Located approximately a 4.5-hour drive from Hanoi, the city of Vinh offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As the capital of Nghe An Province, Vinh provides a gateway to exploring northern and central Vietnam. Explore the city's highlights, including Quang Trung Temple, a religious site situated on the top of Dung Quyet Mountain. To reach the temple, you must climb more than 400 steps, which in itself is a refreshing experience as you will be surrounded by a serene forest. Witness the ruins of Vinh Ancient Citadel, built during the Nguyen Dynasty, and learn about the Vietnamese struggle against French colonial rule at the Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Museum. A visit to Vinh isn't complete without experiencing Cua Lo Beach, a popular destination known for its pristine sands and clear waters. Here, you can relax by the sea, indulge in fresh seafood, and soak in the local atmosphere.
Many taxi companies operate in Vinh, with fares varying depending on the company and type of car. A trip between the airport and city center typically costs between VND 70,000 and 120,000. Make sure to use only reputable taxi services for your safety and convenience.
Vinh is located approximately 300 km from the capital of Vietnam. You can take a direct train from Hanoi Station to Vinh Station, which takes 6-7 hours. Trains run frequently and offer various classes. Another option is to take a bus, although travel time can vary depending on traffic conditions. For a quicker option, direct flights are available from Noibai International Airport to Vinh International Airport, which take only an hour.
Don’t miss Quang Trung Temple, dedicated to the famous Vietnamese emperor, and the Vinh Ancient Citadel, a historical fortification built in the early 19th century. The Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Museum offers insight into the Vietnamese revolutionary movements. Lastly, visit the Kim Lien Museum in the nearby Kim Lien Village to learn about the life of Vietnam's national hero, Ho Chi Minh, at his childhood home.
Cua Lo Beach, located about 15 kilometers from the city center, is a great spot for families to relax. It offers clear waters for swimming and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Another popular attraction is Muong Thanh Safari Land, which is definitely worth the 1.5-hour drive. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including rhinoceroses and white tigers, and also features a water park and an amusement park.
Vinh is famous for its eel dishes, such as luon xao sa ot (spicy stir-fried eel) and cha luon (eel porridge). For those with a sweet tooth, try banh ngao, a dessert soup with glutinous rice balls covered in molasses. Make sure to try other delicious local dishes like banh beo, steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp, which are popular as snacks.
The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. This area includes Vinh Market and historical sites like Vinh Old Citadel and Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Museum. To venture outside the city center, you can use taxis, motorcycle taxis, or rent your own vehicle.
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