Magpie
5.0(8 reviews)

Hue City & Hai Van Pass Tour

From₫66
8 hours
Hoi An, Vietnam

About this activity

Experience Hue's rich history and stunning landscapes on a full-day tour from Hoi An, including the Imperial City and Hai Van Pass.

Highlights

  • Explore Hue's Imperial City
  • Scenic drive through Hai Van Pass
  • Visit the ancient Citadel
  • Discover the Forbidden Purple City
  • Enjoy panoramic coastal views

Full description

Discover the ancient capital of Hue on this exciting full-day tour from Hoi An. Traverse the scenic Hai Van Pass, renowned for its breathtaking coastal views, before delving into Hue's rich history. Explore the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander through the Forbidden Purple City, once the emperor's private residence. This journey offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable Vietnamese adventure.

Included / Excluded

  • Round-trip transportation from Hoi An
  • Guided tour of Hue's Imperial City
  • Visit to the Hai Van Pass
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Thank you for coming to our fantastic Da Nang & charming Hoi An Ancient Town. Be ready for a 1-day memorable adventure with our local expert! 7:00am: We'll pick you up from the hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang city center and drive along the coastal beach of Da Nang Bay before coming to Hue for our amazing trip.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

On the way to Hue City, we'll stop to visit the magnificent Hai Van Pass for its breathtaking natural beauty & stunning panoramic views. As one of the most scenic coastal roads in Vietnam, it offers a mesmerizing blend of lush green mountains & crystal-clear blue waters of the East Sea. Additionally, the pass is steeped in history, having been a strategic military location during the Vietnam War. Don't forget to listen many unique & interesting stories about it from our local guide. From there, you can enjoy the panorama view of Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port and Son Tra Peninsula. It stands at 500m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
3

Let us take you to admire "One of the most Beautiful Bay in the World". As a pristine sea bay located at the foot of Hai Van pass, possessing a flat beach, beautiful blue water and a diverse ecosystem, Lang Co beach makes every of us feel admired and overwhelmed. Moreover, we'll also visit Lap An Lagoon - a hidden gem nestled between the majestic mountain range and the pristine Lang Co Bay. It's also known for pristine beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and idyllic setting along the central coast of Vietnam. Let immerse yourself in nature before entering a unique journey of Vietnam cultural & historical discovery at Hue Citadel. Plus, we hope our friendliness & hospitality can make the trip even more enjoyable & engaging from the beginning to the end of our tour.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
4

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel stands as a testament to the country's rich past, serving as the political and cultural heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. The architectural marvels within the complex, blending traditional Vietnamese design with French influences, offer a visual feast for us. Exploring the Forbidden Purple City, Royal Palace, and various temples provides you a deep insight into the royal life and traditions of Vietnam. The picturesque setting along the Perfume River, surrounded by verdant gardens and scenic landscapes, adds to the allure of this historical gem. With our local expert, your trip to Hue Imperial City will be a fascinating journey through time, providing insights into Vietnamese history, culture, and architectural splendor. 12:00: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a Local Specialty Restaurant serving Hue style dishes.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
5

As the main entrance to the citadel, Noon Gate holds a special place in Vietnam's imperial history. It served as the gateway where the emperor's procession would pass through during important ceremonies and events. It's a huge U-shaped construction consisting of a brick and stone foundation and a wooden pavilion with terracotta tiles. The gate's imposing structure, with its distinctive red color and intricate design, symbolizes power and grandeur. Exploring Noon Gate allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship of traditional Vietnamese architecture and offers a glimpse into the royal rituals and traditions of the past. With our local experts, we'll show the best of what it can offer, ensuring that you'll have a good time with detailed insights into Vietnam's history, culture & people.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: YES
6

The Mieu Temple is a sacred site within the citadel dedicated to the worship of past emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. As an important part of Vietnamese royal tradition, the temple offers a glimpse into the spiritual practices and beliefs of the imperial court. The temple's architecture, characterized by intricate carvings, colorful decorations, and traditional design elements, showcases the craftsmanship and artistry of the era. Here, our local expert will explain and tell you the stories of each King of Nguyen Dynasty and you'll have a deep insight about the culture of ancestors worshiping in Vietnam.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: YES
7

