Hue City Tour by Private Car – 1 Day with a Local Driver

Hue City Tour by Private Car is a flexible full-day sightseeing route through the former imperial capital of Vietnam. For nearly 150 years, Hue served as the nation’s heart, and this tour showcases its rich history. You’ll explore well-preserved royal sites including the Imperial citadel, imperial court, majestic Royal tombs, and renowned pagodas.
Beyond the historical treasures, you can add an optional dragon boat ride on the Perfume River before continuing the sightseeing route by private car.

Tour Highlights

• Exploring the History of Hue
• Optional 30-minute dragon boat ride on the Perfume River
• Visit Thien Mu pagoda – the temple of Lady from Heaven
• Walk into the Forbidden Grounds of the Hue Citadel 
• Enjoy Hue Special Food in a local restaurant
• Go to Royal tombs around the city: Khai Dinh & Tu Duc’s mausoleum
• Learn how to make your own incense sticks under the guidance of local artisans.

Suggested Hue City Itinerary by Private Car

Standard route: Thien Mu Pagoda → Hue Imperial City → lunch stop → Khai Dinh Tomb → Tu Duc Tomb → Thuy Xuan Incense Village → hotel. The order can be adjusted slightly for traffic, opening hours and your preferred pace.

08:00 Our driver meets you at your accommodation and starts to take in the tour visiting beautifully constructed places dotted around the town’s outskirts.

1. Experience the beauty of Hue from the Perfume River on a traditional dragon boat. **[Optional]

We get a Dragon boat ride on the Perfume River to go to the oldest pagoda in Hue –  Thien Mu pagoda. We offer 250.000/ boat (maximum 10 people). If not make 30 mins boat ride, we go to Thien Mu Pagoda by car

2. Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue’s riverside landmark

Allow around 30–45 minutes at Thien Mu Pagoda to see the Phuoc Duyen Tower, temple grounds and Perfume River views. Your driver drops you near the entrance and waits nearby while you visit independently.

3. Visiting Hue Imperial City  –explore Vietnam’s rich history and experience the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty

Impressive in size and historical value, was for almost 145 years (1802 to 1945) the home of the Nguyen rulers, and the political heart of Vietnam. Its grounds are protected by a fortified rampart 2 km square and ringed by a moat taking its water from the Perfume River. Plan around 1.5–2 hours here; your driver drops you at a convenient entrance and waits outside while you explore the monument. This enclosure is the Citadel, and inside is the Imperial City, with at its heart the Purple Forbidden City.

After the Imperial City, your driver can take you to a local restaurant for lunch. The meal is not included, so you can choose dishes and pay the restaurant directly before continuing to the royal tombs.

In the afternoon, continue to two contrasting Nguyen Dynasty royal tombs: Khai Dinh Tomb, known for its East–West architectural fusion, and the more spacious, garden-like Tu Duc Tomb.

4. Discover the intricate beauty of Khai Dinh tomb– a testament to the opulence of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Built over 11 years on a steep hill outside the city, Khai Dinh Tomb blends Western and Eastern architecture with materials from France, China, and Japan. Allow around 45–60 minutes for the steps, courtyards and richly decorated interior; your driver waits in the parking area near the entrance. Unlike traditional tombs, it’s a solid structure of steel and cement.  The tomb is encircled by a wall with four large gates, each representing a different season.

5. Visiting Tu Duc Tomb – see its beautiful architecture, gardens, and peaceful ambiance.

Tu Duc Tomb is one of Hue’s most atmospheric royal complexes, with a large lake, pine gardens, pavilions and temple areas. Allow around 60–75 minutes to explore at a relaxed pace; your driver waits near the main parking area while you visit independently. The main tomb is an impressive structure with a large network of courtyards and gardens. It is constructed of brick and stone with a large central courtyard where Tu Duc lives in his range. 

6. Thuy Xuan Incense Village – a colorful craft stop

Thuy Xuan Incense Village, near Tu Duc Tomb, is a convenient final stop for colorful displays and traditional incense making. Allow around 20–30 minutes for photos and a short look at the craft process; your driver remains nearby and then returns you to your hotel. Known for quality craftsmanship, the village offers workshops where visitors can learn about the centuries-old process of making incense sticks, valued for religious practices and therapeutic benefits.

Around 16:30, the standard Hue City Tour by Private Car finishes and your driver returns you to your hotel in Hue city center.

Private Car Prices

Choose the vehicle that fits your group. Prices are per vehicle, not per person.

Sedan (1-3 pax)	SUV (1-5 pax)	VAN (5-12 pax)
750.000 vnd ~ 29USD	900.000 vnd ~ 35 USD	1.250.000 vnd ~ 49 USD
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