Hue Private Tour: Imperial City, Pagoda, Tombs & River Cruise

Hue , Vietnam

Hue Private Tour: Imperial City, Pagoda, Tombs & River Cruise

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(9 reviews)

6h - 7h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

*Explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City.

*Cruise along the serene Perfume River by private dragon boat.

*Interact with artisans at Thuy Xuan incense and conical hat village.

*Visit two iconic royal tombs: Minh Mang & Khai Dinh.

*Private tour with flexible itinerary tailored to your interests.

Available options

Hue Private Tour: Imperial City, Pagoda, Tombs & River Cruise

Pickup included

What's included

Private dragon boat trip on Perfume River

Local English-speaking Guide

Private car and friendly driver

Entrance fees at: Imperial city, Royal tombs: Minh Mang & Khai Dinh

Detailed itinerary

1️⃣ Pick-up
As scheduled, driver and your guide will pick you up directly from your hotel in Hue.

Stop 2

2️⃣ Imperial City & Forbidden Purple City
After breakfast, immerse yourself in the history of Vietnam's last imperial dynasty at the majestic UNESCO-listed Imperial City. Wander through royal gardens, palaces, and the beautifully restored throne hall. Step into the mystical Forbidden Purple City, once the exclusive residence of emperors, and discover the hidden stories behind its walls.

Stop 3

3️⃣ Private Car Transfer to Thien Mu Pagoda
Relax in a comfortable private vehicle as you travel along the serene banks of the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Built in 1601, this iconic seven-tier pagoda is not only the oldest religious structure in Hue but also a profound symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism.

Stop 4

4️⃣ Scenic Boat Cruise on Perfume River
Enjoy a peaceful boat journey along the picturesque Perfume River, a unique vantage point from which to capture the tranquil beauty of Hue’s countryside. This relaxing ride takes you back to the city center while providing stunning views of local life along the riverbanks.

5️⃣ Hue Specialty Lunch – Local Cakes & Snacks
For lunch, delight your taste buds with Hue’s iconic culinary specialties. You'll sample a variety of local delicacies such as Banh Ram It, Banh Beo (steamed rice cake), and Banh Nam (rice flour cake with shrimp), at a carefully selected local eatery known for authentic flavors.

6️⃣ Visit Conical Hat & Incense Village (Thuy Xuan Village)
Next, step into the colorful and vibrant Thuy Xuan Incense Village, renowned for crafting exquisite incense sticks and traditional Vietnamese conical hats. Interact directly with skilled local artisans, witness their craft in action, and have the chance to learn about these significant cultural symbols first-hand.

Stop 7

8️⃣ Minh Mang Royal Tomb
Continue your cultural exploration at the magnificent tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. Nestled amid serene lakes and lush gardens, Minh Mang’s Tomb is celebrated for its traditional architectural harmony, tranquility, and meticulous landscaping, reflecting the emperor's deep respect for Confucian traditions.

Stop 8

9️⃣ Khai Dinh Royal Tomb
The final highlight of your day is the awe-inspiring Khai Dinh Tomb, a remarkable fusion of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. Marvel at its intricate mosaics, ornate sculptures, and elaborate interiors, capturing the essence of this eclectic emperor’s personality and influence.

Transfer back to your hotel. Tour ends!

What's not included

Personal expenses

Tips for guide & driver (optional)

Any additional services not mentioned

Available languages

Guide guide

VI EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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