Begin your journey to Hue, traveling along the northern coast of Da Nang and making a stop at the top of Hai Van Pass to explore the remnants of war bunkers. Upon arrival in Hue, we will visit the Citadel, the city's prime attraction, which encompasses the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Emperor's Private Residence. Built from 1804 to 1833 during the Nguyen Dynasty - the last feudal kingdom in Vietnam - the Citadel is fortified by 2-kilometer ramparts and surrounded by a tranquil moat. Inside the Citadel, you can explore a variety of structures, including the Imperial City Gates, the Purple Forbidden City, as well as temples, pavilions, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
After a short break for lunch, we will embark on a boat trip along the picturesque Perfume River, making a stop at Thien Mu Pagoda. This active Buddhist monastery, dating back to 1601, houses poignant historical displays, including a car belonging to a former monk who set himself alight in 1963 to protest against the South Vietnamese regime's treatment of Buddhists. Finally, we will visit the serene Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings and built according to feng shui principles.
Caution: Visitors are required to wear shirts with sleeves and pants covering knees when visiting the Hue Citadel.