Hue Walking Tour to Citadel, Forbidden City and Dong Ba Market

Hue , Vietnam

Hue Walking Tour to Citadel, Forbidden City and Dong Ba Market

Active

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant_then_manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Walk around the Imperial Citadel, which was once the residence of the Nguyen
Learn about the lives of kings Nguyen Dynasty
Learn about Hue history and culture with local experts
Explore Dong Ba market, learn about the daily life and customs of local people
Small-group tour

Available options

PICK UP AT THE 9 CANONS

PICK UP AT 9 CANON

Hue Walking Tour to Citadel, Forbidden City and Dong Ba Market

What's included

Travel insurance

Bottled water

English speaking tour guide

Detailed itinerary

07.30 - 08.00am: Our Friendly & Informative Tour Guide will pick you up at meeting point route on Pham Ngu Lao - Chu Van An - Vo Thi Sau streets (formerly known as Tay (foreigner) streets) for Hue Walking Tour. Today, we will have about 5 hours walking in the Hue Imperial Citadel to learn about History of Hue and explore Dong Ba market.
Truong Tien Bridge: Starting the journey, we will start with a walk along Le Loi street, cross Truong Tien bridge to admire the scenery of the Perfume River. Learn about the bridge through historical periods.

Stop 2

Imperial Citadel: explore the the historical residence of the Nguyen Dynasty. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel is a wonderfully inspiring work of architecture in Vietnam.
Nine Holy Cannons (Cửu Vị Thần Công): 9 cannons that Hue artisans cast in Gia Long's second year (1803). Nine cannons are considered as one of the most valuable bronze works of art. The ancient nine cannons were placed at the foot of the Imperial Citadel, at the entrance of the Ngo Mon Gate - the imperial city of Hue. During the reign of King Khai Dinh, they were relocated to their current position.
Noon Gate (South Gate - Ngọ Môn Huế): Built in 1833 in the traditional Vietnamese style under the rule of King Minh Mang and used by the Kings for troop movements and ceremonies.
Flag Tower (Kỳ Đài Huế): an architectural monument of the Nguyen Dynasty located in the middle of the south face of Hue citadel within the Nam Chanh fortress which is also the place to hang the flag of the royal court.

Stop 3

From the Imperial Citadel, walk to visit Dong Ba market, the oldest market in Hue. Learn about cultural life at the market, chat with local people, shop for specialties and souvenirs.
12.00am: At the end of the program, walk back to the original starting point.

What's not included

Food and drinks not mentioned in tour itinerary

Ticket to Imperial Citadel: 200,000VND or 8.5USD

Tips for tour guide.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Guide will meet guest at DMZ bar with a welcome board

About Hue

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its historic monuments, royal tombs, and beautiful architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam's imperial past with its well-preserved citadel, palaces, and temples.

Top Attractions

Imperial City

The Imperial City is a walled fortress and palace in the former capital of Vietnam. It was the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate (around 150,000 VND for entrance)

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda is an iconic Buddhist pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. It is one of the most beautiful and historic pagodas in Vietnam.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Tomb of Khai Dinh

The Tomb of Khai Dinh is the final resting place of Emperor Khai Dinh, the twelfth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is known for its unique blend of Vietnamese and European architecture.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (around 100,000 VND for entrance)

Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market is the largest and oldest market in Hue, offering a wide variety of local products, including food, textiles, and souvenirs.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for items

Perfume River

The Perfume River is a scenic river that flows through Hue, known for its beautiful views and cultural significance. It is a popular spot for boat tours and leisurely walks along the riverbank.

Nature Varies by activity Low to moderate (boat tours around 100,000 VND)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bun Bo Hue

A spicy beef noodle soup with a rich, flavorful broth made from pork, beef, and lemongrass. It is typically served with rice vermicelli, slices of beef, and pork, and various herbs and vegetables.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef and pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Banh Khoai

A crispy, savory pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and water. It is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Snack/Dinner Contains shrimp and pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Nem Lui

Grilled minced pork skewers wrapped in fresh herbs and served with a peanut hoisin sauce. The pork is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, garlic, and lemongrass before being grilled.

Snack/Appetizer Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Banh Beo

Steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, scallions, and crispy pork rinds. They are served in small dishes and eaten with a small spoon, accompanied by a fish sauce-based dipping sauce.

Snack/Appetizer Contains shrimp and pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Bach Ma National Park Boat tours on the Perfume River Water activities at Lang Co Beach Sunbathing and swimming at Lang Co Beach Visiting spas and wellness centers in Hue Exploring the Imperial City and its historical sites Visiting local markets and shopping streets Attending traditional performances and festivals

Best Time to Visit

February to August

The best time to visit Hue is during the dry season when the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

20°C to 33°C 68°F to 91°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hue is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it is important to take standard precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding isolated areas, and keeping valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use reputable taxi companies or app-based services, such as Grab or Mai Linh
• Bargain for better prices and be cautious when using ATMs or making purchases with credit cards

Getting there

By air

Phu Bai International Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Hue Railway Station

By bus

Hue Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and convenient for getting around Hue. The system includes routes to major tourist sites like the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Mai Linh

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Hue University Area An Cuu Island

Day trips

Tam Giang Lagoon

15 km from Hue • Half day to full day

Tam Giang Lagoon is a scenic and tranquil destination located just a short drive from Hue. It is the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia, offering beautiful views, peaceful boat rides, and a variety of water activities.

Vinh Moc Tunnels

25 km from Hue • Half day

The Vinh Moc Tunnels are a network of underground tunnels located near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in central Vietnam. They were used by local residents during the Vietnam War to escape the bombing and shelling by American forces.

Bach Ma National Park

40 km from Hue • Full day

Bach Ma National Park is a stunning and biodiverse destination located just a short drive from Hue. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare and endangered species, as well as beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails.

Festivals

Hue Festival • Biennial, typically held in April or May Hue Traditional Boat Racing Festival • Annually, typically held in May or June Hue Poetry Festival • Annually, typically held in August

Pro tips

Visit the Imperial City early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat
Try the local street food, such as bun bo Hue and banh khoai, for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Take a boat tour on the Perfume River for a unique and scenic perspective of the city
Hire a local guide or join a tour to learn more about the history and culture of Hue and the Nguyen Dynasty
Explore the local markets, such as Dong Ba Market, for a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the city