VGP - Central Viet Nam was recently named among the top 10 leading destinations in the Asia-Pacific region to visit this year by Lonely Planet, the well-known global travel site.

Son Doong Cave, Quang Binh Province

Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue are famous destinations on the journey to discover the Central Viet Nam recommended by the Lonely Planet

It praised Hue’s vibrant cuisine showcasing the city’s imperial legacy, while further south, in Hoi An ancient town’s storied laneways, local dishes include fragrant “caolau” noodles. Seafood is the star in nearby Da Nang, and the city on the banks of the Han River is becoming one of Viet Nam’s most exciting urban destinations.

Lonely Planet also appreciated the international air links with many Asian cities providing easy access to attractions like the recently famous Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills near Da Nang and the world-beating caves and rugged river and jungle wilderness of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province, Viet Nam’s “Kingdom of Caves”, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong.

Viet Nam hosted 45.5 million domestic tourists and 8.5 million foreign tourists in the first half of this year, up 6% and 7.5% year-on-year, respectively, according to the General Statistics Office.