Lonely Planet has ranked the central region of Viet Nam sixth out of the top 10 must-visit destinations in Asia Pacific this year.

Lonely Planet has ranked the central region of Viet Nam sixth out of the top 10 must-visit destinations in Asia Pacific this year. — VNA/VNS Photo

International air links with many Asian cities provide easy access to attractions like the Golden Bridge at nearby Ba Na Hills in Da Nang.

"Exploring the caves and rugged river and jungle wilderness of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is essential for adventurous and intrepid travellers," Lonely Planet said.

Hue City’s vibrant cuisine showcases the city's imperial legacy, while on Hoi An storied laneways, local dishes including fragrant Cao Lau noodles are served.

Seafood dishes star in nearby Da Nang, located along the Han River. The city is becoming one of Viet Nam's most exciting urban destinations, the travel magazine said.

The former imperial capital of Hue, which once witnessed the glories and collapse of the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802-1945), and the last royals to rule the country, is famous as a food paradise.

The caves, including the world’s largest, a rugged river, and the jungle wilderness of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province beckon the adventurous.

Nha-Ke Bang National Park is referred to as the Kingdom of Caves. The 900 sq-km park, which UNESCO recognised as a global heritage site in 2003, has over 300 caves formed about 400 million years ago.

(Source: VNS)