Vietnam · Culture

12-Hour Hue Cultural Tour with Gia Hội Old Quarter and Royal Dinner

12 Hours Round trip from Huế Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Cycle across Trường Tiền Bridge and through Đông Ba Market into historic Gia Hội
  • 02 Explore Chinese temples and assembly halls in Hue's ancient Chinese Old Town
  • 03 Discover Hue's Pháp Lam craftsmanship at a traditional workshop on Chi Lăng Street
  • 04 See a curated collection of ancient Vietnamese currency spanning from 970 to 1945
  • 05 Cruise the Perfume River at sunset to Thiên Mụ Pagoda
  • 06 Enjoy a royal-themed Hue dinner with nha nhac and royal costumes

Immerse yourself in Hue's rich history and vibrant culture on a meticulously curated journey through Gia Hội Old Quarter. This experience blends scenic cycling, historic temple and assembly hall visits, local delicacies, traditional Pháp Lam artistry, and insights into Vietnam's ancient currency heritage. Along the way, enjoy Vietnamese coffee, a leisurely local lunch, and a stroll by the Perfume River. The day concludes with a serene sunset cruise to Thiên Mụ Pagoda and a royal-themed dinner accompanied by traditional court music.

Immerse yourself in Hue's rich history and vibrant culture on a meticulously curated journey through Gia Hội Old Quarter.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
City Hue
Languages Cantonese, English, French, Mandarin

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Morning in Gia Hội Old Quarter and Chinese Heritage Sites

  • 8:00 AM: Begin your journey with a scenic bike ride across the iconic Trường Tiền Bridge, through the bustling Đông Ba Market, and over the picturesque Gia Hội Bridge.
  • 8:30 AM: Take a moment to relax at the renowned PAPA Coffee House at 12 Bach Dang Street. Savour the rich aroma of Vietnamese coffee while admiring the exquisite collections of local artist Vĩnh Phối (45 mins).
  • 9:15 AM - 11:15 AM: Embark on a guided walking and biking tour of the historic Chinese Old Town. Traverse the ancient streets and soak in the rich history that permeates every corner (120 mins).

Visiting Sites:

  • 9:30-10:00 AM: Step into the past at Chieu Ung Temple, a quintessential Chinese edifice in Hue. Located at 207 Chi Lang Street, the temple was erected in 1887 and pays homage to the 108 heroic spirits (30 mins).
  • 10:30-11:00 AM: Discover the architectural marvel of Quang Trieu Assembly Hall at 223 Chi Lang Street. Built by the Cantonese community, the hall is a tribute to General Guan Yu, a symbol of loyalty, heroism, and integrity (45 mins).
  • 11:00-11:30 AM: Visit the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation (Phuc Kien Pagoda), a grand edifice that stands next to Chaozhou's Assembly Hall (Trieu Chau Pagoda) at 321 Chi Lang. The pagoda, built in the 7th year of Tu Duc (1854), worships Thien Hau, the Holy Mother, believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, who aided merchants during tumultuous sea voyages (30 mins).
  • 11:30 AM-12:00 PM: Experience the sweet nostalgia of Hue with the sesame-sprinkled candies of Thien Huong. This humble candy is a delightful blend of sesame seeds, cassava flour, peanuts, and sugar, creating a chewy confection that marries sweetness with nuttiness. As you savour this treat, you become part of Hue's timeless tale (30 mins).
2
Day 02

Lunch at Bà Đỏ

  • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Bà Đỏ (Madam Red). Relish the signature dish or local specialty in a charming ambience.
3
Day 03

Hue Artistry, Ancient Currency, and Riverside Stroll

  • 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit an art gallery or cultural center. Admire local artwork or attend a short cultural performance.

Exploring "Pháp Lam" (Painted Enamels) of Huế

  • 2:30-3:15 PM: Step into the enchanting world of Pháp Lam, an ancient art form that combines culture, craftsmanship, and vibrant beauty. Participate in workshops at Phap Lam Workshop, owned by Mr. Đỗ Hữu Triết, and witness the intricate process of creating Pháp Lam masterpieces firsthand. Visit Thái Hưng's Pháp Lam Workshop at 66 Chi Lăng Street, where tradition meets innovation and the legacy of Vietnamese artisans thrives (45 mins).

Unveiling Vietnam's Ancient Currency Heritage

  • 3:15-3:45 PM: Step into the world of Nguyen Anh Huy, a distinguished member of the Antique Currency Association of the USA. His meticulously curated collection of ancient Vietnamese currency spans centuries, from the Dinh dynasty in 970 to the Nguyễn dynasty in 1945. Each coin tells stories of emperors, merchants, and everyday life. Visit museums, exhibitions, or cultural centres to glimpse this treasure trove (30 mins).
  • 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM: Stroll through Trinh Cong Son Park and along the riverside. Visit the musician Trinh Cong Son statue by the Perfume River banks and capture photos from the beautiful viewpoint (30 mins).
4
Day 04

Sunset Perfume River Cruise and Royal Dinner

  • 4:15 PM - 6:00 PM: Enjoy a sunset cruise from the upstream of the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Take in the fresh air and beautiful views.
  • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Embark on a "Royal Culinary Journey in Hue" at Tịnh Gia Viên/Ancient House/Ý Thảo Viên Restaurant/Ngọc Sơn Princess Garden House. Enjoy Hue royal cuisine, a feast of delicate soups, savoury grilled meats, and aromatic herbs. Traditional court music, known as nha nhac, accompanies your meal. Dress in royal costumes and participate in a living heritage experience. As the sun sets, the palace gardens come alive with lanterns that glow warmly.
  • 8:30 PM: Return to the hotel by tourist van.
Trường Tiền Bridge, Đông Ba Market, Perfume River, Thiên Mụ Pagoda

Where this trip takes you

Trường Tiền Bridge, Đông Ba Market, Perfume River, Thiên Mụ Pagoda

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Huế 1 city · 12 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Knowledgeable tour guides fluent in the tourists' language(s): Chinese-, French-, or English-speaking guide(s), with expertise in Hue's history and culture.
  • Meals: lunch and dinner included.
  • Transport: round-trip transfers from Hue city center hotels.
  • Tourist insurance.

What's Not Included

  • Tips for tour guide(s).

What to bring

  • Personal items: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes.
  • Health: carry water and snacks.

Know before you go

Tour Requirements and Preparation:

  • 24-hour advance booking.
  • Culture and Customs: Respect local customs and dress modestly at religious and historical sites.
  • Cuisine: Try local dishes and inform us of any special dietary requirements.
  • Weather: Check the forecast and prepare appropriate clothing.
  • Safety: Follow traffic laws and use protective gear.
  • Advance Booking: Ensure reservations for attractions and restaurants.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Ben Toa Kham Cafe And Fast food, Lê Lợi, Phú Hội, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
Tour start
Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 hours finish where they began, in Huế.

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