Hue Imperial City Walking Tour (Kids Half-Price)

Hue , Vietnam

Hue Imperial City Walking Tour (Kids Half-Price)

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(133 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Immerse yourself in Vietnam’s fascinating history with a 3-hour Walking Tour of the Imperial City of Hue and the Forbidden City of Hue led by a knowledgeable female guide. Learn about the founding father of the Nguyen Dynasty - Gia Long Emperor, and the 12 further Emperors that ruled. Walk the Imperial City’s most unique sights such as Phoenix Tower and The Hall of the Supreme. Explore Vietnam’s rich heritage and culture through art, architecture, and history.

Available options

Hue Imperial City Walking Tour

Small Group Tour at 9am & 2pm: Meet up with fellow guests at Lac Thien restaurant.

Private Hue Imperial City Walk

Private tour: Pickup & dropoff hassle-free from Hue center, at a time of your choosing, and enjoy the freedom to explore at your leisure.

What's included

Bottled water

A certified tour guide who absolutely loves Hue

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This small group tour of the Imperial City will be led by a knowledgeable female guide to ensure you don't miss any important landmarks while discovering the legacy of the Nguyen dynasty. Group tour and private tours available throughout the day. Book your walking tour with our female team today!

Stop 2 Pass by

09:00 or 14:00 Meet at Lac Thien restaurant. Walk through one of the ancient gates of Hue Citadel, highlights will be The Flag Tower, The Noon Gate Square, and The Holy Cannons – the guide will explain the history of the ancient capital in 1802 and the rise of the Gia Long Emporer.

Stop 3

Continue to Thai Hoa Palace (currently under renovation) – learn about the Vietnam War and the Tet Offensive of 1968 – the guide will explain the restoration project being undertaken by the Vietnamese government.

The highlight of this walking tour, visit The Mieu Temple – learning inspiring stories about the 13 rulers of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Stop 5 Pass by

Admire the most important artwork inside The Hue Citadel, the Nine Dynastic Urns, created by Emperor Minh Mang in 1836, which is a symbol of the sovereignty of the dynasty.

Stop 6

Visit the Hue Purple Forbidden City – a maze of palaces that used to be the exclusive living quarters of the Kings and their royal families – the guide will show you hidden spots and tell fascinating stories bringing the history of the palaces to life.

The Hue Royal Theater (Duyet Thi Duong) is the oldest surviving traditional theater in Vietnam, located within the Hue Imperial Citadel. Built in 1826 under Emperor Minh Mang, it was a venue for royal performances, showcasing classical Vietnamese court music and drama.

What's not included

Entrance fees

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Thai Hoa Palace

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

11 reviews

5★

4★

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Tripadvisor 5.0

122 reviews

5★

118

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Minimum age is 1 year

Meeting point

We'll be waiting for you at Lac Thien restaurant located at 6 Dinh Tien Hoang for the tour, which starts at 9 am or 2 pm. For private tours, we offer pick-up and drop-off services that are included in the package. We'll contact you via the phone number you provided to confirm pickup arrangements.

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