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Imperial City, Hue

Imperial City, Hue: Our most recommended tours and activities

Imperial City, Hue: Tour from Hoi An and Da Nang

1. Imperial City, Hue: Tour from Hoi An and Da Nang

Travel back to the Nguyen Dynasty on a multi-stop tour from Hoi An and Da Nang to Hue. See the Imperial City, the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Get a taste of Hue cuisine during lunch at a local restaurant. Following pickup in Hoi An, the journey to Hue begins by crossing one of the best coastal roads in the world, the Hai Van Pass. Take advantage of a 30-minute stop at the peak and 5 minutes to take photos at Lang Co Beach.  After a final round of pickup in Da Nang, visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, a blend of Western and Eastern architecture constructed between 1920-1931. Then, enjoy lunch at a local specialty restaurant serving Hue-style dishes.  With a full stomach of local cuisine, continue to Hue’s main attraction, the Imperial Citadel. Once the home of the Nguyen Emperor, the citadel also contains the Forbidden Purple City. Explore Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s largest pagoda. Built in 1601, it is the subject of many local folk rhymes and is considered the unofficial symbol of Hue. Finish the day with drop-off back in Da Nang and Hoi An.

Half-Day Hue Imperial City Tour

2. Half-Day Hue Imperial City Tour

Explore Hue and find out the charm of the city. While exploring the picturesque and beautiful city, tourists and regular visitors also find that it is a quiet and peaceful place. The unique atmosphere here is made up of elements of Vietnamese culture. Some of the city's most notable features are feudal architecture. From here, visitors can glimpse the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam. Our first stop is Dong Ba market, the largest market in Hue and also a trading place of many small businesses. This place best depicts the daily life of the locals. The massive Hue Citadel is the most well-known and iconic site in Hue. Begun in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long, it is actually a sprawling complex comprised of the Imperial City, several museums, lakes, and beautiful gardens, all laid out in a series of concentric circles. We also visit Hue Royal Antiques Museum. There you can admire artifacts, as well as learn about the ancient royal life of this city. After that, we will go to Thien Mu Pagoda - a historic pagoda on the banks of the Perfume River in Hue, Vietnam. Apart from their scenic riverside and hilltop location, the Thien Mu Pagoda and its environs are also rich in history, standing witness to almost four hundred years of tumultuous nation-building in Vietnam. Take a boat trip on the Perfume River back to Hue center.

Hue: Private Tour by Car with Driver

3. Hue: Private Tour by Car with Driver

Enjoy the flexibility of traveling at your own pace with your private driver to discover the highlights of Hue's heritage. Following the suggested route, your driver will pick you up at 9 AM and take you to the Minh Mang Tomb, located at the junction of two tributaries of the Perfume River surrounded by rolling hills. Next, stop at Khai Dinh Tomb, situated on one of the Chau Mountains. Khai Dinh's tomb is surrounded by natural beauty and its architecture is a blend of East and West. Then, stop at Tu Duc Tomb, located in a beautiful area made of rolling hills and pine trees.Your driver will recommend a good and cheap restaurant where you can enjoy tasty dishes. In the afternoon, visit the the colorful Imperial City, an ornate palace complex surrounded by towering fortress walls. Your last stop is the Thien Mu Pagoda, constructed during the 17th century to worship the legend of a celestial lady. It became well-known worldwide when, in 1963, Thich Quang Duc, a 66 year-old resident monk died after setting himself on fire to protest anti-Buddhist policies of the government of South Vietnam. After your visit here, you will be dropped off back at your hotel in Hue city.

Da Nang: Small-Group Hue Imperial City and Hai Van Pass Tour

4. Da Nang: Small-Group Hue Imperial City and Hai Van Pass Tour

This tour takes a trip to the decadent Imperial City of Hue, a well-preserved walled city. Hue is a must-see for those who love history, complete with its beautiful architecture and Insta-worthy photo stops. Your tour will start at Khai Dinh Tomb, a site that looks more like a palace than a grave. After an equally impressive visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, a five-tier temple built in the 1700s, is the highlight of this tour: the Imperial City. Throughout your experience there will be plenty of time to wander the many ancient temples, browse exhibits at the visitors center, and stroll elegant gardens. At the conclusion of your experience, you will be returned to your Da Nang accommodation.

From Hội An: Hue Imperial City and Hai Van Pass Tour

5. From Hội An: Hue Imperial City and Hai Van Pass Tour

This well-preserved walled city is a must for those who love history, beautiful architecture, and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. The day begins with a breathtaking journey from Hoi An through the Hai Van Pass. Once in Hue, the tour starts at Khai Dinh Tomb, a site that more closely resembles a palace than a grave. After visiting the equally impressive Thien Mu Pagoda, you enter the Hue Imperial City, known not only for its architecture, but for its beautiful landscaping. After the guided tour, try a delicious local lunch, wander the ancient temples, browse the visitors center, and stroll through the elegant gardens.

Hue: Imperial City Guided Walking and Pedicab Combo Tour

6. Hue: Imperial City Guided Walking and Pedicab Combo Tour

The tour guide will meet you directly at your hotel lobby and you will then depart from the city centre and head to the Huong River. Begin with a walking tour along the river. Here you will be able to admire wonderful views along the river banks, and learn more about the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty.  Next stop is the Imperial City of Hue. The guide will lead you around the expansive site and share interesting stories and facts as you go. Discover the forbidden city and the gated courtyard, as well as several gardens, pavilions, and theaters. After visiting the Imperial city, hop on a pedicab to explore the area around the Citadel. Make several stops at interesting places along the way, such as the Fine Art Museum, and the beautiful royal garden of Tinh Tam Lake. See many old monuments that feature sophisticated architectural patterns in harmony with nature.

Hue: Imperial City Private Walking Tour

7. Hue: Imperial City Private Walking Tour

Visit the cultural epicenter of Hue with a private guide and unearth the city's history. immerse yourself in the Imperial City of Hue, which served as Vietnam’s capital from the early 1800s until the mid-1900s.  Explore the vast grounds, passing by the majestic entrance, the Noon Gate. See the Nine Holy Cannons, which are located on the ramparts just inside the Citadel said to symbolize the four seasons and the five elements. Continue to the Mieu and the Hung Mieu Temples. Also known as the Temple of Generations, learn how the Mieu was built as an ancestral temple to honor the ten emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. Walk a bit further north and see a smaller temple, the Hung Mieu Temple, built to honor the parents of Gia Long, the first emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. Next, stop at the Thai Hoa Palace. Hear stories about how this lavish hall was used for important ceremonies and official receptions. Take in the spacious palace with its 80 columns, ornate dragon details, and immense courtyard. See the scenic and newly-renovated Phung Tien Temple, which was once a place where the emperor, empresses, and other royal females came to worship the Nguyen ancestors. Admire the rocky pools, pass by the library, and take photos by the flower garden. Your final stop on this private tour will be the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater, one of Vietnam’s oldest working theaters to date. It was restored and opened to the public in 2004 after many of its unique architectural elements and designs were replicated, making it easy for you to transport yourself back in time and imagine the former Vietnamese royals watching traditional performances.

Full-Day Hue City Tour & Craft Villages

8. Full-Day Hue City Tour & Craft Villages

We firstly depart for Dong Ba market, the largest market in Hue and also a trading place of many small businesses. This place best depicts the daily life of the locals. The massive Hue Citadel is the most well-known and iconic site in Hue. Begun in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long, it is actually a sprawling complex comprised of the Imperial City, several museums, lakes, and beautiful gardens, all laid out in a series of concentric circles. We also visit Hue Royal Antiques Museum, Thien Mu Pagoda - a historic pagoda on the banks of the Perfume River in Hue, Vietnam. Have lunch then go to villages. Sinh village is also known as Lai An village with its famous folk painting industry, Truc Chi Garden contains full of the quintessence of a trade village as well as a place of exchange of other traditional villages. Tay Ho village, the most prominent name because this is the place that makes the famous Bai Tho palm-leaf conical hat. We then make a trip to the incense village. Spring where talented artists are day by day preserving the tradition of "the soul" of the Vietnamese nation. You will witness firsthand the stages of making an incense tree.

Danang or Hoian: Transfer to Hue City with Sightseeing

9. Danang or Hoian: Transfer to Hue City with Sightseeing

Explore Marble Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son) – have a hiking tour on the moutains – visit some caves and Buddihist temples. Museum of Cham Sculpture – Learn more about Champa ancient people, Hai Van Pass –the most beautiful road pass – the stunning view from the top; enjoy the best coffee in Vietnam with great view, Lang Co beach – a famous beach of Vietnam next to Haivan pass, it is a popular stop for tourists on the Hue-Danang route, Fishing village: Visit a lot of fishing boat on the lagoon where local live and move around for fishing. Then go straight to Hue city.

Hue: Guided Historical City Tour with Pickup and Lunch

10. Hue: Guided Historical City Tour with Pickup and Lunch

8:00 – 8:30 a.m: Our guide and car will pick you up at your hotel/stay in Hue city center and start the Hue city full day tour. We will help you enjoy a wonderful trip which is full of fun and interesting experiences. Take a dragon boat to cruise on Perfume river to visit Thien Mu Pagoda- The oldest pogoda in Hue city. The 30 min boat drive to the pagoda in the morning will be a great start for the journey. Fresh air from Perfume river will make you very comfortable. Visit Hue Imperial Citadel – Imperial city, the home of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty – the Nguyen Dynasty. After the Citadel, our car will take you to Dong Ba Market, the busiest market in Hue with various kinds of foods and goods. Here you can see how the local people buy and sale things and this is also a chance for you to buy souvenirs for your friends and family. Have lunch with Hue dishes. Take a rest before continuing the trip to visit the tombs, our herbal foots bath is a wonderful gift for you! Visit Khai Dinh King’s Tomb – which is a blend of Western and Eastern architecture Tu Duc King’s Tomb – considered as the most majestic of all of the Royal Tombs. Renowned for its architecture, which harmoniously blends into its natural surroundings. On the way back, stop by the Conical hat village and incense stick village (practical experience with making conical hats and incense sticks at local house). 4:00 – 5:00 p.m: Back to your hotel. Tour ends.

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What people are saying about Imperial City, Hue

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 151 reviews

I have a great experience from this trip - The tour guide , Kong is wonderful. He has provided us great information on Hue and the history, a good story teller. The mini bus driver is responsible and given me sense of safety in view of Vietnam traffic. The lunch was so good that I have over ate. Also I have fulfilled 1 of my dream during this trip - got the pearl necklace of my dream during the stopover at the lagoon (not 1 but 2 necklace)!

Congh was an amazing guide. Very enthusiastic and entertaining. He made the whole group feel welcome and was hugely informative. The tour is a long day, but well worth it for the history and knowledge. Lunch was absolutely delicious.

Very nice tour! Learned a lot about the ancient city and history of Hue. Will 10/10 recommend!!

Very interesting city of Hue. Lots of history, we really enjoy it this trip.

Friendly guide. He leaves space for individual stuff.