Highlights: Boat trip along Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, Tomb of King Khai Dinh, Tomb of King Minh Mang, Dong Ba Market.
Depart around 08:00 from the hotel for highlights of journey. Start at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The Citadel is actually a system of three walled circles that enclose the Imperial City. Hidden inside the Imperial City is the Forbidden Purple City, reserved exclusively for the Emperor and his family.
Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. Constructed in 1601, the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to Saigon to protest against the southern regime. The photo of his self-immolation was captured and is one of the most well- known images of the war.
In the afternoon, visit the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds. Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.
Before going back to the hotel, take some time to stroll around Dong Ba Market. The market is another of the must-see sites in Hue, the stalls are teeming with color and it’s a great place to catch a glimpse of everyday life.