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Hue, Vietnam Culture & history

Our most recommended Hue, Vietnam Culture & history

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.

From Hue: Vietnam's DMZ Full-Day Group or Private Tour

2. From Hue: Vietnam's DMZ Full-Day Group or Private Tour

Embark on a guided full-day tour and discover the historically important Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the Quang Tri Province and get a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War on the local culture. Choose from a shared group tour or a private tour.   Get picked up by your driver and guide at the lobby of your hotel in Hue central and then travel to the town of Dong Ha, stopping to visit important historical sites along the way.  Arrive at Dakrong bridge located along Highway 9 and the starting point of Highway 15, one of the main branches of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Admire the bridge’s graceful architecture against beautiful backdrops of rivers and mountains. Next, visit the Khe Sanh Combat Base, a United States Marine Corps outpost south of the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) used during the Vietnam War. Enjoy a lunch break at a traditional restaurant and then head off to Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River, an important landmark in the splitting of the country into a northern and a southern zone along the 17th parallel by the Geneva Accords of 1954. Make your last stop at Vinh Moc tunnels, an underground miniature village, now a museum, which is the largest historical tunnel in the DMZ of Vietnam.

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 9 AM 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.

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

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

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

5. From Hội 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 Hue: Private Half-Day DMZ Tour with Vinh Moc Tunnels

6. From Hue: Private Half-Day DMZ Tour with Vinh Moc Tunnels

09h00: Our guide and car will pick you up at your hotel in Hue central, then transfer to Vietnam Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri province. Ready to start the DMZ Tour Hue. Visiting places: Long Hung Church: one of the very few existing buildings remains in Quang Tri town during “Fire Summer” or Eastern Offensive in 1972. It is a National Relic in the town of Quang Tri Vietnam – BA5453. Quang Tri Ancient Citadel: is seen as an eye-witness of fierce battles during the anti-American resistance war in 1972. During the 81-day fighting, the citadel was almost destroyed by thousands of tons of bombs released by the US army. Nowadays, the citadel becomes a place to mark immortal victories of the Vietnamese army and people and to educate youths about the nation’s revolutionary tradition and its patriotism. Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River: The Geneva Agreements on Vietnam signed in 1954 divided Vietnam into North and South with the 17th Parallel where the Ben Hai River runs through the central province of Quang Tri as a borderline. Hien Luong Bridge, also knows as the Peace Bridge, was built by the French in 1950, across Ben Hai River. It is 178 m long but it took 21 years for Vietnamese people from the North and the South to be united. Vinh Moc Tunnels and Tunnels Museum: The most highlight part of DMZ Tour during Vietnam War. The complex of Vinh Moc tunnel located deep in the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone and sheltered Vinh Linh county people from the intense bombing. The tunnels were a success in saving the villagers’ lives and providing them the necessary living conditions to fight back the American enemy. 15h00: Tour ends at hotels in Hue.

Hue: Royal Tombs and Thien Mu Pagoda Private Guided Tour

7. Hue: Royal Tombs and Thien Mu Pagoda Private Guided Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel in Hue and head to the first stop of the tour, Minh Mang Tomb. The site is considered one of the best examples of Nguyen Dynasty architecture and artwork, and is set within a beautifully landscaped garden. Next, proceed to Khai Dinh Tomb. This tomb is situated in the Chau Mountains, in between scenic pine, cassava, and sugar cane farms. The tomb's architecture is a blend of East and West. It took eleven years to build and was completed in 1931. Then, continue to Tu Duc Tomb, located in an area of rolling hills and pine trees 7km outside Hue. The tranquil grounds are filled with trees, ponds, and pavilions where Tu Duc used to write poetry. Emperor Tu Duc had his tomb built 16 years prior to his death and actually wrote his own biography prior to his death. The last stop of the trip will be the Thien Mu Pagoda. It is the oldest religious structure in Hue and is also one of the most impressive. It was constructed during the 17th century to worship the legend of a local woman with spiritual connections. The tour ends with drop-off back at your accommodation in Hue city.

From Hue: Private DMZ Tour

8. From Hue: Private DMZ Tour

Start with pickup in the morning from your accommodation in Hue. From there, head to Dong Ha town where the local guide will board the vehicle to begin the tour. The first stop is Doc Mieu Base, one of the front lines. Learn how the Americans set up a group of firebases on a ridge of hills looking across the DMZ and the Ben Hai River. Gain a deeper knowledge of the history and listen to meaningful stories from your English-speaking guide. Continue to the next stop, Hien Luong Bridge. This bridge is located in the 17th Parallel and during the Vietnam war, it was bisected between South and North Vietnam. Go to the last stop and one of the main highlights, the Vinh Moc underground tunnels. Hear how they were used as a refuge to survive from all the bomb attacks during the war. Before heading back to Hue City, stop by a local restaurant to have an authentic Vietnamese lunch ( you pay for yourselfs). The tour ends with a drop-off service back to your accommodation.

From Da Nang: Ba Na Hills Cable Car & Golden Bridge w/Lunch

9. From Da Nang: Ba Na Hills Cable Car & Golden Bridge w/Lunch

8.00 Pick up at hotel in Da Nang and head out to Ba Na hills. Take Cable Car which gains 5 world scores to Ba Na hills station. Stop at By Night station to visit Vong Nguyet hills, Linh Ung pagoda, The Old Villas of French. Continue moving up by cable car to the Nui Chua Mountain – the top of Ba Na range, visiting Nginh Phong top, Le Nim Villas, Orchid Garden… Experience hill climbing train (first and unique funicular in Vietnam) and visit an old French cellar (Debay Ancient Wine Cellar), flower garden Le Jardin D’amour and Linh Ung Pagoda. You should not miss walking on the Golden Bridge amid the foggy hills of the mountain, enjoy the gorgeous view of Da Nang City. Have lunch at restaurant. Afternoon: Free for explore the French village or joining games in Fantasy Park – the third biggest indoor games zone in Vietnam with series of interesting games: 4 – 5D film, skiver, The death race, dinosaur park… (2 hours). 15:00 Return to Da Nang city along the Red Beach Bay. Stop at Central Specialties Super Market for Shopping. End the tour at your hotel.

Hue: Imperial City Guided Walking and Pedicab Combo Tour

10. Hue: Imperial City Guided Walking and Pedicab Combo Tour

The tour guide will meet you directly at your hotel lobby and you will then depart from the city centre and head to the Huong River. Begin with a walking tour along the river. Here you will be able to admire wonderful views along the river banks, and learn more about the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty.  Next stop is the Imperial City of Hue. The guide will lead you around the expansive site and share interesting stories and facts as you go. Discover the forbidden city and the gated courtyard, as well as several gardens, pavilions, and theaters. After visiting the Imperial city, hop on a pedicab to explore the area around the Citadel. Make several stops at interesting places along the way, such as the Fine Art Museum, and the beautiful royal garden of Tinh Tam Lake. See many old monuments that feature sophisticated architectural patterns in harmony with nature.

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What people are saying about Hue, Vietnam

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 167 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!

Visita guiada con Ms. Nhu y Mr. Trung (conductor) excelente. Dedicamos unas 4h a visitar las 3 tumbas, una pagoda y una tiendecita local. La visita fue muy enriquecedora para conocer la historia de los diferentes emperadores de Hue y sus curiosidades. Además, intercambiamos aspectos y tradiciones culturales entre Bcn y Vietnam. Al finalizar nos recomendaron un lugar de comida típica. Sin duda, repetiríamos! Muchas gracias a ambos!

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.

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.