Traveling from Hue to Hoi An is not just a transfer — it’s a breathtaking coastal adventure through central Vietnam’s most picturesque and culturally rich landscapes. If you rent a private car with a driver or even choose to self-drive, you can turn the 3-hour trip into a full-day road trip filled with incredible stops. Below is a suggested itinerary for a day you won’t forget.
Stop 1: An Bang Cemetery – The “City of Ghosts”
Stop 2: Lap An Lagoon – A Mirror of the Sky
Stop 3: Lang Co Beach – One of Vietnam’s Most Beautiful Bays
Stop 4: Hai Van Pass – “The Ocean Cloud Pass”
Stop 5: Linh Ung Pagoda – Overlooking the Sea
Stop 6: Marble Mountains – Sacred Caves and Stone Art
Pickup included
Your driver picks you up at your hotel in Hue. You’ll head south along the peaceful coastal road (QL49B), a less-traveled route that offers stunning countryside and sea views.
- An Bang Cemetery is one of the most unique cemeteries in the world, known for its elaborate, colorful mausoleums built in imperial and Buddhist styles. Often called the “City of Ghosts”, it reflects the deep spiritual culture of Vietnam and the influence of overseas Vietnamese sending money back home to build these family tombs.
This surreal and photogenic spot is a great way to begin your journey.
- Lap An Lagoon is a peaceful and scenic brackish lagoon surrounded by mountains and sea. On calm days, it reflects the sky like a giant mirror — a perfect photo opportunity. You can also enjoy a quick coffee or try fresh oysters, a local specialty.
- Lang Co Beach offers soft white sands, clear blue water, and gentle waves. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs, take in the sea breeze, and snap a few seaside photos before climbing Hai Van Pass.
- Famous from BBC’s Top Gear, Hai Van Pass is one of the most dramatic coastal roads in Southeast Asia. Stop at the top for panoramic views, old French bunkers, and the Hai Van Gate, the historic boundary between the north and south of Vietnam.
It’s a thrilling drive — one of the highlights of the day.
- Linh Ung Pagoda on Monkey Mountain is famous for its 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha statue, the tallest in Vietnam. The pagoda sits on a hill overlooking the ocean and Da Nang city. It's a peaceful spiritual stop with beautiful gardens, ocean breezes, and an iconic view.
- Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) are a group of five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. You can climb Thuy Son, the largest peak, to explore ancient pagodas, Buddhist caves, and viewpoints.
After a day of sightseeing, you’ll arrive in Hoi An Ancient Town, just in time to check into your hotel. We finish the private car Hue to Hoi A via City of Ghosts, Monkey Mountain. We wishes you a great day trip with us!
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.
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.
Thien Mu Pagoda is an iconic Buddhist pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. It is one of the most beautiful and historic pagodas in Vietnam.
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.
Dong Ba Market is the largest and oldest market in Hue, offering a wide variety of local products, including food, textiles, and souvenirs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
GMT+7
220VV, 50HzHz
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.
Hue Railway Station
Hue Bus Station
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.
Available • Apps: Grab, Mai Linh
Car, Bike, Scooter
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.
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 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.
Price varies by option