Private Tour: 4-Day UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hoi An and Hue

Day 1: Airport pick up - Da Nang - Hoi An

1. Da Nang
   6h
   Begin your tour early in the morning in Danang with pickup from your hotel or the airport. With your private guide, travel by air-conditioned minivan to several area sights, starting at the Cham Museum. The Kingdom of Champa ruled in this region from the seventh to 18th centuries, and this museum contains the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts. Explore the museum with your guide, who points out the blend of French colonial architecture with Cham elements and provides informative commentary about exhibits that showcase altars, garudas, apsaras and images of Hindu deities.
   
   Next, head to beautiful China Beach, where the white sand stretches nearly 20 miles (30 km) from Monkey Mountain in Danang all the way to Hoi An. Spend some time at the beach, and then head south to Hoi An, stopping on the way at the Marble Mountains to see pagodas, caves and lush forests. Arrive in Hoi An in time for dinner and an evening at your leisure.

Day 2: Hoi An - My Son

1. Hoi An
   8h
   After breakfast at your hotel, head southwest about 25 miles (40 km) to a verdant valley to visit My Son, the former capital and religious center of the Champa Kingdom. A UNESCO World Heritage site, My Son once boasted more than 70 temples, but many have been badly damaged, leaving only 20 structures still intact. Follow your guide through the temple complex, and learn about the culture, architecture and history of this important site.
   Return to Hoi An for lunch at a local restaurant, and then take a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, another World Heritage site, with your guide. Learn about the history of this port town, which dates back more than 2,000 years with influences from Hindu, Arab and Chinese traders. Take a leisurely stroll on pedestrian-only streets to see highlights such as wooden houses that once belonged to prosperous merchants, the Japanese Covered Bridge with its pagoda, a local market, Fukien Assembly Hall, and shops that sell silk, handicrafts, antiques and more.
   Afterward, you have the evening free to explore on your own and have dinner.
   Overnight: Hoi An

Day 3: Hoi An Overland to Hue

1. Hue
   8h
   In the morning, drive across the Hai Van Pass, a scenic route that takes you past red-tiled villages with fruit orchards and views of the coast. When you arrive in the city of Hue, check into your hotel, and then start your discovery of this former imperial city with a visit Tu Duc tomb. Constructed between 1864 and 1867, Tu Duc tomb is an impressive royal mausoleum designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself. Learn about the emperor's enjoyment the expansive grounds before his death, from riding boats on the lake and hunting on the tiny island to relaxing at Xung Khiem Pavilion.
   
   Have lunch, and then take a boat ride along the Perfume River to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. Admire the 69-foot-tall (21-meter) octagonal tower, Thap Phuoc Duyen, and next to it, two pavilions, one of which is set on the back of a turtle.
   
   When your boat returns to the city center, head to the World Heritage–listed Hue Citadel, built between 1804 and 1833. Cross the moat that encircles the site, and enter through one of 10 fortified gates. Your guide shows you around the distinct sections of the citadel, such as the Imperial Enclosure, temple compounds, Mang Ca Fortress, gardens and the 122-foot (37-meter) Flag Tower (Cot Co) that rises above the entire complex. Learn about the Nguyen dynasty, who ruled from the citadel until the early 20th century and was the last ruling family of Vietnam. If time permits, stop by the colorful Dong Ba market for a glimpse of daily city life.
   Overnight: Hue

Day 4: Hue Departure

1. Phu Bai
   Pass by
   Driver pick up at hotel and transfer to Hue/ Danang Airport

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag; oversized or excess luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions; please inquire with the local operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable
• Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately