HUE

Visitors to Hue are often taken aback to discover that the sleepy provincial town of Hue was once the religious, economic and cultural epicentre of Vietnam, the mighty Imperial headquarters, and the political capital of the country until 1945. That this glorious architectural masterpiece of a city should have been reduced almost completely to rubble as a result war is indeed a tragedy in the truest sense of the word. Thirteen Nguyen Dynasty Emperors ruled Vietnam from Hue. They built a fortress around the ancient city, a huge Citadel, with walls 10 metres thick, modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City. Even this seemingly impenetrable defence though was useless during the Tet Offensive of 1968, when the proud city of Hue was reduced to ruins. Hue today has regained it's royal demeanour and is a calm, peaceful and relaxed place to visit. The remaining French colonial garden houses and villas, the quiet streets, the riverbanks, the outlying tombs and pagodas that escaped damage - all give Hue a unique atmosphere of tranquillity.

HALF DAY TOUR OPTIONS

Please note that all itineraries can be tailored to your clients' preferences.

HUI07 Imperial Hue (3.5 hours)

In the very early 19th Century, when the Nguyen Dynasty administered Vietnam from Hue, the Emperor Gia Long commenced construction of a mighty citadel from where he could both live and rule. The resulting Imperial Citadel was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, however unfortunately suffered much damage during years of war. Many of the pavilions, bridges, libraries and great halls are now being carefully restored with help from UNESCO. Marvel at the legends of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors who built the fortress and lived within its moated walls for nearly 150 years. Continue on to one of the most famous sights in Hue - the Thien Mu Temple. An octagonal tower of seven tiers rises majestically over the tranquil Perfume (Huong) River. Beyond you may see robed monks chanting their mantra, or novices carefully tending the bonsai garden. One unusual feature of this temple is the blue Ford Austin motor car in the grounds - the same car that appeared on television screens around the world when a revered monk self-immolated in central Saigon, in protest of a repressive Diem regime in the 60's.

HUI03 Perfume River Cruising (Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda) (4 hours)

One of the most notable features of Hue is the meandering Perfume (Huong) River that divides the city. As both the Imperial Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda are situated on the river banks, boating on a simple, yet comfortable, vessel offers a relaxing alternative to the Imperial Hue tour.

HUI04 Emperors of Contrast (Tu Duc and Khai Dinh's Tombs) (3.5 hours)

The hills surrounding Hue are dotted with the tombs of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Built not only as an eternal resting place, the tombs were designed for recreation; somewhere the Emperor could fish, hunt and enjoy the company of concubines in his twilight years. This tour combines visits to two of the most contrasting tombs. Visit first the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, resplendent in traditional architecture, paved walkways, resting pavilions overlooking tranquil lotus ponds, and a small forest for hunting. In stark contrast, continue to Khai Dinh's Tomb. Remembered as the 'Puppet Emperor' because of his affiliation with the French, this tomb was designed with colonial flair, and a glass mosaic frieze dominates the interior. For the fit and willing, it is possible to cycle to the tombs.

HUI08 Imperial Feast (Group Dinner Cruise) (2 hours)

Enjoy the calm of Hue by night as you prepare for dinner onboard a dragon-style platform boat, serenely cruising the Perfume River. One of Hue's ancient emperors was so indulgent that he refused to eat the same meal twice! As a result Hue's chefs can serve up over 2000 dishes - many of them unique to Hue. Traditional music and song will serenade you as you sample a variety of these; incredibly all created over small clay pots onboard.

FULL DAY TOUR OPTIONS

HUI05 The Royal Kingdom with lunch (8 hours)

Combine Perfume River Cruising to the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda in the morning, lunch in a local restaurant, and afternoon visits to Tu Duc and Khai Dinh's Tombs for a in-depth look at the fascinating city of Hue.

HUI06 Royal Tombs with lunch (8 hours)

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda by boat then continue by boat to the less visited and perhaps most majestic of all of Hue's tombs - the tomb of Minh Mang. Built between 1841 and 1843, this tomb is well known for its harmonious blend of architecture and natural landscape, and is the ideal location for a picnic lunch. Continue in the afternoon with Emperors of Contrasts combining visits to the tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.

HUI09 The DMZ (12 hours)

Experience the remnants of war in this sadly tragic region still known by many as the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone). Names such as Khe Sanh, the Rockpile, Ben Hai River and Quang Tri still evoke deep emotions of the war to this day. At the end of the defeat of the French in 1954 the Geneva conventions divided Vietnam into two areas along the 17th Parallel. Ho Chi Minh and his army controlled the North and President Diem, backed by the United States, controlled the South. Elections that were promised never eventuated and hence began a continued path of civil strife that led to American military involvement in South Vietnam. Throughout the war in the 1960's and 1970's the DMZ region became one of the heaviest bombarded regions in the history of warfare culminating in the 77 day siege at Khe Sanh and the complete destruction of Quang Tri by North Vietnamese forces in 1972. Today, whilst there is little physical evidence of what was, the region remains scarred from its effects. Many of the hills remain scattered with rock and shrub from the intensity of artillery fire and chemical defoliants. An alternative to visiting Khe Sanh near the Lao border is to the fascinating tunnels at Vinh Moc. Situated along a scenic area of coastline the tunnels were initially built in the late 1940's as a resistance hideout against the French and were extended and enlarged during the American war in order to accommodate civilian families trying to survive the constant terrifying aerial bombardment.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

HUI51 Historical Hue (3 days/2 nights)

Day One - Hue (D)

On arrival on Hue, you will be transferred to your hotel and (subject to arrival time) commence your introduction to this history-filled city with visits to the Imperial Citadel and Dong Ba Market. Tonight enjoy a banquet fit for kings as you sample some of the famous 2000 dishes particular to Hue's cuisine. Overnight Hue.

Day Two - Hue (B, L)

A full day touring - Royal Tombs with lunch. Overnight Hue. Day Three - Hue (B) At leisure until your airport departure transfer.

HUI52 Danang and Hue (3 days/2 nights)

Day One - Danang to Hue (L) On

your early arrival into Danang, you will be met at the airport and transferred directly to Hoi An for an exploration of this unique, ancient town. After lunch in a local restaurant, travel in your private vehicle overland to Hue via the Hai Van Pass or Cloudy Pass (3.5 hours). A truly spectacular drive, Hai Van is Vietnam's highest traversable pass, and offers amazing photo opportunities as you rise above the oceans and beaches of Danang, and descend through fishing villages to the rice paddies of Hue. Overnight Hue.

Day Two - Hue (B,L)

A full day touring - Royal Tombs with lunch. Overnight Hue.

Day Three - Hue (B)

At leisure until your onward flight.

HUI53 Danang and Hue (4 days/3 nights)

Day One - Danang (L)

On your early arrival into Danang, you will be met at the airport to commence immediate touring. Combine the Ancient Civilisations tour with Mountains and Beaches for a full day of exploration in the Danang and Hoi An region. Overnight Danang.

Day Two - Danang to Hue (B)

Enjoy a morning at leisure - perhaps a relaxing swim or a bicycle ride. After lunch (not included), travel in your private vehicle overland to Hue via the Hai Van Pass or Cloudy Pass (3.5 hours). A truly spectacular drive, Hai Van is Vietnam's highest traversable pass, and offers amazing photo opportunities as you rise above the oceans and beaches of Danang, and descend through fishing villages to the rice paddies of Hue. Overnight Hue.

Day Three - Hue (B,L)

A full day touring - Royal Tombs with lunch. Overnight Hue.

Day Four - Hue (B)

At leisure until your onward flight. The above itineraries can be operated in reverse subject to flight schedules.