Hué is the ancient royal capital of Vietnam and rich with historic grandeur. Here, the past still echoes through the stately palaces and monuments, which are mostly the legacy of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Up until the end of the World War II, Hué was regarded as the centre of Vietnam. Many buildings still bear grandiose and fairytale names: the Gates of Earthly Peace, the Palace of Supreme Peace, the Pagoda of the Heavenly Lady. You'll also see the tombs of the royal family, and numerous pagodas and temples.

Hué is certain to add a touch of culture to your trip. During this module, you'll enjoy a cruise on the romantic Perfume River and take guided visits to the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel, modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. There is also an opportunity to explore the local area on pushbike, passing through traditional villages and extensive paddy fields.

Duration: 3 days - 2 nights Accommodation: 2 nights in a small-scale, charming hotel in the centre of Hué, within walking distance from the river
accommodation category 4 Price: from $119 per person - based on 2 people sharing
Includes: accommodation with breakfast, half-day guided excursion by boat
Transport: air-conditioned minibus, boat
Excludes: other meals and drinks, excursions and cycle trip

Day 1: Arrival in Hué

The grand old city of Hué lies about 700km south of Hanoi. It is renowned for its stately Royal Citadel, enclosed within a formidable square of walls. These incredible structures measure a whopping 10km long, 6m high and 2m thick. The ancient monarchs of the Nguyen dynasty ruled from their thrones from within this walled fortress. Hué is divided into two halves by the Perfume River. One side is home to the Imperial Citadel, while the French colonial town with most of the hotels and restaurants is situated on the opposite bank.

We have left the programme empty for your first day in Hue, giving you plenty of time to settle in and explore the city. If you are feeling energetic, you can cycle through the local area, passing paddy fields, tiny markets, pagodas and people working in the emerald fields.

Day 2: Perfume River and Forbidden City Tour (half day)

Hué stands elegantly on the banks of the Song Huong, better known as the Perfume River. The river acquired this name from the flowers that used to grow along its banks, giving it an enchanting floral scent. Today, you'll take a boat cruise along the romantic river, with views of the impressive Thien Mu pagoda. This is one of the most famous, and most beautiful, pagodas in Vietnam. The seven storeys of the octagonal temple tower reach high into the sky, each storey representing a different incarnation of the Buddha.

After visiting this pagoda you'll be taken by car to the Imperial Citadel. Inside the Citadel you'll find the Forbidden Purple City, a unique and humbling place. The Royal Library and several royal apartments have been preserved or reconstructed, and the Nguyen rulers are commemorated in the form of large bronze urns. These dynastic urns stand in the courtyard. Some of the Citadel and almost the entire Forbidden Purple City were destroyed during the Vietnam War, as Hué was unfortunately located on the border between North and South Vietnam. The Citadel has become a Cultural Heritage Site and has been mostly reconstructed as authentically as possible.

You'll round off the morning with a visit to the raucous Dong Ba market. This market has been in existence since the start of the 20th century and there is a mind-boggling variety of local products and delicacies on sale. Wander around wide-eyed and taste some local treats. Your cultural morning ends around noon and you'll have the afternoon to spend at your own leisure.

Hue Hotels

Imperial Hotel - 5 Star*****

Lang Co Beach Resort - 4 Star****

Huong Giang Hotel - 4 Star****

Saigon Morin Hotel - 4 Star****

Ngoc Huong Hotel - 3 Star***

Pilgrimage Village Hotel - 4 Star****

Abalone Resort - 4 Star****

Heritage Hotel - 3 Star***

Hoa Hong Hotel - 3 Star***

Century Riverside Hotel - 4 Star****

La Residence Hotel - 4 Star****

Dong Da Hotel - 3 Star***

Asia Hotel - 3 Star***

Budget hôtels : Généralement ceux-ci sont de petites maisons d'invités ou minihotels: la pièce fondamentale avec ou sans le lit, la salle de bains privée.

