From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 166 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass worth booking?
From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass is a 12-hour experience in Hoi An, Vietnam, from $23 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 166 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (166)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $23 per person
Hue Imperial City Discovery Tour offers a carefully curated journey into Vietnam’s former imperial capital, combining history, culture, architecture, and authentic local life in one seamless experience. Travel in comfor
What you get
- Bottled water
- Pick up & Drop off in Da Nang/Hoi An
- Entrance fees
- High-quality 16-seater Vehicle with AC
- Hue Cuisine & Footbath at Madam Thu Restaurant
- Experienced Local Tour Guide
About this experience
Hue Imperial City Discovery Tour offers a carefully curated journey into Vietnam’s former imperial capital, combining history, culture, architecture, and authentic local life in one seamless experience. Travel in comfort from Da Nang or Hoi An, crossing the legendary Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal roads, before arriving in Hue. With a knowledgeable local guide, explore the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial City, royal tombs, ancient pagodas, and vibrant local markets, gaining deep insight into the Nguyen Dynasty and the traditions that shaped Hue’s identity. Designed as a premium small group tour (maximum 12 guests), this experience ensures personal attention, smooth pacing, and meaningful storytelling. Door-to-door pickup, well-planned stops, authentic Hue cuisine, and thoughtfully selected highlights make this tour ideal for travelers seeking a rich, stress-free, and memorable cultural journey.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Pick up & Drop off in Da Nang/Hoi An
- Entrance fees
- High-quality 16-seater Vehicle with AC
- Hue Cuisine & Footbath at Madam Thu Restaurant
- Experienced Local Tour Guide
Not included
- Beverage during lunch
- Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
What you'll see and do
Hai Van Pass
Stop at the historic Hai Van Pass, once a strategic military gateway between North and South Vietnam. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Da Nang along this iconic 21-kilometer mountain road, famous for its dramatic scenery, coastal landscapes, and photo opportunities.
20 minutes here
Lap An Lagoon
Lap An Lagoon is one of Hue’s most beautiful natural landscapes, often described by travelers as the place where mountains meet the sea. Surrounded by calm waters and lush scenery, it offers peaceful views and perfect photo opportunities.
15 minutes here
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
Explore Hue Imperial City, the most iconic landmark of Hue and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the royal residence of the Nguyen Emperors, this vast citadel includes the legendary Forbidden Purple City, where Vietnam’s imperial history comes vividly to life.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Thien Mu Pagoda
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most iconic pagoda and unofficial symbol of the city. Built in 1601, this sacred site is deeply rooted in local folklore, legends, and traditional folk rhymes passed down through generations.
45 minutes here
Enjoy lunch at Madam Thu Restaurant, savoring authentic Hue cuisine and experiencing the distinctive flavors of the former imperial capital.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Tomb of Khai Dinh
Explore Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, an architectural masterpiece combining Eastern and Western influences, constructed from 1920 to 1931 and celebrated for its elaborate details and hillside setting.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
From Danang: Without Tickets
Small group tour Duration: 12 hours Local Food at Madam Thu Res minivan Not Included Tickets Pickup included
From Hoian: Without Ticket
Duration: 12 hours Local Food at Madam Thu minivan Pickup included
From Hoian: Included Ticket
Premium Small Group Tour: Small group size, professional guide, and comfortable transportation, Lunch, Footbath, and entrance fee. Duration: 12 hours Lunch at Madam Thu Restaurant High-quality 16-seater Vehicle Entrance Fees: Entrance Tickets to Imperial Citadel and Khai Dinh Mausoleum are included Pickup included
From Danang: included tickets
Duration: 12 hours Local Food at Madam Thu Res minivan Small group size: premium service, professional guide, and comfortable transportation, Lunch, Footbath, Entrance fee. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- vi, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- VM Travel
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If you are staying in Hue after your journey, please let our staff know in advance!
- Any special requirements, please let us know!
- Please provide all information such as phone number, email and accommodation details
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 166 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
166 verified traveler reviews for From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An Exceptional Day
We booked the full-day Hue tour from Hoi An and had an absolutely flawless experience. Our guide, Cong, was fantastic. He is incredibly passionate, highly informative, and brought the history of the Hue Imperial City to life with great storytelling. There was truly nothing to dislike about this day. Highly recommend this tour.
via Tripadvisor
Safe and punctually driving experience
A Safe driver who waited for me after flight from Hanoi.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Day Trip to Hue
I almost skipped this experience due to the duration - it is a long day but it was made really smooth with our amazing guide Ellie and our great driver! Hue was amazing, all the stops we made were incredible! It is very hot during July so pack a hat and sunscreen. Really enjoyed this experience!
via Tripadvisor
Hai Van Pass, Ancient Imperial Citadel, Emperor Ming Mang's Tomb and Perfume River
On arrival in Huế, we began our sightseeing with a visit to the Ancient Imperial Citadel, a vast complex of palaces, temples and ceremonial buildings constructed by the Nguyễn Dynasty in the early 19th century. This extraordinary site - now recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage treasure - offered a powerful glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past. Walking through its imposing gates, moss‑covered walls and beautifully restored structures, we could feel the weight of history and the legacy of the emperors who once ruled from within its fortified grounds. From the citadel, we embarked on a scenic drive into Huế’s countryside, passing through peaceful villages, lush gardens and expansive green rice fields. The rural landscape provided a serene contrast to the grandeur of the citadel and set the tone for our visit to the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mạng, one of the most beautiful and architecturally harmonious of all imperial tombs. The complex featured elegant pavilions, tranquil lakes, courtyards and temples arranged in perfect symmetry - reflecting the emperor’s philosophical beliefs and the refined artistry of the Nguyễn era. In the late afternoon, we enjoyed a leisurely boat trip along the Perfume River, a gentle and scenic waterway that has long been central to Huế’s cultural identity. The soft light, quiet ripples and surrounding greenery created a peaceful atmosphere as we made our way to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most historic and recognisable religious landmarks. Its seven‑storey tower rising above the riverbank was a striking sight, and the pagoda’s serene grounds offered a moment of reflection before concluding the day. We returned to our hotel in Huế for an overnight stay, enriched by the history, beauty and cultural depth of Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
via Tripadvisor
Hue
Great day out . wonderful bus. perfectly timed . plenty of time in each place we visited . Highly recommended.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $23 to $60
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 58
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hoi An.
How much does From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass cost?
+
Prices start at $23 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hoi An usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass take?
+
Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hoi An is not rushed.
Is From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 166 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hoi An, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass?
+
Around 58 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hoi An can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hoi An and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hoi An within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hoi An?
+
On Outty we rank every Hoi An experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include HOI AN Hidden Gems in Rural Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR, Coconut Jungle Eco & Hoi An City Tour With Boat Ride, Cooking Class Hoi An:Local Market, Basket Boat, Fishing & Cooking. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hoi An?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hoi An?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for From Hoi An/Da Nang: Hue Imperial City Tour via Hai Van Pass.
Pick your date
