Hue (Chan May), Vietnam

The Nguyen Dynasty in Hue

View the Imperial Citadel and Tomb of Tu Duc Discover the opulent imperial past of Vietnam with visits to two Nguyen Dynasty landmarks in Hue. Tour the Imperial Citadel, once the exclusive residence of the royal family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built along the Perfume River during the early 19th century, this walled fortress was heavily damaged during the Vietnam War. Enter through the towering main gate and admire the architecture and scenic gardens as your guide describes the events and intrigue of the royal court. After lunch, travel to the tomb of Tu Duc. Complete with a lakeside pavilion, temple, theater and necropolis, this lavish complex is not the actual resting place of the king, but was his residence during his lifetime. Tour the sprawling grounds and appreciate how much care was taken to incorporate the structures into the landscape. Stop in Thuy Xuan village, where incense making is a centuries-old tradition. Browse the fragrant stalls before returning to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.