Central Vietnam, Hue & Hoi An

Hue was Vietnam’s last feudal capital, and today you will get an insider’s point of view to the highlights of this nostalgic city. Your first stop is a visit to Tu Duc Tomb, which is located near the quiet Thuy Bieu Village, 6.5-km from the city centre. It’s a sprawling compound centred on the lake and several waterways, and includes numerous memorials connected by attractive walkways. Next, you’ll visit a local garden house where your host will welcome you with hand-made ginger jam and tea. Veer off the common path and enjoy an easy bicycle ride around the village to explore the daily local life in the peaceful countryside, before enjoying some traditional dishes of Hue. After the delicious home hosted lunch, take a leisurely boat ride across the Perfume River to the Imperial Citadel, the best-preserved remnant of the vast citadel and royal quarters that once existed on the site. Here you can see the ravages of time and war on what was the carefully designed capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Built in the early 19th century by armies of conscripted labourers under Emperor Gia Long, the citadel was surrounded by a 10-kilometre moat while earthen walls formed the outer perimeter. We exit the citadel to visit the nearby workshop and gallery of famous Vietnamese artist Truc Chi, who is a contemporary artist that created his own art based on bamboo paper carvings. We then head back to the hotel where you can spend the rest of the afternoon at your own leisure.

Morning is at your leisure. In the afternoon, you continue by road south to Hoi An. The scenery is remarkable, as the route hugs the coastline of the East Sea before winding up the spectacular Hai Van Pass. Here you can stop to admire the stunning views: north over Lang Co Beach and south over Da Nang. The Museum of Cham Sculpture features extensive and diverse displays of Hindu-influenced Cham sculpture dating from the 7th to the 15th centuries. Designed in 1915 by two French architects, Delaval and Auclair, your visit here will introduce you to the most common features of Cham towers and temples from throughout the region. Then continue driving along My Khe Beach to Hoi An. On your arrival in Hoi An, we approach a nipa palm mangrove, tucked away between the beach and the ancient port town of Hoi An. Board a private cruise and sip a sunset drink while the boat is moving slowly along the Mekong-like arroyos and the Thu Bon River. Drawing closer to Hoi An with its yellow walled ancient houses, the township is unveiled along riverside with hundreds of lanterns reflecting in the waters. This first sight of Hoi An will truly be treasured.

We start our walk across the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An. Follow your guide as you meander your way through the beautiful streets and narrow alleys, which are bordered by ancient yellow-walled houses. We reach a market where you can spend some time exploring the colourful stalls and the variety of foods and souvenirs on offer. Try some local delicacies before we venture further into the town. The guide will show you various places of interest and will also arrange some spontaneous food tastings as we walk. Food, drinks and culinary legends are all on the menu today.

Rest at leisure before checking out and transferring to the airport for your onward flight.