Shopping in Hue centers around a handful of excellent guided experiences that bring Vietnam’s imperial city to life. The standout tours combine shopping with culture – particularly the Dragon boat cruise that glides along the Perfume River while connecting key stops at the Imperial City and the bustling Dong Ba Market. I especially love the half-day walking tours of the Citadel district, where knowledgeable guides share fascinating historical insights between market visits. For food lovers, nothing beats joining a local family’s cooking class to master traditional Hue specialties while exploring neighborhood markets for ingredients. Let’s explore the very best shopping tours this fascinating city has to offer.
Key Points
- The Dong Ba Market in Hue offers a vibrant shopping experience, with opportunities to explore local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Vietnamese products.
- Walking tours in Hue often include visits to the Dong Ba Market, allowing visitors to enjoy the local shopping culture.
- Cooking classes in Hue may incorporate a visit to the market, providing a hands-on experience in selecting fresh ingredients for traditional Hue dishes.
- Some full-day or half-day tours in Hue include free time at the Dong Ba Market, enabling visitors to shop for unique local items.
- Personalized shopping experiences can be arranged through private tour companies, catering to the specific interests and preferences of visitors.
Hue: Dragon Boat Cruise, Imperial Citadel, & Market Day Trip
The Hue: Dragon Boat Cruise, Imperial Citadel, & Market Day Trip immerses visitors in the historic and cultural richness of Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
Priced from $57.20 per person, this 9-hour tour offers a comprehensive experience, including a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, guided tours of the Thien Mu Pagoda and Imperial City, and free time at the vibrant Dong Ba Market.
Guests also visit the royal tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, and observe traditional artisans at work.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, live guides, and all entry tickets included, this tour provides an immersive and hassle-free way to explore Hue’s top attractions.
Read our full review: Hue: Dragon Boat Cruise, Imperial Citadel, & Market Day Trip Review
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Hue Half Day Tour: Perfume River, Imperial Citadel, Market
This Hue Half Day Tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s captivating history and cultural heritage. Over 5-6 hours, you’ll cruise the scenic Perfume River, explore the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, and discover the grandeur of the Hue Citadel, a royal palace for 13 Nguyen Dynasty kings.
At the vibrant Dong Ba Market, you’ll learn about local life and browse traditional souvenirs.
With round-trip private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and flexible booking options, this tour provides an efficient and insightful way to experience Hue’s top attractions.
Whether you’re short on time or want a taste of the city, this half-day adventure is a great choice.
Read our full review: Hue Half Day Tour: Perfume River, Imperial Citadel, Market Review
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Hue:Deluxe Walking Tour to Imperial City and Dong Ba Market
Travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience in Hue will find the Deluxe Walking Tour to Imperial City and Dong Ba Market an enticing option.
This 3.5-hour tour, limited to a maximum of 8 participants, allows visitors to explore the UNESCO-recognized Imperial City and the bustling Dong Ba Market.
Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour includes entrance tickets, Banh Mi, and bottled water.
With the option to reserve a spot without upfront payment and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers flexibility and value.
Reviewers have praised the guide’s knowledge and the enjoyable experience of exploring Hue’s cultural landmarks and local market.
Read our full review: Hue:Deluxe Walking Tour to Imperial City and Dong Ba Market Review
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Hue: Traditional Cooking Class & Market With Mr. Anh Family
A traditional cooking class and market tour with Mr. Anh’s family is a 4-hour experience in Hue, Vietnam. Priced at €41.14 per person, it offers a hands-on cooking class focused on local Hue specialties.
Participants visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients, then prepare and cook four dishes under the guidance of an English-speaking chef. The experience includes a traditional Vietnamese meal, hotel pickup/drop-off, bottled water, and recipes.
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, but children under 3 can join for free. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a “reserve now, pay later” option is available.
Read our full review: Hue: Traditional Cooking Class & Market With Mr. Anh Family Review
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Hue: Vietnamese Cooking Class in Local Home & Market Trip
Explore Hue’s culinary heritage through a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class held in a local family’s home.
For €37.22 per person, you’ll spend 4 hours learning to prepare classic Hue dishes like green mango salad with shrimp, chicken with lemongrass and chili, and nem lui (barbecue pork lemongrass).
The small-group class includes a market visit to buy fresh ingredients, an English-speaking local chef, and a meal of the prepared dishes.
Pickup and drop-off at your Hue hotel are complimentary.
With a 5/5 rating based on 3 reviews, this hands-on experience offers an engaging and informative look into Hue’s vibrant food culture.
Read our full review: Hue: Vietnamese Cooking Class in Local Home & Market Trip Review
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Hue: Traditional Cooking Class W Local Family & Market Trip
This hands-on cooking experience in Hue offers travelers an engaging glimpse into the local food culture.
For just €41.14 per person, participants can join a 4-hour class limited to 10 people.
The itinerary includes a visit to a local market, a cooking lesson with a chef in a family home, and a delicious meal of traditional Vietnamese dishes like green mango salad, chicken with lemongrass, and nem lui.
With free pickup and drop-off, English-speaking guides, and flexible cancellation, this class provides an authentic and convenient way to connect with Hue’s culinary heritage.
Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy customized menu options upon request.
Read our full review: Hue: Traditional Cooking Class W Local Family & Market Trip Review
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Hue Dragon Boat Tour: Royal Tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda, Market
The Hue Dragon Boat Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Royal Tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the vibrant Dong Ba Market.
The 12-hour tour, priced at €45.07 per person, offers a comprehensive experience with a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River, visits to the Minh Mang and Khai Dinh Tombs, and time to shop at the historic Dong Ba Market.
Pickup from Hue hotels is available, and the tour includes transportation, an English-speaking driver, and passenger insurance.
With an impressive 5/5 rating based on customer feedback, this tour is an excellent way to take in Hue’s rich cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Hue Dragon Boat Tour: Royal Tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda, Market Review
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Sum Up
Hue offers a variety of engaging shopping tours, providing visitors with a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. From cruising along the Perfume River to exploring the bustling Dong Ba Market, these tours cater to diverse interests and allow travelers to enjoy the local way of life. Whether you’re seeking handcrafted souvenirs or a hands-on cooking experience, Hue’s shopping tours promise a memorable and authentic Vietnamese adventure.