Hue Citadel tour by authentic Train via Hai Van Pass from Da Nang
Description
Join this guided trip with our local experts to explore a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights of Hue. Experience the uniquely scenic & local train with different picturesque landscape views on the way, especially the famous Hai Van Pass & enjoy the breathtaking views of the coastline. Then, we admire the pristine white sand beach, crystal-clear waters at Lang Co Beach. In Hue Imperial City, we'll tell you all fascinating historical stories & visit the unique architecture with the confluence of many cultures. Be impressed by the well-preserved architectures from the last dynasty at Khai Dinh Emperor’s tomb. Immerse yourself in a sense of tranquility and spiritual serenity of Thien Mu pagoda and Perfume river. Moreover, you'll be full satisfied with delicious local food at lunch. Don't forget to feel how enthusiastic & experienced our guides are as we always try best to bring the happiness, deliver great stories to our beloved travelers.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Thank you for coming to our fantastic Da Nang. Be ready for a 1-day memorable adventure with our local expert! 6:00 am: We pick up the group in Da Nang city center to depart to Da Nang Train Station and start the journey exploring Hue city.
At the Da Nang Train Station, you will get on our local train. Around 1.5 hours by train from Da Nang Train Station to Lang Co Train Station in Hue, you can enjoy a picturesque route along the coast of central Vietnam, offering stunning views of beaches, mountains, and countryside landscapes. This scenic route provides us with a unique and enjoyable way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Train travel can be more comfortable & relaxing compared to other modes of transportation. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey while the train takes us to the destination. Trains typically offer more legroom and seating space, allowing you to stretch out and unwind during the trip.
On the train to Hue City, the first spectacular natural scene is Hai Van mountain pass which is one of the world's top ten most beautiful coastal roads in Viet Nam. The train travels through thick jungle as it winds its way around the coast with glimpses of secret beaches through the forest. When the train goes high enough, there are great views of the skyline across the Bay of Da Nang. Additionally, the pass is steeped in history, having been a strategic military location during the Vietnam War. Don't forget to listen many unique & interesting stories about it from our local expert.
After the exciting journey on the train, the driver will pick us up at Lang Co Train Station in Thua Thien Hue, then transfer to the destinations.
You will also stop by the Lang Co area around 15 minutes, which features over 10 km of white sandy coastline and clear blue waters—a perfect spot to relax and take photos. Please note that this is only a viewpoint in Lang Co, not the beach itself. It is intended as a rest stop and restroom break after a long journey.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel stands as a testament to the country's rich past, serving as the political and cultural heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. The architectural marvels within the complex, blending traditional Vietnamese design with French influences, offer a visual feast for us. Exploring the Forbidden Purple City, Royal Palace, and various temples provides you a deep insight into the royal life and traditions of Vietnam. The picturesque setting along the Perfume River, surrounded by verdant gardens and scenic landscapes, adds to the allure of this historical gem. With our local expert, your trip to Hue Imperial City will be a fascinating journey through time, providing insights into Vietnamese history, culture, and architectural splendor.
As the main entrance to the citadel, Noon Gate holds a special place in Vietnam's imperial history. It served as the gateway where the emperor's procession would pass through during important ceremonies and events. It's a huge U-shaped construction consisting of a brick and stone foundation and a wooden pavilion with terracotta tiles. The gate's imposing structure, with its distinctive red color and intricate design, symbolizes power and grandeur. Exploring Noon Gate allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship of traditional Vietnamese architecture and offers a glimpse into the royal rituals and traditions of the past. With our local experts, we'll show the best of what it can offer, ensuring that you'll have a good time with detailed insights into Vietnam's history, culture & people.
As the central and most important building within the citadel, Thai Hoa Palace served as the official reception hall for the Nguyen emperors, where important ceremonies and royal events took place. The palace's impressive architecture, characterized by its traditional Vietnamese design, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant colors, exemplifies the grandeur and sophistication of the imperial court. Exploring Thai Hoa Palace means you'll step back in time and imagine the grand ceremonies and traditions held here. Inside, you can see ancient artifacts, royal items, and special decorations that reveal Vietnam's royal past. Additionally, the peaceful atmosphere of the palace grounds, with its beautiful gardens and calm ponds, creates a relaxing environment for you to enjoy the palace's beauty and historical importance.
Visit Kien Trung Palace (Điện Kiến Trung) Discover the newly restored Kien Trung Palace, once the residence and working place of Emperor Khai Dinh and Emperor Bao Dai. The palace features a unique blend of Vietnamese royal design and French colonial architecture, symbolizing the last phase of Nguyen Dynasty art and culture.
