1. Hue: Guided City Tour and River Cruise from Chan May Port
Start your day in the culturally rich former capital city of Vietnam, Hue. Your first stop is the Citadel, where the last king of Vietnam, Bar Day, stepped down in 1945. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is guarded by an ancient moat and thick stone walls, it encompasses the Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City, and the Royal Theatre. Venture off the beaten track and visit the locals, including the inspiring Ms. Thuy who specialises in making Vietnam’s world-famous conical hats. Ms. Thuy’s house is a true exploration of rural Vietnam and a fascinating insight into the skill of this tradition. Next up is the tomb of King Tu Duc, the most popular and impressive of all the royal mausoleums. Learn about the fascinating history and about the king’s life of imperial luxury, from his 104 wives to the unfortunate ending for the 200 burial servants. Visit Bunker Hill, which overlooks the Perfume River and boasts the most amazing panoramic views which were once used as a military vantage point. Recharge your batteries at a serene nunnery pagoda and enjoy the scenery while you eat lunch. Then head to Tiger Arena, an ancient Colosseum where tigers and elephants would fight to the death for royal entertainment. End the tour with a visit to the iconic seven story Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue city. From there, board a classic dragon boat and cruise down the Perfume River beach towards the city.