The best tour of Hue ancient capital

OVERVIEW

The cultural, religious, and educational centre of Vietnam, Hue has a lot of historic sites waiting to be discovered. Just 8 km from Hue centre in the middle of stunning country scenery standing the ancient bridge built from 1776. This is one of three bridges of this type remain in the country. The tour takes you through the heart of Hue, where historical sites like Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel reveal the city's rich cultural heritage, while the bustling Dong Ba Market provides an authentic experience of local life. Each stop immerses you in the beauty and history of Vietnam.

Highlights

• Thien Mu Pagoda and its beautiful gardens
• Local farming exhibition house
• Dong Ba Market, a vibrant local hub
• Scenic cyclo ride through Dai Noi 'Old City'
• Spectacular country sceneries along the way
• Insight into Vietnamese history and culture

Start/end
Chan May port

Trip theme
Culture

Physical level

Duration
10.5 hours

Price
US$ 85

What's included in this trip?

Meal included
1 Lunches

Transport
Private car/ vans

Included activities
Visit delightful Thien Mu Pagoda , Explore one of King Mausoleums, take a cyclo/trishaw ride through Dai Noi ‘Old City’, stroll around the Dong Ba Market

Tour does not include
Visa, Personal expenditures, Travel Insurance, Tips, Other than mentioned in the trip notes & itinerary

 

ITINERARY

08:00: Arrival at the Chan May Port. 
(Due to the limited time available at this port, the group should be ready to get off the ship right after it docks to save time for the tour).

08:30-09:00: Pick-up by the guide and driver inside the port (at the end of the bus row near the security barrier, just walk 300 meters further from the gangway). 
Please walk out until you see our tour guide who is holding the signboard saying ‘Travel Authentic Asia and your name/ group leader’s name’ ‘The Best Tour of Hue Ancient Capital’.

Transfer to Hue, visit the towering yet delightful Thien Mu Pagoda which is surrounded by flowers and ornamental plants.  It has been considered to be the finest pagoda in Hue, and an icon throughout Vietnam. 
After that, transfer to visit one of the King Mausoleums of your choice: 

• As an option, the Mausoleum of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds; 
• The mausoleum of King Tu Duc built decades before its occupant's death the tomb was used as a palace retreat before the emperors resting place, this King was a learned poet and chose an asymmetrical, romantic architectural style for his last resting place 
• The Khai Dinh’s Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. 

After a tasty lunch to sample classic Hue cuisine, we will tour the Imperial Citadel. This site enclosed the land of eight villages and covers 6 kilometers square - sufficient area to house the Emperor and his family, courtiers, officials, concubines, bodyguards, and servants. There are ten gates through the four massive walls of the citadel, and although many are in poor condition, the city overall remains undamaged by war or natural disasters. The complex has been recognized as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. 
From the Citadel, take a cyclo/trishaw ride through Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the emperors used to come to relax; full of lotus flowers in summer there are many local-style coffee shops around the lake where university students come to study. Cyclo/trishaw (Vietnamese: Xích Lô): a three-wheel bicycle taxi that appeared in Vietnam during the French colonial period after a failed attempt to introduce rickshaws. A double seat (for Vietnamese – an average foreigner would find riding with a companion a bit of a squeeze) is supported by the two front wheels, with the driver sitting behind. This tour allows you to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Hue without the barrier of a car window or the sound of an engine, very environmentally friendly).  

If time permits: Before returning to the dock, stroll around the Dong Ba Market with your guide. The market is another of the must-see sites in Hue, the stalls are teeming with color and a great place to catch a glimpse of everyday life.  
Return to cruise. 

18h30: Drop off at cruise terminal 1.5 hrs. before departure time. End of services.
Notes: Itinerary can be reordered/changed with prior notice according to the weather, site/ road condition, Group’s interest, and group’s speed.

Thank you! And see you again!

PRICE

PRICING IN US DOLLAR PER PERSON

Rates applied from 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2025

IMPORTANTS NOTES

• Duration: 10.5 hours, departure at 8.00 am and finish at 6.30 pm
• If the ship skips port(s) due to unforeseen circumstances, no fee charge but requires you to inform us 12 hrs. in advance so that we have enough time in advance to release services reserved for your group

Tour itinerary:This itinerary is subject to change, with or without prior notice, due to local travel conditions, unforeseen circumstances, or force majeure events, all in the interest of ensuring your safety.

