Step off your cruise at Chan May Port for a stress-free day in Hue. Tour the UNESCO Imperial Citadel, then ride a private cyclo to family kitchens for authentic Hue cuisine. Back by departure.
Itinerary
Pickup location:
CHAN MAY PORT JOINT STOCK COMPANY- Công ty Cổ phần Cảng Chân Mây
Car
(1.5 hours)
Hue Historic Citadel
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing (1.5 hours)
Pedicab / rickshaw
(20 minutes)
Hue, Vietnam
Food tasting (1 hour)
Car
(1.5 hours)
Arrive back at:
CHAN MAY PORT JOINT STOCK COMPANY- Công ty Cổ phần Cảng Chân Mây
Highlights
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial Citadel with a knowledgeable local guide
- Ride a private cyclo through Hue’s old streets, one cyclo per traveler
- Taste Banh Khoai, Nem Lui, Banh Beo, Banh Nam, and Banh Ram It at family homes
- Enjoy round-trip transfer from Chan May Port with timing built for cruisers
- Discover Hue’s royal heritage and street food culture in one relaxed day
Full description
Only in port for the day? This tour shows you both sides of Hue — the imperial grandeur and the everyday neighborhood flavors — without rushing.
Your local guide meets you at Chan May Port and travels with you to Hue city center. Your first stop is the Imperial Citadel, the UNESCO-listed complex where Vietnam’s last dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945. Walk through Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, and the newly restored Kien Trung Palace while your guide brings 143 years of royal history to life with stories of emperors, mandarins, and palace traditions.
When the palace tour ends, the pace shifts. A cyclo — Hue’s iconic three-wheeled passenger ride — waits at the exit gate, one cyclo per traveler. Roll slowly through narrow streets that buses can’t reach, watching daily life unfold around you. The cyclo takes you to three different family homes where generations have been cooking the same recipes.
At each stop, you’ll taste a Hue specialty in the home where it’s made. Try Banh Khoai (Crispy rice pancake, Nem Lui (Grilled pork with lemongrass skewer). Sample Banh Beo, delicate steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp. Try Banh Nam and Banh Ram It, traditional rice dumplings wrapped in banana leaf — savory dishes you won’t find in tourist restaurants.
When the food tour ends, your driver returns you to Chan May Port in time for your departure. No rushing, no stress, no missed ship.
Comfortable transportation between Chan May Port and Hue, private cyclo rides, three food tastings at family homes, and an English-speaking local guide are all included.
Your local guide meets you at Chan May Port and travels with you to Hue city center. Your first stop is the Imperial Citadel, the UNESCO-listed complex where Vietnam’s last dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945. Walk through Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, and the newly restored Kien Trung Palace while your guide brings 143 years of royal history to life with stories of emperors, mandarins, and palace traditions.
When the palace tour ends, the pace shifts. A cyclo — Hue’s iconic three-wheeled passenger ride — waits at the exit gate, one cyclo per traveler. Roll slowly through narrow streets that buses can’t reach, watching daily life unfold around you. The cyclo takes you to three different family homes where generations have been cooking the same recipes.
At each stop, you’ll taste a Hue specialty in the home where it’s made. Try Banh Khoai (Crispy rice pancake, Nem Lui (Grilled pork with lemongrass skewer). Sample Banh Beo, delicate steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp. Try Banh Nam and Banh Ram It, traditional rice dumplings wrapped in banana leaf — savory dishes you won’t find in tourist restaurants.
When the food tour ends, your driver returns you to Chan May Port in time for your departure. No rushing, no stress, no missed ship.
Comfortable transportation between Chan May Port and Hue, private cyclo rides, three food tastings at family homes, and an English-speaking local guide are all included.
Includes
English-speaking local guide
Round-trip transportation from Chan May Port to Hue
Private cyclo ride (one cyclo per traveler, kid under 10 year-old shares cyclo with adult)
Entrance ticket to Hue Imperial Citadel
Food tastings at family homes (Banh Khoai, Nem Lui, Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Ram It)
Bottled water during the tour
Gratuities (optional)
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Additional food and drinks outside the tour program
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- People with food allergies
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Hat
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water
Not allowed
- Smoking
Know before you go
- Cruise schedule: This tour is timed to match Chan May Port arrival/departure schedules. Please inform us exactly your ship’s docking time. The tour ends with return to the port at least 1 hour before scheduled departure.
- Weather: Hue has a tropical climate. Dry season (Feb-Aug) is hot and sunny — bring sun protection. Rainy season (Sep-Jan) brings short, heavy showers — bring a light rain jacket.
- Walking & cyclo: The Imperial Citadel involves 2 hours of walking on uneven ground. Cyclo rides are slow and safe but seats are single-passenger.
- Food: Vegetarian option available — please request when booking (48 hours notice required). Some Hue dishes contain shrimp; let your guide know about any food allergies.
- Dress code: you can wear as your comfort. Comfortable walking shoes essential.
- Photography: Permitted at Imperial Citadel and inside family homes. Drones and tripods are not allowed without permit.
- Cash: USD and VND accepted