Majestic and Enchanting Hue Royal Heritage City Day Tour: Imperial Citadel, The Tu Duc Royal Tomb, Khai Dinh Royal Tomb and Hue Garden Houses

Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th centuries, Hue's splendid emperors' tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel contribute to its undeniable royal charm. Explore the Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court.

Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which are being carefully restored. Select one of two royal tombs to visit: (1) The Tu Duc Royal Tomb, the most impressive of all the royal mausoleums, built by Emperor Tu Duc between 1864 and 1867. Interestingly, Tu Duc had 104 wives and countless concubines but left no heirs to the throne. While the complex does include a tomb, together with pavilions and temples, no one knows exactly where Tu Duc was buried as all 200 servants who buried the king were beheaded to keep his final resting place a secret from grave robbers, or (2) the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb whose architecture showcases elements of Eastern art and Western design. While smaller than many of the other tombs, the Khai Dinh Royal Tomb is more flamboyant, with the largest dragons in the country forming the side walls leading up to the tomb. Notice the tomb's blackened concrete exterior and colourful mosaic interior in the spacious main building decorated with murals of the Four Seasons, Eight Precious Objects and Eight Fairies. After exploring the tomb, transfer for lunch. 

Afternoon: Visit to Hue Garden Houses

The charming Garden Houses of Hue were mostly built for mandarins and royal relatives and are an enchanting look into privileged life under the Nguyen Lords. Hue is said to have 1,778 garden houses, with dozens designated as cultural heritage sites. Drive 30mins to the An Hien garden house, originally the residence of Emperor Duc Duc's 18th daughter.

The house is an excellent example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, featuring a large tiled roof supported by massive pillars to form three large bays, the middle of which houses the family altar. Most of the timber is ironwood with richly carved and ornamented beams and doors. A lush Feng Shui garden surrounds the house on all sides, and is full of flowers and fruit trees including lychee, persimmon and pear. Continue to another classic example of a garden house, the former home of Princess Ngoc Son, a well-preserved structure with three bays and two wings.

Among the garden's highlights are a lotus pond and rock garden. The present owner, himself a direct descendent of the Imperial Court, also has a fascinating collection of artefacts and mementos from the days of the former Royal Empire. After exploring the garden home, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

• Availability: Morning
• Suggested departure time: 8:00am
• Location: Pick up from your hotel (Note: Please include your hotel name and address in the "Meeting Point" box during booking)

B: Excluded, L: Included, D: Excluded