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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.

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

2. Da Nang: Hue Imperial City and Hai Van Pass Small Group 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.

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 the hotel lobby ontime 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.

Hue: City Highlights Tour with Entry Tickets and Lunch

4. Hue: City Highlights Tour with Entry Tickets and Lunch

IN THE MORNING ● 08:00am: Our guide will pick up at hotel and start the full day Hue City Tour Day ● Dragon boat trip to Thien Mu pagoda – The oldest pagoda in Hue city. This seven – story pagoda was built in 1601 and witnessed different events that befell the yet it is still standing. Here you will have a chance to learn about the history of Vietnamese Buddhism and how important it is to our local community. ● Imperial Citadel – The home of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty – the Nguyen Dynasty. A complex of around 100 monuments in 520 hectares of the Nguyen Dynasty. It was the former working and private residence of 13 Emperors, concubines, and eunuchs. ● Dong Ba Market – the largest market in Hue City and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The market is located on the northern bank of the Perfume River and is considered to be the cultural and commercial hub of the city IN THE AFTERNOON ● 11:30 – 12:30: Have lunch at local restaurant with hue speciality dishes. ● Visiting Khai Dinh Tomb: the 12th Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty and ruled from 1916 until his death in 1925. His tomb, which was completed in 1931, is a fusion of Western and Eastern architectural styles and is known for its intricate details and lavish decorations. ● Minh Mang Tomb: The tomb of Emperor Minh Mang (1791-1841) the 2nd King of Nguyen dynasty, famous for landscape and Oriental Architecture. ● Stop to visit Thuy Xuan incense village on the way back. It has been famous for its high-quality incense for over 400 years, and it is a great opportunity to witness how locals create these fragrant products. ● 4:30 – 5:00pm: We will finish the Hue City Tour.

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

5. From Hoi 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.

From Da Nang: Full-Day Trip to Hue

6. From Da Nang: Full-Day Trip to Hue

Enjoy a lesson in Vietnamese history on this day trip from Da Nang. See the purple forbidden city, explore temples and places of worship, and enjoy a boat trip along the perfume river. After getting picked up from your hotel, head to Hue, stopping at Hai Van Pass to explore some abandoned war bunkers. Upon arrival, head to the city's prime attraction, the Citadel. Wander through this vast complex containing the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City. See the Emperor's private residence, and learn more about Vietnam's last dynasty, the Nguyen dynasty. Discover other architectural masterpieces such as temples, pavilions, gardens, and the gates to the Imperial City. In the afternoon, stop for lunch to reenergize before enjoying a boat trip along the Perfume River. Stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery with origins dating back to 1601. Admire its iconic 7-story pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city.   Next, visit the serene Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, designed to blend in with its natural surroundings and built on principles of feng-shui. Explore the final resting place of a Nguyen Emperor. Admire the tomb's unique architectural design and learn more about the many myths and legends that surround this controversial emperor before heading back to Da Nang.

From Hue: Full-Day Hue Imperial City Sightseeing tour

7. From Hue: Full-Day Hue Imperial City Sightseeing tour

In the morning 8h00 – 8h20 am: Our car and guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hue city center Get on a dragon boat along the Perfume river to Thien Mu Pagoda Visit Thien Mu pagoda – The oldest pogoda in Hue city Then you will transfer by car to visit: Hue Imperial Citadel – the home of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty – the Nguyen Dynasty Dong Ba Market – the busiest market in Hue city Having lunch with Hue's dishes at Madam Thu Restaurant In the afternoon Transfer by car to visit: Khai Dinh King’s Tomb – which is a blend of Western and Eastern architecture Minh Mang 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. Conical hat village and incense stick village 4h00 – 5h00 pm: Back to your hotel. Tour ends Finish 1-day small Group tour in Hue .

From Da Nang: The Imperial City of Hue Fullday Sightseeing

8. From Da Nang: The Imperial City of Hue Fullday Sightseeing

Experience the glory of Vietnam's royal past with a day trip to Hue, still recognized by many as the country's Imperial City. Packed with old temples, stone citadels, ancient tombs and more, Hue is abundant in political, cultural, and religious history that's just waiting to be discovered. In the morning, around 7:30 Driver and guide pick you up from your hotel, depart to Hue crossing Hai Van Tunnel Which is the longest and the most modern tunnels in the Southeast Asia. 10:45 Arrive in Hue, you will visit Khai Dinh Tomb – the most beautiful royal tombs of Nguyen’s Dynasty Kings. 12:30Have lunch, take a break in restaurant. 13:30After that, we will continue to visit: Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest and most beautiful pagoda, considered as the symbol of religion and spirit of Hue people. Hue Citadel: which was recognized by Unesco as World Cultural Heritage in 1993. Experienced many vicissitudes of history, Hue Citadel is still long-lasting and remain the cherished values. Learn about the 13 Nguyen dynasty kings ruled for over 140 years Around 19:00~19:30 Drop off at your hotel. End of services

