The Highlights of Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

8:00 AM: Explore the city of Hue, the former capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Visit the Imperial City, the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam. It consists of three parts: the Citadel (Thanh Noi), the Imperial City (Hoang Thanh), and the Forbidden Purple City (Cam Thanh). Explore various key monuments: Flag Tower, 9 cannons, South Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Thai Dich Lake, nine urns of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Forbidden Purple City, the Temple of Worship of the Nguyen Kings, and more.

Continue with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue's iconic landmarks. Explore its 21-meter-high octagonal tower, built in 1601, representing the seven reincarnations of Buddha.

Next, enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River to the village of Thuy Bieu, a typical countryside village known for its delicious pomelo trees called "Thanh Tra." Have lunch at a family-owned restaurant. Take a leisurely walk to discover orchards, typical garden houses, including a century-old garden house. Visit two lesser-known sites: the Tiger Arena, where emperors organized fights between tigers and elephants, and, 100m further, the charming Voi Re Temple, dedicated to the only two elephants that were defeated in these battles. Then, explore the tomb of King Tu Duc, one of the most beautiful sites in Hue. It showcases traditional Vietnamese art and provides insights into the history of the Nguyen Dynasty and the French colonial invasion. Take a photo break at the craft workshop of incense and conical hats in Thuy Xuan. On the way back to Hue, stop at Bellevue Hill for a panoramic view of the Perfume River.

Depart for Hoi An, an ancient port town in Annam from the 15th to the 18th century. You will pass by Lang Co Beach and the summit of the "Hai Van Pass," offering picturesque views. Visit the Cham Museum in Da Nang, home to the world's largest collection of Cham sculptures.

In the afternoon, explore Hoi An, the main trading port of Annam in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it preserves its charming ancient character and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walking tour along narrow streets lined with houses showcasing Chinese, Japanese, and French architecture. Visit:

• The Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century, still carefully preserves its original character.
• The Phuc Kien Temple, constructed in the 17th century, formerly the meeting hall for residents and traders of the Chinese community from Fujian.
• An old wooden house belonging to wealthy merchants: Tan Ky or Phung Hung or Quan Thang.
• A museum: either the Museum of Ceramics or the Cultural Museum of Sa Huynh.
• The local fish market.

Stroll peacefully through the streets of Hoi An, where you can find art galleries and tailor shops offering custom-made clothing. Visit the "Precious Heritage" gallery-museum by French photographer Réhahn.

Transfer by car to the village of Cam Thanh, an area covered by the Nipa palm mangrove. Upon arrival, embark on a round bamboo basket boat, traditionally used by locals for sea fishing for generations. Cruise peacefully along small picturesque canals with landscapes of mangroves, lagoons, and water coconut trees—a moment filled with serenity. Discover the locals' crab fishing technique, and learn to make fun tools with coconut leaves.

Return to the homestay for a cooking class featuring typical Hoi An specialties:

• Fried spring rolls
• Crispy pancakes "Banh Xeo" ... Taste the dishes you've prepared.

In the afternoon, head to the My Son Holy Land, the most important Cham archaeological site in Vietnam, located 40 km from Hoi An. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the My Son Sanctuary was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th century. You will see a series of impressive tower-sanctuaries with 70 well-preserved works of red brick and stone architecture, perfectly illustrating its spiritual roots in Hinduism. Take a walking tour through these Cham Towers. There's an opportunity to witness an exceptional traditional Cham dance performance before returning to Hoi An.

Free time for a beach stay at Cua Dai or An Bang Beach, approximately 5 kilometers from the ancient town of Hoi An. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of the tour.