Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour worth booking?
Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour is a 11-hour experience in Hoi An, Vietnam, from $48 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (23)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $48 per person
Embark on a captivating journey to Hue, starting with a scenic drive over Hai Van Pass. Explore the historic Citadel, home to the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City, showcasing Vietnam's rich heritage. Enjoy a tranquil boat trip on the Perfume River, stopping at the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, and conclude with a visit to the serene Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, harmoniously set in nature. Experience Highlights: Hai Van Pass: Experience stunning views and explore historical war bunkers. Imperial City: Uncover the rich history and architecture of Hue's Citadel. Thien Mu Pagoda: Visit a significant Buddhist monastery with a poignant past. Khai Dinh Royal Tomb: Admire the exquisite design and feng shui principles
What you get
About this experience
Embark on a captivating journey to Hue, starting with a scenic drive over Hai Van Pass. Explore the historic Citadel, home to the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City, showcasing Vietnam's rich heritage. Enjoy a tranquil boat trip on the Perfume River, stopping at the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, and conclude with a visit to the serene Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, harmoniously set in nature. Experience Highlights: Hai Van Pass: Experience stunning views and explore historical war bunkers. Imperial City: Uncover the rich history and architecture of Hue's Citadel. Thien Mu Pagoda: Visit a significant Buddhist monastery with a poignant past. Khai Dinh Royal Tomb: Admire the exquisite design and feng shui principles
What's included
Included
- Travel insurance
- Bottled drinking water
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An City Center
- Boat trip in Huong River
- English speaking guides (other languages available upon request with surcharge)
Not included
- Personal expenses such as: shopping, telephone, beverage, etc.
- Tips and gratuities
What you'll see and do
Hai Van Pass
Begin your journey to Hue, traveling along the northern coast of Da Nang and making a stop at the top of Hai Van Pass to explore the remnants of war bunkers.
15 minutes here
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
Upon arrival in Hue, we will visit the Citadel, the city's prime attraction, which encompasses the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Emperor's Private Residence. Built from 1804 to 1833 during the Nguyen Dynasty - the last feudal kingdom in Vietnam - the Citadel is fortified by 2-kilometer ramparts and surrounded by a tranquil moat. Inside the Citadel, you can explore a variety of structures, including the Imperial City Gates, the Purple Forbidden City, as well as temples, pavilions, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Caution: Visitors are required to wear shirts with sleeves and pants covering knees when visiting the Hue Citadel.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Perfume River
After a short break for lunch, we will embark on a boat trip along the picturesque Perfume River, making a stop at Thien Mu Pagoda.
75 minutes here · Admission included
Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda, This active Buddhist monastery, dating back to 1601, houses poignant historical displays, including a car belonging to a former monk who set himself alight in 1963 to protest against the South Vietnamese regime's treatment of Buddhists.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Tomb of Khai Dinh
Finally, we will visit the serene Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings and built according to feng shui principles.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Group Tour (max 10 pax/group)
Group Tour (max 10 pax/group) Pickup included
Private Tour
Private Tour Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hoi An Express Travel
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Caution: Visitors are required to wear shirts with sleeves and pants under knees when visiting the Hue Citadel.
- Maximum 1 child accompanied 1 adult, the 2nd child will pay the adult price.
- Free for children 0-5 years old ; 50% off for children 6-10 years old
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
23 verified traveler reviews for Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour but pricey. Private tour. Very knowledgeable Tour guide.
Great tour but a little pricey at $200 USD each, 3 person private tour. Consider group tour if you would like to do cheaper. Very hot also, lucky we had very good air conditioning.
