Day trip to Hue from Da Nang: Imperial Citadel and royal tombs

Seven hours, three royal monuments, one ancient capital

A full-day private tour from Da Nang to Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital, with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide and round-trip transfer. You visit Tu Duc's Tomb, walk the Imperial Citadel (where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from 1804 to 1945) to see the Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns and Forbidden Purple City, then drive along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. The day departs at 7am and returns around 6:30pm, with a stop at Hai Van Pass on the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day trip from Da Nang to Hue city

• Depart from Hoi An or Da Nang at 7:00 am
• Stop at Hai Van Pass for rest and photos
• Arrive in Hue around 10:00 am
• Visit Tu Duc’s Tomb
• Lunch break for 1 hour
• Explore Hue Imperial Citadel
• Drive along Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda
• Depart Hue at 3:30 pm
• Return to hotel around 6:30 pm

The experience

The drive from Da Nang starts at 7am. On the way, you stop at the top of Hai Van Pass for a rest and photographs before reaching Hue around 10am. Tu Duc's Tomb comes first: a royal burial site built during the Nguyen Dynasty's 143-year rule. After an hour for lunch, you spend two hours inside the Imperial Citadel, the walled palace complex where the Nguyen emperors governed from 1804 to 1945. The citadel holds the Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City, the innermost royal residence.

From the citadel, the route follows the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Hue and the city's official symbol. By 3:30pm you leave Hue and drive back to Da Nang, arriving at your hotel around 6:30pm. The driver is included throughout, as is bottled water for the journey. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group and explains the history and architecture at each stop.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Da Nang.
• round-trip private car transfer.
• English-speaking guide.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00, 07:00, 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (6 to 80 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hoi an local tour

Is this one for you?Book this if you're traveling between Da Nang and Hue and prefer a private car over joining a group tour. You'll move at your own pace while seeing the Citadel, royal tombs, and Thien Mu Pagoda in a single seven-hour day.

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Top questions

What is the Imperial Citadel in Hue?

The Imperial Citadel is the walled palace complex where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam from 1804 to 1945. Inside it you see the Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City, the royal residence where only emperors and their families could enter.

How long is the drive from Da Nang to Hue?

The drive takes roughly three hours to reach Hue from Da Nang. The tour includes a stop at Hai Van Pass on the way for rest and photographs before you arrive around 10am.

What is Thien Mu Pagoda?

Thien Mu Pagoda is the largest pagoda in Hue and serves as the official symbol of the city. It sits along the Perfume River, which you drive past after leaving the Imperial Citadel.

What time does the tour depart and return?

The tour departs from your hotel in Da Nang at 7am and returns around 6:30pm. You spend roughly seven hours on the tour, including travel time, stops and lunch.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You have one hour to eat at a restaurant of your choice in Hue after visiting Tu Duc's Tomb and before entering the Imperial Citadel.

Does the tour include entrance fees to the monuments?

Entrance fees to Tu Duc's Tomb, the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda are not included in the tour price. You pay them separately at each site.