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Royal times in Hue Travel in Hue, the ancient royal capitalHue is the ancient royal capital of Vietnam and rich with historic grandeur. Here, the past still echoes through the stately palaces and monuments, which are mostly the legacy of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Up until the end of the World War II, Hue was regarded as the centre of Vietnam. Many buildings still bear grandiose and fairytale names: the Gates of Earthly Peace, the Palace of Supreme Peace, the Pagoda of the Heavenly Lady. You'll also see the tombs of the royal family, and numerous pagodas and temples during your travel here.Hue is certain to add a touch of culture to your travels. During this Hue module, you'll enjoy a cruise on the romantic Perfume River and take guided visits to the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel, modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. There is also an opportunity to travel through Hue on pushbike, passing through traditional villages and extensive paddy fields. |
Duration | 3 days / 2 nights | Accommodation | 2 nights in a small-scale, charming hotel in the centre of Hué, walking distance from the river. Comfort Level 4 (see accommodation). |
Price | £76 per person - based on 2 people | Includes | Accommodation with breakfast, half-day guided excursion by boat |
Air-conditioned minibus, boat | Excludes | Other meals and drinks, excursions and cycle trip |
Day 1: Arrival in HueThe grand old city of Hue lies about 700km south of Hanoi. It is renowned for its stately Royal Citadel, enclosed within a formidable square of walls. These incredible structures measure a whopping 10km long, 6m high and 2m thick. The ancient monarchs of the Nguyen dynasty ruled from their thrones from within this walled fortress. Hue is divided into two halves by the Perfume River. One side is home to the Imperial Citadel, while the French colonial town with most of the hotels and restaurants is situated on the opposite bank.We have left the programme empty for your first day in Hue, giving you plenty of time to settle in and travel around Hue city. If you are feeling energetic, you can cycle through the local area, passing paddy fields, tiny markets, pagodas and people working in the emerald fields. |
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Day 2: Perfume River and Hue Forbidden City Tour (half day)Hue stands elegantly on the banks of the Song Huong, better known as the Perfume River. The river acquired this name from the flowers that used to grow along its banks, giving it an enchanting floral scent. Today, you'll travel by boat along the romantic river, with views of the impressive Thien Mu pagoda. This is one of the most famous, and most beautiful, pagodas in Vietnam. The seven storeys of the octagonal temple tower reach high into the sky, each storey representing a different incarnation of the Buddha.After visiting this pagoda you'll travel by car to the Imperial Citadel. Inside the Citadel you'll find the Forbidden Purple City, a unique and humbling place. The Royal Library and several royal apartments have been preserved or reconstructed, and the Nguyen rulers are commemorated in the form of large bronze urns. These dynastic urns stand in the courtyard. Some of the Citadel and almost the entire Forbidden Purple City were destroyed during the Vietnam War, as Hue was unfortunately located on the border between North and South Vietnam. The Citadel has become a Cultural Heritage Site and has been mostly reconstructed as authentically as possible. You'll round off the morning with a visit to the raucous Dong Ba market. This market has been in existence since the start of the 20th century and there is a mind-boggling variety of local products and delicacies on sale. Wander around wide-eyed and taste some local treats. Your cultural morning ends around noon and you'll have the afternoon to spend at your own leisure. |
Day 3: Departure from HueThere is nothing planned for your travel in Hue today, so you can do exactly as you wish. Depending on the direction that you have chosen to travel, you'll either travel from Hue by bus south to the classic city of Hoi An, or travel from Hue by plane to Hanoi, to explore the northern region of the country.If you are travelling north from Hue, you could now take a comfortable cruise in mesmerising Halong Bay. Or, if you're feeling a little more energetic, you can visit the hill tribes of Sapa in the far north of Vietnam, hiking among the remote mountain villages. |
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A peek at your accommodation during your travel in Hue
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