Essence of Hue 3 Days

When you arrive at the Hue airport you'll be met at the baggage claim by our friendly guide. Just look for the sign with our Asia Tour Advisor logo and your name. We'll get you to your hotel in Hue and see that you're comfortable, plus we'll give you an introduction to the city at the same time. Then the rest of the day is yours to settle in, relax, and explore the area.

 Hue served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. Despite heavy bombing during the Vietnam-American war, many historic monuments from this period remain, and even though Imperial rule ended more than six decades ago, Hue still bears the marks of its royal past. The city retains its royal charm with its emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel.

You'll begin your day in Hue with a visit to the ruins of the Imperial Citadel, the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Then take a bicycle trip through the Old City to Tinh Tam Lake, the ancient gardens of the emperors. In the afternoon you can head to the Mu Pagoda, overlooking the emerald Perfume River. Your last stop will be to explore Khai Dinh's Tomb, a traditional Vietnamese temple with a European touch, making it a particularly unique tomb among the ancestral ruins of ancient Hue. In the evening you can explore the city and its marketplaces on your own.

The guide and driver pick up you at your hotel and transfer to visit countryside surrounding Hue. Leaving the former Royal Capital to Thanh Toan village, a quintessential Vietnamese village with a picturesque covered Japanese-style bridge built during the reign of Emperor Le Hien Tong in the mid-18th century. Your guide will explain the history behind the bridge plus there will be time to visit the village’s small museum and interact with the local population. Continuing to Damchuong Lagoon, is an ancient village with more than 600 years of history. Of note is the village temple, which was recognised as a national relic in 1994 and typical of the architectural style during the Nguyen Dynasty period, and the nearby local market. But the highlight for many is the wonderfully situated Chuon lagoon. A world away from the regular tourist circuit and part of the breathtaking Tam Giang lagoon system, Chuon lagoon is an important source of fishing and income for the local residence. Boarding a small motorised sampan, you will cruise around this peaceful pool of water, joint catching fish with fishermand, stopping at stilt houses here and there to meet with local families and learn about their daily lives. Have lunch at Tam Giang Lgoon, enjoy a simple yet delicious brunch of Khoai Cake (Hue style Vietnamese Pancakes) will be served before returning to the shore. At the end of day and then transfer to airport for your departure flight.