Hue City and The Citadel via Hai Van Pass Daily Small Group Tour

Embark on a captivating tour of Hue Citadel, Vietnam’s last imperial capital and royal heritage. Explore the historic Imperial City, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, and marvel at the tombs of Khai Dinh King. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Vietnam.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Da Nang - Welcome to the wonderful city of Da Nang. Get ready for an unforgettable 1-day adventure with our local expert!

7:30am: We’ll pick you up from your hotel in the Da Nang city center and drive along the coastal beach of Da Nang Bay before heading to Hue for our exciting trip.

  • Hai Van Pass - On our way to Hue City, we’ll stop at the magnificent Hai Van Pass to take in its breathtaking natural beauty and stunning panoramic views.

As one of the most scenic coastal roads in Vietnam, it offers a mesmerizing blend of lush green mountains and the crystal-clear blue waters of the East Sea.

Additionally, the pass is rich in history, having been a strategic military location during the Vietnam War. Don’t miss the unique and interesting stories about it from our local guide.

From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, and Son Tra Peninsula. Standing at 500m above sea level, it is the highest pass in Vietnam.

  • Lang Co Beach - Let us take you to admire “One of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World.” Located at the foot of Hai Van Pass, this pristine sea bay boasts a flat beach, beautiful blue water, and a diverse ecosystem, making Lang Co Beach a place of admiration and awe.

Moreover, we’ll also visit Lap An Lagoon, a hidden gem nestled between the majestic mountain range and the pristine Lang Co Bay. Known for its pristine beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and idyllic setting along the central coast of Vietnam, it is a place to immerse yourself in nature before embarking on a unique journey of cultural and historical discovery at Hue Citadel.

We hope our friendliness and hospitality will make the trip even more enjoyable and engaging from start to finish.

  • Hue Imperial City (The Citadel) - As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel stands as a testament to the country’s rich past, serving as the political and cultural heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. The architectural marvels within the complex, blending traditional Vietnamese design with French influences, offer a visual feast.

Exploring the Forbidden Purple City, Royal Palace, and various temples provides deep insight into the royal life and traditions of Vietnam.

The picturesque setting along the Perfume River, surrounded by verdant gardens and scenic landscapes, adds to the allure of this historical gem.

With our local expert, your trip to Hue Imperial City will be a fascinating journey through time, providing insights into Vietnamese history, culture, and architectural splendor.

12:00: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local specialty restaurant serving Hue-style dishes.

  • The Noon Gate (Cua Ngo Mon) - As the main entrance to the citadel, Noon Gate holds a special place in Vietnam’s imperial history. It served as the gateway for the emperor’s procession during important ceremonies and events.

It’s a large U-shaped structure consisting of a brick and stone foundation and a wooden pavilion with terracotta tiles. The gate’s imposing structure, with its distinctive red color and intricate design, symbolizes power and grandeur.

Exploring Noon Gate allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship of traditional Vietnamese architecture and offers a glimpse into the royal rituals and traditions of the past.

With our local experts, we’ll show you the best of what it has to offer, ensuring you have a great time with detailed insights into Vietnam’s history, culture, and people.

  • The Mieu Temple - The Mieu Temple is a sacred site within the citadel dedicated to the worship of past emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. As an important part of Vietnamese royal tradition, the temple offers a glimpse into the spiritual practices and beliefs of the imperial court.

The temple’s architecture, characterized by intricate carvings, colorful decorations, and traditional design elements, showcases the craftsmanship and artistry of the era.

Here, our local expert will explain and tell you the stories of each king of the Nguyen Dynasty, giving you deep insight into the culture of ancestor worship in Vietnam.

  • Thai Hoa Palace - As the central and most important building within the citadel, Thai Hoa Palace served as the official reception hall for the Nguyen emperors, where important ceremonies and royal events took place.

The palace’s impressive architecture, characterized by its traditional Vietnamese design, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant colors, exemplifies the grandeur and sophistication of the imperial court.

Exploring Thai Hoa Palace allows you to step back in time and imagine the grand ceremonies and traditions held here.

Inside, you can see ancient artifacts, royal items, and special decorations that reveal Vietnam’s royal past.

Additionally, the peaceful atmosphere of the palace grounds, with its beautiful gardens and calm ponds, creates a relaxing environment for you to enjoy the palace’s beauty and historical importance.

  • Thien Mu Pagoda - As one of the oldest and most iconic pagodas in Vietnam, Thien Mu Pagoda holds a special place in the country’s religious heritage.

The pagoda’s seven-story octagonal tower, known as the Phuoc Duyen Tower, is a symbol of Hue and offers panoramic views of the Perfume River and surrounding countryside.

Join us to explore the pagoda complex, which includes shrines, pavilions, and beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a peaceful retreat for meditation and contemplation.

The pagoda’s historical importance, tranquil ambiance, and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for those who seek to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture and spirituality.

We love to share stories about our culture, history, and the significance of this pagoda to give you a deeper appreciation and interesting knowledge of Hue’s unique heritage.

  • Tomb of Khai Dinh - This elaborate mausoleum, built for Emperor Khai Dinh, showcases a fusion of traditional Vietnamese design elements with European influences, reflecting the emperor’s affinity for Western culture.

