Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich history. The "Hue Imperial City Full-Day Guided Tour" promises an immersive experience for just $50 per person. From a scenic dragon boat ride to an in-depth exploration of the iconic Hue Imperial Citadel, this tour provides an opportunity to uncover the city’s cultural treasures. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an enriching adventure, this tour might just be the gateway to a remarkable journey.
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Morning Excursion
- Lunch at Madam Thu Restaurant
- Afternoon Exploration
- Included Features
- Important Information
- Customer Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Restrooms Available During the Boat Ride?
- Can I Charge My Camera Battery on the Tour?
- What Is the Expected Group Size for This Tour?
- Can I Bring Snacks and Water on the Tour?
- What if I’m Vegetarian or Have Dietary Restrictions?
- The Sum Up
- More 2-Day Experiences in Hue Vietnam
- More Historical Tours in Hue Vietnam
- More Tour Reviews in Hue Vietnam
- Still browsing? Here are more Hue Vietnam experiences we've covered recently
Key Points

- This full-day guided tour of Hue’s Imperial City offers an enriching exploration of the city’s rich heritage and cultural landmarks.
- The tour includes a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River, visits to the Hue Imperial Citadel, Dong Ba Market, and several royal tombs.
- Participants will enjoy a 40-minute lunch at the acclaimed Madam Thu Restaurant, featuring authentic local cuisine.
- The tour is available in English and Vietnamese, with hotel pickup and a maximum of 12 participants for a personalized experience.
- Comfortable shoes, modest attire, and cameras are recommended to ensure a comfortable and memorable sightseeing experience.
Tour Overview

This Hue Imperial City tour is a full-day guided experience that takes visitors on an immersive journey through the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Priced at $50 per person, it lasts 8 hours and accommodates a maximum of 12 people. Available in English and Vietnamese, the tour includes hotel pickup, a dragon boat ride, and visits to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue Imperial Citadel, Khai Dinh King’s Tomb, and Minh Mang King’s Tomb.
A comprehensive 8-hour tour exploring Hue’s imperial heritage, including hotel pickup, dragon boat ride, and visits to iconic landmarks.
Lunch, entrance fees, and other amenities are covered. Comfortable clothing and modest attire are required.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5, this tour offers an enriching exploration of Hue’s imperial heritage.
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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a morning pickup from the hotel between 8:00 and 8:20 AM.
Guests will take a 30-minute dragon boat ride along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda.
After visiting the pagoda, they’ll transfer to the Hue Imperial Citadel and explore it for 2 hours.
Next, they’ll visit Dong Ba Market for 20 minutes before enjoying a 40-minute lunch at Madam Thu Restaurant.
In the afternoon, the group will visit Khai Dinh King’s Tomb for 1 hour, Minh Mang King’s Tomb for 1 hour, and Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village for 20 minutes before returning to the hotel between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.
Morning Excursion

The tour begins with a pickup from guests’ hotels between 8:00 and 8:20 AM.
Guests then board a dragon boat for a 30-minute ride along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic Buddhist landmark.
After exploring the pagoda, the group transfers to the Hue Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Guests have 2 hours to wander the citadel’s sprawling grounds and monuments.
Next, they visit the lively Dong Ba Market before sitting down for a 40-minute lunch at the acclaimed Madam Thu Restaurant, savoring local cuisine.
Lunch at Madam Thu Restaurant

After exploring the lively Dong Ba Market, the group gathers for a 40-minute lunch at the acclaimed Madam Thu Restaurant, where they savor the flavors of local Vietnamese cuisine.
The menu features a selection of regional specialties, including fragrant noodle dishes, steamed rice rolls, and fresh spring rolls.
The group enjoys the authentic, home-cooked flavors and attentive service.
Lunch is a highlight of the day, providing a chance to rest and recharge before continuing the tour.
The flavorful and satisfying meal leaves the group feeling energized and eager to explore the next stops on the itinerary.
More Great Tours NearbyAfternoon Exploration

Following the satisfying lunch, the group resumes the tour and heads to the regal Khai Dinh King’s Tomb. They spend an hour exploring the intricate architecture and ornate designs. Next, they visit the picturesque Minh Mang King’s Tomb, wandering through the serene gardens and admiring the impressive structures.
| Activity | Duration |
| — | — |
| Khai Dinh King’s Tomb | 1 hour |
| Minh Mang King’s Tomb | 1 hour |
| Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village | 20 minutes |
| Return to Hotel | 4:00 – 5:00 PM |
The tour concludes with a stop at the Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village, where the group has the opportunity to witness the traditional craft. Finally, they return to their hotels, their minds filled with the rich history and cultural insights of Hue’s Imperial City.
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Included Features

This tour includes a range of features to ensure a comfortable and comprehensive sightseeing experience.
Pickup and drop-off in the city center allow for hassle-free transportation. An English-speaking guide provides informative commentary throughout the day.
Lunch at a local restaurant offers a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Entrance fees to all attractions are included, along with a refreshing foot bath and complimentary water and tissues.
The tour also includes beverages with lunch, ensuring guests stay hydrated. With these thoughtful inclusions, travelers can focus on exploring the historical wonders of Hue’s Imperial City.
Important Information

Travelers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the imperial splendor of Hue.
Visitors should avoid wearing shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts, as modest attire is required when entering temples and sacred sites. It’s important to cover armpits, knees, and midriffs to respect local customs.
The tour operates year-round, so travelers should dress appropriately for the weather.
The experience aims to immerse participants in the rich history and culture of the former imperial capital, so being prepared with the right attire is essential for a memorable visit.
Customer Reviews

The Hue Imperial City Tour enjoys overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 74 customer evaluations. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, who expertly navigate the historic sites. The lunch at Madam Thu Restaurant is particularly memorable, often highlighted as one of the best meals in Vietnam. Some guests suggest improved communication regarding pickup times, but this does not detract from the overall exceptional experience. The tour provides excellent value for money, with convenient transportation and all-inclusive features.
| Metric | Rating |
| — | — |
| Overall | 4.7/5 |
| Guide | 5/5 |
| Transportation | 4.8/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.7/5 |
Frequently Asked Questions

Are Restrooms Available During the Boat Ride?
Yes, there are restrooms available during the boat ride along the Perfume River. The tour itinerary includes a 30-minute dragon boat ride, and the boats are equipped with restroom facilities for the convenience of the travelers.
Can I Charge My Camera Battery on the Tour?
Unfortunately, there isn’t an opportunity to charge camera batteries during the tour. Guests should ensure their devices are fully charged before the tour begins, as there are no power outlets available on the boat or at the sites visited.
What Is the Expected Group Size for This Tour?
The expected group size for the Hue Imperial City Full-Day Guided Tour is max 12 people. According to the tour overview, the group size is limited to a maximum of 12 participants.
Can I Bring Snacks and Water on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own snacks and water on the tour. However, beverages are provided during the included lunch. It’s recommended to bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes for the walking portions of the itinerary.
What if I’m Vegetarian or Have Dietary Restrictions?
The tour operator can accommodate vegetarian and other dietary needs if notified in advance. They’ll provide a suitable lunch option that fits your dietary restrictions. Just let them know when booking the tour.
The Sum Up
The Hue Imperial City Full-Day Guided Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of Hue. From the scenic dragon boat ride to the guided exploration of the historic Hue Imperial Citadel, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience for just $50 per person. With its well-curated itinerary and included features, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking to discover the essence of Hue’s remarkable history and culture.
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