Private Tour: Hue City Sightseeing Including Imperial City, Royal Tombs and Perfume River Cruise

Begin your private tour of Hue with pickup from your hotel by private vehicle, and head out for a full day of sightseeing in Vietnam’s former capital. First, your private guide will take you on a 1to1.5-hour tour of Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the former Imperial Palace. Modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, Hue Citadel consists of a royal palace, tombs, hallways and ornate temples that showcase the former capital city’s regal past.

Walk around the complex, located inside high stone walls, with your guide and learn about Hue’s Nguyen Emperors who ruled the former capital of Vietnam until the early 20th century. Bombed by both French and American forces, and heavily damaged during the 1968 Tet Offensive, much of the Imperial City lies in ruins and is slowly being restored to its former glory.

Once you’ve explored the grounds and discovered Hue’s royal treasures, enjoy a relaxing 45-minute cruise on the enchanting Perfume River. Disembark for a brief visit to the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest pagoda in Vietnam, which stands on the northern bank of the meandering river.

After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, set out on a tour of the Emperor's residence, located about six miles (10 km) away from Hue in a surrounding countryside of lush pine forest. See two of the most impressive Royal Tombs – Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb – the final resting place of the Nguyen Emperors. As you follow your guide around the beautiful complexes set amid temples, courtyards and pavilions, admire the ornate tombs built above ground to honor the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Your private tour of Hue ends with private transport back to your hotel.