Hue Half Day Tour With Optional Dragon Boat on Perfume River
Active
3h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
• Customize your personal itinerary with many tour options to choose
• Walking around historical Imperial Citadel of the Nguyen's Emperors
• Learning about Life of Emperors, their Wives, Concubines & Eunuchs
• Visit to the most well-known Thien Mu Pagoda of Hue built from 1601
• Enjoy Dragon Boat Cruise on Romantic Perfume River (Huong River)
• Learn about the importance of Buddhism to local lommunity of Hue
• Visit Best Royal Tombs of the Emperors to learn about Royal Culture
Available options
Car to Visit 2 Tombs w Guide
With English Speaking Guide: You will visit 2 Royal Tombs (choose Choose from Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh) by Private Car with Tour Guide.<br/>Sightseeing Places to Visit: Visit any 2 Best Tombs of Nguyen 's Emperors by Private Car/Van with English speaking Guide (Dragon Boat is not included).<br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: but duration of the trip is flexible, depending on speed of your group and can be customized to fit your travel plan.<br/>Trip Inclusions: English speaking Guide, Private Air-conditioner Car/Van, Sightseeing Stops. Extra Charge if you like to have Dragon Boat.<br/>Trip Exclusions: Food and Drinks, Entry Fee 150k/tomb (Gia Long, Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Khai Dinh), Tips for Tour Guide/Driver, Shopping.<br/>Pickup included
Boat, Citadel, Pagoda w Guide
With English Speaking Guide: You will visit the Citadel (Imperial City & Forbidden City), Thien Mu Pagoda by Private Car and Dragon Boat with Tour Guide.<br/>Sightseeing Places to Visit: Take Private Car and Dragon Boat on Perfume River with Guide to visit Imperial Citadel, Forbidden City and Thien Mu Pagoda.<br/>Duration: 4 hours: but duration of the trip is flexible, depending on speed of your group and can be customized to fit your travel plan.<br/>Trip Inclusions: English speaking Guide, Private Air-conditioner Car/Van, Private Dragon Boat on Perfume River, Sightseeing Tour.<br/>Trip Exclusions: Entry Fee to Citadel, we recommend Combo Ticket (valid 2 days) to visit Imperial City with 2 or 3 Tombs later/before.<br/>Pickup included
Boat, Citadel, Pagoda w Driver
Tour Guide is not included: Take Private Car with Driver and Dragon Boat to visit the Citadel (Imperial City & Forbidden City) and Thien Mu Pagoda.<br/>Sightseeing Places to Visit: Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Citadel (including Imperial City and Forbidden City)<br/>Duration: 4 hours: time is flexible, and depending on speed of your group. We do not limit your time for sightseeing.<br/>Trip Inclusions: Private Car with Experienced Driver, Private Dragon Boat on Perfume River, Sightseeing Stops in Thien Mu Pagoda & the Citadel<br/>Trip Exclusions: Tour Guide, Food & Drinks, Entry Fee 200k/Citadel (Combo Ticket if you also visit 2 or 3 Tombs), Tips, Things not mentioned.<br/>Pickup included
Car to Visit 3 Tombs w Guide
With English Speaking Guide: You will visit 3 Royal Tombs (Choose from Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh) by Private Car with Tour Guide.<br/>Sightseeing Places to Visit: Visit 3 Best Tombs of Nguyen 's Emperors by Private Car/Van with English speaking Guide (Dragon Boat is not included).<br/>Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: time is flexible, and depending on speed of your group. We do not limit your time for sightseeing.<br/>Trip Inclusions: English speaking Guide, Private Air-conditioner Car/Van, Sightseeing Stops. Extra Charge if you like to have Dragon Boat.<br/>Trip Exclusions: Food and Drinks, Entry Fee 150k/tomb (Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, Dong Khanh), Tips for Tour Guide/Driver, Shopping.<br/>Pickup included
Boat, Scooter w Driver & Guide
Tour Guide and Driver Included: We have driver to take you for the tour, you just need to sit behind. This option is not for infant and pregnant women.<br/>Sightseeing Places to Visit: Visit Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, Up to 2 Tombs (Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc), Tiger Arena, Vong Canh Hills (former US Base)<br/>Duration: 6 hours: But time is flexible and really depending on how much time you like to spend in each stop & numbers of royal tombs you visit.<br/>Trip Inclusions: English speaking guide, Scooter with Driver and Helmet (you just need to seat behind our driver), Sightseeing Tour.<br/>Trip Exclusions: Food and Drinks, Entry Fee to Imperial City and Royal Tombs, Tips for Tour Guide and Driver, Shopping, Things not mentioned.<br/>Pickup included
