Vietnam’s Central Coast is the most awkward area in Indochina as far as weather is concerned – it’s complicated topography creates a range of micro-climates. Hue, for example, has a deserved reputation for miserable weather, but a short drive south crossing the Hai Van Pass to Danang usually sees the clouds clear and the mercury rise.

Most of the coastal strip is one long beach backed by a ribbon of land carrying Highway 1 and the railway. Where the strip widens, towns have developed.

The Central Coast is an obvious choice for anyone looking for a beach holiday. However, the Central Area has much more to attract visitors. On the coast, Hue is a centre for three World Heritage areas, and Quang Tri province, where most of the fiercest battles took place during the American War. Further south, Qui Nhon and Nha Trang are resort areas. The later is well established and commercialised, while Qui Nhon is in its infancy.

The Central Coast can also boast two of Vietnam’s best National Parks – Bach Ma, near Hue, and Phong Nha, now Vietnam’s fifth World Heritage Area, in the northern section.

In the main centres of Hue/Danang, Nha Trang, and Phan Thiet/Mui Ne, tourism infrastructure is well developed. In the long stretches between them, there are few restaurants or places to stay, and access is either by road or rail.

However, the majority of the many beaches and villages along the coast are little affected by tourism – if you can put up with basic accommodation and local food, you could spend a leisurely week or two wandering from place to place as you wish.