Hue - Hoian

This morning transfer from the hotel by cyclo to the former Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945.  After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument with the local guide depart for the Hue College of Medicine and Pharmacy which provides vital assistance to the sick and disabled in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands. This center offers vocational training to disabled youth as well as running a rehabilitation center, programs for children with intellectual disabilities and heart operation programs. Tour the center to learn more about the programs offered here.  

NOTE: By traveling in cyclos this morning we are traveling responsibly, by reducing fuel consumption and emissions while also providing much-needed income to the local cyclo drivers who tend to be amongst the most disadvantaged in contemporary Vietnamese society. It also provides an excellent opportunity for local interaction.

After a Vietnamese lunch visits the home of a local kite maker. A third-generation traditional kite maker visiting this artisan will help to keep this unique craft alive. Tour his house, learn about kite-making and try a hands-on workshop on painting a kite.

The painting requires a delicate hand, mixing beautiful colours in a harmonious way. When finished, get to keep the kite as a souvenir of this wonderful experience. This is an enjoyable experience to learn about the livelihood and lifestyle of a local artisan in historical Hue. If the weather is right, join the school children who gather by the lake near the citadel to fly their kites.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Hue to Hoi An (140km): 3 hours

Following breakfast depart for the Mausoleum of Minh Mang, located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, inspired by the Chinese Confucianism, a harmonious design of balance and symmetry for the emperor’s resting place.

From here continue to visit Khai Dinh’s Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

A special lunch is served midday. Dine at a pagoda which has been run by nuns since 1987. A delicious vegetarian meal will be served in the tranquil pagoda grounds by the resident nuns. By patronising the restaurant, it supports the charitable works of the nuns with the local community.

Following lunch transfer from 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 make a stop at the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world.

Upon reaching Hoi An, transfer to the hotel for check-in and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast take a walking tour of the ancient town center to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market.

Have lunch at Streets. The restaurant is a not-for-profit, sustainable, social enterprise initiative for street kids and other disadvantaged youth.

This afternoon, experience a tour with Reaching Out, an NGO established in 2000.  Get an insight into their efforts in providing opportunities for people with disability to learn skills and gain meaningful employment. Visit their workshop located at an old merchant house for a join-in tour and get a glimpse into how this NGO helps the disabled to integrate fully with their communities and lead independent and fulfilling lives.

It is time to take a seat and experience one of Vietnam’s traditional arts with the disadvantaged artisans by making a foldable Hoi An lantern. This is an opportunity to turn their creative ideas into a functional work of art. Learn how to create a one-of-a-kind lantern in which folds flat and can be easily taken home as a souvenir.

Then take a few steps to the tea house nearby. Set up as part of a social enterprise program to provide employment and empowerment for people with physical disabilities, this pretty, old-world tea house is a peaceful haven with equally warm waiting staff, most of whom suffer from hearing or speech impairments. Learn about the traditional tea ceremony then enjoy tea tasting in a peaceful setting. A little tea bag full of scent is given to take home at the end of the trip.

This evening is at your leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An to Danang airport (20km): 30 minutes

Today is free for last minute shopping or sightseeing before departing to Danang Airport for your onward flight.