Are you planning to visit Vietnam and looking for a destination that’s off the beaten track? Look no further than Nghệ An, a province located in the north-central region of the country. With its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, Nghệ An has something to offer to everyone. In this article, Chôm Chôm Travel will take a deep dive into all that Nghệ An has to offer for your kids and families.
What-to-know about Nghệ An in Vietnam
Nghệ An is a province located in the north-central region of Vietnam. It borders Laos to the west and the East Sea to the east. With an area of more than 16,000 square kilometres and a population of over 3 million people, Nghệ An is one of the largest provinces in Vietnam.
A fun fact about Nghệ An that you may not know is that the area is covered in green tea hills. This is one of the most memorable sights Chôm Chôm Travel had when we explored Nghệ An!
Where to visit in Nghệ An?
Pù Mát National Park: Spanning over 94,000 hectares, Pù Mát National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species such as the white-cheeked gibbon and the sao la (a type of antelope). Visitors can trek through the forest, explore caves, and admire beautiful waterfalls.
Hồ Chí Minh’s Birthplace: Located in Kim Liên Village, Nam Đàn District, this simple wooden house is where Vietnam's beloved former leader Hồ Chí Minh was born and spent his childhood. Visitors can learn about his life and legacy at the museum next door.
Sen Village: This small village in Kim Lien Commune is the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh's father, Nguyen Sinh Sắc. Visitors can see the house where he was born and learn about the family's history.
Hoa Tiến Traditional Brocade Weaving Village: This is the village of the Thai community who are pouring their heart and soul into preserving their traditional business by making craft brocade weaving. Visiting this village will give you a wide view of how precious local tradition and life are. Furthermore, the pure smiles and bright eyes of local kids will melt your heart easily!
Family-friendly activities and experiences in Nghệ An
This province offers a captivating blend of peace and adventure, making it a perfect family-friendly destination for you and your children to explore in a distinctly Vietnamese manner. Begin your journey with a visit to a place of great significance, such as Hồ Chí Minh’s Birthplace, before embarking on thrilling motorcycle rides to discover the pristine and breathtaking landscapes of Nghệ An. During your stay in Nghệ An, you can encounter various ethnic communities besides Vietnamese such as Thái, Thổ, Khơ Mú, Hmong, and Ơ đu people. This diversity of communities makes Nghệ An a must-see destination in Vietnam for your family's life-long travel memory!
Nghệ An is a hidden gem tucked away from the typical tourist trails, yet it offers a delightful experience for your family with an array of amenities. You can easily savor this destination's charm, thanks to the diverse accommodation options ranging from local homestays to exceptional natural lodges complete with stunning viewpoints and inviting swimming pools. Furthermore, to escape the summer heat of this enchanting locale, your family can indulge in refreshing playtime at the captivating natural waterfalls scattered throughout Nghệ An, such as the picturesque Khe Kèm Waterfall.
To extend your stay and do the slow travel in Vietnam, Chôm Chôm Travel team would love to suggest Phong Nha - Kẻ Bàng National Park. While technically situated in the neighbouring province of Quảng Bình, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an absolute must-visit and provides an exceptional opportunity to delve deeper into Vietnam's beauty. Phong Nha - Kẻ Bàng National Park is well-known for its stunning natural beauty and impressive caves, including the world's largest cave, Sơn Đoòng.
Note and tips to travel to Nghệ An!
The best time to visit Nghệ An
The best time to visit Nghệ An is from September to April when the weather is cool and dry. May to August is the hot and rainy season, which can make outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Bonus for you - What are the Must-Try Foods in Nghệ An?
Nem chua (fermented pork): This fermented pork dish is a popular snack in Nghệ An and some other parts of Vietnam. But in Nghệ An, it is specially made by mixing ground pork with spices and wrapping it in banana leaves to ferment for several days with a secret recipe.
Bánh cuốn (rice noodle rolls): These rice noodle rolls filled with ground pork or shrimp and topped with crispy fried shallots and dipping sauce are a breakfast staple in Nghệ An.
Cơm hến (baby basket clams rice): This dish of rice topped with baby clams, herbs, and peanuts is not only a specialty of Huế but also well-served in Nghệ An.
Cá rô phi kho tộ (caramelised Nile tilapia): This braised carp dish is a specialty of the Muong ethnic minority group in Nghệ An. The fish is simmered in a clay pot with caramelised sugar, fish sauce, and spices until tender and flavourful. A bowl of warm rice and a pot of Cá Rô Phi Kho Tộ will make your family feel relieved after a long adventurous day!
How Can I Get to Nghệ An Vietnam?
Nghệ An has its own airport, Vinh Airport, which receives domestic flights from Hanoi and Hồ Chí Minh. Alternatively, your kids and family can also take the national train or bus from major cities in Vietnam to Vinh City, the provincial capital of Nghệ An.
Nghệ An Vietnam is a hidden gem that offers travellers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring national parks and caves to learning about the life of Ho Chi Minh and trying delicious local cuisine, there's something for everyone in Nghệ An. Contact us to plan the only-for-you journey today and discover all that this beautiful province has to offer:
Email: dorothee@chomchomtravel.com
Address: No. 11, Street 44, Thảo Điền Ward, District 2, HCMC, Vietnam.