Central Vietnam cultural tour 5 days in Hue & Hoi An

Follow in the footsteps of charming Hoi An & emperors with an insightful tour of Hue in Central Vietnam cultural tour 5 days. Feel the echoes of the past with a wander through the Imperial Citadel, admiring the imposing walls and architectural flourishes and explore the crumbling ruins of My Son, learning about the region’s once-mighty Champa Kingdom.

Hotel list

Detail of Central Vietnam cultural tour 5 days 

Day 1: Danang Arrival – Hoi An

Upon arrival in Danang, be met by our car driver and be transferred to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Notes: The itinerary can be flexible base on the arrival flight schedule; some sites can be visited today to have more time at sites or adding some other sites in the next day (with small surcharge).

Day 2: Tra Que Vegetable Village (B/L)

Early morning welcome drink and program overview at Hai Café. Drive to the nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village to observe local farmers working the organic fields using traditional methods that date back hundreds of years. The rich soil from this village produces some of the most flavoursome vegetables and herbs in all of Hoi An. Pick fresh sawtooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for your cooking lesson later today before visiting a local home and trying a special herbal drink.

Transfer to the Red Bridge Cooking School and freshen up before beginning your private class. Follow the demonstrations of the chef who will teach you the traditional methods of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. Use fresh ingredients with traditional Vietnamese utensils to prepare four popular dishes, including Vietnam’s national dish of ‘pho’ noodle soup. After class, enjoy and savor the dishes you have prepared. Board a local boat for a short cruise along the Thu Bon River back to central Hoi An.

NOTES

Suggested departure time: 08:00

Tour duration: 07 hours

Capacity: Max. 8 pax

Day 3: Hoi An fishing life & Ancient town tour (B/L)

AM: HOI AN FISHING LIFE

The rivers and waterways around Hoi An were not only instrumental during its history as a famed port city, they are also vital to the villagers who depend on fishing for their livelihood. Depart for a local fishing village and spend some time learning about the fishermen’s simple yet rewarding way of life in the area. Board a local river boat and start cruising down the Cua Dai River with a stop along the shore and try your hand at casting the Vietnamese fishing nets, an age-old technique still used today.

The fluid motion looks easier than it is, but the friendly fishermen will offer you their guidance based on years of experience. Learn the art of paddling the unique Vietnamese round basket boats and travel through the tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways while hearing about how the area was a hotbed of activity during the American War. Return to the riverboat and enjoy a refreshing drink as you head back upriver.

NOTES

Availability: Morning, Afternoon

Suggested departure time: 08:00, 13:00

Tour duration: 4 hours

This trip is not recommended from October – January due to weather conditions.

PM: HOI AN ANCIENT CITY

Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including:

• Old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture
• The 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream

• The Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings
• The colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.

Enjoy an hour-long boat trip on the Thu Bon River for up-close views of fishing boats and country villages before returning to your hotel.

NOTES

Suggested departure time: 14:00

Tour duration: 3.5 hours

Day 4: Hoi An – Hue Citadel (B/L)

Depart Hoi An for a 3.5hr drive to Hue over scenic Hai Van Pass crossing over a spur of the Truong Son mountain range jutting into the sea. Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen emperors from the 17th to the 19th centuries, Hue is home to splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel which contribute to its undeniable royal charm. Explore the Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court. Despite being bombed heavily during the American War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which have been carefully restored.

In the afternoon, drive to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Built in 1601, the seven-story pagoda is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Perfume River and is one of Vietnam’s most recognisable icons. Conclude your day of exploration at the Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. The elaborate tomb, built from 1920 to 1931, is a blend of Eastern and European design elements. A remarkable feature is the tomb’s blackened concrete exterior and colourful mosaic interior. Drive back to Hoi An via the Hai Van Tunnel (6,280m/3.9mi long) in the late afternoon.

NOTES

Suggested departure time: 08:00

Tour duration: 10 hours

Day 5: Hoi An & Departure (B)

After breakfast at hotel, you are free for shopping until transferring to Danang Airport for your flight.

Tour Included

• Private door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services.
• All private transportation.
• Accommodation shared in Twin/Double room with daily breakfast
• Experienced English speaking guide.
• Private boat trip as per tour
• Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
• All sightseeing tickets.
• Tissues and water on coach.
• Services charges and government tax.
• No extra charge after services confirmation
• 24/7 hotline support guaranteed

Tour Excluded

• International flights & Departure taxes if any
• Personal expenses, drinks, tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Peak season or Public holidays surcharge if any
• Compulsory Gala dinner on X-Mas or New Year if any
• Vietnam visa
• Other services not mentioned above.