Discover Hue & Hoi An

08:30 this morning, depart from the hotel in Hue. Start at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. From here take a cyclo ride to Tran Dinh Son museum, the first private museum in Hue, right at a “nha ruong” - traditional Royal house, once belonged to the Mandarin of King Minh Mang to contemplate his grandson’s valued collection of daily used items.

Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River; constructed in 1601 the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the southern regime.  The photo of his self-immortalization was captured and is one of the most well-known images of the war.

In the afternoon, see the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds. Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

Before heading back to the hotel take time to stroll around Dong Ba Market with the guide.  The market is another of the must-see sites in Hue, the stalls are teeming with color and a great place to catch a glimpse of everyday life.

Overnight in Hue.  

Hue to Hoi An (140km): 3 hours

Leave Hue for Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. The scenic route passes through the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds.

Drive through Danang and visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. In the afternoon take a walking tour of the ancient town center to visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market. 

Overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An to My Son (60km): 1.5 hours

Start the day, with a half day trip to visit the capital and religious center of the former Champa Kingdom, My Son - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, 40km southwest of Hoi An, in a lush green valley, are dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries. On the way back to Hoi An stop to visit a small local house and be welcomed by the friendly host to start experience the full process of making rice-paper.

On returning to Hoi An, the afternoon is free to relax perhaps browsing for souvenirs in Hoi An’s art galleries and silk shops, or maybe cycling to the nearby An Bang Beach (on own account).

Overnight in Hoi An.

The morning is at leisure until transfer to Danang Airport for onward flight.