Nghệ An Province
Uncle Ho's homeland — Cửa Lò beach and the vast Pù Mát forest
Central Vietnam · North Central Coast
Uncle Ho's homeland — Cửa Lò beach and the vast Pù Mát forest
Central Vietnam · North Central Coast
Nghệ An is one of 11 provinces not subject to mergers under Resolution 202/2025/QH15. With an area of 16,493.70 km² and a population of nearly 3.5 million people, it is the fourth largest province in the country after mergers — formerly the largest province in Vietnam before 01/7/2025. To the East is 82 km of coastline with the famous Cửa Lò beach, and to the West is the Trường Sơn mountain range with Pù Mát National Park — a UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve. The center is Vinh city, a type I urban area, 300 km from Hà Nội. Nghệ An holds special significance for Vietnamese people: Nam Đàn district is the hometown of President Hồ Chí Minh — the beloved leader of the nation.
The Kim Liên historical site is located in Kim Liên commune, Nam Đàn district, about 15 km west of Vinh city. This is the hometown of President Hồ Chí Minh, comprising two main clusters: làng Sen — His paternal homeland with the three-compartment thatched house where the family of Nguyễn Sinh Sắc and Bác Hồ lived, and làng Hoàng Trù — His maternal homeland where Bác was born on May 19, 1890. The complex was classified as a Special National Relic in 2012, and is one of the four most important relics related to Bác's life (along with Pác Bó, Phủ Chủ tịch, and Tân Trào). Millions of visitors make pilgrimages here each year, especially on May 19 and during Tết.
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Cửa Lò beach is located about 18 km east of Vinh city, and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the North Central Coast. The coastline is over 10 km long, with fine white sand mixed with golden hues, gentle waves, and clear blue water all year round. Unlike the beaches in the South, Cửa Lò possesses the healthy and rustic beauty of a Central Coast beach — in the morning, fishermen pull nets, and in the afternoon, there are rows of coracle boats. About 4 km from the shore is đảo Lan Châu (Hòn Mắt), an interesting tourist attraction. Cửa Lò's seafood cuisine is famous for its jumping squid, ghẹ, and ốc hương — eaten fresh at the beachfront restaurants.
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Pù Mát National Park is located in western Nghệ An, stretching across three districts of Con Cuông, Tương Dương, and Anh Sơn, and is the core zone of the Western Nghệ An Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO in 2007. The core zone covers an area of about 194,000 ha, recording over 2,000 plant species and over 130 mammal species, including the saola — one of the world's rarest mammals. A famous attraction is Khe Kèm waterfall, about 150 m high and divided into three tiers, which many call 'the most beautiful waterfall in Indochina'. Visitors can trek in the primary forest, observe langurs, white-cheeked gibbons, and visit the Đan Lai village — one of Vietnam's least-known ethnic groups.
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The tea island is located in the Cau Cau Lake area, Thanh An commune, Thanh Chuong district — about 50 km from Vinh city. Originally long-standing tea hills, after the irrigation lake was built, the water level rose, transforming the hills into 'tea islands' floating in the middle of the lake. Dozens of small islands covered with lush green tea trees reflecting on the calm water create a rare peaceful scene. Visitors can take a boat through the islands, stop to pick tea with local people, or kayak to watch the sunrise. This is one of the most popular check-in spots for young people in Nghe An in recent years.
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Khe Kem waterfall is located in Luc Da commune, Con Cuong district, within the core area of Pu Mat National Park. The waterfall is about 150 m high, divided into three tiers, with white water pouring down from the primeval cliff, creating a spectacular landscape amidst the old forest — hence it is called 'the most beautiful waterfall in Indochina' by many travel guides. The waterfall water is clear and cold all year round, and the lake at the foot of the waterfall is suitable for swimming and wading. The path to the waterfall goes through a short section of primeval forest, offering an experience of both natural exploration and relaxation. The local Thai ethnic people can be good guides deeper into the forest.
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Đền Cuông is located on Mộ Dạ mountain in Diễn Trung commune, Diễn Châu district, approximately 30 km north of Vinh city via National Route 1A. The temple is dedicated to An Dương Vương — the king who founded the Âu Lạc nation, and Princess Mỵ Châu. According to legend, after losing his country, An Dương Vương and his daughter fled to the Diễn Châu region and committed suicide there. The temple was built during the Lê dynasty, featuring characteristic ancient architecture with curved roofs, ironwood columns, and lacquered and gilded horizontal inscribed boards and couplets. The Đền Cuông festival, held annually on the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month, is one of the largest festivals in Xứ Nghệ — attracting tens of thousands of people to offer incense, sing quan họ, and watch the procession.
Things to do:No. Nghệ An is one of 11 provinces and cities that did not undergo provincial-level reorganization according to Resolution 202/2025/QH15, maintaining its administrative boundaries. However, commune-level units have been reorganized, and there are currently 130 communes and wards.
After the country's merger into 34 provinces and cities, Nghệ An ranks 4th in area with 16,493.70 km². Before July 1, 2025, Nghệ An was the largest province in Vietnam.
In Vinh city — a type I urban area, the cultural and economic center of the North Central Coast region, about 300 km from Hanoi.
The Kim Liên Special National Relic Site is located in Nam Đàn district, 15 km from Vinh city. It comprises two clusters: Làng Sen (paternal hometown) and Làng Hoàng Trù (maternal hometown) where President Hồ was born. It is a Special National Relic Site, open to the public free of charge.
May to August is peak season — beautiful sunshine, calm waves, clear water. From September onwards, the Northeast monsoon brings big waves, making it unsuitable for swimming.
About 5–6 hours by car (300 km expressway), 5 hours by train, 1 hour by plane to Vinh airport. The Bắc – Nam Expressway, Cao Bồ – Diễn Châu section, has opened, significantly shortening travel time.