From Hoi An To Hue | Authentic experience – 05 Days

You are greeted by a professional tour guide and driver upon landing at Da Nang airport.

During the approximately 30 to 45-minute drive from the airport to your hotel, your tour guide will introduce you to the city’s highlights and discuss dining, drinking, traffic, and culture….

Discover the beauty of the town at your leisure.

• Meals: NA
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Exploring Hoi An by bicycle and on walking, the organic herb village of Tra Que, and the village of Cam Thanh

8:00 AM hotel pickup for the Hoian town center. First, visit one of the earliest communal houses in Hoi An, Cam Pho. It was constructed in the shape of a Chinese character indicating the country for worship, commerce, and cultural exchange with Chinese and Japanese merchants.

Take a leisurely stroll to the Chua Cau or Japanese Covered Bridge, which was constructed in the 17th century to connect the Japanese quarter to the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original design has been meticulously maintained for the past 400 years.

Immersing yourself in the town’s life, stroll through the town to the Quan Thang ancient house – one of the most authentic old houses in Hoi An, with vivacious and exquisite architecture and sculptures crafted by artisans of the famous Kim Bong carpentry village. The home provides a glimpse into the daily life of a Hoi An family. 

The next stop is Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall before boarding the ferry to Kim Bong village across the Thu Bon river. On the canoe, you will breathe in the fresh air and take in the picturesque landscapes on both sides of the river.

This village has long been recognized for its woodcarvings. Initially, the techniques were inherited from northern Vietnamese artisans. Later, through business exchange, they were able to effectively adopt Chinese and Japanese sculpture techniques and develop their own style. Bicycle around the village to gain insight into their daily lives, and stop by a carpenter’s shop to observe their skill. Wood products are available for purchase as mementos.

Continue cycling along the trails to the village of Tra Nhieu. Immerse yourself in the rural center of Vietnam. The trip will allow for some unprecedented encounters. Along the route, you will be surrounded by palm and rice fields, livestock, and farmers in the fields.

From Tra Nhieu, embark on a boat journey down the Thu Bon River to the village of Cam Thanh. Fishing farms and water palms will accompany you along the journey.

Arriving in Cam Thanh, take a short break at the home of a fisherman (Mr. Phong) and enjoy green tea and a foot massage with medicinal botanicals grown in the family’s garden. Then, prepare vegetables and herbs from the village of Tra Que, as well as a small culinary practice: crispy pancake (meat, shrimp, bean sprouts…), Hoi An spring rolls, Tam Huu, grilled fish in banana leaf… Enjoy the meals you prepared.

Take a small round bamboo sampan basket canoe to the water palm trees forest in the afternoon. This is a moment of relaxation after hours of bicycling.

Back to hotel and relax

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Travel to Hue to see the Cham Sculpture Museum, the Hai Van Pass, the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Hue Citadel.

8:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel and go to Hue along the sea road, passing through Da Nang. When you arrive in Da Nang, enjoy a visit to the Cham Museum, which houses one of the world’s most important Cham cultural collections. Then, walk to My Khe beach to see the enormous Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Photograph fisherman on the beach before continuing on to Hue, Vietnam’s historic city. Stop at the top of the Hai Van pass to take in the breathtaking view of the ocean. 

Arrive in Hue, have lunch, and then see Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s oldest pagodas, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual center of the city, famed for its majestic octagon tower and stunning views of the Perfume River.  

Continue your journey by visiting the city’s most prominent attractions, including the Hue Citadel, the only surviving reminder of what was once Vietnam’s imperial capital. It is inspired by Vauban’s fortifications. The city is divided into three sections: Kinh Thanh (Capital City), Hoang Thanh (Imperial City), and Cam Thanh (Forbidden City). The flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area, and the settlement area are among the most attractive sights in Hue.

At the end of the day, check into your accommodation and enjoy your stay in the historic city.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Boat ride on the Huong River, excursions to Tien Non, Thanh Tien, Sinh hamlet, and the tomb of Khai Dinh King

8:00 AM: Transfer to the Huong River (or Perfume River) to embark on a Royal boat tour to the city’s eastern villages. This is an opportunity to learn about the local culture on both sides of this poetic river. When you arrive in Tien Non hamlet, disembark for a bike ride through three villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh. You will be immersed in the daily rhythms of life in the communities during the tour.

Meet the villagers working in the fields and vegetable gardens in Tien Non village. Then, in the village, pay a visit to a family worship house. Then, proceed to Thanh Tien hamlet, a 400-year-old artificial paper flower village. Aside from farm employment, they produce paper flowers for the New Year festival to send their best wishes to their ancestors. Visit Mr. Hieu’s family, one of the village’s well-known artisans, to learn how to manufacture paper flowers under his guidance. Continue on to Sinh village, Hue’s 400-year-old folklore printing center. Meet Mr. Phuoc, who will demonstrate traditional print processes. This vacation will provide you with great souvenirs. Take the ferry back to the city later.

Drive to Khai Dinh King’s tomb in the afternoon, which took 11 years to build (1920-1931) atop Chau Tru hill. The combination of oriental and western styles distinguishes Khai Dinh King’s tomb from other emperor’s monuments. A hundred-step ascent will take you to the top worship palace. You’ll be amazed by the wonderful decoration, which includes exquisite china fragments, a massive mural on the ceiling, and a little royal items museum next door. Finally, the descent provides a panoramic picture of the tomb and its surroundings.

The tour ends around 4:00 PM. Return to your hotel.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

The private driver will take you up from the hotel lobby (in Hue’s city center) and transport you to Phu Bai airport for your flight in approximately 40 minutes. 

Notes: Domestic flights require passengers to be at the airport 1.5 hours prior to departure.

• Meals: B