Hue City Full Day tour from Da Nang/ Hoi An

9. Hue City Full Day tour from Da Nang/ Hoi An

Tour Detail • 7.30 AM - 8.15 AM: Pick up at your hotels in Da Nang/ Hoi An center • 9.30 AM: stop along Lap An Lagoon- – The Pearl of Hue • 11:00 AM: arrival in Hue, visit Khai Dinh Tomb- a blend of Western and Eastern architecture • 12:15 pm: have lunch at local restaurant • 1.00 PM: Explore Hue Imperial City (The Citadel): learn about the place where special activities and events of the Nguyen Dynasty took place • 3.00 PM: Thien Mu Pagoda • 4:00pm depart for Da Nang/ Hoi An • 6.00 pm- 6:30pm: Arrive Da Nang/ Hoi An, drop off your hotel in the center.

Hue Walking Tour to Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City

10. Hue Walking Tour to Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City

Agreed Time: Our Friendly & Informative Tour Guide will pick you up at 4 Holy Cannons of Ngan Gate of the Citadel (Cửa Ngăn) for Hue Imperial City Walking Tour. Today, we will have about 2.5 hours walking in the Hue Imperial Citadel to learn about History of Hue and Vietnamese Royal Culture with: Nine Holy Cannons (Cửu Vị Thần Công): 9 cannons that Hue artisans cast in Gia Long's second year (1803). Nine cannons are considered as one of the most valuable bronze works of art. The ancient nine cannons were placed at the foot of the Imperial Citadel, at the entrance of the Ngo Mon Gate - the imperial city of Hue. During the reign of King Khai Dinh, they were relocated to their current position. Noon Gate (South Gate - Ngọ Môn Huế): Built in 1833 in the traditional Vietnamese style under the rule of King Minh Mang and used by the Kings for troop movements and ceremonies. Flag Tower (Kỳ Đài Huế): an architectural monument of the Nguyen Dynasty located in the middle of the south face of Hue citadel within the Nam Chanh fortress which is also the place to hang the flag of the royal court. Supreme Hamorny Palace (Điện Thái Hòa): This Palace is located in the Imperial City area of Hue citadel, which is the coronation place of 13 Nguyen kings from Gia Long to Bao Dai. In feudal regimes, this palace was considered the center of the country. Nine Dynastic Urns (Cửu Đỉnh Huế): These are nine bronze urns, located in front of The Mieu Temple in Hue Imperial Citadel. The Nine Peaks was commissioned by Emperor Minh Mang in the winter of 1835 and inaugurated on March 1, 1837. The Mieu Temple (Thế Miếu Huế): The Mieu also called The To Mieu built in 1821 by Second Kings of the Nguyen Dynasty - Minh Mang. This is a temple to worship 10 Kings of the Nguyen Dynasty. Dien Tho Palace (Cung Diên Thọ): Dien Tho Palace is a system of palace architecture in Hue Imperial Citadel, the residence of the Queen Mothers. Located in the west of the Forbidden City, north of Phung Tien Palace and south of Truong Sanh Palace, Dien Tho Palace is considered to be the largest scale palace architecture system remaining in Hue. Forbidden Purple City (Tử Cấm Thành Huế): The Forbidden Purple City belongs to a complex of the ancient capital of Hue, which is the center of daily life of the Kings, their Queens, Minor Wives and Cocubines of the Nguyen's Emperors. The Forbidden City is located behind the Thai Hoa palace, was first built by King Gia Long (1804). In the third year of Minh Mang's reign (1822), the king changed the name into Forbidden Purple City. After Hue Forbidden Purple City, our local guide will say good bye to you, and we finish our fantastic Hue Imperial City Walking Tour. You can have your own time to discover more about life of locals in the area of Hue Citadel.

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What people are saying about Imperial City, Hue

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 171 reviews

I am so glad that we booked this tour - Nhung was a great tour guide, she was very helpful and informative as well as answering all questions we had. The tour itself was a good pace and we really enjoyed seeing Hue and the historical sights. Nhung had lots of interesting information to give us. We were very tired because we didn’t sleep well, so sorry that we couldn’t be more talkative! But we loved listening :) Everything was on time and the driver was also very kind and helpful. I would recommend anyone to go on this tour to Hue. Thanks Nhung!

Good experience to visit Vietnam historical sites. Although the trip to Hue lasts about 2 and half hours, the sites are near to each other. This makes the 4 to 5 hour stay at Hue enriching and fulfilling. The guide is comprehensive and accommodating. She also introduces a good restaurant for my self-paid lunch.

Guide was A++ with perfect English and always happy to answer any questions we had about Vietnam and the city of Hue on the way. Unfortunately we were struck with a fair bit of rain but had a great time and learnt so much

we had an amazing tour, Thanh our driver was so helpful and made seeing all the sights in Hue so fun and easy. I would really recommend!

Nice mix of sites - but concentrating mainly on the Imperial Citadel. The guide was fun and informative.