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Rating Star

5 (635)

Location Icon Hue

Hue Imperial City Walking Tour with Private Car

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Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo Hue: Walking Tour in Imperial City and Private Car Transfer takes travelers back in time to explore the captivating Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tour offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Vietnamese emperors, their wives, concubines, and eunuchs, revealing the rich history and culture of Hue and Vietnam. The journey starts at the Nine Holy Cannons and guides visitors through the magnificent Ngo Mon Gate, the towering Hue Flag Tower (Ky Dai), and the opulent Thai Hoa Palace.

Visitors can expect to explore the Nine Dynastic Urns, pay respects at The Mieu Temple, and wander through the enigmatic Forbidden Purple City. The serene Thieu Phuong Garden, the grand Hue Imperial Citadel, the scholarly Thai Binh Lau Royal Library, and the artistic Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater each offer a unique perspective on royal life. Some tour options include a relaxing cruise on the Perfume River aboard a traditional Dragon Boat, offering a different vantage point of the city's beauty. Travelers can also take stunning photos at the Hai Van Pass, Marble Mountains, Lang Co Beach, and Lap An Lagoon.

This tour is led by a local expert, providing deep insights into the historical significance of each site. Please check each option that you choose, as there are different options with different inclusions. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Explore Imperial Citadel: Walk through the heart of the former Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Learn Royal History: Discover the lives of emperors, concubines, and eunuchs from a local expert.

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Private Car Transfer: Enjoy comfortable and convenient transportation in a private car.

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Perfume River Cruise (Optional): Relax on a traditional Dragon Boat and see Hue from a different perspective.

Sentiment Analysis

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Customers generally have a very positive experience, praising the knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and the historical richness of the Imperial City. The additional costs of entry fees and tips are the only recurring concerns. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers loved learning about the history and culture from knowledgeable guides.

    Positive Highlight Icon Many enjoyed the convenience of having a private car for transportation.

    Positive Highlight Icon Visitors appreciated the beauty and historical significance of the Imperial City.

    Positive Highlight Icon Customers highlighted the optional boat cruise on the Perfume River as a relaxing experience.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some visitors found the entry fees to be an additional unexpected cost.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few mentioned that tips for the guide and driver are not included.

The Journey

1

Nine Holy Cannons

Marvel at the Nine Holy Cannons, cast in 1803 by Emperor Gia Long, now guarding the entrance to Hue's Imperial City. These cannons, relocated during King Khai Dinh's reign, are not just impressive bronze artifacts but potent symbols of the Nguyen Dynasty's power and artistic prowess. Each cannon is meticulously crafted, reflecting the dynasty's military might and the exquisite craftsmanship of the era.

2

Ngo Mon Gate

Step through the Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to Hue's Imperial City, built in 1833 under King Minh Mang. This gate, designed in traditional Vietnamese style, was historically used by the Kings for army parades and significant ceremonies. Experience the grandeur of the past as you walk through this iconic gateway, imagining the royal processions and historical events that once unfolded here.

3

Hue Flag Tower (Ky Dai)

Witness the Kỳ Đài, or Hue Flag Tower, an architectural monument from the Nguyen Dynasty. Situated in the heart of Hue Citadel, this tower was once the official flagpole of the royal court. Standing tall within the Nam Chanh fortress, the Kỳ Đài offers panoramic views and serves as a powerful reminder of the city's imperial past. It is a significant landmark that represents the authority and heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty.

4

Thai Hoa Palace

Visit Thai Hoa Palace, the coronation site for all 13 Nguyen Dynasty kings, located within the Imperial City. Revered as the country's center during feudal times, this palace was reserved for grand meetings and important state affairs. Immerse yourself in the opulence and history of the Nguyen Dynasty as you explore this palace, where the legacy of Vietnam's emperors is palpable.

5

Nine Dynastic Urns

Admire the Nine Dynastic Urns, magnificent bronze vessels commissioned by Emperor Minh Mang and inaugurated in 1837. Located in front of The Mieu Temple within the Hue Imperial Citadel, these urns symbolize the power and longevity of the Nguyen Dynasty. Each urn is intricately decorated with symbols of the kingdom, making them not only artistic masterpieces but also historical records in bronze.

6

The Mieu Temple

Explore The Mieu Temple, also known as The To Mieu, built in 1821 by King Minh Mang to honor the ten emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. This temple offers a serene and reverent atmosphere, providing insights into the dynasty's spiritual and ancestral practices. Wander through the temple grounds, appreciating the architectural details and the sense of historical continuity.

