Exploring the historic city of Hue, Vietnam, is a must-do for any traveler. The Hue City Tour and Dragon Boat Trip offers a captivating small-group experience, blending serene river cruising and in-depth visits to the region’s cultural treasures. From the enchanting Thien Mu Pagoda to the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, this tour promises an immersive journey into Vietnam’s rich heritage. But the day’s adventure doesn’t end there – a delightful lunch, traditional foot bath, and visits to imperial tombs and incense-making workshops await, offering a well-rounded exploration of Hue’s unique charm.
Key Points
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Explore the historic Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with guided visits to key landmarks like the Noon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, and Forbidden Purple City.
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Enjoy a 30-minute dragon boat ride to the picturesque Thien Mu Pagoda, a renowned Vietnamese Buddhist temple along the Perfume River.
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Immerse in the local culture by visiting the bustling Dong Ba Market and indulging in a traditional Vietnamese lunch with a relaxing herbal foot bath experience.
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Discover the tomb of Minh Mang and the mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, providing insights into the Nguyen Dynasty’s architectural and artistic legacy.
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Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service, as well as an experienced guide, are included in the small group tour package.
Highlights of the Hue City Tour and Dragon Boat Trip
As the morning portion of the tour kicks off, you will embark on a serene dragon boat ride to the historic Thien Mu Pagoda.
After exploring this iconic landmark, the group will head to the impressive Imperial City, where they’ll learn about Hue’s rich history as the former capital of Vietnam.
The tour then visits the lively Dong Ba Market, offering a glimpse into the local culture.
During the lunch break, guests can indulge in traditional cuisine and enjoy a soothing foot bath in herbal water.
The afternoon continues with visits to the Tomb of Minh Mang and the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, as well as a photo stop at the Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village.
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Itinerary Breakdown: Morning Activities
The morning portion of the Hue City Tour and Dragon Boat Trip kicks off with hotel pickup between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM.
The Hue City Tour and Dragon Boat Trip begins with hotel pickup between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM.
Guests then embark on a 30-minute dragon boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple.
Next, the tour visits the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where travelers spend 2 hours exploring the ancient structures and grounds.
The itinerary continues with a 30-minute stop at the lively Dong Ba Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and local products.
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Dragon boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda
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Visit the Imperial City of Hue
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Explore the bustling Dong Ba Market
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Hotel pickup and drop-off service provided
Exploring the Imperial City of Hue
After the dragon boat ride, the tour explores the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Visitors wander through the ornate gateways, pavilions, and courtyards, marveling at the architecture that blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. The tour guide shares insights into the city’s rich history and the daily lives of the emperors. Highlights include:
| Key Sights | Duration | Notes |
| — | — | — |
| Noon Gate | 30 mins | Impressive entrance to the citadel |
| Thai Hoa Palace | 45 mins | Stunning throne room and coronation site |
| Forbidden Purple City | 1 hour | Restricted area for the imperial family |
| Flag Tower | 20 mins | Iconic landmark with panoramic city views |
Lunch Break: Traditional Cuisine and Foot Bath
Following the lunch at the local restaurant, the tour participants enjoy a traditional foot bath in herbal water. This relaxing activity allows them to rejuvenate and experience authentic Vietnamese culture.
The foot bath offers several benefits:
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Soothing tired feet after a morning of exploration.
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Cleansing and detoxifying the body with the herbal infused water.
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Promoting circulation and relieving muscle tension.
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Providing a moment of tranquility amidst the day’s activities.
This unique experience complements the delicious local cuisine, creating a well-rounded culture for the tour guests.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyAfternoon Adventure: Tombs and Incense-Making
Refreshed from the relaxing foot bath, the tour now ventures into the afternoon’s activities. First, visitors explore the serene Tomb of Minh Mang, a former emperor known for his elaborate and impressive mausoleums. Next, the group admires the ornate Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, featuring a unique blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles.
| Tomb of Minh Mang | Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh | Thuy Xuan Incense-Making Village |
|——————-|——————————-|———————————-|
| Former emperor’s elaborate resting place | Ornate blend of Vietnamese and European styles | Photo opportunity to capture local craftsmanship |
| 1 hour visit | 1 hour visit | 30 minute stop |
| Serene atmosphere | Impressive scale and decoration | Glimpse into traditional practices |
The final stop is a photo opportunity at the Thuy Xuan Incense-Making Village, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship behind this centuries-old tradition.