The tomb’s opulent interior features colorful mosaics, detailed carvings, and ornate decorations, creating a visually stunning and culturally rich experience for us to admire.

Exploring Khai Dinh Tomb allows you to delve into the history of the Nguyen Dynasty and gain insight into the life and legacy of Emperor Khai Dinh.

The picturesque location of the tomb, nestled amidst scenic hills and lush greenery, adds to its allure and provides a tranquil setting for reflection and appreciation of the architectural marvels within.

15:45: We’ll leave Hue and head back to Da Nang city.

17:30-18:00: Our bus will bring you back to your hotel. The tour ends, and we hope to see you on our next trips!

What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch - Vietnamese Local Cuisine (vegetarian food available)
  • Enthusiastic, experienced & professional English-speaking local guide
  • Two-way hotel transfers pick up & drop off in Da Nang city center
  • Travel Insurance
  • Modern Air-Conditioned bus/coach with Safe Driver
What's Not Included
  • Tips for tour guide & driver
  • Small surcharge in Vietnam public holidays (we’ll inform you in advance via Whatsapp message)
  • Pick-up & drop-off for far locations listed on Meeting&pickup section: 7-seat car: $15/way, max 5pax
  • Pick-up & drop-off for far locations listed on Meeting&pickup section: 4-seat car: $12/way, max 3pax
Additional Information

Let’s take a walk around the Imperial area & imagine a day as a King of Vietnam, see the remnants from centuries of a war-torn area- targeted for its strategic location.

Take a trip with us, you’ll see how enthusiastic & passionate our guides are as we always try best to bring the happiness, deliver great stories about our country to beloved travelers, and to devote to sustainable tourism development and give hand to reserve the world heritage as well.

You’ll visit Hue Imperial City – the former administrative center as well as the accommodation of 13 Kings of the Nguyen Dynasty - the last feudatory Empire of Vietnam.

Visiting Thien Mu Pagoda will give you a clearer view of the spiritual culture of the Vietnamese people and sightseeing the majestic scenery of Perfume river.

It’s also a special spotlight to admire the tombs of Khai Dinh King & experience architectural & religious influence of France. Such a nice experience to know more about the old time of Southeast Asia culture.

  • Children must be accompanied by at least an adult
  • It’s a daily tour. In case if it has to be cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • Check the weather forecast (we also check & inform you) in advance to prepare weather-appropriate clothes
  • You’ll receive a confirmation at the time of booking
  • Please provide us your WhatsApp or phone number for us to easily contact and confirm the pick-up time & location
  • Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have any question about accessibility. For quick support, contact us 24/7.
Location
Da Nang
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(88 Ratings)
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593wongk
Sep 7, 2024
Enjoying the food and culture - we took a lot beautiful photo!enjoying eating Vietnam food with other participant from other countries. The tour guide is very nice
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H7320nrmirandas
Sep 3, 2024
Fun day in Hue! - Great tour learning about Hue’s emperor history and tombs! The tour is quite long but worth the stop at the end! Great lunch in the middle and a fun day overall!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lerleet
Sep 2, 2024
Great Hue city tour!!! - It was a really great trip. Thanh and driver Hai were excellent! Thanh was very knowledgeable and professional. He also very patience with my many questions It was a lot if fun!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrea
Aug 30, 2024
Visit to Hue from Da Nang - We joined a tour from Da Nang to Hue. The van was really full but all the loading and unloading was efficient and all the participants at were very pleasant. Our tour guide Phuc was really knowledgeable and congenial and made sure everyone was cared for throughout the long day. The tour is a long day 10-12 hours and as It was very hot (~36 C) and it made the tour seem longer. Perhaps it might be good to cut it a little shorter.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Orangetulip80
Aug 29, 2024
Comprehensive and great quality tour - Phuc was an amazing tour guide, really helpful and always open to questions. The van was comfortable and we were provided with 2 bottles of water. Lunch was delicious with more food than we needed. The tour fit in a lot and I think it’s good value for money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mattei9183kb
Aug 26, 2024
As expected for this kind of trip. - On time and kept trip moving. Nice cool AC in van. Friendly guide. Read up on your history before going if you want to get the most out of this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kaitlins994
Aug 25, 2024
Highly recommend! - Great trip, highly recommend if you want to see the best of Hue City in one day from Danang. Very comfortable and relaxing. Our host Oanh Vo was very knowledgeable and helpful!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Muaaw
Aug 20, 2024
Worth every penny, and second! - The guide was amazing at explaining all the little details that are otherwise brushed over by everything else. They were also a great photographer, which is necessary for solo travellers! The schedule was also well organised, and the lunch was delicious! Would totally recommend this experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fanoula_g
Aug 17, 2024
Great tour - Great guide and a really good tour. Good communication in advance and very well organised day. Especially thoughtful was the cold water which was specially chilled for us.
Review provided by Viator
Pennywj75lm
Aug 15, 2024
Amazing HUE Tour - Thong was an amazing tour guide, his knowledge of Vietnam’s history was outstanding! Being a small group with one on one attention and detailed explanations. Truly appreciated learning out Vietnamese culture and history throughout the day. The included lunch was amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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