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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Annemariedd489lo
Jun 30, 2024
Fun and enjoyable day out in Hue with Emily - Thus was an excellent tour with Emily as our guide and an equally excellent driver. We loved travelling over the pass into Hue. Emily was always kind, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and keen we had a great experience. There were many interesting stops along the way and lunch was brilliant in a beautiful location. We both felt very well looked after and thank Emily for such a great day. Each stop on the itinerary was also well chosen. Highly recommend this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B5094lbdanielw
Jun 24, 2024
Worth the money - Great tour with our tour guide One. She speaks very good English and can talk for a long time, giving very useless tips for Vietnam and talking about the history of the sites we attended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curiosity01535757307
Jun 22, 2024
An amazing tour - The place is amazing, our tourist guide Thi is great, she introduced the history to us and helped us to take good pictures, thanks for her help so much.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_k
Jun 13, 2024
Nice Tour of Hue Imperial City - This tour of Hue Imperial City was great. It makes for a long day coming from Da Nang, but it's worth it to see the beautiful architecture and learn the history. Cuong was an excellent tour guide. He was a wealth of information, and was upbeat, funny, and friendly. Spoke perfect English as well. He gave us plenty of time to enjoy with no rushing. Highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Arseya2024
Jun 8, 2024
The Amazing Hue City Tour! - Book this tour! It's a must. If you want to know more about the history of Vietnam, visit Hue City. Our tour guide, Ms.Thi, is very friendly and funny, plus she's well versed in English. She made our tour as enjoyable as we have expected. We learned a lot from her, well recommended. We'll be back and book it again, if there's a chance.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F4568ecdanielh
Jun 8, 2024
Great tour - Great day trip to Hue. Thi was great at explaining all the sights we visited. There was plenty of time to see Hue Imperial City. The lunch was also great with plenty of selections.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mike2326
Jun 7, 2024
Nice Tour guide and driver - Our tour guide Thi is responsive. Once I dropped out from our tour when visiting the imperial city in Hue, she called me and messaged me quickly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ctz9059rf
Jun 5, 2024
Amazing Tour! - We are so lucky to have Ms. Oanh (One) again for our second tour in Da Nang. She is so intelligent and knowledgeable about the history, very kind and friendly. We learned a lot of history from her. Thank you again for bringing this good tour to me and my family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gillphys
Jun 5, 2024
Fantastic day out - Fantastic day out. One was an amazing guide, friendly, knowledgeable and fun. The Hai Van pass was very picturesque and the trip packed in a lot, seeing the imperial city, lady pagoda and emperors tomb. We had a great meal in a traditional Vietnamese restaurant. Highly recommend. 5⭐️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Simonc5124
Jun 2, 2024
Wonderful day out at Hue - Wonderful day out at Hue. I joined the group tour on my own, loved the energy of our tour guide and our superb driver. Our guide took good care of every single detail of our tour, guiding us through various destinations with detailed explanation, our driver was always on time! Can't ask for more! Will choose to travel with Dacotours the next time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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