Located in the Centre of Vietnam, the poetic city of Hue used to be the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. It is also the only city in Vietnam that has been able to preserve its citadel and hundreds of temples and pagodas in their original condition. Since 1993, UNESCO has recognized the city of Hue as a world cultural heritage site. Arrival by train offers you a great chance to visit both the rural suburban parts of the city as well as the highlights of the ancient capital.
Arrive at Hue railway station in the morning where our tour guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Then, enjoy a discovery of the mystical Hue city.
Transfer to the Huong River (or Perfume River) to embark a Royal boat trip to the villages in the East of the city. This is an opportunity to discover the local life on the both sides of this poetic river. Upon arrival in Tien Non village, disembark for a bike ride in the countryside through three villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien and Sinh village. During the trip, you will be immersed into the daily rhythm of life in the villages.
In Tien Non village, meet the villagers working on the fields and vegetable gardens. Then, visit a family worship house in the village. Next, reach Thanh Tien village, an artificial paper flower village dating back 400 years. Besides the rural works, they make paper flowers for the New Year festival to offer their ancestors the best wishes. Visit Mr. Hieu’s family, one of the well-known artisans in the village to learn how to make paper flowers under his instruction. Keep going to Sinh village, a cradle of 400 year folklore prints in Hue. Meet Mr. Phuoc who will explain the techniques of traditional prints. You will find beautiful souvenirs on this trip. Finally, you'll head back to your hotel.
Have a break for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.
After that we go to visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.