As one of the oldest and most iconic pagodas in Vietnam, Thien Mu Pagoda holds a special place in the country's religious heritage. The pagoda's seven-story octagonal tower, known as the Phuoc Duyen Tower, is a symbol of Hue and offers panoramic views of the Perfume River and surrounding countryside. Join us to explore the pagoda complex, which includes shrines, pavilions, and beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a peaceful retreat for meditation and contemplation. The pagoda's historical importance, tranquil ambiance, and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for those who seek to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture and spirituality. We love to share stories about our culture, history and significance about this pagoda to give you a deeper appreciation and interesting knowledge of Hue's unique heritage.
This elaborate mausoleum, built for Emperor Khai Dinh, showcases a fusion of traditional Vietnamese design elements with European influences, reflecting the emperor's affinity for Western culture. The tomb's opulent interior features colorful mosaics, detailed carvings, and ornate decorations, creating a visually stunning and culturally rich experience for us to admire. Exploring Khai Dinh Tomb allows you to delve into the history of the Nguyen Dynasty and gain insight into the life and legacy of Emperor Khai Dinh. The picturesque location of the tomb, nestled amidst scenic hills and lush greenery, adds to its allure and provides a tranquil setting for reflection and appreciation of the architectural marvels within. Afterwards, we'll leave Hue & get back to Da Nang city. Around 18:00: Our bus brings you back to hotel. Tour ends & see you soon in next trips with us!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
- Please wait for us at the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the departure time. - We'll pick up & drop off all travelers around Da Nang city center. - If your hotel is located outside of our pick-up area, please come to our meeting point at 06:40 am: Da Nang train station, 791 Hải Phòng, Đà Nẵng
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by at least an adult
- In case if it has to be cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- Check the weather forecast (we also check & inform you) in advance to prepare weather-appropriate clothes
- You'll receive a confirmation at the time of booking
- Please provide us your WhatsApp or phone number for us to easily contact and confirm the pick-up time & location
- Don't hesitate to ask us if you have any question about accessibility. For quick support, contact us 24/7.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- In some cases, we cannot guarantee a window seat, as it depends on availability and the seat rotation policy of the train. However, we will do our best to book for you the best one we can.
- Not recommended for children under 5 years old.
Reviews(554)
Very good experience, guide Harry was excellent a lot of knowledge about the history and facts what happened. Tried to answer all the questions and always in good mood. Lunch was also from good quality
Mariana the guide was extremely attentive & an absolute fountain of knowledge , plus humorous and caring , which made the experience of our visits to different sites all the more enjoyable 🙏😄
My mother and I were picked up from our hotel by the lovely Leo who looked after us until we reached Hue. The heritage train was amazing. Incredible scenery, entertaining karaoke and delicious food. When we arrived in Hue we were met by Van who was very knowledgeable and very funny. It made for a really fun and relaxed day visiting the ancient sites. I would definitely recommend this tour for anyone visiting Da Nang.
Great tour. Loved the train ride at the start of the journey. Mariana is an amazing guide!
Overall smooth and great experience. Harry was a good guide and spent lot of his efforts to make us understand the history of Vietnam.
We had a wonderful tour of Hue with Mariana! She was very funny and knowledgeable and made an effort to get to know each of us. We saw a lot, and the heritage train was lovely. Highly recommend if you want to see the highlights of Hue but only have limited time.
Good day trip to Hue from Da Nang. The train ride over Hai Van Pass was a nice part of the experience, with beautiful views along the coast and mountains. In Hue, we visited the Ancient City/Citadel, which was the main highlight of the tour. Our guide Tommy was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It made the visit much easier to understand than just walking around on our own. Overall, a solid and well-organized tour.
This was a fun experience that gave us a lot of insight into the history of Vietnam in Hue. Tom was our guide and he was amazing. Kept things light and took good care of us.
The whole day was well organised and very interesting. Our guide Mariana kept us enthused in spite of the stiflingly hot day. We were given plenty of water and even chilled cloths to help us cool down. Lunch was delicious and included an explanation by Marianna about what each dish was and how to eat it. Her commentary was informative and we were well cared for.
Mariana is an excellent guide. Very informative with proficient English. Despite it being about 40 degrees celcius, we had an enjoyable journey and were provided with cold water and towels along the way. The lunch was also excellent (so much food) and catered well to my gluten free diet. Thanks.
