HOI AN/DA NANG: HUE – PHONG NHA (2days – 1night)

Tour Itinerary: Hoi An – Hue – Phong Nha (2 Days, 1 Night)

Day 1: Hoi An to Hue via Hai Van Pass

• Morning: Departure from Hoi An
  • Your journey begins early in the morning, departing from Hoi An in a comfortable bus.
• Scenic Drive through Hai Van Pass
  • Enjoy breathtaking views as you travel along the Hai Van Pass, famous for its dramatic mountain landscapes and panoramic ocean views. This scenic route is often regarded as one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Vietnam.
• Stop at Lap An Lagoon
  • Stop at Lap An Lagoon, known for its stunning reflections and oyster farms. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of the lagoon and surrounding mountains, capture beautiful photographs, and see local farmers working in the oyster fields.
• Visit Pearl Shop
  • Beyond the lagoon, visit a local pearl shop where you can learn about the pearl cultivation process and browse exquisite pearl jewelry.

Arriving in Hue

• Visit the Citadel
  • Upon arriving in Hue, your first destination is the Imperial City (Citadel).
  • This UNESCO World Heritage site was the center of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century. Explore its impressive walls, gates, and several historic buildings, including the Forbidden Purple City, where only the Emperor and his closest family could enter.
  • Don’t miss the ornate Thái Hoà Palace, where royal ceremonies took place, and Ngọ Môn Gate, a stunning entrance adorned with decorative motifs.
• Lunch
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring classic Hue dishes such as Bún Bò Huế and various river seafood.

Afternoon: Visit Thien Mu Pagoda and King’s Tomb

• Thien Mu Pagoda
  • After lunch, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, located on the banks of the Perfume River. This historic pagoda is one of the oldest in Vietnam, featuring a seven-story tower and beautiful gardens.
  • Learn about its significance in Vietnamese culture and history, especially its ties to the Buddhist religion.
• Visit a King’s Tomb
  • Head to one of the famous royal tombs in Hue, such as the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh or Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. Admire the blend of traditional Vietnamese architecture with Western influences, ornate decorations, and serene landscapes surrounding the burial sites.

Departure to Phong Nha

• Transfer to Phong Nha
  • Depart for Phong Nha in the late afternoon. This ride offers more scenic views of the countryside.
• Check-in at Hotel in Phong Nha
  • Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Phong Nha and freshen up.
• Dinner
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, indulging in regional specialties.

Day 2: Exploring Phong Nha

Morning: Visit Phong Nha Cave

• Phong Nha Cave by Boat
  • Start your day early with a boat trip to Phong Nha Cave.
  • The boat ride offers stunning landscapes as you glide along the river. Upon reaching the cave, explore its spectacular rock formations, unique stalactites, and stalagmites. The cave is known for its impressive beauty and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afternoon: Paradise Cave

• Visit Paradise Cave
  • After exploring Phong Nha Cave, travel to Paradise Cave (Thien Duong Cave). This is one of the longest caves in Asia, showcasing breathtaking beauty with its vast chambers and intricate formations.
  • Take a guided tour through the cave, where you can marvel at its grandeur and learn about its geological significance.
• Lunch
  • Enjoy lunch in Phong Nha village, sampling more local cuisine and relaxing before come back hotel.

Inclusions:

• Transport: Comfortable bus for the journey between locations.
• Meals: Meals as per the itinerary.
• Tour Guide: An English-speaking guide (or any language of your choice) to assist you throughout the tour.
• Entrance Fees: All entrance fees for sites mentioned in the itinerary.
• Boat for Phong Nha Cave: The boat ride included as part of your tour package.

Additional Notes:

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and exploring caves.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historic sites!
• Check the weather in advance to pack appropriately.

Feel free to adjust any part of the itinerary based on your preferences! Enjoy your adventure!