Built from 1804 by King Gia Long and finished in 1833 by King Minh Mang. At the entrance of the Ngan gate into the Imperial Citadel are the Nine Holy Cannons cast from melted down bronze wares from the Tay Son dynasty. The cannons are named after the four seasons and five elements (metal, earth, wood, water and fire) and are known as the “Holy Invincible Generals”. They have never been used for military purposes and are the guardian spirits of the Hue Citadel. Notes: We will spend 2 hours in Imperial City, plus 2.5 - 3 hours driving if you depart from Da Nang or Hoi An!

The oldest Pagoda in Hue built in 1601 by Lord Nguyen Hoang - Founder of the Nguyen Family in Central Vietnam. on the north shore of the Perfume River about 3km from the Imperial Citadel. You can get there by dragon boat along the Perfume River, or for those feeling more energetic, a pleasant bicycle ride. The Thien Mu Pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital. Today it is the home of the Austin Motor Vehicle which drove Thich Quang Duc to his self-immolation in Saigon in 1963 in protest against the Diem regime. It is still home to many monks and a holy site visited by many everyday. Note: We will spend 30 minutes in Pagoda, plus 30 minutes to travel by car/van!

We take dragon boat cruise in Perfume River (Hương River), that originates from the Truong Son Dong mountain range. The main stream is Ta Trach with a length of 67km, originating from the Truong Son Dong range, along the Bach Ma area to the northwest, through Nam Dong town. Then it merges with Huu Trach stream with a length of 60km in the North through Bang Lang junction. At the place where these two streams meet to form the Perfume River.

OPTIONAL STOP - Tomb with Blended architecture of Vietnamese and Western built from 1920 to 1931. The mausoleum was started on September 4, 1920 under the command of Former Military Governor Le Van Ba and took 11 years to complete. Participating in the construction of the mausoleum, there were many famous craftsmen and artisans throughout the country such as Phan Van Tanh, Nguyen Van Kha, Ky Duyet, Cuu Horn... To have funds to build the mausoleum, King Khai Dinh asked the government protection allowed him to increase the tax on filling 30% throughout the country and use that money to make a mausoleum. This action of Khai Dinh has been strongly condemned by history. Note: We will spend 30 minutes in Pagoda, plus 30 minutes to travel by car/van!

OPTIONAL STOP - Built from 1864 to 1867, and is famous for it's landscape and Oriental Architecture. This tomb was planned and built by himself as a summer palace, and King Tu Duc sometimes lived and worked here from 1867 until his death in 1883.

OPTIONAL STOP - Tomb built from 1840 to 1843 by Son of Minh Mang - King Thieu Tri. Minh Mang Tomb, whose literal name is Hieu Lang, built by Emperor Thieu Tri of the Nguyen Dynasty, is located on Cam Ke mountain, An Bang hamlet, Huong Tho commune, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province, near Bang junction. Lang is the confluence of two streams, Huu Trach and Ta Trach, forming the Perfume River, 12 km from the center of Hue city. Minh Mang Mausoleum was built from 1840 to 1843, when it was completed, it mobilized up to ten thousand workers and soldiers. Note: We will spend 45 minutes in Pagoda, plus 45 minutes to travel by car/van!

DEPARTURE FROM DANANG or HOI AN ONLY: This is well known as Cloudy Pass, the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam where you can overlook the mountain, sky, and ocean. This is a pass just north of Danang city with recent historic significance. Hai Van pass is mostly for tourists since the main traffic runs through a tunnel at the base of the mountain. The road is well maintained and ascends from the coast to above a thousand meters. On the top of the mount, there are remnants of fortifications and an excellent view.

DEPARTURE FROM DANANG or HOI AN ONLY: Lap An Lagoon, often called the "Pearl of Hue," is a sprawling 800-hectare brackish water lagoon located in Lang Co Town, Thua Thien Hue Province. Nestled between the Bach Ma Mountains and Lang Co Bay, it is renowned for its mirror-like water and serene natural beauty.