Thuy Bieu Eco-Village & Hue Cooking Experience
Hue
Local Taxes and Service Charges
Sightseeing & Excursions
Transportation
Drinking Water
Entrance Fees
Meals as stated
History & Culture
Landmark
Local Experiences
Off The Beaten Track
From Price per person
price based on 2 persons travelling or
per person for join-in tours.
$84
Excursion Highlights
- Experience the enchanting beauty of the Perfume River while cruising on a traditional dragon boat.
- Engage with local artisans and immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of Thuy Bieu Village.
- Savor the flavors of Hue through a hands-on cooking class featuring traditional dishes and local ingredients.
Thuy Bieu Eco-Village & Hue Cooking Experience
Your tour begins with a convenient pick-up at the renowned Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest and most iconic pagoda in Hue. From this historic site, you will board a beautifully crafted dragon boat and embark on a serene cruise along the Perfume River. As you glide through the tranquil waters, take in the picturesque views of lush pomelo gardens and the historic landmarks of the Temple of Literature and the Temple of Martial Arts, both adorned with stone steles that honor the esteemed scholars of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Upon arriving at the Hue Ecolodge nestled in Thuy Bieu Village, you will be warmly welcomed by your chef, who will accompany you to the vibrant local market. Here, you will stroll through lively stalls brimming with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and produce cultivated by the village’s dedicated farmers. This immersive experience will teach you how to select the finest ingredients for your upcoming cooking class.
As you wander through the village, you will encounter various local artisans. Visit a family engaged in the traditional craft of incense stick making, where you can try your hand at rolling incense alongside the locals. Next, stop by a household that specializes in crafting votive paper objects, where you will learn about the Vietnamese custom of burning paper replicas—such as clothes, motorbikes, and money—as offerings to ancestors. Finally, meet a talented village painter, whose artwork vividly captures rural life and the enchanting landscapes of Hue. Enjoy an engaging conversation about the stories behind these beautiful paintings.
Returning to the ecolodge, you will dive into a hands-on cooking class guided by your chef, where you will learn to prepare some of Hue’s most cherished traditional dishes, including Gỏi vả (fig salad), Ram cuốn tôm (crispy shrimp spring rolls), and Bánh khoái (savory pancake). After your culinary creations are complete, sit down to relish your dishes alongside a wider Hue menu prepared just for you, featuring stir-fried vegetables with shrimp and pork, a comforting vegetable soup, grilled chicken, steamed rice, and a selection of fresh seasonal fruit.
To conclude this delightful experience, indulge in a soothing herbal foot soak and a relaxing foot massage, using medicinal plants sourced from the village gardens, all while enjoying the peaceful vistas of the Perfume River. Your return transfer will mark the end of this unforgettable eco-village journey.
Destination Information
Hue
Hue occupies a distinctive place in Vietnam’s central region, where the slow flow of the Perfume River shapes both the city’s layout and its atmosphere. The city’s compact scale and calm streets contrast with the busier urban centres elsewhere in the country, offering a quieter environment shaped by centuries of imperial rule. Hue’s defining feature is its extensive complex of historic sites, including the Imperial City, which reveals the architectural and cultural imprint of the Nguyen dynasty. Surrounding this core are the royal tombs scattered along the riverbanks, blending natural landscapes with intricate stonework and gardens. Religious structures such as Thien Mu Pagoda add to the city’s layered heritage, standing amid green spaces beside the water. Beyond its monuments, Hue’s everyday life reflects traditional Vietnamese culture, especially through local markets and street food that highlight regional culinary specialties. The city’s combination of historical depth, riverside setting, and measured pace creates an environment where visitors can engage with Vietnam’s past while observing the rhythms of contemporary local life.Thuy Bieu
Thuy Bieu is a rural village set amid the lush agricultural landscape near Hue, where waterways and small canals thread through fruit gardens and traditional homes. The village’s layout reflects a quiet, low-density settlement where local life unfolds at a measured pace, shaped by farming and artisanal crafts. Wooden stilt houses and simple structures built from natural materials line narrow lanes, offering a tangible sense of place rooted in longstanding rural practices. The surrounding orchards, cultivated with a variety of tropical fruits, not only define the local economy but also contribute to the village’s verdant, open character. Within this environment, residents maintain traditional handicraft techniques, producing items that reflect both cultural heritage and everyday utility. The proximity to Hue allows for a contrast between the city’s historical architecture and the village’s agrarian setting, highlighting Thuy Bieu’s role as a living example of Vietnam’s countryside lifestyle. Time here is marked by seasonal cycles and community rhythms, providing insight into a way of life closely connected to the land and artisanal tradition.Travel Notes
- The pick-up point at Thien Mu Pagoda is easily accessible, but clients should be aware that it can be busy, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- The dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River offers scenic views, but clients should be prepared for potential sun exposure; sunscreen and hats are recommended.
- During the market visit, clients may encounter strong aromas and vibrant colors; it’s a good opportunity to engage with local vendors and learn about regional produce.
- When visiting the incense stick maker and votive paper household, clients should be respectful of local customs and practices, particularly regarding ancestral rituals.
- Footwear should be comfortable for walking through the village, as some paths may be uneven or unpaved.
- Clients should be aware that the cooking class involves hands-on preparation, which may require some basic cooking skills; however, guidance will be provided by the chef.
- The herbal foot soak and massage at the end of the experience is a relaxing way to conclude the tour; clients should inform the staff of any allergies to herbs or plants beforehand.
- Note that there may be a surcharge for public holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), which could affect pricing and availability.
Included Services
- Transportation as outlined in the itinerary
- Services of a local guide in the selected language (where applicable)
- Sightseeing and excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- Drinking water during touring where provided
- Applicable local taxes and service charges
Excluded Services
- Travel insurance
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Gratuities and tips for guides, drivers and other service providers
- Any items not specifically mentioned under "Included in Your Excursion"
