Hue Citadal - The Imperial City Private Tour 1 Day

Hue , Vietnam

Hue Citadal - The Imperial City Private Tour 1 Day

Active

(1 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take a journey through the fascinating past of Vietnam’s former Imperial Capital, Hue by visiting its prime historical attractions; the Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City, the Emperor’s Private Residence, Perfume River, Thien Mu pagoda and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb.

Highlights:

● Visit Hue’s prime attraction, the ancient Citadel, which contains the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Emperor's Private Residence

● Enjoy a local lunch

● Take a boat trip on the beautiful Perfume River and stopover at Thien Mu pagoda, the Buddhist Monastery now infamous for the monk who set himself alight in 1963 to protest against cruel treatment of Buddhist monks

● Visit the serene Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, designed to blend in with its natural surroundings and built on principles of feng-shui

● Enjoy spectacular views, from the 360 panoramic sight of the Eastern Sea to the top of the world-famous Hai Van pass

Available options

Hue Citadal - The Imperial City Private Tour 1 Day

Pickup included

What's included

All entrance fees

Bottled water

Travel insurance: $5,000 USD/ case/ person

Traditional lunch at local restaurant

Air-conditioned vehicle

Experienced English speaking tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

* Visitors are required to wear shirts with sleeves and pants under knees when visiting the Hue Citadel

Head to Hue, along the North coast of Da Nang to the top of Hai Van Pass where bunkers remaining from the war can be explored. Upon arrival in Hue, we will visit the Citadel, Hue’s prime attraction, which contains the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Emperor’s Private Residence. Hue citadel was built from 1804 to 1833 under the Nguyen’s dynasty (the last feudalist kingdom in Vietnam). The grounds of the Imperial City are protected by fortified ramparts 2 kilometers and ringed by a moat. Inside the citadel, there are a lot of different construction works such as: Imperial City gates, Purple Forbidden City, Temples and places of worshipping, pavilions, gardens, etc.

Following the morning activities, we will have a short break for lunch and afterward, we will take a boat trip on the Perfume River with a stopover at Thien Mu pagoda. Considered by many as the unofficial symbol of Hue, Thien Mu is an active Buddhist monastery with origins dating back to 1601. One of its most poignant displays is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its cruel treatment of Buddhist monks and followers. From here, we will go to visit the serene Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, designed to blend in with its natural surroundings and built on principles of feng-shui.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Tipping/ gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

You will be picked up at your hotel which is located within Hue.

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