Car to 2 or 3 Tombs w Driver
Tour Guide is not included.: You can visit 2 or 3 royal tombs (Choose from Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh) by Private Car with driver only.<br/>Sightseeing Places to Visit: You can choose 2 or 3 Best Royal Tombs of the Emperors: Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb & Khai Dinh Tomb.<br/>Duration: 4 hours: time is flexible, and depending on speed of your group. We do not limit your time for sightseeing.<br/>Trip Inclusions: Private Air-conditionered Car/Van with Experienced Driver, Sightseeing Stops in 2 or 3 Royal Tombs.<br/>Trip Exclusions: Tour Guide, Food & Drinks, Entry Fee 150k/tomb (Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, Dong Khanh), Tips, Things not mentioned.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Please check each option, as we have some options with different itineraries, prices and inclusions.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
uilt from 1804 by King Gia Long and finished in 1833 by King Minh Mang. This area was used as living and working quarter for Kings and Royal Family Members of the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945, and was recognized by UNESCO as WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE. This is a must see place, that not to be missed if you travel to Hue and love to learn about country history and Vietnamese royal culture.
2
Stop 2
Located on the north shore of the Perfume River about 3km from the Imperial Citadel. You can get there by dragon boat along the Perfume River, or for those feeling more energetic, a pleasant bicycle ride. The Thien Mu Pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital. Today it is the home of the Austin Motor Vehicle which drove Thich Quang Duc to his self-immolation in Saigon in 1963 in protest against the Diem regime. It is still home to many monks and a holy site visited by many everyday.
3
Stop 3
Tomb of Minh Mang (also known as Minh Menh) also called Hieu Lang, built by Emperor Thieu Tri of the Nguyen Dynasty, is located on Cam Ke mountain, An Bang hamlet, Huong Tho commune, Hue city, province. Thua Thien Hue, near Bang Lang junction, is the confluence of two streams, Huu Trach and Ta Trach, forming the Perfume River, 12 km from the center of Hue city. Minh Mang Mausoleum was built from 1840 to 1843, when it was completed, it mobilized up to ten thousand workers and soldiers.
4
Stop 4
Tombs built from 1920 to 1931. This is the only one tomb of the Nguyen Emperors built with blended architecture of Vietnamese Buddhism, Hinduism and Roman. Also this is the only one tomb, where body of the Emperor was placed under neath of his tomb.
5
Stop 5
Built by King Tu Duc (1847 - 1883) for himself from 1864 - 1867. This was also place where King Tu Duc sometimes lived and worked when he was still alive. Tomb's area is about 12 Hecta including 2 seperated areas: Temple area and Burial area.
6
Stop 6
We take dragon boat cruise in Perfume River (Hương River), that originates from the Truong Son Dong mountain range. The main stream is Ta Trach with a length of 67km, originating from the Truong Son Dong range, along the Bach Ma area to the northwest, through Nam Dong town. Then it merges with Huu Trach stream with a length of 60km in the North through Bang Lang junction. At the place where these two streams meet to form the Perfume River.
7
is one of the most interesting sights in Hue, just about 3km away from city center. This is probably the most interesting site in Hue, and it is all too often overlooked by visitors. It was built in 1830 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang to stage yearly battle fights between an elephant and a tiger.
8
Vong Canh Hill used to be the place where the Nguyen kings chose to take a rest and sightseeing. Surrounding the hill is a system of tombs of Nguyen kings such as: Dong Khanh tomb, Tu Duc tomb, Thieu Tri tomb, Xuong Tho tomb, Ba Cung palace,... This was also an army base of US Army during Vietnam War, and there are still some army bunkers left here.
What's not included
Food and Drink, Tips/Gratuities for Guide/Driver, Things not mentioned in Inclusions.
The Citadel:
Each Tomb:
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
10 reviews
5★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
111 reviews
5★
109
4★
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Important notes
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
