HUE, VIETNAM

Hué is a city that symbolizes the strength and imperial majesty of past Vietnamese dynasties. Founded as a royal city in 1687 (the original citadel city of Phu Xuan was built on the same site), Hue is your gateway to the treasures of Vietnam’s royal past. Legacies of the city’s dynastic past are everywhere and keep visitors busy with visits to elaborate tombs and pagodas, mausoleums and assembly halls.

FULL DAY EXPLORE ROYAL KINGDOM (8 HOURS)

Hue is a city steeped in rich history, particularly during the Nguyen Dynasty. This excursion commences with an interesting boat ride along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda an octagon shape with floors. Seven is a sacred number according to Vietnamese Buddhism,

Take a leisurely walk to a private museum housed in a beautiful ancestral temple filled with pieces collected by a Vietnamese-born German professor who teaches East-West comparative philosophy in Munich. After more than 50 years of living abroad, she followed her heart and returned to her hometown of Hue to set up the first museum dedicated to ancient artifacts fished out of the Perfume River.

Next, visit the Imperial Ciradel. Built berween 1804 and 1833, this heavily fortified structure remains the heart of modern-day Hue, despite its tumultuous history.

After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the tombs of emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. These tombs were not only designed as the final resting place of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors but also as a recreational spot for fishing, hunting, and the company of concubines.

Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb is considered the most magnificent, reflecting his life of excess with grand architecture, majestic walleways, and ornate pavilions.

On the other hand, Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb shows an eclectic mix of European and Vietnamese styles influenced by the ruling French colonialists.

NOTES

* OPERATES: 08.00-16.00. Advanced notice is required to visit the private museum.

* INCLUSIONS: Transportation, Mineral water on car, English -Speaking guide. Entrance fee, Boat trip, Lunch.

* EXCLUSIONS: Drinks at meal, Tips and Gratuities

* REMARKS: Advanced notice is required to visit the private museum.