Daytime touring with a local to discover highlights and Hidden Gems of this extraordinary former capital city – followed by a private dinner in unique surroundings

At a glance

• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
• The Tour Departs at 8.00am
• The Tour Returns at around 3.00pm
• Dinner from 6.30pm to around 9.00pm
• This Tour can operate on any day throughout the year
• This is a Private tour – not in a group

Detailed Itinerary

• Private Day Tour

  THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF HUE

  We begin with a discovery of Minh Mang tomb, which is 12km from Hue, on the west bank of the Perfume River. Begun in 1840, construction was not complete when Minh Mang died. His successor, Emperor Thieu Tri continued this task according to his father’s plans.

  It took ten thousand soldiers and artisans to finish the project. Fully completed in 1843, the tomb comprises of about 40 monuments of various sizes which was designed on an symmetric axis running from Dai Hon gate to the foot of La Thanh (Surrounding Wall) behind the tomb.

  Returning to the city, we’ll visit the private gallery and workshop of Mr Do Huu Triet to discover the ancient art of Phap Lam, an art-form that uses ceramic enamel to cover laminated copper.

  Enter the ancient Hue Citadel and the Forbidden City.

  The poetic and beautiful Hue of Vietnam was chosen to be the capital of the Southern Kingdom under Nguyen Lords’ Dynasty, and officially became the nation’s capital under Tay Son Dynasty, King Quang Trung. The citadel palace complex is located on the North bank of Huong River (Perfume River), inside Hue city.

  It is a huge complex covering an area of 520ha and comprising three circles of ramparts, Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). The rule of the last Vietnamese Emperor lasted until the mid-1900s. At the time, the Purple Forbidden City had many buildings and hundreds of rooms. It suffered from termite and cyclone damage, but was still very impressive. Many bullet holes left over from the war can also be observed on the stone walls.

  Conclude this spledid day with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, which overlooks the Perfume River and is the official symbol of the city of Hue. Thien Mu means “elderly celestial woman”, and refers to an old legend about the founding of the pagoda. From here, cruise back to Hue centre on the legendary Perfume River. The views on both sides of the river with the citadel, town, gardens, pagodas, towers and temples, provide good photo opportunities while enjoying this short 45 minutes cruise.

  A QUITE UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE

  This evening, take the opportunity to rub shoulders with royalty with a visit to the residence of Pham Ba Vinh and his wife, Ton Nu Cam Tu. Mr Vinh is of royal heritage and during your visit to the delightful Tha Om Garden House, he will undoubtedly regale you with a few stories of his ancestral roots.

  Tha Om Garden House offers an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy traditional Vietnamese hospitality in the surrounds of a fully-working and functioning replica of a 19th century Hue residence. The house itself is set in charming gardens, complete with lotus ponds and pavilions.

  Like many of Hue’s homes, the structure is built on high foundations with low, dipping roofs due to the historical problem of flooding in the area. As the sun sets, enjoy an exceptional Vietnamese dinner either within the house or, if the weather is fair, in the gardens.

  After, your private car will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel.

   

Sights you’ll see

Prices per person

NOTES:
The above costs shown are valid until end March 2018.
This tour (with dinner) is for a minimum of 2 people

Need to know

• This tour is private for you and generally available on any day
• Sturdy footwear, sunglasses and a hat are essential
• Travel by a/c car and private boat
• Combine this tour with other experiences – or contact us to create a tailored plan for you

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