Discovering the rich cultural heritage of Hue, Vietnam has never been more accessible. This half-day tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s history, from the iconic Imperial Citadel to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda. With a private car and dragon boat, travelers can explore at their own pace, taking in the architectural wonders and natural beauty that have captivated visitors for centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- Half-day private car and dragon boat tour option available in Hue, starting from Kč 656 per person.
- Tour includes visiting the Hue Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the tombs of Nguyen kings.
- Flexible pickup arrangements from city center hotels or Hue Train Station, with wheelchair accessibility.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now, pay later booking option.
- Immersive experience to explore Vietnam’s rich history and cultural heritage in Hue.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Hue City Tour offers a half-day private car and dragon boat option, priced from Kč 656 per person.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve now and pay later to book their spot without upfront payment.
The tour is valid for 1 day, allowing for flexible travel plans. Pickup is provided from city center hotels or Hue Train Station, with the option to specify a convenient address.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and perfect for private groups.
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Pickup and Accessibility
Pickup for the Hue City Tour can be arranged from city center hotels or Hue Train Station. Guests can specify their preferred pickup address for convenience.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.
This is a private group tour, allowing for a personalized experience tailored to the group’s preferences.
With flexible travel plans, guests can enjoy the tour at their own pace and convenience within the given time frame.
Itinerary Highlights
Hue Imperial Citadel (1804 – 1833) stands as the centerpiece of the tour, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s royal past.
The walking tour includes:
The walking tour includes the Flag Tower, 9 Holy Cannons, South Gate, and the Supreme Harmony Palaces with 9 Dynastic Urns.
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Flag Tower, an iconic symbol of the former capital.
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9 Holy Cannons, a display of the kingdom’s military might.
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South Gate, the main entrance to the Forbidden City.
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Supreme Harmony Palaces and 9 Dynastic Urns, showcasing the grandeur of the Nguyen dynasty.
Next, the tour visits Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most famous temple, followed by the tombs of the Nguyen kings, each with its unique architectural style.
Hue Imperial Citadel (1804 – 1833)
The Hue Imperial Citadel stands as the centerpiece of the tour, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the royal past of the former capital.
Once the political, economic, and cultural heart of the Nguyen Dynasty, the citadel features the iconic Royal Palace and Forbidden City.
Highlights include the Flag Tower, 9 Holy Cannons, South Gate, Supreme Harmony Palaces, and 9 Dynastic Urns.
Guests can explore the well-preserved grounds and imagine the grandeur of the imperial era.
The walking tour provides an immersive experience, allowing travelers to step back in time and gain deeper insights into Vietnam’s rich history.
More Great Tours NearbyThien Mu Pagoda (1601)
Established in 1601, Thien Mu Pagoda stands as the oldest and most renowned pagoda in Hue. Built by the Nguyen lords, it’s named after a local legend about a young girl who foretold the arrival of a future ruler.
The pagoda features:
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A 21-meter-high octagonal tower, representing the 7 reincarnations of Buddha.
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Halls and temples housing various Buddhist statues and artifacts.
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Grounds with a stone stele inscribed with the pagoda’s history.
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Scenic views of the Perfume River, which the pagoda overlooks.
Thien Mu Pagoda remains an important spiritual and cultural landmark in Hue.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Hue Vietnam
- Hue: Private Dragon Boat, Thien Mu Pagoda, & Royal Tomb Tour
- Hue : Imperial Citadel – Thien Mu Pagoda – Dragon Boat Trip
- Hue : Royal Tombs- Thien Mu Pagoda- Dragon Boat Private Tour
- Hue: Royal Tombs, Pagoda, Perfume River by Dragon Boat & Car
- Hue: Royal Tombs & Pagoda Tour By Dragon Boat & Private Car
- From Hue : Full-Day City Tour With Boat Trip and Lunch
Tombs of Nguyen Kings
Three impressive tombs of the Nguyen kings can be found in Hue, each a testament to the dynasty’s architectural prowess and cultural legacy.
The Minh Mang Tomb, set in a 1-hectare area, features living quarters for the king and his concubines.
The sprawling 12-hectare Tu Duc Tomb includes a temple and burial grounds.
The Khai Dinh Tomb blends Oriental and European styles, with a unique aesthetic.
These tombs offer a glimpse into the grandeur and history of the Nguyen dynasty, providing visitors a chance to enjoy Hue’s rich cultural heritage.
Minh Mang Tomb (1840 – 1843)
Spanning 1 hectare, the Minh Mang Tomb is one of the impressive Nguyen royal mausoleums found in Hue.
Constructed over a 3-year period between 1840-1843, this tomb honors the second Nguyen emperor.
Key features include:
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Living quarters for the king and his concubines, reflecting the opulent lifestyle of the Nguyen dynasty.
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Intricate architectural details, blending traditional Vietnamese and Chinese styles.
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A serene garden setting, with pavilions, ponds, and bridges.
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Impressive stone statues and carvings adorning the tomb’s entrance and grounds.
Visitors can wander through the tomb’s grounds, seeing the rich history and grandeur of the Nguyen era.
Boat Cruise Experience
The Hue City Tour offers a serene 20-minute boat cruise along the Perfume River (Huong River), providing visitors with scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Gliding on the tranquil waters, the dragon boat takes passengers past the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and offers a unique perspective of Hue’s natural beauty.
The cruise is an integral part of the tour, allowing travelers to enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage and appreciate the serene ambiance of the river.
This relaxing boat experience complements the in-depth exploration of Hue’s historical landmarks during the tour.
Since You Asked
Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Our Preferences?
The tour can be customized to suit guests’ preferences. Travelers can request changes to the itinerary, mode of transportation, and tour duration within the provider’s offerings. Flexibility allows the experience to be tailored to individual needs.
Is There an Option for a Private Boat Cruise Instead of a Group One?
Yes, the tour offers a private dragon boat cruise option instead of a group one. The private boat allows for a more personalized experience along the Perfume River during the half-day tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour doesn’t explicitly mention student or senior discounts. However, some tour operators may offer discounted rates for these groups, so it’s best to inquire directly about any special pricing options when booking the tour.
Can We Make Stops for Local Cuisine or Shopping Along the Way?
The tour can accommodate stops for local cuisine or shopping during the half-day excursion. However, any additional activities would be at the traveler’s own expense and should be discussed with the tour guide beforehand to ensure they fit within the itinerary.
How Do We Obtain the Entry Tickets for the Imperial City and Royal Tombs?
Visitors can purchase combo tickets for the Imperial City and Royal Tombs at the entrances. These combo tickets are valid for two days and provide access to the key sites mentioned in the tour itinerary.
The Sum Up
This captivating half-day tour provides an immersive exploration of Hue’s rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Imperial Citadel to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda and the magnificent tombs of the Nguyen kings, the experience offers a seamless blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. The private car and dragon boat transportation ensure a personalized and convenient journey, making it an ideal way to discover the historical significance of this Vietnamese city.
You can check availability for your dates here:More 1-Day Tours in Hue Vietnam
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