Discover Hue & Hoi An

Arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

Inclusions:

Depart at 08:30 for the UNESCO-heritage listed Imperial Citadel. Roam the expansive grounds, hearing stories of the majestic buildings, many of which have been superbly renovated by the local conservation department in recent years.  

Continue by cyclo to a tranquil lake, where king’s once rested during the hot summer months, before arriving at a private museum featuring a magnificent collection of royal possessions.  

Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, perhaps Hue’s most iconic landmark located along the beautifully named Perfume River. Apart from the spiritual aspect and sweeping view, the vintage vehicle on display offers an interesting story. 

Rest those feet over a local Hue inspired lunch, before choosing an option for the afternoon visit (depending on location of hotel or interest (to be discussed on the actual day of the tour):  
Option 1: Leave the city behind and travel through Hue’s outskirts to the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a Nguyen Dynasty ruler known for his opposition to French occupation and his decadent lifestyle. Explore his remarkable tomb, admiring the imposing architecture and gorgeous forest setting while learning more on this historic figure. Continue to Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb, which is equally impressive, yet a completely different complex. See the blend of traditional Vietnamese design with European influence, making it unique from other royal tombs in Hue. 

Option 2: Leave the city centre to visit the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the longest-reigning emperor in Vietnamese history. His tomb is one of the largest and most ‘romantic’ imperial tombs. Continue to An Dinh Palace, the former private residence of Emperors Khai Dinh and Bao Dai. Built in 1917 and decorated with both Roman-style motifs and traditional Vietnamese motifs, the former palace offers a reminder of the power and wealth of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors, as well as the turbulent history of Vietnam in the 20th century.

At the end of the afternoon return to the hotel or next destination. (L)

Overnight in Hue.  

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Hue to Hoi An (140km): 3 hours

Leave Hue for Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. The scenic route passes through the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds.

Drive through Danang and visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. In the afternoon take a walking tour of the ancient town center to visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market. 

 *The Japanese Bridge is currently under renovation until Q4 2024 (est) . Visitors are able to walk alongside the bridge (as of March 2024) on a purposely built metal platform however the actual structure is mostly covered in metal sheeting, therefore limiting photo op’s of the town’s most famous monument.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Hoi An to My Son (40km): 1 hour

Start the day, with a half day trip to visit the capital and religious center of the former Champa Kingdom, My Son - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, 40km southwest of Hoi An, in a lush green valley, are dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries. On the way back to Hoi An stop to visit a small local house and be welcomed by the friendly host to start experience the full process of making rice-paper.

On returning to Hoi An, the afternoon is free to relax perhaps browsing for souvenirs in Hoi An’s art galleries and silk shops, or maybe cycling to the nearby An Bang Beach (on own account).

Overnight in Hoi An.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

The morning is at leisure until transfer to Danang Airport for onward flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast