Exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, has never been easier. The Full-Day Hue Imperial City Sightseeing Tour provides an immersive experience, taking visitors through the iconic landmarks that shaped the nation’s past. From serene pagodas to magnificent tombs, this tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the grandeur of Vietnam’s imperial legacy. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an enriching adventure, this tour promises to leave you captivated and eager to uncover more.
- Good To Know
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Morning Activities
- Perfume River Boat Ride and Thien Mu Pagoda
- Hue Imperial Citadel and Dong Ba Market
- Afternoon Activities
- Khai Dinh King’s Tomb and Minh Mang King’s Tomb
- Inclusions and Important Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Tour Guide Knowledgeable About the Historical Sites?
- Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?
- Are There Any Additional Costs During the Tour?
- What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
- Can I Take a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
- The Sum Up
- More Lunch Experiences in Hue Vietnam
- More City Tours in Hue Vietnam
- More Tour Reviews in Hue Vietnam
- Still browsing? Here are more Hue Vietnam experiences we've covered recently
Good To Know

- Comprehensive full-day tour of Hue’s imperial attractions, including the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel, and Nguyen Dynasty tombs.
- Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking guide, lunch, and all entrance fees, priced at $32.07 per person.
- Highlights cultural and architectural heritage through activities like a dragon boat ride, market visit, and exploration of traditional crafts.
- Allows visitors to learn about the history and legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam.
- Offers a flexible cancellation policy and recommendations for appropriate attire and personal items to enhance the tour experience.
Tour Overview

This full-day Hue Imperial City Sightseeing Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the historic highlights in Hue, Vietnam. Priced from $32.07 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and all entrance fees.
Guests will cruise the Perfume River, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, explore the Imperial Citadel, and discover the ornate tombs of former Nguyen Dynasty kings.
With a focus on the city’s cultural and architectural heritage, this tour offers an immersive experience for visitors to uncover the beauty and significance of Hue’s imperial past.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Hue Vietnam
Itinerary Highlights

What can visitors expect during the full-day Hue Imperial City Sightseeing Tour? The day begins with a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, followed by a visit to the iconic Hue Imperial Citadel. After exploring the Citadel, travelers stop at Dong Ba Market before enjoying a local lunch. The afternoon includes visits to the impressive tombs of Khai Dinh and Minh Mang Kings, as well as a stop at nearby handicraft villages. Guests can expect a comprehensive look at Hue’s rich history and culture in this 8-hour guided tour.
| Highlights | Duration |
| — | — |
| Dragon boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda | 30 minutes |
| Visit Thien Mu Pagoda | 30 minutes |
| Tour Hue Imperial Citadel | 2 hours |
| Visit Dong Ba Market | 20 minutes |
| Lunch at local restaurant | 40 minutes |
Morning Activities

The tour begins with a scenic dragon boat ride along the Perfume River to reach the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. This 17th-century pagoda is one of Hue’s most recognizable landmarks.
After exploring the pagoda, visitors head to the Hue Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. The expansive citadel encompasses royal palaces, temples, and tombs.
Following the citadel tour, the group visits Dong Ba Market, a bustling local market selling handicrafts, produce, and traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Finally, they enjoy a lunch of authentic Hue specialties at a renowned local restaurant.
Perfume River Boat Ride and Thien Mu Pagoda

The tour begins with a scenic dragon boat ride along the Perfume River, transporting visitors to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda.
This 18th-century pagoda is a must-see attraction in Hue, known for its impressive seven-story tower and serene riverside setting.
Visitors will:
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Admire the distinctive Vietnamese architecture and Buddhist symbols that adorn the pagoda.
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Explore the temple grounds and gardens, which offer panoramic views of the Perfume River.
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Learn about the pagoda’s historical significance and its role in Hue’s cultural heritage.
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Appreciate the tranquility and spirituality of this important religious site.
Hue Imperial Citadel and Dong Ba Market

After the serene dragon boat ride along the Perfume River, the tour moves on to explore the grandiose Hue Imperial Citadel.
The citadel was home to the Nguyen Dynasty, the last royal family of Vietnam. Visitors can wander through the towering gates, echoing courtyards, and ornate temples that once housed emperors and their families.
The Nguyen Dynasty’s imperial citadel invites visitors to explore its towering gates, echoing courtyards, and ornate temples.
The tour also includes a stop at the lively Dong Ba Market, where locals buy and sell an array of fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional Vietnamese goods.
This immersion in Hue’s imperial history and vibrant local culture provides a well-rounded understanding of the city’s unique heritage.
Want to see more of Hue Vietnam? Here are other city tours we've reviewed
- Hue: City Day-Trip by Private Car & English-Speaking Driver
- Hue Imperial City and Forbidden City Walking Tour
- Hue Imperial City Walking Tour 3 Hours
- Hue: Imperial City, Royal Tombs & Pagoda Trip By Private Car
- Hue: City Day Trip by Private Car & English Speaking Driver
- Chan May Port : to Golden Bridge/Imperial City/Hoi An Town
Afternoon Activities

Following the tour of the Hue Imperial Citadel and Dong Ba Market, the afternoon activities begin with a visit to the Khai Dinh King’s Tomb. This unique tomb features a blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles.
Next, the tour explores the Minh Mang King’s Tomb, known for its majestic scale and meticulously crafted structures.
Afterward, the group visits two local villages renowned for their traditional crafts: conical hat making and incense stick production.
Finally, the tour concludes with a return to the hotel, arriving between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.
Khai Dinh King’s Tomb and Minh Mang King’s Tomb

After visiting the Hue Imperial Citadel, the tour proceeds to the Khai Dinh King’s Tomb.
This unique structure blends Vietnamese and European architectural styles, with its elaborate tile work and grandiose design. Visitors can explore the tomb’s impressive main shrine and learn about the life and reign of the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The Khai Dinh King’s Tomb showcases a remarkable fusion of Vietnamese and European influences, inviting visitors to explore its opulent design and uncover the history of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Next, the tour visits the Minh Mang King’s Tomb.
This majestic site features beautiful gardens, ornate pavilions, and the king’s final resting place. Guests can wander through the serene grounds and gain insight into the history and customs of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Inclusions and Important Information
The tour includes pickup and drop-off within central Hue, an English-speaking guide, lunch featuring local cuisine, a foot bath, water, and tissues.
Travelers should keep a few important considerations in mind:
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Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended.
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Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts aren’t allowed.
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An additional 100,000 VND per person is charged on 01/01, 30/04, and 01/05.
These inclusions and guidelines ensure a seamless and enjoyable Hue Imperial City tour experience.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Guide Knowledgeable About the Historical Sites?
The tour guide is knowledgeable about the historical sites. They provide in-depth explanations of the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and royal tombs, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of Hue’s rich cultural heritage.
Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?
The tour can be customized to the traveler’s preferences. The tour provider is flexible and accommodating, allowing guests to adjust the itinerary or add/remove activities based on their interests and needs.
Are There Any Additional Costs During the Tour?
Yes, there are some additional fees. The tour has an extra charge of 100,000 VND per person on January 1, April 30, and May 1. Otherwise, the inclusions cover the main costs of the tour.
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The group size for this tour is not specified. However, it’s a private tour, so the group size is likely flexible and can accommodate different party sizes. The tour includes pickup and drop-off services.
Can I Take a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, you can take a private tour instead of a group tour. The tour provider offers a private option for travellers who prefer a more personalized experience. The private tour includes the same itinerary highlights as the group tour.
The Sum Up
The Full-Day Hue Imperial City Sightseeing Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Vietnam’s historical and cultural heritage. Priced at just $32.07 per person, it’s a great value for the experience. Visitors will enjoy a scenic boat ride, visit iconic landmarks, and learn about the region’s rich history from a knowledgeable guide. With hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and entrance fees included, this tour provides a hassle-free way to discover the wonders of Hue.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Lunch Experiences in Hue Vietnam
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More City Tours in Hue Vietnam
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More Tour Reviews in Hue Vietnam
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