This Hue Tour from Hoi An is the perfect blend of spectacular scenery and rich history. Travel across the legendary Hai Van Pass famously featured on BBC’s Top Gear, stop by the peaceful Lap An Lagoon, then uncover Hue’s royal heritage at Minh Mang Tomb and the Imperial City.
Finish your journey at the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the historic Austin car that carried monk Thích Quảng Đức to his famous self-immolation in Saigon in 1963—a powerful symbol of Vietnam’s modern history.
Along the way, your local guide will bring the Nguyen Dynasty to life with captivating stories of royal traditions, court rituals, and everyday life in feudal Vietnam.
With pickup available from both Hoi An and Da Nang, this small-group adventure is the easiest way to experience Vietnam’s former royal capital.
Know Before You Go
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Tour Highlights
- Drive the legendary Hai Van Pass, featured on BBC's Top Gear.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial City and Minh Mang Tomb.
- Discover the fascinating history of the Nguyen Dynasty and life in feudal Vietnam.
- Visit Thien Mu Pagoda and see the historic car of the burning monk - Thích Quảng Đức.
- Small-group tour with hotel pickup from Hoi An and Da Nang.
Tour Inclusion
- An English-speaking guide
- An A/C car and driver
- All entrance tickets
- Toll fees for Hai Van tunnel
- Water bottles
Tour Itinerary
Stop 1: Hai Van Pass – Vietnam’s Most Scenic Coastal Road
- Begin your Hue Tour from Hoi An with a beautiful drive over the legendary Hai Van Pass, made famous worldwide by BBC’s Top Gear.
- Stop at the summit to admire sweeping views of lush mountains, dramatic coastline, and the sparkling East Sea while learning why this mountain pass has been an important gateway between northern and southern Vietnam for centuries.
Stop 2: Lap An Lagoon
- Nestled between the Bach Ma Mountains and Lang Co Bay, Lap An Lagoon is a peaceful hidden gem.
- Take a short break to enjoy the scenery, use “happy rooms”, breathe in the fresh air, and capture beautiful photos before continuing to Hue.
Stop 3: Minh Mang Tomb
- Explore the elegant resting place of Emperor Minh Mang, one of the most influential rulers of the Nguyen Dynasty.
- As you wander through serene gardens, fish ponds, and beautifully balanced architecture, discover the emperor’s philosophy, his vision for the kingdom, and how Confucian values shaped royal life and governance.
Stop 4: Hue Imperial City
- Step inside the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial City, the political and cultural heart of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty.
- Beyond its magnificent palaces and ancient gates, your guide will reveal what life was really like inside the imperial court—from emperors and mandarins to concubines, eunuchs, and royal ceremonies.
Stop 5: Thien Mu Pagoda – Where Ancient and Modern History Meet
- Visit Hue’s most iconic pagoda overlooking the Perfume River before discovering one of Vietnam’s most moving historical artifacts—the Austin car that carried Thích Quảng Đức to Saigon, where his self-immolation in 1963 became one of the most influential acts of peaceful protest in modern history.
- Hear the remarkable story behind this peaceful temple, connecting Hue’s Buddhist heritage with one of the most significant events of the 20th century.
After that, get back to your car and enjoy a peaceful ride back to Da Nang and Hoi An through Hai Van Tunnel.
