Chan May Port to Hue Shore Excursion: Citadel, Tomb & Pagoda

Three royal monuments and a lunch of Hue's famous dishes in one morning from the port.

A private shore excursion from Chan May Port to Hue with an English-speaking guide covers the Imperial Citadel complex, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Thien Mu Pagoda, plus lunch with five local Hue specialties. Pickup happens at 8am with your name on a welcome board. The tour returns you to the port by early afternoon. All entry fees, transport, water and tolls are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Khai Dinh Tomb1h · entry included
2. Thien Mu Pagoda1h · entry included
3. Hue Citadel2h · entry included

Explore Hue's royal sites and cuisine

• Pick up at Chan May port at 8:00 am
• Visit Khai Dinh Royal Tomb at 10:00 am
• Enjoy lunch with 5 local Hue dishes
• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda after lunch
• Tour Hue Imperial Citadel complex
• Transfer back to Chan May port

The experience

The guide meets you at Chan May Port at 8am and drives you to Khai Dinh Tomb, built in 1920 as the burial place of the 12th Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb's exterior blends traditional Vietnamese motifs with European aesthetics in intricate mosaics. Your guide points out the Emperor's coffin location and helps you frame photos of the well-preserved details across the hillside setting.

After the tomb, you sit down to lunch with five local Hue dishes: the city's signature cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available on request. Then you visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of central Vietnam's most sacred and ancient pagodas, where the guide explains its special architecture, Fengshui placement, and the story behind its origins.

The final stop is the Hue Imperial Citadel complex, the former residence and workplace of thirteen Emperors, concubines and eunuchs. You walk through the Royal City and Forbidden City, learning the secrets of royal life and how the Nguyen Dynasty formed and fell. The guide then transfers you back to Chan May Port, ending the tour in the early afternoon.

What’s included

• English-speaking tour guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• lunch with five local Hue dishes (vegetarian available on request).
• bottled water.
• all entry fees to Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue Imperial Citadel.
• tolls, parking fees and port customs fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 10:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (5 to 80 years) · Child (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Phong Nha Locals Travel & Transport

Is this one for you?Five hours leaves room for the three main sites and lunch without rushing, but rules out other activities in Hue or time to explore the city on your own. If you want to wander independently or visit additional spots, a longer tour would suit you better.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 5): free.

What time does the guide pick me up at Chan May Port?

Your guide arrives at 8am with your full name on a welcome board, making them easy to spot among other drivers at the port.

What is Khai Dinh Tomb and why is it worth seeing?

Khai Dinh Tomb is the burial place of the 12th Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, built in 1920 with a unique blend of Vietnamese and European design in its mosaic exterior. Your guide shows you the Emperor's coffin location and helps you photograph the intricate details.

What kind of lunch is included in this tour?

Lunch features five local Hue dishes, the city's famous cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available if you request them in advance.

What will I learn about at Thien Mu Pagoda?

Thien Mu Pagoda is one of central Vietnam's most sacred ancient pagodas, and your guide explains its architecture, Fengshui setting, and the historical story of its origins.

How much time do I spend at the Hue Imperial Citadel?

The Citadel is the final stop on the tour, where you explore the Royal City and Forbidden City to understand the royal life of emperors, concubines and eunuchs across thirteen dynasties before returning to the port.