Hue: Half-Day City Tour With Dragon Boat and Car

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. This half-day city tour promises an immersive experience, blending a scenic dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River with visits to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel. For just $56.80 per person, travelers can uncover the enchanting essence of Hue, from its architectural wonders to the vibrant local market. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour provides a seamless way to explore the city’s remarkable heritage.

Key Points

• A half-day city tour of Hue, Vietnam, priced at $56.80 per person, with a duration of approximately 4.5 hours.
• Includes a 30-minute dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, visits to Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel, and a trip to Dong Ba Market.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and an option to reserve now and pay later.
• Excludes food, drinks, personal expenses, Citadel entry fee, and gratuities, and is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• Recommended items include comfortable shoes, hat, camera, and sunscreen, and appropriate clothing is required during the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The half-day city tour of Hue is priced at $56.80 per person and lasts approximately 4.5 hours.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also reserve now and pay later, allowing them to book without immediate payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, entry to Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel.

Entrance fees for the Citadel, food, drinks, and personal expenses aren’t included. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring recommended items.

Itinerary Highlights

The half-day city tour of Hue includes several highlights that showcase the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The tour begins with a 30-minute dragon boat cruise along the tranquil Perfume River.

A tranquil 30-minute dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River kicks off the half-day city tour of Hue.

Next, visitors explore the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest religious structure in Hue dating back to the 17th century.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the residence for 13 Nguyen Dynasty emperors.

The tour concludes with a visit to the bustling Dong Ba Market, where travelers can observe local commerce and daily life.

Detailed Tour Description

The half-day city tour of Hue begins with hotel pickup, followed by a 30-minute dragon boat cruise along the tranquil Perfume River.

Passengers will disembark at the Thien Mu Pagoda, a 17th-century religious structure that’s a focal point for local legend.

Next, the tour explores the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site that was home to 13 emperors.

After visiting the Citadel, the tour concludes at the bustling Dong Ba Market, where travelers can observe local commerce and culture before returning to their hotel.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a dragon boat cruise, and entry to the Thien Mu Pagoda and Imperial Citadel.

This half-day city tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a dragon boat cruise, and entry to the Thien Mu Pagoda and Imperial Citadel.

However, it excludes:

• Food and drinks

• Personal expenses

• The entrance fee for the Imperial Citadel, which costs 200,000 VND per person

• Gratuities

This half-day city tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and bring a camera and sunscreen.

Smoking and consuming food or drinks are prohibited during the boat cruise, and appropriate clothing, avoiding short skirts, is advised.

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Important Information and Recommendations

Along With the inclusions and exclusions, there are several important details to consider for this half-day city tour of Hue. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so guests with mobility challenges should consider alternative options. Recommended items include comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, and sunscreen. Smoking and food/drinks are prohibited during the boat cruise. Guests are also advised to wear appropriate clothing and avoid short skirts, as this is a culturally sensitive environment.

| Important Considerations |

| — | — | — | — |

| Wheelchair Accessibility | Not Suitable |

| Recommended Items | Comfortable Shoes, Hat, Camera, Sunscreen |

| Boat Cruise Restrictions | No Smoking, No Food/Drinks |

| Dress Code | Appropriate Clothing, Avoid Short Skirts |

Exploring the Perfume River by Dragon Boat

A 30-minute dragon boat cruise down the Perfume River kicks off this half-day tour of Hue. The serene river takes visitors past picturesque landscapes and historic sites.

The dragon boat experience offers:

• Panoramic views of the Imperial Citadel and surrounding mountains

• Tranquil atmosphere and gentle breezes

• Insight into the river’s importance to local culture and traditions

• Opportunity to observe daily life along the riverbanks

After the relaxing boat ride, the tour continues with visits to Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel, providing a well-rounded introduction to Hue’s rich heritage.

Discovering Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most iconic religious structure, stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

This 17th-century Buddhist temple sits atop a hill overlooking the Perfume River, its distinctive seven-tiered octagonal tower commanding attention.

Visitors can explore the pagoda’s grounds, which include ornate shrines, gardens, and a venerated car that once belonged to a self-immolating monk.

The temple’s serene atmosphere and panoramic river views make it a captivating stop on the Hue city tour.

After the tranquil boat ride, guests gain deeper insights into Hue’s spiritual traditions at this historic landmark.

Taking in the Imperial Citadel and Dong Ba Market

The Imperial Citadel stands as a testament to Hue’s illustrious past, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site that once housed the Nguyen Dynasty‘s lavish imperial residence.

Visitors can explore the grandiose grounds, discovering:

• The Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Citadel

• The Thai Hoa Palace, known for its ornate architecture and imperial throne room

• The Forbidden Purple City, a secluded area that was once off-limits to the public

• Dong Ba Market, a bustling local market where visitors can enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of Hue’s daily life.

Since You Asked

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Include Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include specific sites. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider and create a personalized itinerary that meets their interests and needs within the tour’s duration and pricing.

Do You Offer Group Discounts for Larger Parties?

Yes, the tour operator offers group discounts for larger parties. The exact discount rate varies based on group size, but customers can inquire about group pricing when booking the tour.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

The tour price doesn’t include additional fees or taxes. The only extra cost is the 200,000 VND entry fee for the Imperial Citadel, which visitors must pay on-site.

Can I Arrange for a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can arrange for a private tour instead of a group tour. The tour operator offers private tours that allow for a more personalized experience. Pricing for a private tour may be higher than the group tour option.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Mobility Issues?

The tour isn’t very accessible for travelers with mobility issues. It involves a dragon boat cruise and walking around historic sites, which could be challenging for those with limited mobility. The itinerary isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Final Words

This half-day tour of Hue offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. From a scenic dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to visits to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, it’s a well-rounded experience showcasing the best of Hue. The convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and the flexibility of free cancellation, make this tour an appealing option for exploring the enchanting sights of this historic Vietnamese city.

You can check if your dates are available here: