Hue City and The Citadel via Hai Van Pass Daily Small Group Tour





Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Thank you for coming to our fantastic Da Nang. Be ready for a 1-day memorable adventure with our local expert! 7:30am: We'll pick you up from the hotel in Da Nang city center and drive along the coastal beach of Da Nang Bay before coming to Hue for our amazing trip.
On the way to Hue City, we'll stop to visit the magnificent Hai Van Pass for its breathtaking natural beauty & stunning panoramic views. As one of the most scenic coastal roads in Vietnam, it offers a mesmerizing blend of lush green mountains & crystal-clear blue waters of the East Sea. Additionally, the pass is steeped in history, having been a strategic military location during the Vietnam War. Don't forget to listen many unique & interesting stories about it from our local guide. From there, you can enjoy the panorama view of Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port and Son Tra Peninsula. It stands at 500m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam.
Let us take you to admire "One of the most Beautiful Bay in the World". As a pristine sea bay located at the foot of Hai Van pass, possessing a flat beach, beautiful blue water and a diverse ecosystem, Lang Co beach makes every of us feel admired and overwhelmed. Moreover, we'll also visit Lap An Lagoon - a hidden gem nestled between the majestic mountain range and the pristine Lang Co Bay. It's also known for pristine beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and idyllic setting along the central coast of Vietnam. Let immerse yourself in nature before entering a unique journey of Vietnam cultural & historical discovery at Hue Citadel. Plus, we hope our friendliness & hospitality can make the trip even more enjoyable & engaging from the beginning to the end of our tour.
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 for us. Exploring the Forbidden Purple City, Royal Palace, and various temples provides you a 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.
As the main entrance to the citadel, Noon Gate holds a special place in Vietnam's imperial history. It served as the gateway where the emperor's procession would pass through during important ceremonies and events. It's a huge U-shaped construction 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 the best of what it can offer, ensuring that you'll have a good time with detailed insights into Vietnam's history, culture & people.
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 Nguyen Dynasty and you'll have a deep insight about the culture of ancestors worshiping in Vietnam.
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 means you'll 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.
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 significance about this pagoda to give you a deeper appreciation and interesting knowledge of Hue's unique heritage.
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 & get back to Da Nang city. 17:30-18:00: Our bus brings you back to hotel. Tour ends & see you in next trips with us!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
- Please wait for us at the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the departure time. - We provide pick-up and drop-off service at your hotel in Da Nang city center and Hoi An city center (if you choose the pick-up from Hoi An option). - Due to the group tour scheduled time, Picking up at Tien Sa Port/ Chan May Port is unavailable. - If your hotel is located outside of our pick-up area, please come to our meeting point: Dacotours Office – 195 Dang Vu Hy, An Hai Ward, Da Nang City.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- Not recommended for children under 5 years old.
Reviews(529)
Top notch, excellent experience with Ms. Van as our English-speaking tour guide. Very insightful history lesson and bubbly personality.
I would like to thank you to our guide “Van”She’s good,amazing, sharing facts/historic in clear english. She’s funny and beautiful! I recommend this agency and the tour guide. 10/10 for me :))
we are lucky that the weather Is nice today. The tour is good and Van did a good job as a tour guide
Van was an amazing tour guide, very hands-on, accommodating, and knowledgeable. I learned so much from her throughout the tour, and I truly commend her for her outstanding service. A big thank you as well to our driver for getting us to our destinations safely and providing such great service. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. Highly recommended! ⭐️
An incredibly breathtaking experience visiting many historic Vietnamese sights. Everything was handled smoothly by Dacotours and made for a fantastic day. Our tour guide, Van, made it even better. She is energetic, engaging, fun, and knowledgeable. Every step of the way we were given historical context and information with lively energy and many fun stories and jokes told with a charming smile. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone and hope to get lucky enough to have Van as your guide.
Well organised and overall a memorable experience. Outstanding guide, Van knows her history and takes pride in sharing it. However, the drive is long and bumpy, and not as scenic as suggested online.
Van was funny, entertaining, and a great your guide!! She gave us so many great stories, and even sang for us:)
We had a very nice trip with Van. She was informative, funny and has a lot of energy! The trip was very well organised and we were taken care of.
Highly recommend this tour! Van was amazing! She was so informative and entertaining!
My tour guide was Ms Van and I had nice experience with her. She was energetic and really kind, really supportive and explained really well about Vietnamese history. If I were to take a tour again, I would like her to be my tour guide



