1. Tour Kim Lien Relic Site
Kim Lien Relic Site is a Special National Heritage Site, where the childhood memories of President Ho Chi Minh are preserved. Just 15 kilometers from Vinh, this 205-hectare site ranks among the must-visit things to do in Nghe An.
- Kim Lien Village (Sen Village), the paternal hometown of President Ho Chi Minh, preserves his childhood home and simple relics. Nearby, Chung Son Temple honors his family and ancestors, alongside landmarks like Coc Well, Chung Mountain, and the Sen Village temple.
- Hoang Tru Village, covering an area of about 3,500 m², is the maternal hometown and birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh. Here, visitors can explore his grandparents’ home, the simple three-compartment thatched house of his parents, and the ancestral temple of the Hoang Xuan family.
- The tomb of Hoang Thi Loan, mother of Uncle Ho, stands on Dong Tranh Mountain at about 100 meters above sea level. Its loom-shaped design pays tribute to her lifelong weaving craft, while the surrounding pine forest creates a tranquil and sacred setting. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Nghe An’s peaceful countryside.
2. Visit famous sacred places in Nghe An
Nghe An is a land where spirituality and history intertwine. Its temples and shrines, shaped by legends and devotion, invite travelers to step into timeless traditions.
- Bach Ma Temple is dedicated to the White Horse deity, a guardian of the land and symbol of prosperity. Its festival on the 9th–10th days of the second lunar month draws visitors with rituals and celebrations.
- Hong Son Temple honors Guan Yu, the legendary general admired for his loyalty and valor. The 6,250 m² complex features 19 structures, including gates, walls, a semicircular lake, stele houses, and spacious courtyards.
- Con Temple is admired for its harmonious feng shui and intricate ancient craftsmanship. From the 19th to the 21st of the first lunar month, its festival comes alive with sacred rituals, dragon boat races, wrestling, and folk games.
- Ong Hoang Muoi Temple, nearly 400 years old, preserves 21 royal decrees, Han-script records, and a collection of revered statues. It is also an important site to explore Vietnam’s Mother Goddess worship tradition.
- Quyet Mountain – Emperor Quang Trung Temple is surrounded by green pine forests and overlooks the poetic Lam River. The temple honors the national hero Quang Trung with two major festivals on the 29th of the 7th lunar month and the 5th of the 1st lunar month.
3. Explore natural attractions
Every step in Nghe An feels like a journey into untouched nature, where adventure and wonder await, making exploring its landscapes one of the top things to do in Nghe An, Vietnam.
- Pu Xai Lai Leng, standing 2,720 meters high, is the tallest peak of the northern Truong Son range. The climb passes through pristine Cunninghamia and Fokienia forests and ends with sweeping views over remote villages and endless mountains.
- Hang Bua Cave, formed millions of years ago, captivates with its natural beauty and deep cultural ties to the Thai people. Recognized as an archaeological site, it preserves fossils of rhinos, deer, and other animals that reveal traces of prehistoric life.
- Pu Mat National Park impresses with stunning landscapes, dense forests, and majestic waterfalls. It is home to rare wildlife such as the saola and white-cheeked gibbon. Visitors can trek scenic trails, enjoy fishing, and experience the rich traditions of local ethnic communities.
4. Unwind at VinWonders Cua Hoi
VinWonders Cua Hoi is the ultimate entertainment paradise of North Central Vietnam. Here, excitement never ends with the Tropical Water Park featuring 17 thrilling slides and wave pools, the Vanity Fair Amusement Park packed with 68 exhilarating rides, and the breathtaking 3.5 km sea-crossing cable car offering panoramic views of the coastline. Beyond the rides, Song Ngu Island enchants visitors with its ancient pagoda, scenic bridges, and floating seafood restaurants. As night falls, the park comes alive with spectacular cultural performances, dazzling lights, and vibrant music, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for every visitor.
Book tickets of VinWonders Cua Hoi
5. Listen to Vi Giam folk songs
Among the many things to do in Vinh, Nghe An, Vietnam, experiencing the soulful Vi, Giam folk songs is truly unforgettable. Recognized by UNESCO in 2014 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, these mostly a cappella melodies drift from rice fields and riverbanks to workshops and lullabies, carrying values of loyalty, love, and community. More than music, they are emotional lifelines that have bound generations together, and today they continue to flourish through festivals, clubs, and passionate local artists. Listening to Vi and Giam is not just entertainment; it is a heartfelt journey into the soul of Nghe An.
6. Take photos at Milestone Km 0
Milestone Km 0 in Tan Ky, Nghe An, marks the starting point of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, once vital for transporting supplies, troops, and documents during the Indochina wars. Today, the site not only supports local development but also invites visitors from near and far to discover its history and cultural significance.
Covering 600 square meters, the site includes a traditional house with wartime artifacts, the first granite milestone, and the wooden marker inscribed “Ho Chi Minh Trail Km 0.” Set by a stream and the district’s martyrs’ cemetery, the square offers great photo opportunities, with posing at the milestone now a symbolic gesture for many visitors.
7. See Thanh Chuong Tea Island
Thanh Chuong Tea Island enchants visitors with rolling tea hills rising from emerald waters, creating a landscape that looks like a living painting. A boat ride gliding between these lush green patches reveals fresh air, serene scenery, and a soothing sense of peace.
What truly sets this place apart among the top things to do in Nghe An is its irresistible charm for photography. The mirror-like lake reflecting endless tea hills, the morning mist drifting gently above the water, and the vivid contrast of blue skies against green rows create postcard-worthy moments. With its poetic beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Thanh Chuong Tea Island has become a favorite destination for travelers and young explorers alike.
8. Take part in beach activities
With its long coastline, golden sandy beaches, and gentle waves, Nghe An features the perfect backdrop for swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports.
- Cua Lo Beach is famous for its long sandy stretch, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying fresh seafood. The best time to visit is from May to October, when visitors can also join beach games like volleyball, ride jet skis, or take boat trips to nearby islands.
- Dien Thanh Beach is a peaceful retreat with gentle waves. Its shallow waters rarely rise above an adult’s waist, even after wading far from shore. Early mornings are especially charming, as visitors can watch fishermen at work or try fishing alongside the locals.
- Quynh Beach is known for its unspoiled beauty and calm atmosphere. It is a great spot for those who love kayaking or simply strolling along the coast. The beach is also a favorite for camping, allowing visitors to enjoy the sea breeze under starry skies.
9. Experience traditional craft villages
Nghe An is a land where tradition thrives, with centuries-old craft villages offering authentic glimpses into local life and artistry. Bamboo weaving in Thuan Hoa and Dong Van sustains over 400 skilled artisans, while the Thai community in Ban Hoa Tien (Quy Chau) preserves vibrant brocade weaving using natural dyes.
Tru Son Village continues the rustic art of earthenware pottery, known for its simple, durable unglazed designs, and Quy Chau is renowned for fragrant agarwood incense crafted by women artisans from local botanicals. In Nam Dan, the iconic Tuong Nam Dan soy sauce remains a culinary treasure, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. Together, these crafts offer visitors a vivid journey into the heart of Nghe An’s enduring traditions.
10. Enjoy local specialties
Nghe An Province is known not only for its cultural treasures and scenic landscapes but also for its rich and diverse cuisine. Visitors can enjoy sup luon (eel soup) served with bread, try banh muot (steamed rice rolls) with lime and chili fish sauce, and savor nhut Thanh Chuong (jackfruit fiber) stir-fried with pork or cooked on its own.
Other must-try specialties include banh bot loc (tapioca dumplings), chao canh (thick noodle soup), and gio me (pounded veal roll), each offering a distinctive flavor of the region. To complete the culinary journey, refreshing desserts such as che sen (lotus seed sweet soup) and che dau xanh (mung bean sweet soup) provide a perfect balance to the savory dishes.
11. Take part in traditional festivals
No trip would be complete without experiencing the vibrant traditional festivals, one of the top things to do in Nghe An, where culture and community come alive. Among the most notable is the Xang Khan Festival of the Thai people, recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This festival is held once every three years, either in February–March or October–November, according to the traditional Thai calendar. It features shamanic rituals, vibrant costumes, gong music, folk dances, and communal games, all performed to honor ancestors and promote spiritual well-being.
Travelers can also join other annual festivals at sacred sites such as Pan Pang, Vua Mai, Van Loc, Ca, Con, Qua Son, Van–Cua Rao, Hang Bua, Pu Nha Thau, Nguyen Xi, Duc Hoang, and Thanh Liet Temples. With lively rituals, processions, and communal gatherings, these celebrations offer a fascinating window into the cultural richness and spiritual heart of Nghe An.
>>> Discover: 15 of the best things to do in Vinh for first-time visitors
Exploring the many things to do in Nghe An is more than just a journey; it’s an immersion into the region’s authentic beauty. From majestic landscapes to rich traditions and local flavors, every moment here promises unforgettable memories.
After visiting the many things to do in Nghe An, nothing completes the journey better than a luxurious stay. Among various noble options, Vinpearl Cua Hoi Resort, affiliated by Meliá, provides the perfect blend of comfort and elegance right by the sea. Here, guests can relax in style while enjoying world-class services in one of Nghe An’s finest destinations.
