The Secrets of Central Vietnam from Hoi An to Hue - 5 days

Danang - Hoian - Hue
Duration: 5 days 4 nights
Theme: Beaches & Islands, Cuisine, Cycling, Live Local, History & Culture

Code of tour: VEXC05

Request a Quote
The Secrets of Central Vietnam from Hoi An to Hue - 5 days

Overview

Escape to Central Vietnam with this 5-day itinerary. You will visit the "must-see" sites of the Central region: the charming town of Hoi An and the ancient Imperial City of Hue. You will also have the opportunity to stroll through the water coconut palm forest of Cam Thanh and explore the archaeological site of My Son, ensuring a guaranteed change of scenery.

The Secrets of Central Vietnam from Hoi An to Hue - 5 days
  • Hue, the majestic Imperial City,
  • Hoi An and its enchanting atmosphere, often referred to as the "Little Venice,"
  • Exploring the water coconut palms of Cam Thanh and the archaeological site of My Son
  • Experiencing the local life in the villages of Hue and Hoi An

Itinerary Expand All

Upon your arrival in Da Nang in the morning, you will be welcomed by our driver and transferred to Hoi An.

Afternoon: Visit Hoi An - the main trading port of Annam in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it preserves its ancient charm and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along narrow streets lined with houses of Chinese, Japanese, and French architecture, and you will visit:

  • The Japanese Covered Bridge, erected in the 17th century, its original character carefully preserved.
  • Phuc Kien Temple, built in the 17th century, once the meeting hall for residents and traders from the Chinese community in Fujian.
  • An old wooden house of wealthy merchants: Tan Ky or Phung Hung or Quan Thang.
  • A museum: either the Museum of Ceramics or the Cultural Museum of Sa Huynh.
  • The local fish market
Take a peaceful walk through the streets of Hoi An. You can explore art galleries and tailor shops offering custom-made clothing. Visit the gallery-museum "Precious Heritage" by the French photographer Réhahn. Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.
1h00, 30km
Lunch

8:00 AM: Visit the village of Cam Thanh, an area covered by the Nipa palm mangrove. Embark on a round bamboo basket boat, used for generations by locals for sea fishing. Cruise peacefully along small picturesque canals with landscapes of mangroves, lagoons, and water coconut trees - a serene experience. Discover the locals' crab fishing technique and learn to make fun tools with coconut leaves.

Lunch with local specialties at a homestay.

Afternoon: Depart for My Son, the most significant Cham archaeological site in Vietnam, located 40 km from Hoi An. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which served as the Champa Kingdom's religious and political capital from the 4th to the 13th century. Witness the impressive sanctuary towers, featuring 70 preserved structures of red brick and stone that highlight the kingdom's Hindu spiritual roots.

Walk through these Cham Towers and enjoy the opportunity to see traditional Champa dances before returning to Hoi An.

Overnight at the hotel.

2h30, 100km
Breakfast, Lunch

8:00 AM: Depart for the Ba Na Hills, a gigantic amusement park known as "Bana Hills." Located 1500 meters above sea level, covered by lush forest, Ba Na Hills is a true green lung of the city. It was a picturesque French colonial resort highly popular in the past.

Upon arrival, take the cable car for about twenty minutes to the top of Ba Na Hill. From the cable car, you can appreciate the vast surrounding forests and waterfalls. Upon arriving at station 2, Optional: visit the Debay wine cellar, built since the early 20th century. Stroll through the immense Garden of Love, abundant with all kinds of flowers and centuries-old trees.

Walk to the famous Golden Bridge - a 150-meter-long pedestrian bridge held by two giant hands - listed as one of the 10 most impressive bridges in the world. Take your time to enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Danang city, the ocean, and to capture some photos on the Golden Bridge.

Buffet lunch will be served in a restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit Linh Chua Linh Tu Pagoda and the grand Buddha statue, immersing yourself in the serenity of the surroundings. Then, enjoy some leisure time at Fantasy Park – one of the largest indoor amusement parks in Vietnam with various attractions.

Transfer to Hue. Overnight in Hue.

4h30, 180 km

Morning: Visit the Imperial City - the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam. It consists of three parts: the Citadel (Thanh Noi), the Imperial City (Hoang Thanh), and the Forbidden Purple City (Cam Thanh). Explore various main monuments, including the Flag Tower, 9 Cannons, the Noon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Thai Dich Lake, nine urns of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Temple of Worship of the Nguyen Kings.

The program continues with the Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the iconic locations in Hue. Explore its 21-meter-high octagonal tower, built in 1601, representing the seven reincarnations of Buddha.

