Itinerary in brief:
- 2 nights Hue
- 2 nights in Hoi An
Day 1: Arrive in Hue
After landing in Hue you’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel where you will check in for your two night stay. The rest of the day is free for you to check out the local area or simply enjoy the facilities at your hotel.
Day 2: Hue
After breakfast, your guided tour of Hue will begin, starting at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. You’ll take a cyclo journey travelling through Dai Noi “Old City” to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax. Surrounded by local coffee shops and covered by lotus flowers in the summer, the lake is a popular area for both locals and tourists alike.
Next, you’ll stop at Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda which overlooks the Perfume River. Within the grounds of the pagoda you will find the Austin car made famous in 1963, when a resident monk drove it to Saigon to protest against the southern regime. A photo of this was captured and is one of the most well-known images of the war.
This afternoon, head to the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds. You will then journey onto Khai Dinh’s tomb which is a traditional Vietnamese design with a European touch, making it unique from other tombs in Hue.
Before heading back to your hotel, there’s time for you to take a stroll around Dong Ba Market with your guide. The market really is a must see area of Hue as the stalls are teeming with colour and a fantastic place to catch a glimpse of everyday life.
Day 3: Hue – Danang – Hoi An
Today you’ll leave Hue and head to Hoi An, a former major trading port whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle hasn’t changed over the years. The scenic route passes through the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds.
Your drive then takes you through Danang where you will visit the Cham Museum which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world.
In the afternoon you will take a walking tour of Hoi An, through the ancient town centre to visit the former merchants homes, the 400 year old Japanese covered bridge, and the colourful and vibrant market.
You will then check into your hotel in Hoi An where you will stay for two nights.
Day 4: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An
Begin your day with a trip to visit the capital and religious centre of the former Champa Kingdom, My Son. Here you will find dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries in a lush green valley, dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries.
While travelling back to Hoi An you will stop to pay a visit to Tra Kieu, the former capital of Champa between the 4th and 8th centuries and the origin for some of the finest sculptures in Danang’s Cham Museum.
Once you’re back in Hoi An, the afternoon is free to browse for souvenirs in Hoi An’s galleries and silk shops, visit one of the many tailors and have some clothes made, or perhaps head to the beach.
Day 5: Depart Hoi An
Your morning is free for a leisurely breakfast before your transfer to Danang Airport to meet your onward flight.
