditions. Spanning diverse terrain from the mountains of Ky Son to the pristine sands of Cua Lo Beach, this North-Central gem offers affordable experiences, with entry fees as low as $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND), attracting thousands yearly. Legend Travel Group’s Nghe An Tours enhance your journey with sustainable practices like eco-friendly homestays and community-led conservation, ensuring a responsible Nghe An Travel experience. Whether hiking lush trails in Pu Mat or relaxing by the coast at Cua Lo, Nghe An promises unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Nghe An? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into an authentic cultural and nature 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 Information: vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, vietnam.travel, asiakingtravel.com, localvietnam.com
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