4 Day Cultural Journey – Hue to Hoi An

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi/Hue (B, G)

Your morning will be free until your car and driver arrives to take you to the airport for your flight to Hue.

When you arrive, your guide will welcome you and take you on a tour of Hue’s ancient citadel, once the seat of the Emperor of the powerful Nguyen Dynasty that ruled Vietnam from approximately 1800 to 1945. You’ll begin with a stroll around the area between the Citadel’s massive walls and the defensive moat, now filled with lotus flowers. You’ll then enter via the Noon Gate to wander around the Thai Hoa Palace, the Pavilion housing the Nine Urns of the Nguyen rulers, and the remains of the Royal Palaces. After that, you’ll cruise along the Perfume River to visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda. You’ll spend the night in Hue.

Day 2: Hue traditional craft villages (B, L, G)

After breakfast, your guide will arrive to take you to traditional villages of Hue, which are famous for handicrafts for hundreds of years. You will drive along the Perfume Riverbank to Phu Mau Commune to visit the 2 villages: Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village and Sinh Folk Painting Village.

You will then drive to Thuy Xuan Incense Village, the largest incense-making village known for 700 hundred years in Hue. Visiting this traditional village, you’ll have an opportunity to see bunches of colourful incense flowers and immerse yourself in the smell of aromatic frankincense. Moreover, you can explore and take part in the process of making incense as an artist. You will return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend the night in Hue.

Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village is famous for making colourful paper flowers to decorate tables or places of worship in the family houses. The history of paper flower making craft in this village dates back over 300 years.

If the northern delta has Dong Ho paintings, the central province of Thua Thien Hue boasts paintings of Sinh village. While Dong Ho folk paintings reflect the down-to-earth daily life of northern delta residents, Sinh village paintings are used for belief and worship purposes. All of the paintings are about ancient beliefs, ideology facing natural wildness and mystery and imagining gods. Through these paintings, people pray for peace, prosperity and health.

Day 3: Hue/Hoi An (B, L, G)

In the morning, your car will drive you to Danang. On the way, you'll cross the Hai Van mountain pass. The views from the top are excellent – you should be able to see Lang Co beach and village, and the lagoon far below, with Danang spread out before you to the south.

Upon arriving in Hoi An, you’ll have a guided visit to the Ancient Town of Hoi An and spend the night in Hoi An.

Hoi An town is a UNESCO World Heritage area. An ancient trading port, once the largest in Indochina, Hoi An was a meeting point for many cultures that left their mark in the different architectural features of its wooden buildings. The original traditional street pattern still exists, as does the quay that once welcomed ships from all over East Asia and beyond. Many remained there for months at a time, waiting for favourable trade winds to carry them home.

There are plenty of good restaurants offering a variety of cuisines and price levels. The town is also a good place for shopping for silk. You can have your clothes tailor-made within a day or two at reasonable cost.

Day 4: Danang Transfer

After breakfast, be driven to Danang for your onward journey.

Key

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner

G = Guide

GP = Guide pick-up

DP = Driver pick-up

Price

TBC

Inclusions

TBC

Exclusions

TBC

Hotel List

TBC

Tour FAQs

What should I wear for this tour?

Comfortable, breathable clothing is recommended, especially for the walking tours. Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the citadel and villages, and bring a hat or sunscreen for sun protection.

Will I have free time in Hue and Hoi An?

Yes, you will have some free time in the evenings and mornings (until your car arrives for transfers). The tour is well-paced to allow you some flexibility.

Are the villages in Hue accessible for all ages?

Yes, the villages and sites are generally accessible, but be prepared for some walking and uneven terrain. If you have mobility concerns, inform your tour operator in advance.

Is there any additional support during the tour?

You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide throughout the tour. If you need assistance or have questions during the trip, your guide will be there to help.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Hue and Hoi An is during the dry season, from February to August. The weather is typically warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

If you have specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergies, please let us know beforehand so we can accommodate your requirements during meals.

Is this tour family-friendly?

Yes, this tour is family-friendly, but it involves some walking and cultural exploration that might be more suitable for older children or those who enjoy learning about history. Always check with the operator if you have very young children to ensure the activities are suitable.

What should I bring to the craft villages?

For the visits to craft villages, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothes, as some of the activities (like making incense or painting) might get your hands a little messy. You may also want to bring a camera to capture the vibrant local culture.

Are there any cultural etiquettes I should be aware of?

Yes, in Vietnam, it’s important to dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites like the Thien Mu Pagoda. Always remove your shoes when entering homes or places of worship, and be respectful of local customs, such as greeting with a smile and a handshake.

Is this tour a private or group tour?

This tour is a private tour. Private tours offer a personalized and flexible experience, allowing you to set your own pace. With fewer people, you enjoy greater comfort, privacy, and direct access to the guide for deeper insights. Private tours often provide special access to unique attractions and the convenience of customizing stops, making them an ideal choice for a more intimate and engaging travel experience.

What is the pace of this tour?

The tour is fairly relaxed, with a balance of sightseeing and time for exploration. If you prefer a faster or slower pace, you can discuss your preferences with the guide at the beginning of the tour.

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

Most travellers will need a visa to enter Vietnam. We can help with obtaining your visa either in advance or on arrival, depending on your nationality. Please ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from the date of your arrival into Vietnam.

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not compulsory, but it is strongly advised. Be sure your policy covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost luggage to protect your trip from unexpected events.

Tour Map

Begin your cultural journey with a flight to Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital. Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to the historic Hue Citadel, once the centre of power for the Nguyen Dynasty. Stroll through the majestic walls of the citadel, past the peaceful moat now filled with lotus flowers, before entering the Noon Gate. Explore the grandeur of the Thai Hoa Palace, admire the Nine Urns of the Nguyen rulers, and uncover the stories behind the royal palaces. Then, set off on a leisurely cruise along the Perfume River to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most revered landmarks in Vietnam.

The next day, immerse yourself in Hue’s traditional craft villages. Visit Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village, where artisans have been crafting vibrant paper flowers for over 300 years. Continue to Sinh Folk Painting Village, where the local art reflects ancient beliefs and prayers for peace and prosperity. The highlight of your day is a visit to Thuy Xuan Incense Village, renowned for its 700-year history of incense-making. Here, you will have the chance to experience the aromatic world of incense production, even participating in the process. Return to your hotel in the afternoon for a well-deserved rest.

On your final day, journey to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a scenic drive across the Hai Van Pass, offering panoramic views of Lang Co beach and Danang. Upon arrival in Hoi An, discover the charm of its ancient town. This former trading port, once the largest in Indochina, is a blend of cultural influences from across Asia. Wander through its narrow streets, lined with well-preserved wooden buildings, and visit the quay that welcomed merchants from afar. Hoi An is not only rich in history but also in culinary delights and craftsmanship. Take the opportunity to explore the town’s vibrant shopping scene, especially if you’re looking for bespoke silk clothing, tailor-made to your style.

This tour includes a transfer back to Da Nang.

This cultural experience offers a perfect blend of history, artistry, and scenic beauty, with a chance to engage in hands-on activities that bring local traditions to life.

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