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
Inclusions and Tour Details
The Hue City Tour and Dragon Boat Trip includes a comprehensive set of activities and services to ensure a fulfilling experience for participants.
The tour package includes:
The tour package includes pickup and drop-off, a dragon boat ride, an experienced guide, and a local lunch with a foot bath.
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Pickup and drop-off service from designated areas in Hue.
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A 30-minute dragon boat ride to the historic Thien Mu Pagoda.
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An experienced, English-speaking guide to provide insightful commentary throughout the tour.
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A delicious local lunch at a traditional restaurant, complete with a relaxing foot bath in herbal water.
Plus, all entrance fees are covered, and bottled water is provided for the duration of the tour.
Important Information for Travelers
Pickup service is available from specific areas only.
Travelers not staying within the city center will need to meet the group at The Time Coffee (18 Lê Lợi, Vĩnh Ninh, Hue). The tour starts promptly at 8:15 AM, so punctuality is important.
The provided itinerary is subject to change, and the order of activities may vary. Participants should dress comfortably and wear suitable footwear as the tour involves walking.
Bring sun protection and any necessary medication. While the tour guide speaks English, travelers with limited English proficiency may find the experience more enjoyable with a translator.
Advance notice of any special needs is recommended.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
According to the customer reviews, this Hue City Tour and Dragon Boat Trip has received an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on a single review.
The reviewer highlighted several positive aspects of the tour:
The reviewer praised the friendliness and informativeness of the guide, the authenticity of the Vietnamese lunch, and the excellent value for the price.
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The friendliness and informativeness of the guide.
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The quality and authenticity of the traditional Vietnamese lunch.
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The unique experience of the herbal foot bath.
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The excellent value for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Transportation Provided From/To My Hotel?
Yes, pickup and drop-off service is provided for this tour. Guests will be picked up from their hotel in the Hue area or can meet the tour at a central location if they’re staying outside the city center.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?
Yes, the tour can be customized to participants’ preferences. The itinerary is subject to change, so customers can discuss their interests with the tour provider and adjust the schedule accordingly within the tour duration.
Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Included?
There aren’t any additional costs or fees not included in the tour price. The only required expense is the entrance fee of 500,000 VND per person, which is covered by the tour’s inclusions. The price is all-inclusive.
Can I Use the Restroom During the Tour Stops?
Yes, restroom facilities are available at the various tour stops. Guests can use the restrooms during the visit to the Imperial City, Dong Ba Market, Minh Mang Tomb, and Khai Dinh Mausoleum. Restrooms are also accessible during the lunch break.
Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, there’s an option to book a private tour. The tour operator offers a private version of the Hue City Tour and Dragon Boat Trip, which allows for a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide and vehicle.
Recap
The Hue City Tour and Dragon Boat Trip offers a comprehensive exploration of Hue’s historical and cultural treasures. Travelers can expect a serene dragon boat ride, visits to UNESCO-listed sites, immersion in local markets, a traditional lunch and foot bath, and tours of impressive imperial tombs. With inclusions and logistics taken care of, this small-group experience provides an engaging and hassle-free way to discover the highlights of Hue.
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: 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
- Halong Bay Newest 5-Star Cruise With Buffet Lunch & Jacuzzi
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
More Tour Reviews in Hue Vietnam
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- From Hue: Botanic Garden, Paradise Cave, and Dark Cave Tour
- Chan May Port: Hue Heritage Tour
- Hue Imperial Private Tour via Hai Van Pass Train Experience
- Hue Private Sightseeing Highlights Tour Plus Edited Video
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