The Imperial City of Hue

Experience overview

Hue stands out as one of Vietnam's largest cities, offering not just sights but a distinct atmosphere. Home to an architectural treasure from the past, an ancient religious capital, and dense nature reserves where new creatures are frequently discovered, there's much to explore and experience in this vibrant city.

Highlights

  • This tour we can pick up from Chan May Port or Tien Sa Port

Hue or Da Nang Port


Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Tour from Hue or Da Nang Port


Heading north from the Chan May pier, discover the beauty of Vietnam’s former capital city, Hue. After disembarking from the ship, our guide will be waiting to provide transport north to Hue. During the ride, learn all about Vietnam’s imperial history and how the royal family made the “Forbidden City” their home. Hue served as the home of the Nguyen Dynasty from the 17th to 19th centuries, with the �?Citadel’ serving as the epicenter of their dynasty. The citadel housed the Forbidden City, which was accessible only by the royal family and their servants. Inside the city were royal tombs, halls, temples and living quarters, which were all but a mystery for most their existence. The American war brought destruction to much of the citadel, however a large portion of the grand city still stands. While learning about the royal history, there will be some beautiful scenery passing by, offering glimpses into a much more rural Vietnam. From rice paddies tilled along the roadside and oyster farms dotting the seascape to antiquated trains, scars of war, and tiny developing villages, the ride in to Hue truly captures the essence of Vietnam’s past, present and future.Upon arrival into Hue, the itinerary will be started with a cyclo ride into the UNESCO-protected Imperial Citadel, which offers a unique glimpse into why Hue looks the way it does today. The guide will explain the unique royal history of both Hue and the Citadel, and also its destruction during the war. While many parts are still in tact, there are other aspects of the citadel that are currently beingreconstructed.                                                                       

After the citadel, a visit will be made to the Thien Mu Pagoda. This pagoda is a Buddhist temple dating back to the early 17th century, which is still active today. On site at the pagoda is the original Austin car driven south during the war by a resident monk who self-immolated in Saigon to protest the war. To this day it remains one of the most famous images from the Vietnam/American war.                                                                                    

After the visit, lunch will be held in one of the best restaurants in the city. Enjoy sampling what makes Hue’s cuisine so famous and what marks some of its royal’ roots. Follow this experience up with a visit to the Khai Dinh tomb, which was built for the former emperor and is one of the most elaborate and beautiful of the city’s royal tombs. Transport will be provided back to Chan May pier, which will be the perfect time to reflect on the day’s experience and to ask any remaining questions about the city of Hue.

Day 1
Tour from Hue or Da Nang Port
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Booking Policy

English speaking, local guide
Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
Any domestic flights listed (unless marked otherwise)
All admission fees at attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
All meals listed


Entry visas
Any meals not listed in the itinerary
Drinks, other than water on activity days
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
Travel insurance
All other services not listed in 'inclusive'

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What our clients say about us

Zeev
Dec 2023
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We took a 16-day private tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. The tour company suggested a detailed itinerary, and we accepted it with minor changes. We had three domestic flights, and on every landing were met by our local guide on arrival. All guides spoke fluent English and were very knowledgeable. This was a trip of a lifetime. Dont miss the Red Bridge cooking school class in Hoi An - the chef has created a phenomenal program that starts with the tour of the local market and explanation of the vegetables and spices used in local cuisine. Highly recommended!
Daniel
Oct 2023
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My family and I completed a 12 day cycling trip with Vietnam Private Tours, and we had a blast. Our route started in Saigon, rode along the Mekong river, discovered Mekong delta, and relaxed on the Phu Quoc beaches is southern Vietnam. We loved the adventurous off-road routes, and we were comfortable the whole way thanks to the excellent support staff. We also loved supporting Vietnam Private Tours because of the amazing work they do with many charities, especially the incredible children’s hospital in Mekong delta.
Richard
July 28, 2023
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We just finished a 14-day cycling tour from Saigon to Siem Reap, spending 7 nights on board the Mekong River. We rode bikes 30k to 70 km daily, to the Mekong Delta rice fields. My Way Travel really understood that not everyone would will to ride, so they already made provision for people who didn’t ride with us. The guides were excellent and so was the trip. We really loved the boat, it had everything we needed on it. A group of 16 people were accommodated in 8 cabins, which means there were 2 people in a cabin. The food and drinks were all in abundance. Free Wi-Fi and laundry service were available too. The local people were amazingly friendly, and the environments really gave us a sense of relief. The hotels at either end of the trip were exemplary. Above all, we have made our minds to always use My Travel on every trip occasion, due to the great experience we had with them.
Ani
Dec 2023
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Had an awesome time biking to Mekong Delta from Saigon last week. Beautiful views, peaceful rural paths, and lots of cool stops. The guides took great care of us. Definitely recommend VPT for biking in Mekong Delta and other tours in Vietnam.
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