Emperors With An Insightful Tour Of Hue & Hoi An 5 Days

Early morning welcome drink and program overview at Hai Café. Drive to the nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village to observe local farmers working the organic fields using traditional methods that date back hundreds of years. The rich soil from this village produces some of the most flavoursome vegetables and herbs in all of Hoi An. Pick fresh sawtooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for your cooking lesson later today before visiting a local home and trying a special herbal drink. Transfer to the Red Bridge Cooking School and freshen up before beginning your private class. Follow the demonstrations of the chef who will teach you the traditional methods of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. Use fresh ingredients with traditional Vietnamese utensils to prepare four popular dishes, including Vietnam’s national dish of ‘pho’ noodle soup. After class, enjoy and savor the dishes you have prepared. Board a local boat for a short cruise along the Thu Bon River back to central Hoi An. 

NOTES                                                               
Suggested departure time: 08:00     
Tour duration: 07 hours                                                                                           
Capacity: Max. 8 pax
 

AM: HOI AN FISHING LIFE 

The rivers and waterways around Hoi An were not only instrumental during its history as a famed port city, they are also vital to the villagers who depend on fishing for their livelihood. Depart for a local fishing village and spend some time learning about the fishermen’s simple yet rewarding way of life in the area. Board a local river boat and start cruising down the Cua Dai River with a stop along the shore and try your hand at casting the Vietnamese fishing nets, an age-old technique still used today. The fluid motion looks easier than it is, but the friendly fishermen will offer you their guidance based on years of experience. Learn the art of paddling the unique Vietnamese round basket boats and travel through the tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways while hearing about how the area was a hotbed of activity during the American War. Return to the riverboat and enjoy a refreshing drink as you head back upriver. 

NOTES                                                                                                   
Availability: Morning, Afternoon
Suggested departure time: 08:00, 13:00       
Tour duration: 4 hours                            
This trip is not recommended from October - January due to weather conditions.

PM: HOI AN ANCIENT CITY
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two. Enjoy an hour-long boat trip on the Thu Bon River for up-close views of fishing boats and country villages before returning to your hotel.
NOTES
Suggested departure time: 14:00
Tour duration: 3.5 hours
 

Depart Hoi An for a 3.5hr drive to Hue over scenic Hai Van Pass crossing over a spur of the Truong Son mountain range jutting into the sea. Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen emperors from the 17th to the 19th centuries, Hue is home to splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel which 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 bombed heavily during the American War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which have been carefully restored. In the afternoon, drive to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Built in 1601, the seven-story pagoda is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Perfume River and is one of Vietnam’s most recognisable icons. Conclude your day of exploration at the Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. The elaborate tomb, built from 1920 to 1931, is a blend of Eastern and European design elements. A remarkable feature is the tomb’s blackened concrete exterior and colourful mosaic interior. Drive back to Hoi An via the Hai Van Tunnel (6,280m/3.9mi long) in the late afternoon. 
                                                                                                                                               NOTES                                                                   
Suggested departure time: 08:00      
Tour duration: 10 hours  
 

After breakfast at hotel, you are free for shopping until transferring to Danang Airport for your flight.