7

Forbidden Purple City

Step into the Forbidden Purple City, the former living quarters of the Nguyen Emperors from 1804 to 1945. As the heart of Hue, the capital city, this area was once strictly reserved for the imperial family. Experience the remnants of royal life as you explore the courtyards, pavilions, and gardens where Vietnam's last emperors lived and ruled.

8

Thieu Phuong Garden

Wander through Thieu Phuong Garden, one of the four royal gardens in the Imperial Citadel. Established in 1828 during the reign of Minh Mang, this garden, located east inside the Hung Khanh Gate, once belonged to the Forbidden City. Discover the tranquil beauty of this meticulously landscaped garden, designed as a serene retreat for the royal family.

9

Hue Imperial Citadel

Explore the Hue Imperial Citadel, the former home of Vietnam's last royal dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1804 by King Gia Long, who sought to make Hue the country's capital, this citadel showcases the architectural grandeur and historical significance of the Nguyen Dynasty. Experience the vast complex of palaces, temples, and walls that once symbolized imperial power.

10

Thai Binh Lau Royal Library

Visit Thai Binh Lau, a two-story wooden library built by King Khai Dinh in 1921 within the Forbidden City. This serene retreat served as a place for the king to relax and read. Admire the intricate woodwork and tranquil atmosphere of this royal library, reflecting the Nguyen Dynasty's appreciation for knowledge and culture.

11

Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater

Experience Duyet Thi Duong, a theater within the Imperial City where kings, royal families, and mandarins enjoyed operas and special performances. Notable events, such as the minting of “Minh Mang Phi Long” coins, also occurred here. Imagine the spectacle and grandeur of royal entertainment as you stand in this historical theater.

12

Imperial City Gates

Pass through the gates of the Imperial City, once used daily by government officials to meet with the King. These gates served as the main access points to the inner sanctum of imperial power. Consider the weight of history as you walk through these portals, which once marked the boundary between the royal court and the outside world.

13

Hai Van Pass

Traverse the Hai Van Pass, recognized as one of the world's most beautiful coastal roads. This pass is steeped in history and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Experience the thrill of navigating the winding roads and capturing the stunning vistas that have captivated travelers for generations. This is a must-see for any visitor seeking adventure and scenic beauty.

14

Hai Van Pass

Traverse the Hai Van Pass, recognized as one of the world's most beautiful coastal roads. This pass is steeped in history and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Experience the thrill of navigating the winding roads and capturing the stunning vistas that have captivated travelers for generations. This is a must-see for any visitor seeking adventure and scenic beauty.

15

Hai Van Pass

Traverse the Hai Van Pass, recognized as one of the world's most beautiful coastal roads. This pass is steeped in history and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Experience the thrill of navigating the winding roads and capturing the stunning vistas that have captivated travelers for generations. This is a must-see for any visitor seeking adventure and scenic beauty.

16

Marble Mountains

Explore the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills near Da Nang, each named after an element: metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. Discover caves, temples, and panoramic views as you delve into this natural and spiritual site. According to legend, these mountains formed from the pieces of a dragon's eggshell, adding a mystical touch to the area's allure.

17

Lang Co Beach

Relax on Lang Co Beach, part of one of the world's most beautiful bays. This scenic spot offers a stunning combination of mountains, rivers, seas, and lagoons. Enjoy fresh seafood with a breathtaking view, making it a perfect stop for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Lang Co Beach is an ideal escape for relaxation and visual delight.

18

Lap An Lagoon

Visit Lap An Lagoon, nestled between Bach Ma Mountain and Lang Co Bay, known as one of Hue's most stunning natural landscapes. Admire the breathtaking scenery, breathe in the fresh air, and savor regional aquatic specialties. This serene lagoon offers a tranquil escape into nature, perfect for photography and relaxation.

Know Before You Go

This tour includes the experiences that are listed on the different tour options that a customer can choose, which may include a private car transfer and a local guide. It excludes entry fees to the Imperial City and Royal Tomb (approximately 200k VND and 150k VND respectively), as well as tips/gratuities for the guide and driver. Please ensure to check what is included in your booking options.

Hot Tip

Many reviewers recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Also, bring water to stay hydrated, especially during the hotter months. It’s a good idea to have small bills on hand for entry fees and tips.

From $10 Price

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