From Hue: Explore Imperial City Full Day Trip Including All

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Hue on a full-day journey that takes you from the serene Perfume River to the grandeur of the Imperial City. This guided tour offers a seamless blend of scenic river cruising, captivating UNESCO-listed sites, and delectable local cuisine, all while providing round-trip transportation and knowledgeable commentary from a bilingual guide. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture aficionado, or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, this captivating itinerary promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for Hue’s remarkable past and present. Dive into the details to uncover the highlights that await.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Hue Vietnam.

Key Points

• A guided day trip from Hue covering the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and Thien Mu Pagoda, priced at €49.74 per person with a duration of 9 hours.
• Includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, a scenic dragon boat ride, entrance fees, and a local lunch.
• Highlights include visiting the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, exploring the ornate royal tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, and appreciating the serene beauty of Thien Mu Pagoda.
• Tour not suitable for wheelchair users due to uneven terrain, and modest attire is required.
• Opportunities to experience vibrant local markets, traditional craftsmanship, and the rich cultural heritage of Hue.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

For those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Hue’s historic Imperial City, this guided day trip offers an immersive experience. Priced from €49.74 per person, the 9-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Highlights include a scenic dragon boat journey, visits to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel, and the royal tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh.

Lunch at a local restaurant, transportation, and an English-speaking guide are all included. Guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes and avoid wearing shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts, as the tour explores culturally significant sites.

Itinerary Highlights

The day trip begins with a hotel pickup in Hue’s city center around 8:00-8:30 am.

Guests then embark on a scenic dragon boat journey to Thien Mu Pagoda, where they’ll explore the historic structure.

Next, they’ll visit the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at 11:30 am.

After a local lunch at 12:15 pm, the tour continues to the Minh Mang and Khai Dinh tombs at 1:30 pm.

The final stop is a local village where guests can learn about traditional crafts.

The tour concludes with a drop-off in Hue’s city center around 4:45 pm.

Included Services

What does this full-day Imperial City trip include? Travelers will enjoy 16-seat car transportation, an English and Vietnamese-speaking tour guide, a tranquil dragon boat ride, and complimentary entrance fees to all the must-see attractions.

• Comfortable round-trip transportation to and from your hotel in Hue city center

• Knowledgeable bilingual guide to provide insightful commentary throughout the day

• Scenic dragon boat journey along the Perfume River to reach Thien Mu Pagoda

• All necessary entrance fees to explore the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and local village

The price also covers a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, as well as bottled water and tissues for your convenience.

With these comprehensive services, you’re ensured a seamless and enriching exploration of Hue’s imperial heritage.

Important Information

To begin the tour, travelers should arrive at their hotel lobby 15 minutes early for the scheduled pickup.

This Hue Imperial City day trip isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the uneven terrain and steps at some of the sites.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the grandeur of the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel and royal tombs.

Modest attire is required – shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts aren’t permitted.

Bringing alcohol and drugs is also not allowed.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure a seamless and memorable experience exploring Hue’s imperial legacy.

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Cultural Experiences and Activities

On this Imperial City day trip, travelers enjoy the vibrant ambiance of Dong Ba Market, where they can indulge in the local cuisine during their included lunch.

Throughout the tour, guests have ample opportunities to capture memorable photos:

• Witnessing the intricate craftsmanship of traditional artisans
• Admiring the grandeur of the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel
• Exploring the ornate royal tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh
• Appreciating the serene beauty of the Thien Mu Pagoda during a scenic dragon boat ride

These cultural experiences provide travelers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Hue’s rich heritage and traditions.

Scenic Dragon Boat Journey

The tour begins with a scenic dragon boat journey along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. This tranquil voyage offers a unique perspective of Hue’s landscape, allowing guests to admire the city’s imperial architecture and natural beauty. The traditional dragon boat gently glides through the serene waters, creating a peaceful ambiance.

Highlights	Duration	Departure
Dragon Boat Ride	30 mins	09:15 AM
Admire Imperial Architecture	Throughout Journey	From Hue City Center
Experience Peaceful Atmosphere	During Entire Ride	–

The dragon boat journey is a captivating introduction to the day’s exploration of Hue’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring the Imperial Citadel

After the tranquil dragon boat journey, the group makes its way to the impressive Imperial Citadel.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic complex offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past. The group explores the following highlights:

• The towering Ngo Mon Gate, the main southern entrance to the citadel
• The Thai Hoa Palace, once the emperor’s throne room, with its ornate architecture
• The Forbidden Purple City, the former private residence of the emperor and his family
• The remarkably preserved walls and ramparts that protected this important seat of power

With the guidance of their knowledgeable tour guide, the group gains a deeper appreciation for the grandeur and significance of this iconic Vietnamese landmark.

Visiting Royal Tombs

Following the tour of the Imperial Citadel, the group journeys to the impressive royal tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. These majestic monuments offer a glimpse into the lavish lives of Vietnam’s former emperors. The group explores the serene grounds, marveling at the ornate architecture and intricate carvings that adorn the tombs. The tour guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the history to life. Afterward, the group visits a local village to learn traditional crafts, seeing the rich cultural heritage of Hue.

Tomb	Emperor	Year Built
Minh Mang Tomb	Minh Mang	1840
Khai Dinh Tomb	Khai Dinh	1920

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

It’s possible to customize the tour itinerary, but customers should check with the tour operator. Some flexibility may be available to accommodate specific interests or needs, though the core program likely can’t be significantly altered.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not explicitly stated, but it’s mentioned that transportation is provided in a 16-seat car. So the group size is likely limited to 16 participants or fewer.

Are There Any Child-Friendly Activities Included?

The tour includes a dragon boat ride and visiting local crafts villages, which could be engaging for children. However, the Imperial Citadel and royal tombs may not be as child-friendly. Parents should consider their child’s interests and attention span.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Documents?

No specific documents are required for this tour. Just bring your passport or ID card for identification purposes. The tour provider will handle all necessary entrance tickets and arrangements.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs during the tour. The itinerary includes a stop at a local village where visitors can learn traditional crafts and purchase handmade items as mementos of their experience.

Recap

This immersive full-day trip from Hue allows visitors to explore the city’s rich imperial heritage. Travelers will embark on a serene dragon boat journey, explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, and visit the ornate royal tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. With round-trip transportation, a local lunch, and a knowledgeable guide, this experience showcases Hue’s breathtaking architecture and cultural treasures.

You can check if your dates are available here: