Day 1 DANANG – HUE (D)
1 Hai Van Pass
Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, our representative will meet and transfer you to Hue by scenic drive via pass of Ocean Clouds and the scenic fishing village of Lang Co. Check in hotel before having dinner and enjoying traditional Vietnamese songs on the boat.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 2 HUE CITY TOUR 1 DAY
1 Thien Mu Pagoda
Start the day with a 40 minute boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Built on a hill overlooking the Song Huong (Perfume River), 4km southwest of the Citadel, this pagoda is an icon of Vietnam and as potent a symbol of Hue as the Citadel. The 21m-high octagonal tower, Thap Phuoc Duyen, was constructed under the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri in 1844. Each of its seven storeys is dedicated to a manushi-buddha (a Buddha that appeared in human form). Visit in the morning before tour groups show up. Thien Mu Pagoda was originally founded in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, governor of Thuan Hoa province. Over the centuries its buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Since the 1960s it has been a flashpoint of political demonstrations. To the right of the tower is a pavilion containing a stele dating from 1715. It’s set on the back of a massive marble turtle, a symbol of longevity. To the left of the tower is another six-sided pavilion, this one sheltering an enormous bell (1710), weighing 2052kg and audible from 10km away. The temple itself is a humble building in the inner courtyard, past the triple-gated entrance where three statues of Buddhist guardians stand at the alert. In the main sanctuary behind the bronze laughing Buddha are three statues: A Di Da, the Buddha of the Past; Thich Ca, the historical Buddha (Sakyamuni); and Di Lac Buddha, the Buddha of the Future.
2 Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
Enjoy a walk within the walls of the Citadel and explore the ruins of the home of the royal family. The Complex of Hue Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the city of Hue in central Vietnam. Hue was founded as the Vietnam capital city by Gia Long, the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1802. It held this position for nine Nguyen dynasties until 1945. The massive complex features hundreds of monuments and ruins, such as the Forbidden Purple City, once the residence of the royal family and badly damaged during the Vietnam War, the Imperial City, royal tombs, flag tower, pagodas, temples, a library and museum.
3 Tomb of Khai Dinh
Continue to the extravagant mausoleum of Khai Dinh south of Hue. This hillside monument is a synthesis of Vietnamese and European elements. Most of the tomb’s grandiose exterior is covered in blackened concrete, creating an unexpectedly Gothic air, while the interiors resemble an explosion of colourful mosaic. Khai Dinh was the penultimate emperor of Vietnam, from 1916 to 1925, and widely seen as a puppet of the French. The construction of his flamboyant tomb took 11 years. The tomb of Khai Dinh is 10km from Hue in Chau Chu village. Steps lead to the Honour Courtyard where mandarin honour guards have a mixture of Vietnamese and European features. Up three more flights of stairs is the stupendous main building, Thien Dinh. The walls and ceiling are decorated with murals of the Four Seasons, Eight Precious Objects and Eight Fairies. Under a graceless, gold-speckled concrete canopy is a gilt bronze statue of Khai Dinh, who is presumed to have been homosexual, though he did produce one heir. His remains are interred 18m below the statue.
4 Dong Ba Market
Back in Hue, you'll also have time to experience daily life of Hue's locals with a visit to the Dong Ba market before returning to your hotel for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Hue. Dong Ba Market is the oldest of its kind in Hue, with hundreds of stalls selling household items, handicrafts, clothing and fresh produce at affordable prices. Located on Tran Hung Dao Street, it occupies a large grey building along the northern bank of Perfume River. Look out for the large red signage that says ‘Cho Dong Ba’ (which means Dong Ba Market in Vietnamese). The market opens as early as 03:00 to cater to local marketgoers looking to purchase fresh seafood, fruit, and vegetables. Dong Ba Market spans almost 16,000 square metres, with several sections dedicated to fruits, seafood, clothing, meat, and handicrafts. However, many stalls aren’t arranged in an orderly fashion so you’re likely to see kitchenware being sold next to fresh vegetables during your visit.
Day 3 HUE – DA NANG – HOI AN
1 The Marble Mountains
After breakfast, we will be on 3 – hour journey to Hoi An. Along the road to visit Marble Mountain whose tops represent the five elements of the cosmos and Thuy Son - the most sacred in the mountains. Just off the Danang Beach coastal road, the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) consist of five craggy marble outcrops topped with pagodas. Each mountain is named for the natural element it’s said to represent: Thuy Son (Water), Moc Son (Wood), Hoa Son (Fire), Kim Son (Metal or Gold) and Tho Son (Earth). The villages that have sprung up at the base of the mountains specialise in marble sculpture, though they now astutely use marble from China rather than hacking away at the mountains that bring the visitors in.
2 Hoi An Ancient Town
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Hoi An to explore Hoi an Ancient Town. Take a walk through the narrow, winding streets of the ancient neighborhoods, visiting the Pagoda Chua Ong, the Chinese House of Representatives, Tan Ky's Ancestral House - 200 years old, the Japanese Bridge.
Day 4 HOI AN – BANA HILLS – DANANG
1 Ba Na Hills
After breakfast, transfer to Ba Na, take a cable car (cabin) to visit Ba Na mountain, where you can see the endless tree lines of the forests, can enjoy breath king views of the lush jungle, good air and waterfall along the way, some beautiful village by France style, Linh Ung pagoda (Buddha),… and join some action game at Fantasy Park. Have lunch at this mountain.
2 Linh Ung Pagoda
Back to Da Nang, visit Son Tra Peninsula with Linh Ung pagoda. Continue to visit Cham museum containing the finest collection of Champa sculptures in the world. Tonight, enjoy the dinner on Dragon Cruise on Han River. Over night in Da Nang.
Day 5 DEPARTURE DANANG
1 Han Market
After breakfast at hotel, then have your last minute shopping done at Han Market before being transferred to Da Nang airport for your flight home, after an enjoyable and memorable time.
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