Quick Details
Discover the Cultural and Religious Center of Vietnam
The national capital until 1945, Hue still retains its imperial charm and many of its building are testament to this era.
Explore the city’s most significant sites with the help of your English speaking guide, such as the Citadel, Tiger Arena, the tomb of King Tu Duc, and experience traditional conical hat making! Shore Excursions tend to sell out quickly.
Please make sure to book as soon as possible.
Tour Highlights
- Pick-up & Drop Off from Chan May Port or Tien Sa Port
- Explore the Imperial Citadel, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit the Tomb of King Tu Duc & Tiger Arena
- Enjoy Panoramic Views on Bunker Hill
- Witness Incense and Conical Hat Making!
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- Season: Year round!
- Duration: All private shore excursions are approximately 8 hours or longer depending on your time constraints. At the end of the private tour, we always make sure that you return on-time to board the cruise ship.
- Meeting Point: Pick-up from Chan May Port or Tien Sa Port
- Port Permit Service:• Opt to purchase port permit service: For a fee of 25USD/person, our guide and transport can go inside the port, right to your cruise ship for pick-up and drop off. This requires passport details such as full name, passport number, DOB, expiry date and nationality. We recommend this service for safety and comfort during the hot or rainy days, as well as reliable transport service.
• Opt not to purchase port service fee: Please walk out of the port for 15 minutes – 20 minutes where our guide and driver will welcome you with a sign and a smile. This does not include a fee. - Max Group Size: We can accommodate a big group of up to 35 people. However, we recommend a max of 15/group to get the best experience.
- Included:All Entrance Fees • All Taxes • Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle • Unlimited Bottles of Water • English Speaking Guide • Vegetarian lunch at the Buddhist Nunnery Pagoda
- Not Included: Gratuities • Booking Fees
- What to Bring: Sunscreen • Hat • Insect Repellent • Light Jacket
- What to Wear: Please ensure you dress respectfully. Knees and shoulders should be covered at all times.
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Visit A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Your private, English speaking guide will be waiting for you at your port of choice with a smile and welcome sign! Once you´ve exchanged greetings, you´ll transfer to a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for your exploration of this culturally rich region. Former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty and Vietnam’s capital city up until 1945, Hue is a fascinating city with much to explore! Our first stop is, of course, the Citadel where the last king of Vietnam, Bao Dai, stepped down in August 30th, 1945. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is guarded by an ancient moat and thick stone walls. The vast Citadel encompasses the Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City and the Royal Theatre, so stretch those legs and get ready for a morning of exploration!
*Maika travellers coming from Tien Sa Port will have the opportunity to travel through Hai Van Pass. Nicknamed “sea clouds pass” this winding coast road offers stunning views of mountain and sea, and is an unforgettable drive!
Visit A Local!
Making our way well off the tourist track, we’ll visit some locals including the inspiring Ms. Thuy who specialises in making Vietnam’s world famous conical hats. Situated in a quiet area, visiting Ms. Thuy’s house is a true exploration of rural Vietnam and a fascinating insight into the skill of conical hat making, as well as the interesting life of this friendly and open woman.
Next up is the tomb of King Tu Duc, the most popular and impressive of all the royal mausoleums. It houses courtyards, pavilions, temples and chambers. Your tour guide will tell you all about its fascinating history and the king’s life of imperial luxury, from his 104 wives to the unfortunate ending for the 200 burial servants!
Cruise Down Perfume River!
Just before lunch we’ll visit Bunker Hill which overlooks the Perfume River and boasts amazing panoramic views. The area served as a great military vantage point by providing secret observation posts for the surrounding territory. Many bunkers still remain so you’ll have the chance to get up close and investigate them.
We’ll have lunch and recharge our batteries at a serene nunnery pagoda and then head off for our next destination: Tiger Arena, an ancient colosseum where tigers and elephants would fight to the death all in the name of royal entertainment.
The final leg of our tour today takes us to the iconic seven story Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue city. From here we’ll board a classic dragon boat and cruise down the Perfume River back towards the city, where your guide will take you back to your port in plenty of time!