Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, boasts a rich cultural heritage that entices travelers from around the world. A full-day city tour promises an immersive experience, unveiling the city’s iconic sites and offering a glimpse into its captivating history. From a scenic dragon boat ride to savoring local cuisine, this tour invites visitors to uncover the essence of Hue’s UNESCO-recognized charm. With an attractive price point and a carefully curated itinerary, this guided adventure presents an opportunity to delve deeper into the heart of this remarkable destination.
Key Points
- A full-day guided tour of Hue’s top attractions, including Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Minh Mang Tomb, priced at $15.86 per person.
- Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, English-speaking guide, dragon boat ride, bottled water, Hue food specialties, and entry tickets.
- Offers a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant featuring Hue’s renowned cuisine, such as bún chả Huế, imperial roll, and banh khoai.
- Provides insights into Vietnamese Buddhism, the history and architecture of the last royal dynasty, and the fusion of Western and Eastern styles.
- Features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This full-day guided tour from Hue is priced at $15.86 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours.
It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, an English-speaking guide, a dragon boat ride, a bottled water, Hue food specialties, and entry tickets totaling 470,000 VND.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve now and pay later option is also available.
Moderate walking is involved, so comfortable footwear is advised.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a pickup from the hotel in Hue’s city center, followed by a visit to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. Here, guests embark on a 1-hour guided tour and a relaxing dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River. Next, the group explores the Imperial Citadel, the former home of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty, during a 2-hour guided tour. Lunch at a local restaurant features Hue’s renowned cuisine. The itinerary continues with visits to the Khai Dinh Tomb and Minh Mang Tomb, each with a 1-hour guided tour. An optional tour of the Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village completes the day.
| Itinerary Highlight | Duration |
| — | — |
| Thien Mu Pagoda | 1 hour |
| Imperial Citadel | 2 hours |
| Lunch | 1 hour |
| Khai Dinh Tomb | 1 hour |
Cultural Insights
As visitors explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, they’ll learn about the influence of Vietnamese Buddhism, which has played a significant role in the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
At the Imperial Citadel, they’ll discover the history and architecture of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty.
The fusion of Western and Eastern styles at Khai Dinh Tomb showcases the country’s diverse cultural influences.
The fusion of Western and Eastern styles at Khai Dinh Tomb showcases Vietnam’s diverse cultural influences.
Finally, the breathtaking landscape and Oriental architecture of Minh Mang Tomb provide a glimpse into the region’s rich artistic traditions.
Throughout the tour, guests enjoy Hue’s captivating cultural and historical tapestry.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, an English-speaking guide, a dragon boat ride, one bottled water, Hue food specialties, and entry tickets valued at 470,000 VND.
However, it excludes personal expenses. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the moderate walking involved.
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and cash for additional expenses.
The tour starts at 8:00 AM and ends around 4:30-5:00 PM, lasting approximately 8 hours.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
Tour starts promptly at 8:00 AM and concludes around 4:30-5:00 PM, lasting approximately 8 hours.
Guests should wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves moderate walking. Hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended. Cash is needed for entry tickets, which cost 470,000 VND.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Visitors should bring their sense of adventure and cultural curiosity to fully enjoy the history and traditions of Hue during this comprehensive day trip.
Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Hue Vietnam
- Hue City Tour and Dragon Boat Trip Small Group
- Hue City: Exploring Hue City By Car and Private Dragon Boat
- Hue: Full-Day City Tour With Boat Ride and Lunch
- Hue: Imperial City Guided Tour With Perfume River Boat Trip
- Hue: Dragon Boat Cruise, Imperial Citadel, & Market Day Trip
- Hue City Tour Half Day by Private Car & Dragon Boat Cruise
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Your hotel in Hue’s city center is where the tour begins. The guide will pick you up and transport you to the day’s first stop, Thien Mu Pagoda.
After exploring the pagoda and taking a dragon boat ride, you’ll visit the Imperial Citadel. Following the citadel tour and lunch, the guide will take you to Khai Dinh Tomb and Minh Mang Tomb.
An optional stop at Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village may be included. At the end of the day, you’ll be dropped back off at your hotel, having experienced the top sights of Hue with an expert guide.
Dining Experience
During the tour, travelers enjoy a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant that showcases Hue’s renowned culinary specialties. The menu features signature regional dishes like bún chả Huế (vermilion noodles with grilled pork), imperial roll, and banh khoai (fried savo cake). Travelers savor these Hue delicacies in a warm, convivial atmosphere as they learn about the region’s rich food culture from the knowledgeable guide.
| Dish | Description | Price |
| — | — | — |
| Bún chả Huế | Vermilion noodles with grilled pork | $5 |
| Imperial Roll | Crispy fried spring roll | $3 |
| Banh Khoai | Fried savo cake | $2 |
Optional Village Visit
Visitors have the option to add a 1-hour guided tour of Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village to the itinerary.
This cultural experience allows guests to explore the centuries-old tradition of incense production.
Key highlights include:
-
Witnessing the intricate process of hand-rolling incense sticks
-
Observing skilled artisans crafting delicate incense flowers
-
Learning about the use of natural ingredients like bamboo, lotus, and sandalwood
-
Browsing the vibrant incense shops and purchasing unique souvenirs
This optional add-on provides a deeper understanding of Hue’s rich heritage and the enduring artisanal crafts that continue to thrive in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Guide Fluent in English?
The tour guide is fluent in English. As the tour overview states, the tour includes an "English-speaking guide" to provide commentary and insights throughout the day’s activities.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
No, the tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes bottled water and a lunch featuring Hue specialties at a local restaurant as part of the package.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, but travelers can opt for additional activities at their own expense. The standard tour is 8 hours long and covers the key highlights of Hue.
Do We Need to Book the Tour in Advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book the tour in advance. The tour offers a ‘Reserve now & pay later’ option, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
Can We Customize the Itinerary to Our Preferences?
Yes, you can customize the itinerary to your preferences. The tour provider offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the activities based on your interests and time availability.
Recap
This full-day tour of Hue’s cultural highlights is an excellent value at just $15.86 per person. Visitors will experience the city’s iconic landmarks, enjoy a scenic dragon boat ride, and savor local cuisine – all while learning about Hue’s rich history from knowledgeable guides. With hotel pickup and drop-off, this immersive tour is a convenient way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Hue Vietnam
- Hue: Half-Day City Tour by Car and Dragon Boat
- Hue City Tour and Dragon Boat Trip Small Group From Hue
- Hue: Folk Song on Perfume River Dragon Boat
- Hue Tour: Walking in Imperial City With Optional Dragon Boat
- From Hue: Hue Imperial City Day Trip With Lunch on Boat
- Hue City: Tam Giang Lagoon Sunset Cruise Tour With Dinner
More Tours in Hue Vietnam
- Hue City Tour Half Day by Private Car & Dragon Boat Option
- Hue: Private Dragon Boat, Thien Mu Pagoda, & Royal Tomb Tour
- Hue: Royal Tombs & Pagoda Tour By Dragon Boat & Private Car
- Hue: Guided Local Food Tour With Tastings
- Hue: Private City Tour by Car With English-Speaking Driver
- Hue: Private City Tour By Car – English Speaking Driver
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- Hue Imperial Private Tour via Hai Van Pass Train Experience
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