Hue Tour: Walking in Imperial City With Optional Dragon Boat

Explore the captivating imperial heritage of Hue on a guided walking tour through the historic city. Marvel at the Noon Gate, Flag Tower, and Forbidden Purple City as you explore the region’s rich history. For an additional experience, opt for a scenic dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River, offering breathtaking views of the Thien Mu Pagoda. With prices starting at $19.48 per person, this intimate tour promises an unforgettable adventure for up to 8 participants. Uncover the enchanting essence of Hue and discover why it’s a must-visit destination in Vietnam.

Key Points

• Guided walking tour of Hue’s Imperial City, lasting 2.5 to 4 hours, priced from $19.48 per person with a limit of 8 participants.
• Tour highlights include the Nine Holy Cannons, Noon Gate, Flag Tower, and Forbidden Purple City.
• Optional 30-minute dragon boat cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda offered, providing scenic views along the Perfume River.
• Tour includes visits to key historical sites like the Supreme Harmony Palace and Nine Dynastic Urns.
• Informative English-speaking guides enhance the cultural experience, and photography opportunities are abundant throughout the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Hue Tour: Walking in Imperial City is a 2.5 to 4-hour guided walking tour that takes visitors through the historical sites of Hue’s Imperial City.

A guided walking tour through the historical sites of Hue’s Imperial City, lasting 2.5 to 4 hours.

Priced from $19.48 per person, the tour has a limited group size of 8 participants.

Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

Highlights of the tour include the Nine Holy Cannons, Noon Gate, Flag Tower, Supreme Harmony Palace, Nine Dynastic Urns, The Mieu Temple, and the Forbidden Purple City.

An optional 30-minute dragon boat cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda is also offered.

Itinerary Details

The tour starts at the Nine Holy Cannons (Cửu Vị Thần Công) located within the Imperial City in Hue.

From there, the 2.5-hour walking tour takes visitors to key highlights like the Noon Gate (Ngọ Môn Huế), Flag Tower (Kỳ Đài Huế), Supreme Harmony Palace (Điện Thái Hòa), and the Nine Dynastic Urns (Cửu Đỉnh Huế).

Guests will also see The Mieu Temple (Thế Miếu Huế) and the Forbidden Purple City (Tử Cấm Thành Huế).

The optional 30-minute dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River provides scenic views en route to Thien Mu Pagoda, a famous landmark.

Optional Activities and Highlights

Guests have two options for their Hue tour experience. They can choose the basic walking tour of the Imperial City, which explores the key historical sites.

Guests can opt for a basic walking tour of Hue’s Imperial City, exploring its key historical sites.

Alternatively, they can upgrade to the walking tour plus a dragon boat cruise along the scenic Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. The boat ride offers picturesque views of the river and surrounding landscapes.

Both options provide ample photography opportunities at the various landmarks, including the Nine Holy Cannons, the Noon Gate, and the Forbidden Purple City.

The tours are led by informative English-speaking guides to enhance the cultural experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes an informative English-speaking guide and pick-up at the Four Cannons of the Cửa Ngăn.

For the Dragon Boat option, the tour provides the walking tour, boat ride, and taxi back to the city center.

However, the entrance fee to the Imperial City is an additional 200,000 VND per person.

Travelers should also budget for tips or gratuities for the tour guide and driver.

Key inclusions and exclusions:

• Included: Informative English-speaking guide, pick-up, boat ride (if option selected)

• Excluded: Imperial City entrance fee, tips/gratuities

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Important Information

Meeting at the Four Bronze Cannons Area near Ngan Gate (Cửa Ngăn) is where the tour guide will meet participants.

This is the designated meeting point for the Hue Tour: Walking in Imperial City with Optional Dragon Boat.

Visitors have two ticket options – they can purchase combo tickets for the Imperial City and tombs or buy entry tickets on-site with the guide.

The combo tickets offer access to 2 or 3 tombs at discounted rates.

Regardless of the ticket choice, the tour covers the highlights of the Imperial City, including the Nine Holy Cannons, Noon Gate, and Forbidden Purple City, with an optional dragon boat ride along the Perfume River.

Getting to the Starting Location

To get to the starting location, visitors can make their way to the Four Bronze Cannons Area near the Ngan Gate (Cửa Ngăn) in the Imperial City. The tour guide will meet the group at this designated spot.

Visitors can find the starting location at the Four Bronze Cannons Area near the Ngan Gate in the Imperial City, where the tour guide will meet the group.

Some helpful tips for getting there:

• The Four Bronze Cannons Area is a well-known landmark within the Imperial City, making it an easy-to-find meeting point.

• The Imperial City is located in central Hue, accessible by taxi, ride-share, or a short walk from the city center.

• Visitors should allow themselves ample time to arrive at the starting location before the scheduled tour departure.

Exploring the Imperial City

After being welcomed by the tour guide at the Four Bronze Cannons Area, visitors embark on an immersive walking tour through the iconic Imperial City of Hue.

The 2.5-hour journey showcases the city’s rich history and architectural wonders. Highlights include the imposing Noon Gate, the graceful Flag Tower, and the serene Supreme Harmony Palace.

The tour also visits the Nine Dynastic Urns, a testament to Hue’s royal lineage, and the Forbidden Purple City, once accessible only to the emperor.

Throughout the tour, guests have ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs and soak in the city’s timeless charm.

Enjoying the Dragon Boat Cruise

For those who opt for the extended tour, the dragon boat cruise along the scenic Perfume River provides a delightful respite from the walking excursion.

The tranquil waters offer a serene backdrop as passengers glide past ancient temples and lush riverbanks.

Key highlights of the boat ride include:

• Panoramic views of the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda

• Opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the imperial landscape

• A chance to absorb the sights and sounds of Hue’s picturesque waterways

The dragon boat cruise seamlessly complements the comprehensive walking tour, providing a well-rounded experience of Hue’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children and Families?

The tour appears suitable for children and families, with a walking pace and historical sites that could interest all ages. The optional dragon boat cruise also provides a scenic river activity. Families should consider the duration and entrance fees when planning their visit.

What Should I Bring on the Tour?

Visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a camera, and water. It’s also a good idea to have local currency for any optional entrance fees or purchases during the tour.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

Yes, there are public restroom facilities available at various points throughout the walking tour. Guests can use the restrooms during scheduled stops at historical sites within the Imperial City.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour offers some flexibility to customize the itinerary. Travelers can choose between the core walking tour or add an optional dragon boat cruise. However, the general sequence and duration of the tour remain fixed.

Are Audio Guides Available for the Imperial City?

According to the tour overview, audio guides are not explicitly mentioned as an available option. The tour provides an English-speaking guide who’ll lead the walking tour of the Imperial City in Hue.

The Sum Up

The Hue Tour provides an immersive experience exploring the historic Imperial City. Whether you choose the walking tour or the optional dragon boat cruise, you’ll be captivated by the city’s rich heritage and stunning scenery. With knowledgeable guides and a range of highlights to discover, this tour offers an opportunity to fully take in the enchanting Hue.

You can check availability for your dates here: