Travel by train to Hue, the former capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Embark on a boat trip to explore centuries-old, picturesque villages, and visit renowned temples, royal palaces, tombs, and the ancient citadel. Enjoy a scenic drive over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass to Hoi An old town, where you’ll be captivated by the culture, history, architecture, and hospitality of the local people.
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Da Nang, Hoi An
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4 star
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Hue
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Easy
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4 Breakfast, 3 Lunch
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Private
Overview
- Start/End: Hue/Hoi An
- Visit: Hue – Hoi An – My Son
- Duration: 04 Days
- Travel style: Authentic, Culture and Heritage, Nature & Discover
- Category: Private tour
- Tour guide in: English, Français, Español
Highlights
- Cultural & Heritage Sites: Khai Dinh King's Tomb, Hue Citadel, Cham Sculpture Museum, My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An Ancient Town
- Stunning Landscapes: Perfume River, Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass
- Biking and boat trip
- Rural countryside excursion to Thanh Tien paper flower village, Sinh folklore print village, Tra Nhieu & Cam Thanh eco villages, and Kim Bong carpentry village
- Meaningful encounters with local people
Itinerary
Morning:
Arrive at Hue railway station, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and driver. They will transfer you to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Begin your exploration of the mystical Hue city by transferring to the Huong River (Perfume River) for a Royal boat trip to the eastern villages.
Embark on the boat and enjoy the scenic journey along the poetic river, observing local life on both sides. Disembark at Tien Non village and embark on a countryside bike ride through Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh villages, immersing yourself in the daily rhythm of village life.
In Tien Non village, meet locals working in the fields and vegetable gardens, and visit a family worship house. Continue to Thanh Tien village, known for its 400-year-old tradition of making artificial paper flowers for the New Year festival. Visit Mr. Hieu, a renowned artisan, and learn the craft of paper flower making.
Proceed to Sinh village, famous for its 400-year-old tradition of folklore prints. Meet Mr. Phuoc, who will explain the techniques of traditional printing. Discover beautiful souvenirs as you explore the village. Later, return to the city by boat.
Afternoon:
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue's oldest pagodas, dating back to 1601. This spiritual highlight is known for its majestic octagon tower and stunning views of the Perfume River.
Next, visit the Hue Citadel, the only remaining symbol of Vietnam's imperial city. Inspired by Vauban's fortifications, the citadel comprises three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital City), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). Explore the flag tower, the South Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Dynasty Temple area, and the settlement area.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, concluding a day of cultural and historical exploration.
Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: Breakfast
Boat: Sinh - Tien Non
Bike: Hue
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
Begin your day with a pickup from your hotel to visit the impressive Khai Dinh King's Tomb, built over 11 years (1920 – 1931) on Chau Tru Hill. Unlike other emperor's tombs, Khai Dinh's tomb is a blend of oriental and western styles. Climb a hundred steps to reach the worship palace at the top, where you'll be amazed by the intricate decorations featuring porcelain fragments, a giant ceiling painting, and a small museum of royal objects. The descent offers a panoramic view of the tomb and its surroundings.
Continue your drive to Hoi An via the scenic Mandarin Road and the famous Hai Van Pass, also known as the Sea Cloud Pass. Stop at the top of the pass to enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and Da Nang city. Upon arrival in Da Nang, visit the Cham Museum, which houses the world's most important collection of Cham artifacts. Take a leisurely stroll along My Khe Beach, where you can admire the giant Goddess of Mercy statues at Linh Ung Pagoda and capture photos of local fishermen by the beach. Continue your coastal drive to Hoi An ancient town.
Afternoon:
Explore Hoi An, a well-preserved South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. The town's rich cultural heritage is evident in its historic buildings, religious sites, and the authentic lifestyle of its residents.
Begin your exploration at Cam Pho, one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An, built in the shape of a Chinese character symbolizing the country. This site has long served as a center for worship, trade, and cultural exchange among locals, Chinese, and Japanese traders.
Next, take a leisurely walk to the iconic Chua Cau, or Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to connect the Japanese and Chinese quarters. The bridge’s original design has been meticulously preserved for over 400 years.
Visit Quan Thang Ancient House, renowned for its authentic oriental architecture and intricate carvings crafted by artisans from the famous Kim Bong carpentry village. This house offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of a traditional Hoi An family.
Conclude your tour with a visit to the Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall, established in the 17th century as a gathering place for Fujian residents and traders. This hall also serves as a religious site honoring the deity Thien Hau. Admire the colorful fountains, ornate gates, and beautifully carved dragons in the main hall.