As the central and most important building within the citadel, Thai Hoa Palace served as the official reception hall for the Nguyen emperors, where important ceremonies and royal events took place. The palace's impressive architecture, characterized by its traditional Vietnamese design, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant colors, exemplifies the grandeur and sophistication of the imperial court. Exploring Thai Hoa Palace means you'll step back in time and imagine the grand ceremonies and traditions held here. Inside, you can see ancient artifacts, royal items, and special decorations that reveal Vietnam's royal past. Additionally, the peaceful atmosphere of the palace grounds, with its beautiful gardens and calm ponds, creates a relaxing environment for you to enjoy the palace's beauty and historical importance.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: YES
8

As one of the oldest and most iconic pagodas in Vietnam, Thien Mu Pagoda holds a special place in the country's religious heritage. The pagoda's seven-story octagonal tower, known as the Phuoc Duyen Tower, is a symbol of Hue and offers panoramic views of the Perfume River and surrounding countryside. Join us to explore the pagoda complex, which includes shrines, pavilions, and beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a peaceful retreat for meditation and contemplation. The pagoda's historical importance, tranquil ambiance, and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for those who seek to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture and spirituality. We love to share stories about our culture, history and significance about this pagoda to give you a deeper appreciation and interesting knowledge of Hue's unique heritage.

Duration: 40 minAdmission: YES
9

This elaborate mausoleum, built for Emperor Khai Dinh, showcases a fusion of traditional Vietnamese design elements with European influences, reflecting the emperor's affinity for Western culture. The tomb's opulent interior features colorful mosaics, detailed carvings, and ornate decorations, creating a visually stunning and culturally rich experience for us to admire. Exploring Khai Dinh Tomb allows you to delve into the history of the Nguyen Dynasty and gain insight into the life and legacy of Emperor Khai Dinh. The picturesque location of the tomb, nestled amidst scenic hills and lush greenery, adds to its allure and provides a tranquil setting for reflection and appreciation of the architectural marvels within. 15:45: We'll leave Hue & get back to Da Nang city. 17:30-18:00: Our bus brings you back to hotel. Tour ends & see you in next trips with us!

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
  • Confirm your booking at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring historical sites.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
  • Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infants Required On Laps
  • Infant Seats Available
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • Children must be accompanied by at least an adult
  • It's a daily tour. In case if it has to be cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • Check the weather forecast (we also check & inform you) in advance to prepare weather-appropriate clothes
  • You'll receive a confirmation at the time of booking
  • Please provide us your WhatsApp or phone number for us to easily contact and confirm the pick-up time & location
  • Don't hesitate to ask us if you have any question about accessibility. For quick support, contact us 24/7.

Traveler reviews

5.0
8 reviews
5
8
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

I thank Elena so much

Thank you Elena for your support, availability and kindness that made this experience memorable. I will be back with great pleasure. Book my excursions with you.

alexamona2Feb 9, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great tour guides & awesome experience in Da Nang & Hanoi tours!

Dacotours team did a great job in arranging group tours for us for our 8 day stay in Da Nang & Hanoi. We did Bana Hills, Marble Mountain, Hoi An, Hue City, Halong Bay & Ninh Binh with the team. All tour guides were great in providing all required information. They were guest friendly & helped us click some good pictures as well. And the Dacotours team was very proactive in arranging tours & coordinating with us. The experience were great, & we would definitely recommend other people in booking tours with them!

Camper61847693174Jan 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Hai Van Pass (privado)

Today we took the tour but as we were supposed to arrive earlier at the airport, we adapted the tour to our schedule keeping the activities. Tony was very helpful managing the booking through Whatsapp and our very friendly and attentive Oanh guide. Good tour, the must-see train

eduardolH7846DFMar 26, 2025TRIPADVISOR

FIRST CLASS AGENCY IN DANANG

One of the best agency. Operator Tracy helped me all the booking I did from malaysia. Tour guide Jun, Thong, Oane did a very good job showing us around on the trip days

FarAway01287692214Aug 16, 2024TRIPADVISOR

Great trip touring Hue Imperial City.

Touring Hue Imperial City with Miss One was a really great experience. She was very informative. She made sure all tourists were comfortable and well informed about the program for the day and activities. She made the trip quite enjoyable and entertaining. We were never bored. She knew the history and was able to answer all our questions related to the tour as well as the city in general.

KenyanRamblerOct 9, 2022TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Children must be accompanied by at least an adult It's a daily tour. In case if it has to be cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund Check the weather forecast (we also check & inform you) in advance to prepare weather-appropriate clothes You'll receive a confirmation at the time of booking Please provide us your WhatsApp or phone number for us to easily contact and confirm the pick-up time & location Don't hesitate to ask us if you have any question about accessibility. For quick support, contact us 24/7.
Book Now