Hue Day Tour from Hoi An & Da Nang: Hai Van Pass, Citadel, Lunch

Summary

Hai Van Pass views, Hue Imperial City stories and real local flavors

You’ll cross misty Hai Van Pass with a small group, explore Hue’s Imperial Citadel with stories from your local guide, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, and try real Hue cuisine over lunch. It’s more than sights — you’ll feel the city’s rhythm in its food, temples, and even quiet moments by the lagoon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the clouds hugged the mountains as our van climbed up Hai Van Pass. Our guide Minh laughed about how drivers here “talk to the road” — and honestly, it felt like we were gliding between worlds. We stopped at the top for a few minutes; you could smell sea air mixing with something green and earthy, and there was this hush except for a motorbike zipping past. I tried to take a photo but it didn’t really catch it — you know how some places just don’t fit in your phone?

Rolling into Hue after Lap An Lagoon (I still think about that glassy water), Minh started telling us about the Nguyen emperors like they were old friends. The Hue Imperial City is huge — walls so thick you can run your hand along them and feel centuries of rain and sun baked in. At Thien Mu Pagoda, an old woman lit incense and smiled at us without saying anything; the smoke curled up sweet and sharp. For lunch we squeezed around a table at Madam Thu’s — I tried bun bo Hue for the first time. Spicy broth, soft beef, some herb I couldn’t name. Minh teased me for sweating so much.

Khai Dinh Tomb surprised me — all black stone outside but inside it’s like stepping into a mosaic dream. Minh pointed out dragons hidden in the tiles; he said every emperor wanted to leave his own mark. The afternoon light made everything look silver-blue. We ended with a footbath (I’d never had one after sightseeing before) which felt oddly fancy after all that walking.

I didn’t expect to feel so much just from a day trip from Hoi An to Hue — it’s not just history or food or scenery but how people carry themselves here, slow but proud. Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about those thick walls or that moment on Hai Van Pass when everything went quiet for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hue city tour from Hoi An and Da Nang

• Stop at Hai Van Pass peak
• Visit Lap An lagoon
• Explore Hue Citadel and Forbidden Purple City
• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
• Have lunch with Hue cuisine
• Visit Khai Dinh Tomb

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Hue day tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Hoi An Town or Da Nang City.

How long does it take to get from Hoi An to Hue?

The drive takes around 3 hours each way, including stops like Hai Van Pass and Lap An Lagoon.

What sites are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit Hai Van Pass, Lap An Lagoon, Hue Imperial City (Citadel), Thien Mu Pagoda, and Khai Dinh Tomb.

Is lunch included during the tour?

Yes, lunch with traditional Hue dishes is included at a local restaurant.

How big is the group on this tour?

This is a small group tour; exact numbers may vary but groups are kept limited for comfort.

Can I end my tour in Hue instead of returning?

Yes, drop-off in Hue is available if you let staff know in advance.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your tour includes an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the day.

Are entry fees covered?

All entry fees for included attractions are covered in your booking price.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Hoi An or Da Nang by air-conditioned van with a careful driver; guided visits to Hai Van Pass, Lap An Lagoon, Imperial Citadel of Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda and Khai Dinh Tomb; all entry fees; traditional lunch with specialty dishes at Madam Thu Restaurant; plus a relaxing footbath before drop-off back at your hotel or in Hue if you choose to stay on.