Discover the top 10 things to do in Nghe An, from Cua Lo Beach to Kim Lien Village. Explore costs, tips, and eco-friendly tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic adventure.
Dive into the historic charm of Nghe An Travel
Start your Nghe An Travel with vibrant vistas (Source: Source: Internet)Nghe An, Vietnam’s largest province at 16,470 km², lies 290 km south of Hanoi in the North-Central region, boasting an 82 km coastline, lush mountains, and rich cultural heritage. Attracting over 70,000 visitors annually, it offers iconic attractions like Cua Lo Beach, Kim Lien Village (Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace), and Pu Mat National Park. With activities costing $0.50–$35 (12,500–875,000 VND), Nghe An is a budget-friendly haven for eco-conscious travelers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts.
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 eco-friendly homestays, regulated trails, and biodegradable packaging. Legend Travel Group’s tours ensure an immersive, responsible experience. 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 Thanh Chuong are now communes. 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 offers eco-conscious tours in Nghe An, blending adventure with environmental and cultural 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 provide 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.
Green Tea Island - Embrace the vibrant spirit of Nghe An Travel adventures (Source: Source: Internet)These budget-friendly activities ($0.50–$35) showcase Nghe An’s diverse attractions, from coastal escapes to cultural immersion:
Unwind on Cua Lo Ward’s 10 km sandy beach, known for clear waters and fine sands, best at 7:00 AM or 3:00 PM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND) entry. Enjoy swimming and sunset views.
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).
Visit Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace in Nam Dan Commune, best at 8:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), touring his 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).
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 lush tea terraces by boat, best at 6:30 AM, for $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND), around Cau Cau Dam.
Cost: $2–$3.
Location: Thanh An Commune, 50 km from Vinh Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact boats; supports organic tea farmers.
Tip: Use a tripod 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 at Cua Lo Ward, best at 6:00 PM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), with salt-pepper-lime dip.
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 beachside stalls.
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).
Admire vibrant sunflower fields, 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).
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).
Explore this serene island’s pebble beaches and Ngu Temple, best at 8:00 AM, for $2–$15 (50,000–375,000 VND, including boat and activities).
Cost: $2–$15.
Location: 4 km off Cua Lo Ward.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses sustainable fishing methods; supports local boatmen.
Tip: Try squid fishing; included in Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95).
Pu Mat National National Park - Begin your Nghe An Tours with a cultural adventure (Source: Source: Internet)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.
Cua Lo Beach - Capture the coastal serenity of Nghe An’s gem (Source: Source: Internet)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), Thanh Chuong (50 km), Nghia Dan (90 km), or Pu Mat (130 km).
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 with reputable taxi companies (Mai Linh, Vinasun); avoid unlicensed motorbikes to prevent fines ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND).
Kim Lien Village - The Homeland of President Ho Chi Minh - Dive into the historic charm of Nghe An Travel (Source: Source: Internet)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).
Eel Porridge "Cháo Lươn" - Seize the flavorful spirit of Nghe An Travel (Source: Source: Internet)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).
Cua Lo Crabs (Source: Source: Internet)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 cultural sites like Kim Lien Village.
Squid Mixed With Pomelo "Mực Trộn Tép Bưởi" (Source: Source: Internet)Our eco-friendly tours cover Nghe An’s top activities:
Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95/person, 1 day): Relax at Cua Lo Beach, 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!
Kim Lien Museum (Source: Source: Internet)Nghe An Province, a vibrant destination 290 km from Hanoi, captivates with its top 10 activities, from lounging on the 10-km Cua Lo Beach to exploring Kim Lien Village, the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh, and trekking the biodiverse Pu Mat National Park. This North-Central gem, drawing thousands yearly, offers affordable experiences ($1–$5, 25,000–125,000 VND) enhanced by sustainable practices like eco-friendly tours, local homestays, and community-led conservation. Legend Travel Group’s Nghe An Tours guide you through these treasures, ensuring a sustainable Nghe An Travel adventure with activities like photographing Nghia Dan sunflower fields, savoring mực trộn tép bưởi (squid with pomelo blossom salad), and joining the Cau Ngu Festival. Whether hiking to Khe Kem Waterfall or cycling coastal trails, Nghe An promises unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to discover Nghe An’s top 10 activities? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into an authentic 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: vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, vietnam.travel, asiakingtravel.com, localvietnam.com
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