Hue Full Day City Tour - Private and Shared option

Hue , Vietnam

Hue Full Day City Tour - Private and Shared option

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About this experience

One day and we will take you to various highlight that make up the beauty of our old capital – Hue city. You will go to visit royal tombs of Nguyen Dynasty, pagodas, the busiest markets and traditional craft village. You also have chance to cruise along romantic Perfume River by dragon boat, see Hue city under sunshine and wait for sunset on the river. Enjoy with us to have an overview of the harmonious combination of the characteristics of urban and rural area.

Available options

Private Hue City Tour

Private Tour guide and Vehicle: You will have private tour guide, car. There is only your group participating in the tour. <br/>Pickup included

Full day Hue city shared tour

This is shared group tour: You will join with other group, share vehicle and tour guide. The total group participant is 12<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Mineral water and Tissue;

Private or shared A/C vehicle per itinerary (see option)

Lunch;

Entrance fees of all destinations.

English speaking tour guide;

Pick up and drop-off at hotels in the center of Hue;

Boat trip on Perfume River;

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

8:00 - 8:30 Pick up at hotel in Hue city center. You will take a boat trip on Dragon boat. This is a good opportunity that you can observe the landscapes along the river and a part of city. Perfume River is only a symbol of Hue but also a poetic view of this tranquil city. This river is an inspiration for many songs and poems.

Stop 2

Thien Mu Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hue. The name of the pagoda comes from a legend. With the large scale and natural beauty, Thien Mu pagoda became one of the most beautiful pagodas in Cochin. Over historical event, Thien Mu was a place for worshiping of Tay Son dynasty. It lands near Perfume River and from here you can get really beautiful view to the river and Hue city.

Stop 3

Imperial Citadel, which is the home of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty – Nguyen Dynasty. Tour guide will lead you to this go inside and explore the citadel. It had used 143 years by Nguyen dynasty, from 1842. There are many items that still keep good condition here. Observe them while listening stories, the history can appear in front of your eyes.

Stop 4

you will come to Khai Dinh Tomb. It's about 10km from city center, you will come to one of the four most famous tombs in Hue. Khai Dinh King was the 12th King of Nguyen dynasty and the last King decided to build tomb. This tomb took 10 years to complete all of details, from 1920 – 1931. Khai Dinh tomb is a combination of many characteristics between Western and Eastern such as French style, Indian style, etc. Many materials for this tomb were delivered from China, French, etc. Unique value of art of the tomb lies with the decoration skill obviously seen in the Thien Dinh Palace. Its interior decoration features colorful mosaics made of millions of ceramic chip.

Stop 5

Minh Mang Tomb, which is considered as the most majestic of all Royal Tombs. It took 3 years to complete this tomb. It has many small parts in the tomb. Minh Mang tomb has symmetrical design. There are many plants are grown in the tomb which make a green vibe for the tomb and work as an air conditioning of the tomb. The tomb impresses people not only the architecture but also the skillful detailed sculptures. You can walk around the tomb and find out more about the history of the tombs as well as Vietnamese history in that time.

You will transfer to the last place, Thuy Xuan village (not available for private option). You will have the opportunity to learn more about making conical hat and incense stick. Those craft jobs appear long time ago in Hue city and have become traditional jobs of the local. It is not only a simple job but also has its own spiritual values for this land. You will see and listen to steps to make the product as well as observe their daily life.

What's not included

Tips, personal fees and others not included in Inclusions.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Timeline of activities can be changed depending on weather, traffic or other factors;

Please wear polite clothes, no short shirts and tank tops in pagodas;

You should bring shoes, hat, sun cream and cashes;

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