With a gripping history and enchanting sights, Hue is a must-visit city in Vietnam. Under the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue reigned as the political, cultural and religious center of Vietnam.
Despite the 1968 Battle of Hue destroying many historic structures, the Imperial City Palace, several magnificent shrines and temples still stand.
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Today, travelers can see all the top sights on a Hue City Tour, and we visited the best attractions (and more) on a day trip from Da Nang!
Hue, Vietnam Tours from Da Nang
Because of the close proximity to Da Nang (and Hoi An), it is easy to see the sights on a 1-Day Hue Tour from either city. In fact, most tour operators pick up from both.
One of the best things about taking a Hue excursion from Da Nang or Hoi An is that other nearby locations are included – like the iconic Hai Van Pass.
We spent ample time carefully considering our options for the best Hue City Tour that fit our style and budget. The affordable small-group Hue bus tour we booked ticked all our boxes!
The full-day outing was limited to 14 participants and included all of the top Hue tourist attractions.
We felt it was well organized; and our friendly, competent, and English-speaking guide was with us from beginning to end.
Hue Tour from Da Nang Outline
When we booked our Hue Day Trip, we were provided with a brief outline of what expect. Of course, not all tours will follow the exact same route.
Morning Pick Up
Our Hue 1-Day Tour started bright and early! Pick up times were listed between 8:00 and 8:30am.
Passengers in Hoi An are collected first and we were one of the last to be picked up in Da Nang. Still, the van arrived at about 8:40am and we were quickly on our way.
Hai Van Pass Vietnam
Not all Hue sightseeing day tours travel through Hai Van Pass, which is a shame because the views are absolutely gorgeous!
In fact, one of the reasons we booked this specific tour is because it included Hai Van Pass on the way to Hue.
The name translates to Ocean Cloud and it’s often considered to be the most beautiful – and most dangerous – road in Vietnam.
The narrow, curving mountain pass is less than 14 miles long and is part of Vietnam’s National Route 1A. As the road climbs to the peak, the views over the sea are astounding.
At Hai Van Peak, our driver stopped so that we could get out and explore. Remnants of structures – built by the Vietnamese, the French and the U.S. – stand at the top.
The Annamite Mountain Range extends from the Cambodian border to the East Vietnam Sea. It essentially cuts Vietnam into North and South – and Hai Van Pass is what connects them.
Pro Tip: If prone to motion sickness, come prepared. I was fine, but did have my Sea Bands on just in case.
Lang Co Bay Vietnam
After coming down the north side of the mountain, we pulled off the road to a Lang Co Bay viewing point.
The old fishing village is a small jumble of houses ringed by exquisite beaches. While taking in the scene, we learned how the shallow waters are used for farming oysters and snails. The town is also known for eucalyptus oil.
The fishing season is too short to make a good living, our guide explained, but with the additional trades, the people in the village are able to work year-round.
After leaving Lang Co Bay, we began the 1.5-hour drive to the Imperial City of Hue.
Hue Imperial City
Of all Hue tourist attractions, this is the most impressive. The walled (and moated) citadel, built in the early 1800s, was created as a massive complex that encircled the Emperor’s palace.
The grounds featured spacious courtyards, ornate gardens and together are a UNESCO site.
Twice the city came under attack – once in 1947 by the Viet Minh and again in 1968 during the Battle of Hue.
Much of the Imperial City was destroyed. However, the palace was left intact and the other buildings have been restored.
Our guide led us through the vast complex, highlighting the sights with facts and tales.
We visited the Royal Palace, the Royal Theater, lush gardens, an ornate temple, the historic gates and the cultural center. Here we could sample tea, rest in the garden or buy souvenirs.
Included Hue Day Trip Lunch
When we read that our Hue one-day tour included lunch, we didn’t give it much thought. We had been eating so much amazing Food in Da Nang – and most tour lunches are simple affairs.
Little did we know, we were in for an absolute treat with some of the best food in Hue! For starters, we ate pumpkin soup, Hue-style crispy spring rolls and Banh Khoai – crispy, filled pancakes.
Then, for the main course, we indulged in whole fried fish and a sweet-and-savory stuffed roasted eggplant. For dessert, we had fresh fruit – the perfect ending to a fabulous meal.
We did need to purchase our own drinks, but they were offered at fair prices and included a variety of choices.
Thien Mu Pagoda Hue
With full, happy stomachs, our Hue tour group boarded the van for the short ride to Thien Mu Pagoda.
The famous temple was built in 1601 – and the complex comprises much more than the towering riverside pagoda.
Our guide led us on a tour of the manicured grounds, passing gardens and ponds to the back of the complex where few other visitors were.
There we visited a monk’s tomb. Although it is not customary for monk’s to be buried on the grounds, no one knew where this monk was from…so they buried him in the place he called home.
One of the most interesting sights at Thien Mu Pagoda is the car of monk Thich Quang Duc.
In 1963, in protest of the South Vietnamese government, he drove to Saigon, got out and set himself on fire. A memorial to him is now one of the Top Sights in Ho Chi Minh City.
Perfume River Tour Hue
The next activity on our Hue Day Tour from Da Nang was a riverboat cruise on the Perfume River.
We descended the steps of the Pagoda to the riverbank where there was a traditional Dragon Boat waiting for us.
Our Hue boat tour was short, but a fantastic opportunity to rest our feet, cool off and take in the scenery.
Seats were set up along both sides of the covered boat and we slowly motored our way east to a pick up spot where our air-conditioned van was waiting for us.
Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh
The last stop on our Da Nang-Hue Tour was the final resting place of King Khai Dinh, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although he was not a popular Emperor (he was actually disliked for his close relationship with France), his tomb reigns as the most elaborate and decorative.
Our guide led us through the on-site monuments, which feature a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles.
The complex and tomb took 11 years to complete – and during that time, the Emperor raised taxes in order to fund the project. The intricate design of colorful mosaic tiles, however, are a truly incredible sight.
Bus From Hue to Da Nang Vietnam
Our group was back in the van by 4:15pm for the ride from Hue to Da Nang. After the full day Hue sightseeing tour, most people spent the ride resting with their eyes closed.
We, however, reveled in the passing scenery. Under the soft light of the setting sun, the Vietnamese countryside scene was mesmerizing.
Other Options for Hue City Tours
Although we chose to join a small-group Hue City Tour via mini-van, there are other options for those looking for something different.
Hue Private Tour
Join this full-day Private Hue City Tour from Da Nang. The advantage of having a private tour guide is that you can adjust the schedule to your specific interests and timeline!
Motorbike Tour to Hue
This is a truly adventurous way to visit the Imperial City from Da Nang or Hoi An. The Da Nang and Hoi An to Hue Motorbike Tour is not advised for novices, but skilled riders only!
Hue Cycle Tour
This half-day Hue Biking Tour takes participants into the countryside to small farming villages and ends with an included lunch.
Hue Foodie Tour
This small-group tour visits a local market and includes multiple stops for tastes of the best Vietnamese food!
Plan Your Complete Vietnam Itinerary!
Start planning your trip to Vietnam! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Plan More Exciting Day Trips in Vietnam: Read our detailed guides to HCMC, Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ba Na Hills, Phu Quoc and Cham Islands!
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