via Tripadvisor
A Journey Through History and Culture with an Exceptional Guide and Driver in Hue
I booked the tour from Danang to Hue with Hoi An Express and had the chance to visit the magnificent Imperial City, the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, and the Thien Mu Pagoda. The tour was fantastic and I have to give a special shoutout to our excellent guide Tom and driver Nam. Tom, also known as Mot, was knowledgeable and friendly, providing me with a wealth of information about the history and culture of the area. Nam was a professional and excellent driver, who ensured our safety and comfort throughout the journey. He was driving super safely, which is outstanding in the sometimes chaotic traffic in Vietnam. The tour started on time and I was picked up from my hotel. Despite being the only one who booked the tour, it still took place and I was treated like a VIP. I never felt rushed and all of my questions were thoroughly answered by Tom. We had a delicious lunch, a seven-course meal, served in a nice atmosphere. The car we traveled in was new, had excellent AC, and was super comfortable. We took a scenic route to Hue, which added to the overall experience. The Imperial City of Hue was the highlight of the tour, with its stunning architecture and rich history. The attention to detail in the restoration of the buildings was evident and added to the overall experience. While visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda, I also learned about the religions in Vietnam and the life of the monks. The Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh was also a fascinating visit, showcasing the unique blend of traditional Vietnamese and European architectural styles. I can recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area. The combination of scenic drives, historical sightseeing, and an attentive guide and driver made for a truly memorable experience.
via Tripadvisor
Impeccable experience
We had an impeccable your. Our tour guide, Mr. Mot, ensured that we had a fun time. Would recommend taking this tour of you are in Hoi An.
via Tripadvisor
Was concerned that this would feel rushed.... but it did not
We really enjoyed our day out in Hue, thanks to Eric and our driver. We had a great time exploring the forbidden city and really appreciated the insight that Eric gave us at the monastery. The lunch was nice.. but probably nicer than it needed to be. We should have been happy to have paid a little less for the tour (it is quite expensive, comparatively) and enjoyed some street food somewhere. Seeing the throne room was amazing, and Eric's descriptions allowed us to really visualise what things would have been like. We were worried that we were stretching things a bit, by doing a day trip here from Hoi An... but it was entirely worth it. Would recommend this to people that have a day to spare. Thank you Eric!
Response from the operator: Dear aussiepoida, Warmest greetings from Hoi An Express. Thank you for taking your time with us, again. We are truly happy that you trusted in our service, especially with our guide Eric. It is such grateful that we, and Eric, helped you find some useful information upon what imperial life was actually like then. Last but not least, your finding the trip worthy plays such important compliment and motivation to us to improve our services. We do hope to welcome you back again soon. Best regards with love,
via Tripadvisor
Day trip hue with tour guide sang
My friend and I were extremely impressed with this tour. Our tour guide Sang was exceptional in all areas. He was helpful, kind, knowledgeable and great at his job. Sang was so nice he even generously paid for my coffee. We also felt safe with our driver at all times even though the traffic was very busy he managed to get us there and back with great ease. Sang has made our trip even better than it already was. I will recommend this tour to all my friends because of the great experience he gave us. Thank you so much Hoi an express. Could not be happier. A special thank you to sang for being such a welcoming and amazing person to have as our guide!
Response from the operator: Dear Rachigraham, Many thanks for sharing your compliments on your tour with Hoi An Express. It is our pleasure to know that you have had great experiences in our services and a memorable trip with our staff of both guide and driver. Also, it is our honor to learn that you will recommend us to your family and friends to discover Viet Nam if they come. We feel highly appreciating for that. We do hope to welcome you back again for more amazing experiences! Best regards,
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $48 to $399
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hoi An Express Travel, who run 150 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.4.
See everything Hoi An Express Travel runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hoi An.
How much does Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $48 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 Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour take?
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Plan for about 11 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 Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 23 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 Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour?
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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 Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour?
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Around 8 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?
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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 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 Ancient Town Walking Tour with a Local, Hai Van Pass Motorbike Private Tour with Mister T Easy Rider, Hoi An Eco Tour Cooking Class & Fishing (Local market,basket boat,learn 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour?
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Included: Travel insurance; Bottled drinking water; Entrance fees; Lunch; and Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An City Center. Not included: Personal expenses such as: shopping, telephone, beverage, etc; and Tips and gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 420 listed pickup locations in and around Hoi An. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Hoi An. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour?
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Across 23 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Hoi An: Imperial Hue And Hai Van Pass Full-day Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Group Tour (max 10 pax/group), Private Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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