To book for this pre-arranged tour:If you wish to proceed with this pre-arranged itinerary, along with all the terms of service clearly outlined in the program, you can either fill out the enquiry form with the necessary details to submit your request, and our travel consultant will get back to you shortly, or you can book directly online through our website if availability is listed.

Tailor this tour:If you book a private tour for you and your group, this itinerary can be customized to best suit your preferred travel timeframe, style, budget, and expectations upon request.

Deposit & Payment:A deposit of 30% of the total price is required to confirm your tour booking. For bookings made within 30 days of the departure date, a 50% deposit is required. The remaining balance is due 15 days prior to your arrival and can be paid online via a payment link or, if agreed, in cash upon arrival.

Customer support & Requirement for information:Either before or during the trip, if you wish to contact us for any query or info, you can use one of the following methods:
- Call or chat Whatsapp our 24/24 hotline: +84 968 604 760, +84 903 432 999 - Or email us at: [email protected] , [email protected] - Also, you can contact us via our live chat window that available on our website

​Visa & Passport:Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your trip. It is your responsibility to carry a valid passport and obtain all necessary visas, permits, and certificates required for yourl entries/visit.
E-visa or a physical visa must be applied no later than two weeks before your travel or sail date to allow sufficient time for approval and delivery. When applying, ensure your name matches exactly as it appears on your travel documentation. Also, you need to prepare: (i) a photo of passport the page with information – free from any reflections or marks caused by camera flashes. (ii) a recent photo of yourself straight looking without glasses and your ears should be clearly visible in the photo. (Straight looking without glasses). You must also provide the seaport details for entry and exit. Please double-check all information before submitting your visa application, as incorrect details may result in being denied boarding or disembarking at a Vietnam port. If entering Vietnam with an E-visa, you must bring a printed copy to present to the check-in agent on boarding day. For guidance on obtaining a travel visa for Vietnam, please visit: How to get travel visa for Vietnam. If you would like assistance with your visa application, please contact our travel consultant for support.

Travel insurance:It is your responsibility to secure international travel insurance, review the policy carefully before travel, and ensure it provides the required level of coverage. Your insurance should cover personal accidents, medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss, and trip cancellation or curtailment. Please note that some pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered by your insurance provider. Except for local travel insurance included in sightseeing tickets at specific sites, Travel Authentic Asia does not provide travel insurance as part of the trip unless explicitly requested and paid for separately from the tour price.

Weather:The weather in this part of Asia varies depending on the region and season. During winter, from November to March, temperatures in areas like Hong Kong and North Vietnam can range from 4–10°C (39–50°F), with mountainous regions dropping as low as 1–5°C (34–41°F), making it quite cold. Most other regions, however, generally experience warm weather, with temperatures averaging between 25-30°C (77-86°F) and occasionally reaching up to 33°C (91°F) or higher. For detailed weather information about your destination, please consult our travel consultant or check it here on our website.

What to wear:When preparing for your trip, pack versatile clothing suitable for both warm and cool climates. For regions like North Vietnam during the winter months (November to March), warm clothes and a light jacket are essential, as temperatures can be quite cold. In warmer areas, lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal to stay comfortable. For beach or pool activities, swimsuits and sun-protective clothing are recommended. A light raincoat is also useful year-round, as tropical showers can occur unexpectedly. When visiting sacred places or cultural sites, it is important to dress modestly. In many temples or religious sites, covering your shoulders and knees is expected as a sign of respect. Avoid wearing revealing or overly casual clothing such as shorts or tank tops when visiting such places.

What to take:To make your travels easier, pack lightly and choose a suitcase with wheels for convenience. Keep in mind that many items can be purchased at your visiting destinations, so avoid overpacking and bringing everything from home. For day trips from ports, a smaller overnight bag (if you’re taking an overnight excursion) or a little backpack is handy for carrying essentials. A discreet money belt is recommended for securely carrying money and travel documents. Be sure to pack the following essentials: warm clothing for cooler regions, sunblock to protect against the tropical sun, swimsuits for water activities, and a light raincoat or umbrella to stay prepared for sudden rain showers.