Lunch at a restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue to Chuon Lagoon, a part of the famous Tam Giang Lagoon. The views of the old village captivate with the magnificent traditional architecture of old pavilions, while the meandering river streams lead to the expanses of rice fields extending to Chuon Lagoon.

Upon arrival, board a local sampan for an extraordinary excursion. You will not only appreciate the beauty of the landscape but also discover the authentic daily life on the water of the local inhabitants. During this excursion, you will visit 1 or 2 bamboo huts on stilts in the lagoon, enjoying some delicious grilled seafood dishes and local beer.

Overnight at the hotel.

2h00, 70 km
Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Visit the Thanh Toan Covered Bridge, its local market, and the Museum of Agriculture. Then, depart upstream on the Perfume River, visit the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, an architectural complex that harmoniously integrates nature and imperial religious structures. It consists of 40 structures in an area of 26 hectares surrounded by mountains and rivers. The tomb's planning was done during the reign of Minh Mang (1820-1840), and it was built later by his successor, King Thieu Tri, with the assistance of ten thousand workers and artisans.

Afternoon: Explore the tomb of King Tu Duc, one of Hue's most beautiful sites, showcasing traditional Vietnamese art. Learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty and the French colonial invasion. Take a photo break at the incense and conical hat craft workshop in Thuy Xuan. On the way back to Hue, stop at Bellevue Hill for a panoramic view of the Perfume River.

Transfer to Phu Bai Airport in Hue for a night-time departure flight.

Breakfast, Lunch

Prices and Accommodation

  • To find a property that suits your whole group at the exact same price, we need to know the children's ages at check-out
Confirm

How to book?

  • Enter your travel date, the number of adults, and the language

  • Click "Book this tour" for price, then "Book now" to reserve.

  • "Pricing is for up to 6 adults. For larger groups, please request a customized offer in your 'special requests'

Included

  • Accommodation in a homestay or hotel as mentioned in the program
  • Transportation according to the program in a private vehicle
  • Meals as mentioned in the program: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
  • English-speaking guide
  • Round-basket sampan excursion in Hoi An, Cable car to Ba Na Hills, Bicycle
  • Entrance fees and visitation rights to the specified sites
  • One liter of bottled water per day per person, Administrative fees

Excluded

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Bank fees
  • Beverages, telephone, personal expenses, and anything not clearly mentioned in the "What's Included" section
  • Tips, Gala Dinner and additional costs during holidays if applicable

Useful Information

  • Safety equipment: bring hiking shoes, a flashlight, and mosquito repellent, Sunscreen from April to November, Warm clothing during winter (mid-November to early March), Towel and toiletry kit.
  • Plan your trip to Central Vietnam, (for better safety) preferably outside of October when there is a risk of flooding.

Similar Tours

Experience Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An Uniquely

Experience Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An Uniquely

Hue - Danang - Hoian

Excursion

6 Days 5 Nights
Highlights
  • Hue, the Majestic Imperial City, and the Royal Tomb
  • Exploration of the Champa Culture Heritage: Cham Sculpture Museum, My Son Holy Land.
  • Experience the train journey from Hue to Danang.
  • Culinary adventure on a cyclo-pousse to explore Hue's street food.
  • Hoi An countryside to discover local life in Cam Thanh and Cam Kim.
The Highlights of Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

The Highlights of Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

Hue - Danang - Hoian

Excursion

5 Days 4 Nights
Highlights
  • Hue, the majestic Imperial City, and the Royal Tombs
  • Exploration of the Champa Culture heritage: Cham Sculpture Museum, the sacred valley of My Son.
  • Discovery of local life in Cam Thanh and its peaceful landscapes of water coconut palms.
Wonders of Central Vietnam: Phong Nha to Hue and Hoi An

Wonders of Central Vietnam: Phong Nha to Hue and Hoi An

Dong Hoi (Phong Nha) - Hue - Hoian

Excursion

6 Days 5 Nights
Highlights
  • The site of Phong Nha and its magnificent caves of Phong Nha and Paradise
  • Immersion in nature with a hike in the Phong Nha Botanical Garden
  • Hue, the majestic Imperial City, and the Royal Tombs
  • Hoi An, an ancient port city with its enchanting atmosphere
  • Exploration of the heritage of Champa culture: Cham Sculpture Museum, the sacred valley of My Son.
  • Discover local life in Cam Thanh with its peaceful landscapes of water coconut trees.

All of Our Vietnam Tours
Contact Us