Let’s explore the captivating city of Hue together through a full-day private car tour with an English-speaking driver. We’ll uncover the Imperial City’s rich history, marvel at the stunning Thien Mu Pagoda, and explore the magnificent Nguyen Dynasty tombs. With convenient booking, flexible cancellation, and seamless pickup, this journey promises to be both effortless and unforgettable. Shall we embark on this cultural adventure?
Key Points
- This full-day private car tour with an English-speaking driver provides an immersive exploration of Hue’s Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Nguyen Dynasty tombs.
- The tour is priced at $10.17 per person and offers easy booking with the option to reserve now and pay later.
- Highlights include a 2-hour visit to the Imperial City, 30-minute stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, and 45-minute explorations of three Nguyen Dynasty tombs.
- The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pickup from the Hue City Center.
- Visitors can also experience the Thuy Xuan Incense Village and the temple for Royal Eunuchs during the tour.
Tour Overview
The Hue: City Day Trip by Private Car & English Speaking Driver is a convenient and flexible way to explore the historic city of Hue.
The Hue: City Day Trip by Private Car & English Speaking Driver is a convenient and flexible way to explore the historic city of Hue.
Priced at $10.17 per person, this full-day tour provides a private car and an experienced English-speaking driver.
Booking is straightforward, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour is valid for one day, with pickup from the Hue City Center.
Travelers can expect a friendly and knowledgeable driver to guide them through the day’s highlights.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hue Vietnam.
Itinerary Highlights
This tour allows us to explore the Imperial City, which encompasses the Royal Palace, Flag Tower, 9 Holy Cannons, South Gate, and Supreme Harmony Palaces, spending around 2 hours discovering this historical site.
Next, we visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest and most famous pagoda in Hue, spending 30 minutes there.
We then explore three Nguyen Dynasty tombs – Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh – learning about the architectural styles and histories over 45 minutes at each site.
Finally, we visit the temple for Royal Eunuchs, Tu Hieu Pagoda, and the Thuy Xuan Incense Village.
Imperial City Exploration
As we begin our exploration of the Imperial City, we’ll spend around 2 hours immersing ourselves in the rich history and architectural wonders of this iconic site. We’ll start at the Royal Palace, capturing the grandeur of the Flag Tower and 9 Holy Cannons. Then, we’ll wander through the ornate Supreme Harmony Palace before exiting via the South Gate.
| Site | Description | Duration |
| — | — | — |
| Royal Palace | Explore the expansive palace grounds | 45 mins |
| Flag Tower | Admire the iconic 9-story tower | 15 mins |
| 9 Holy Cannons | Marvel at the massive bronze cannons | 15 mins |
| Supreme Harmony Palace | Discover the opulent palace interiors | 45 mins |
Thien Mu Pagoda Visit
Next, we’ll visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most iconic and revered landmarks.
Standing tall on the northern bank of the Perfume River, this 7-story octagonal tower dates back to 1844.
We’ll stroll around the tranquil grounds, admiring the pagoda’s elegant architecture and the surrounding temples.
The highlight will be seeing the car that once transported the monk Thích Quảng Đức, who famously self-immolated in Saigon to protest the South Vietnamese government’s persecution of Buddhists.
This important historical site offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
More Great Tours NearbyNguyen Dynasty Tombs Tour
After exploring the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, we’ll continue our journey through the former capital by visiting the impressive tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.
We’ll start with the 1-hectare Minh Mang Tomb, built by the second emperor.
Then we’ll see the grand 12-hectare Tu Duc Tomb, designed as a summer palace by the emperor for his own enjoyment.
Finally, we’ll admire the unique blend of Oriental and European architecture at the Khai Dinh Tomb.
These royal tombs offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past and the lasting legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty.
- Hue: Visit Lang Co Beach, Khai Dinh Tomb & Imperial City
- From Hue: Thanh Tan Hot Spring Zipline and Highwire Tour
- Full-Day Hue City Tour With Entrance Fees and Lunch
- From Hue: Bach Ma National Park Hiking Day Trip With Pickup
- Hue Walking Tour to Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City
- Hue Half-Day Tour With Boat Trip and Sightseeing
Tu Hieu Pagoda Experience
After visiting the impressive Nguyen Dynasty tombs, we’ll make our way to the serene Tu Hieu Pagoda. This temple, built for Royal Eunuchs, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
Here’s what we can expect:
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Explore the ornate architecture blending Vietnamese and Chinese styles.
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Admire the intricate carvings and statues adorning the temple grounds.
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Learn about the pagoda’s history and its connection to the Nguyen Dynasty.
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Experience the peaceful ambiance and engage in meditation or reflection.
This visit to Tu Hieu Pagoda will provide a contemplative counterpoint to the grandeur of the royal tombs.
Thuy Xuan Incense Village Discovery
As we leave the tranquil Tu Hieu Pagoda, we’ll venture to the charming Thuy Xuan Incense Village.
Here, we’ll learn about the traditional craft of incense and conical hat making. We’ll observe the skilled artisans carefully crafting these iconic Vietnamese products.
The fragrant aroma of freshly made incense fills the air, transporting us to a peaceful, bygone era.
The fragrant aroma of freshly made incense fills the air, transporting us to a peaceful, bygone era.
We’ll have the opportunity to browse the local shops, perhaps purchasing a unique souvenir to take home.
This 15-minute stop offers a delightful glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Hue.
Optional Activities and Considerations
Though our journey through Hue’s historic sites has been rewarding, there’s more to explore if you’re seeking a deeper dive into the region’s offerings.
Consider these optional activities:
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Visit the regal tombs of Gia Long, Thieu Tri, and Dong Khanh for a more extensive look at the Nguyen dynasty.
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Discover the eerie charm of the Thuy Tien Abandoned Water Park, a once-vibrant attraction left to decay.
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Enjoy a serene moment at Tu Hieu Pagoda, the temple dedicated to the royal eunuchs.
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Extend your exploration with a stop at the Thuy Xuan Incense Village to learn about traditional crafts.
These add-ons provide a more immersive Hue experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Flexible Is the Tour’s Schedule and Itinerary?
The tour schedule and itinerary are fairly flexible. We can adjust the duration and order of sites visited to fit our interests and preferences. Just let the driver know what we’d like to focus on.
What Is the Policy for Making Changes or Additions to the Tour?
We can request changes or additions to the tour itinerary, but there may be extra fees. Let’s check with the tour operator about their policy on modifying the schedule to ensure it meets our needs and fits our budget.
What Level of Interaction Can I Expect With the Driver During the Tour?
We can expect a fairly passive interaction with the driver during the tour. They’ll provide basic information, but won’t offer much additional commentary or insight beyond what’s included in the itinerary. The focus is on transportation, not a guided experience.
Are There Any Safety Precautions or Recommendations for the Day Trip?
For your safety, we recommend wearing seatbelts, following the driver’s instructions, and staying aware of your surroundings. Bring any necessary medications and water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Let’s have an enjoyable and safe tour!
What Is the Best Way to Obtain Local Currency for Personal Expenses?
To obtain local currency for personal expenses, we recommend exchanging money at your hotel or at a reputable local bank before the tour. Avoid exchanging money at the airport or on the street, as rates may be less favorable.
The Sum Up
Enjoy the captivating history and cultural treasures of Hue on this comprehensive private car tour. From the majestic Imperial City to the serene Nguyen Dynasty tombs, this experience offers a seamless and enriching journey through the city’s remarkable heritage. With convenient booking, flexible cancellation, and an English-speaking driver, we’ve crafted an effortless way for you to uncover the enchanting essence of Hue.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Hue Vietnam
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More City Tours in Hue Vietnam
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- From Hoi An: Hue Imperial City Full Day
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More Tour Reviews in Hue Vietnam
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- Hue Heritage Tour by Cyclo: Citadel, Museums & Local Market
- From Hue: Amazing Way Sightseeing Tour to Hoi An
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