Hue: Full-Day Guided Tour With Dragon Boat Ride From Hue

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, brims with cultural treasures waiting to be discovered. This full-day guided tour offers an immersive experience, taking visitors on a journey through the city’s rich history. From a serene dragon boat ride on the Perfume River to exploring the majestic Thien Mu Pagoda and the awe-inspiring Hue Imperial Citadel, this tour promises to unveil the captivating essence of Hue. But the true highlight might just be…

Good To Know

• This full-day guided tour of Hue includes a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River and visits to top attractions like Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel.

• The tour provides an immersive experience of Hue’s cultural heritage, with stops at the Khai Dinh and Minh Mang King’s Tombs, blending Vietnamese and European architectural styles.

• The tour duration is 8 hours, with hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and bottled water included, starting from $32.43 per person.

• The dragon boat ride along the Perfume River offers scenic views of the riverbanks and a peaceful respite from the city bustle.

• The tour covers key sites in Hue, with allocated time for each attraction, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich history and cultural significance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Highlights

The full-day guided tour of Hue includes a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River and visits to key historical and cultural sites.

Travelers will explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue Imperial Citadel, Khai Dinh King’s Tomb, and Minh Mang King’s Tomb. The tour also features a local restaurant lunch.

A guided tour of Hue’s historical and cultural gems, including the Thien Mu Pagoda and imperial tombs, topped with a local restaurant lunch.

Lasting 8 hours, the experience starts from $32.43 per person. Pickup from Hue city center hotels is provided, along with an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and bottled water.

Comfortable clothing and cash for additional expenses are recommended. Vegetarian meals can be arranged upon request.

Itinerary Details

The guided tour begins with pickup from your hotel in the Hue city center.

You’ll board a dragon boat for a 30-minute ride on the Perfume River, then visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda for 30 minutes.

Next, you’ll explore the expansive Hue Imperial Citadel for 2 hours.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll tour the elaborate Khai Dinh King’s Tomb and the serene Minh Mang King’s Tomb, each for 1 hour.

The final stop is the bustling Dong Ba Market for 20 minutes.

An optional visit to the Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village is available for an additional fee.

Pickup and Transportation

Your guided tour of Hue begins with a pickup from your hotel in the city center. From there, you’ll board a comfortable vehicle and start your journey to the iconic sites of Hue. The transportation for the day is as follows:

| Means of Transportation | Duration |

|————————|———-|

| Hotel pickup | 10 mins |

| Dragon boat ride | 30 mins |

| Transfer to Imperial Citadel | 20 mins |

| Transfer to King’s Tombs | 45 mins |

| Transfer to Dong Ba Market | 15 mins |

| Return to hotel | 20 mins |

Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will provide commentary and ensure a seamless experience as you explore the rich history and culture of Hue.

Dragon Boat Ride on Perfume River

After departing your hotel, you’ll embark on a 30-minute dragon boat ride along the tranquil Perfume River. Glide past the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most recognized landmarks.

The serene river setting provides a peaceful respite from the bustle of the city. As you float downstream, you’ll admire the picturesque riverbanks and catch a glimpse of local life.

This relaxing experience sets the tone for the rest of your comprehensive tour, which explores Hue’s rich cultural heritage through visits to the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and a local market.

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Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

From the serene dragon boat, visitors disembark and make their way to the historic Thien Mu Pagoda. This iconic temple stands tall along the banks of the Perfume River, a symbol of Hue’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Guests explore the seven-story octagonal tower, admiring its elegant architecture and intricate religious carvings. The peaceful grounds offer a moment of tranquility, with visitors wandering through the manicured gardens and interacting with resident monks.

This stop provides a glimpse into Vietnam’s spiritual traditions and the importance of Buddhism in the country’s cultural identity.

Hue Imperial Citadel Tour

Next, the guided tour explores the Hue Imperial Citadel, an architectural masterpiece that once served as the seat of Vietnam’s Nguyen dynasty.

Guests spend 2 hours strolling through the sprawling complex, marveling at the elaborate buildings, pavilions, and gates. The guide shares the citadel’s rich history, explaining how it was the political and cultural center of imperial Vietnam.

Visitors can envision the grandeur of a bygone era as they wander through the palaces, temples, and gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past and the power of the Nguyen monarchs.

Lunch at Local Restaurant

The tour then takes guests to enjoy a local lunch at a nearby restaurant, providing an opportunity to immerse in Hue’s culinary traditions.

Guests can expect a 40-minute lunch break, featuring Vietnamese dishes typical of the region. The meal is included in the tour price and features a variety of flavorful options.

Vegetarian meals are available upon request. Diners can savor the authentic flavors and take a break from sightseeing before continuing the exploration of Hue’s imperial heritage sites.

Khai Dinh and Minh Mang Tombs

After the lunch break, the tour proceeds to visit the imposing Khai Dinh King’s Tomb.

Constructed in the early 20th century, the tomb blends Vietnamese and European architectural styles, showcasing Khai Dinh’s desire to modernize the kingdom.

The tomb blends Vietnamese and European architectural styles, showcasing Khai Dinh’s desire to modernize the kingdom.

Visitors can marvel at the ornate decorations, including:

1. Intricate mosaics and ceramic embellishments on the walls and ceilings.

2. Elaborate statues and sculptures depicting mythical creatures and historical figures.

3. The king’s burial chamber, adorned with elaborate carvings and paintings.

4. Stunning views of the surrounding mountains from the tomb’s hilltop location.

Next, the group explores the grand Minh Mang King’s Tomb, known for its harmonious integration with the natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has no minimum group size. Travelers can book the tour as individuals or join a larger group. The tour is available for solo travelers, couples, families, and other small or large groups.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit the traveler’s preferences. The tour operator is flexible and open to incorporating changes or additional stops as requested by the customer.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Beyond that, there’s an extra fee of 100,000 VND per person on specific dates like 01/01, 30/04, and 01/05.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any special discounts for students or seniors. The base price of $32.43 per person applies to all participants, regardless of age or student status. There are no concessions or reduced rates available for this tour.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Meal Option for Lunch?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or halal meal option for lunch. The tour includes vegetarian meal options upon request, so you can accommodate your dietary preferences during the included lunch at a local restaurant.

The Sum Up

This full-day guided tour of Hue’s cultural heritage offers an immersive experience. Visitors can enjoy a serene dragon boat ride on the Perfume River, explore iconic sites like the Thien Mu Pagoda and Imperial Citadel, and visit the impressive royal tombs of Khai Dinh and Minh Mang. With an English-speaking guide, a local restaurant lunch, and a starting price of $32.43 per person, it’s an affordable way to discover Hue’s rich history and beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: