Hoi An to Hue Day Trip: A Soul-Stirring Journey to the Old Citadel! | Top 1 Hue City GROUP Tour

Pick-up & Departure

• Pick-up at central Da Nang hotels/airport. Remember to eat breakfast first!

Hai Van Pass – “The World’s Most Beautiful Coastal Road”

We must take the mountain pass road (not the tunnel) for the authentic experience! You’ll see majestic mountains on one side and the endless ocean on the other.

• The feeling standing at the summit, with the wind aggressively swirling around you, looking down at the stunning Lang Co Bay… Oh my gosh, it’s exhilarating! Seriously, words can’t capture it. The history of Vietnam’s expansion since 1306 is deeply carved into every single curve of this road.

Lang Co and Lap An Lagoon

We’ll sweep past Lang Co – the bay often called one of the most beautiful in the world. The water is turquoise, the sand gentle. Snapping a few photos at

• Lap An Lagoon with local fishermen busy earning a living, this scenery is very poetic. To be honest, I personally prefer the quiet, slightly melancholy atmosphere at Lap An Lagoon over the busier beaches.

Khai Dinh Tomb – The Pinnacle of Extravagance and Craftsmanship

Who said tombs are boring? You will definitely EXCLAIM “why is it SO BEAUTIFUL” when you see Khai Dinh Tomb.

• It looks nothing like the other tombs. The super unique blend of Asian and European architecture is mind-blowing.
• Every piece of ceramic and glass mosaic is meticulously inlaid, shimmering like a hidden treasure. Regardless of the historical controversies surrounding Emperor Khai Dinh of the ancient Vietnamese artisans embedded here are UNDENIABLE

Lunch Break – Eating Is The Most Important Thing!

Don’t worry about getting hungry. A Hue City Tour from Hoi An without eating Hue specialties is like not having gone at all. Bún bò, Nem lụi, Bánh khoái… 5 local dishes with a cold drink (included in the tour price) at a nice local restaurant. Hue food has that distinctive salty and spicy flavor that I am totally obsessed with.

Perfume River & Thien Mu Pagoda – The Eternal Muse

After a satisfying meal, we board a Dragon Boat (about 45 minutes) to glide gently on the Perfume River. The feeling is incredibly relaxing—a complete contrast to the city bustle.

• Our destination is Thien Mu Pagoda – the most sacred and ancient Buddhist temple in the area. The local guide will surely tell you the fascinating stories about the famous LOVE CURSE at Thien Mu. 
• It’s best not to foolishly bring your lover on the boat with you, unless you want to… break up. (Just kidding, but it’s a very interesting story!).

The Citadel – The Heart of the Old Capital

Last but certainly not least on our Hoi An to Hue Day Trip, is the 500-hectare complex of the Hue Citadel (Imperial City and Forbidden City).

• Our local guide (a local from Hue who knows their stuff inside and out) will take you through the Noon Gate (Ngọ Môn), Thai Hoa Palace, and tell you everything about the life of the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors, the concubines, and even the…

Our car will safely transfer you back to Hoi An, taking the Hai Van Tunnel this time to save you time. One day, exhausting but bursting with experience and emotion.