After the tour, you can either return to your hotel or continue exploring the city at your leisure.
Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
Meet at your hotel and begin your cycling journey to Hoi An pier. Embark on a ferry crossing the Thu Bon River to reach Kim Bong Village. Enjoy the fresh air and picturesque landscapes on both sides of the river.
In Kim Bong Village, renowned for its wood carving, you will see artisans who initially learned techniques from northern Vietnam and later integrated Chinese and Japanese styles to create their unique art. Cycle around the village to observe daily life and visit a carpenter's workshop to admire their craftsmanship. You can purchase wood products as souvenirs.
Continue cycling along trails through rice paddies and over bamboo bridges to Tra Nhieu Village. Experience the authentic countryside of central Vietnam. Meet locals like Ms. Duoc, who weaves mats, Mr. Kha, who makes bamboo sampan baskets, and Mr. Huynh Ri, who runs a shipyard. The landscape of palm and rice fields, along with water buffaloes and farmers, will surround you.
Midday:
From Tra Nhieu, embark on a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh Village. Along the way, enjoy the scenery of fishing farms and water palm trees. In Cam Thanh, hop into a traditional round bamboo sampan basket boat and try crab catching in the water palm tree forest—a relaxing break after hours of cycling.
Afternoon:
Rest at the home of a local fisherman, Mr. Phong. Enjoy green tea and a foot massage with medicinal herbs from the family garden. Then, prepare vegetables and herbs from Tra Que Village and participate in a cooking session. Learn to make traditional dishes like crispy pancakes (with meat, shrimp, and beansprouts), Hoi An spring rolls, Tam Huu, and grilled fish in banana leaves. Savor the dishes you have prepared.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon, enriched by your cultural and culinary experiences.
Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Boat: Tra Nhieu - Cam Thanh,Cam Thanh
Bike: Hoi An
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Cooking class: Cam Thanh
Leisure: Foot massage
Morning:
8:00 - Your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin a half-day excursion to the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. Located 40km from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary was once the most significant intellectual and religious center of the Champa Kingdom and may have also served as a royal burial site.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site, My Son preserves 70 architectural ruins made of brick and stone, dating from the 7th to the 13th centuries. As you explore the site, your guide will share insights into the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of each relic. Enhance your experience with a traditional Champa dance performance before departing the sanctuary.
Late Morning:
After the enriching visit, return to the city, reflecting on the fascinating history and culture you've experienced.
Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Private transportation
Tour Included
- Guided Tour: An English-speaking tour guide to accompany you throughout the journey.
- Entry Fees: All entrance fees and tickets as listed in the itinerary.
- Private Transportation: A private car to ensure a comfortable journey throughout the tour.
- Boat: Sinh - Tien Non, Tra Nhieu - Cam Thanh, Cam Thanh
- Bike: Hue, Hoi An
- Leisure: Foot massage
- Cooking class: Cam Thanh
- Meals: 4 Breakfast, 3 Lunch
- Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
- Additional Costs: Service charges and taxes are covered.
Tour Excluded
- Flights: International flights to and from your home country.
- Insurance: Travel insurance is not covered.
- Personal Expenses: Any personal spending is on your own.
- Tips: Tipping and gratuities are not included.
- Additional Items: Anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
The tour typically includes:
Day 1: Arrival in Hue, boat trip on the Perfume River, visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, and exploration of Hue Citadel.
Day 2: Travel to Da Nang, visit Marble Mountains, and explore Da Nang city.
Day 3: Drive to Hoi An, visit My Son Sanctuary, and explore Hoi An Ancient Town.
Day 4: Free time in Hoi An, transfer back to Hue.
Key attractions in Hue include the Hue Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh Tomb, and a boat trip on the Perfume River.
Travel is typically by private car or minivan, with scenic drives over the Hai Van Pass and along the coast.
Pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a raincoat or umbrella (especially if traveling during the rainy season from July to September).
Some meals are included, typically breakfast at the hotels and a few lunches or dinners as specified in the itinerary. It’s best to check with the tour provider for exact details.
Accommodation is usually in 3-star or 4-star hotels, offering comfortable and clean rooms with modern amenities.
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages. However, some activities like hiking in Marble Mountains may require a moderate level of fitness.
The best time to visit is from February to April and from August to October when the weather is pleasant and less rainy.
Yes, dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas, remove your shoes before entering homes or religious sites, and be respectful of local customs and traditions.