Hôtels standard : Le niveau prédominant d'ajustement. Le lit, le T.V par satellite, le restaurant suffisant pour le petit déjeuner si pas le déjeuner et le dîner, la ligne de IDD à la réception, digne de 2 à 3 étoiles hôtel international.

Hôtels de luxe : Digne de 3 stars à 5 étoiles hôtel international. Service de chambre 24/24H, souvent grandes pièces et les bonnes vues, le choix de cuisine orientale et de l'ouest, IDD revêt dans chaque pièce, chaque centre d'affaires, etc.

NOTE : Dans quelques secteurs, surtout dans les secteurs éloignés, il n'y a pas de choix de norme ou les hôtels de luxe, mais parfois il y a seulement le Budget, et il y a seulement la maison d'invité avec la condition fondamentale.

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1. HUE CITY TOUR & BOAT TRIP ON PERFUME RIVER

Take time to enjoy all the beauties in Hue ! City tour by car will help you to save the time to visit and discover the beauties of Citadel, Royal tombs and handicraft villages within one day. It is convenient to you !

Itinerary:

Your trip starts at 8.00 am from hotel, the driver and guide will take you to the boat landing on the river to make a trip on Perfume river for visiting Thien Mu pagoda. Along the river on dragon boat you will enjoy the tranquil feeling with two sides of green banks’ river and see the daily life of local people. Next you will be transferred back Hue city centre to visit the Imperial Citadel where Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945 with numerous of attractive places to see like Flag Tower , Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace , and Forbidden Purple City . Thai Hoa Palace , . Have break for having lunch at restaurant with special dishes of Hue .

This afternoon you will continue to visit the mausoleums of Nguyen’s Kings like Tu Duc tomb, next is handicraft villages such as hat-making, bronze-casting, insence-making and last Minh Mang tomb. Back to the hotel. Tour finishes at hotel.

Size of group & cost

Inclusion: English-speaking guide, Transportation, Boat, Lunch, Entrance fee, Mineral water.

Excluded: Insurance, drinks, other personal expense.

Notes: These tour costs are for private.

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2. DMZ & PHONG NHA CAVEs

Destination: Dong Ha town - Vinh Moc tunnel - Nhat Le beach - Phong Nha - Khe Sanh

Duration: 2 days / 1 night

Itinerary

Day 1: Hue - Dong Ha town & Nhat Le Beach ( L, D )

Guide and driver pick you up at hotel, and then depart for Dong Ha town by car. Arrival Dong Ha town you will visit Quang Tri Citadel, Bo De School, Dong Ha town in order to witness the changes after the war and Truong Son cemetery - a memorial to 10,000 Vietnamese Communist soldiers who sacrificed in Truong Son mountain during the war.

Pm: Visit Vinh Moc Tunnels - the bulky and unique system of underground passageways of Vinh Linh and Quang Tri people. Then transfer to Quang Binh province. Check into your hotel. Free to chill out on the beautiful, white sandy beach of Nhat Le . Overnight in hotel.

Day 2: Quang Binh - Phong Nha caves - Khe Sanh - Back Hue ( B, L )

Am. Have breakfast at your hotel then we transfer to Phong Nha cave by car, then leave for the wonderful view of Phong Nha cave along Son river by boat, through the forest and river, stopping to visit Cung Dinh, Tien, Bi Ky caves. The driver will transfer you back to Dong Ha town for having lunch at the restaurant.

Pm. You will go on visiting Dakrong bridge, Ho Chi Minh trail, Paco minority village and Khe Sanh Combat Base. Back to Hue . End tour.

All this included:

Fully guided sightseeing as noted in the itinerary including park and entrance fees.

Transportation, bottled water supplied during sightseeing.

Meals as specified: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

Accommodations on this tour : Standard ( 2 star ) Superior ( 3 star ) Deluxe ( 4 Star )

Excluded: Insurance, drinks, other personal expenses.

Notes: These tour costs are for private.

What to bring: Passport, change of clothes, sun-glasses & hat, towels, sun-block, good shoes for walking, camera, flash light, raincoat or umbrella.

Email: phamtours@yahoo.com