Hue Imperial City Discovery

Hue Imperial City Discovery

Your journey begins as your guide and driver meet you at your hotel. The drive to the ancient capital of Hue takes approximately three hours, leading you over the Hai Van Pass, known as the Pass of the Ocean Clouds. This scenic hillside road offers stunning views, and from its summit at 500 meters (1,640 feet), you can admire the breathtaking landscape that surrounds you.

Upon arriving in Hue, your first stop is the Citadel at the Imperial Palace, a majestic structure completed in 1833. This historic site served as the ruling seat for the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945. Entering the citadel via a stone bridge, you are greeted by the impressive Thai Hoa Palace, a significant venue for official receptions and court ceremonies. The palace's ostentatious columns, lacquered and inlaid with gold, reflect the opulence of the era. Behind the Thai Hoa Palace, you will find smaller halls where mandarins prepared for court ceremonies, forming a courtyard that once separated the public area of the citadel from the emperor's private residence, the Forbidden Purple City.

Next, you will drive to the Thien Mu Pagoda, which majestically overlooks the Perfume River. Known as the Heavenly Lady Pagoda, it features two sections. The front houses the iconic seven-storey octagonal Phuoc Duyen tower, a symbol of Hue. The rear section is home to the monks who live and practice Buddhism at the temple, which has historically been the center of Buddhism in central Vietnam. A poignant piece of history awaits visitors in the rear of the pagoda, where you can see the car that transported Thich Quang Duc to Saigon in 1963, during his act of defiance against the Diem regime.

After enjoying a delightful lunch at the Club Garden restaurant, your exploration continues with a visit to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, renowned as one of the most beautiful examples of royal architecture from the Nguyen dynasty. Nestled within a sprawling lush pine forest just 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Hue, this tomb serves as the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc, who reigned from 1848 to 1883. The construction of this magnificent site began in December 1864 and was completed in 1867, showcasing the artistry and grandeur of the era.

Your day concludes with a visit to the tomb of Khai Dinh, who ruled Vietnam from 1916 to 1925. Located on the slope of Chau Chu Mountain, approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Hue, this tomb represents a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese style and modern influences. Construction began in 1920 and took 11 years to complete, resulting in an architectural marvel that incorporates European design elements and is primarily constructed of concrete.

As you make your way back to Danang, you will drive through the Hai Van tunnel, which opened in 2005 and stretches 6.3 kilometers (almost 4 miles), making it the longest tunnel in Vietnam.