Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)

This optional stop is the former Royal Palace and Forbidden City built between 1804 and 1833 by the first two Nguyen Dynasty kings, Gia Long and Minh Mang. Visitors can walk through the Imperial City to see landmarks like the Flag Tower, 9 Holy Cannons, South Gate, Supreme Harmony Palaces, 9 Dynastic Urns, and the Forbidden City area. The recommended visit time is about two hours.

120 min

Thien Mu Pagoda

This optional stop is Hue’s oldest and most well-known pagoda, constructed in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, the founder of the local Nguyen family. Its name, meaning Heavenly Lady Buddha Pagoda, comes from a local legend about a dream of a lady Buddha on the hill. The suggested visit duration is 30 minutes.

30 min

Tomb of Tu Duc

This tomb was built between 1864 and 1867 by King Tu Duc for his own burial and was also his residence and workplace during his lifetime. The tomb area covers about 12 hectares and includes separate temple and burial sections. Visitors typically spend 45 minutes here.

45 min

Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang

Started by Emperor Minh Mang but completed by his son King Thieu Tri, this mausoleum covers one hectare. It includes living and working areas for the king and queen, as well as a special living room for minor wives and concubines after the emperor’s death. The visit usually lasts around 45 minutes.

45 min

Tomb of Khai Dinh

This tomb is unique among the Nguyen royal tombs for combining Oriental and European architectural styles. Emperor Khai Dinh was buried beneath the tomb structure. The stop generally takes about 30 minutes.

30 min

Tomb of Gia Long

Construction began in 1814 and was completed in 1820. The mausoleum is part of a mountain complex with 42 hills and mountains, with the largest called Dai Thien Tho. From the Perfume River to the tomb is a wide road lined with pine trees. Two large pillars stand outside marking the site. Visit time is about one hour.

60 min

Imperial Tomb of Dong Khanh

Built from 1916 to 1917 by Emperor Khai Dinh for his father Dong Khanh, this tomb includes about 20 architectural works with a high density. It is divided into a temple area and a tomb area. The suggested visit duration is 30 minutes.

30 min

Thuy Tien Lake

An abandoned water park located 8 kilometers outside Hue on Thien An Hill. This optional stop is popular among visitors interested in exploring the site’s eerie atmosphere. Visits last about 30 minutes.

30 min

Thuy Xuan

This village is the largest traditional incense-making community in the ancient capital area. It has a history of several hundred years and attracts tourists interested in local craft. The visit is typically 15 minutes.

15 min

Tu Hieu Pagoda

Known as the “Root Temple” of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, this pagoda is where he returned to live after years of teaching Buddhism. It holds cultural and historical significance and offers insight into local spiritual traditions. Visitors usually spend 20 minutes here.

20 min

Tu Hieu Pagoda

Same as the previous stop, this pagoda is linked to Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and is valued for its cultural and spiritual importance. The recommended visit time is 20 minutes.

20 min

Vinh Moc Tunnel

Located in Quang Tri, this tunnel complex was strategically important during the Vietnam War near the border between North and South Vietnam. The stop typically lasts 45 minutes.

45 min

Lap An Lagoon

A scenic lagoon on Vietnam’s central coast known for natural beauty and local fishing village culture. Visitors spend about 10 minutes here.

10 min

Hai Van Pass

A mountain pass near Da Nang noted for its natural scenery. This optional stop lasts approximately 15 minutes.

15 min

The Marble Mountains

A group of five limestone hills near Da Nang serving as both a tourist attraction and a site of Buddha worship. The visit is around one hour.

60 min