The Imperial City of Hue

What You'll Do

Get under the skin of the Imperial City of Hue - explore the incredible Forbidden City, learn how to cook real Vietnamese cuisine and soak up the rich culture and heritage of the ancient capital.

Hue is a city steeped in history, and is an incredible relic of imperial Vietnam. Old citadels hide stunning examples of 19th-century architecture, opulent palaces and beautifully ornate pagodas.

During your time in Hue, make the most of the local insight to really get under the skin of the city, learning where the locals hang out, how to cook legendary Vietnamese cuisine, and the stories that lie behind the crumbling walls of the old citadel.

Your cooking lesson takes place in a poetically beautiful garden house near the Perfume River, and is a quintessential Vietnamese experience not to be missed. The city is known for its incredible food and buzzing nightlife, so in the evenings prepare to explore the old streets and immerse yourself in proper Vietnamese culture.

By the time you leave us, you can be sure you’ve seen Hue’s highlights, as well as getting to know the real Hue that the locals are so proud to call their home.

Experience
Highlights

Cooking lesson in a beautiful garden house near the Perfume River

Visit to the royal palace in the Forbidden City

Visit the local bars and restaurants in Hue

Experience Itinerary

Arrival in Hue

Xinchao! Welcome to Vietnam. On arrival, you will be transferred immediately from the airport to your hotel for check-in and some time to relax and refresh.

Then, we recommend you head out to explore Hue for yourself and discover the nightlife that buzzes through the old, atmospheric streets. Try some of the famous cuisine, stroll along the softly lit riverside, or enjoy a cold beer and the warm atmosphere in one of the many vibrant bars.

Accommodation

Eldora Hotel or similar

A 4 star boutique hotel which embodies the very essence of colonial elegance and blends it with modern conveniences, affording guests a truly singular experience.

Daily buffet breakfast at Eldora Restaurant
Tea–coffee making facilities
Free use of gym and swimming pool
Central air conditioning
40 inch LED TV with national/international channels
Free wifi
In-room safety box
Writing desk
IDD telephone
Stocked minibar

Discover the Imperial City

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and walk with you to the Royal Palace, situated within the fortified citadel of the Forbidden City. Once home to Vietnam’s royalty, the old Emporer and his family lived safely and in great comfort behind the picturesque moat and imposing, crumbling walls.

You’ll learn all the old stories, the myths and the legends that revolve around the citadel, and be blown away by the scale and grandeur of the Forbidden City.

Then, enjoy a personal Vietnamese cooking class on the banks of the beautiful Perfume River in a stunning garden house. You’ll get to know how the locals cook, and unlock the secrets of one of the world’s most famous cuisines so that you can relive your time in Vietnam over and over again.

Enjoy incredible cuisine whilst admiring the views of the Thien Mu Pagoda on the opposite bank.

After dinner, wander back into town and check out some of the local bars and restaurants, and simply see where the night takes you!

Accommodation

Eldora Hotel or similar

Farewell to Hue

After breakfast, your trip comes to an end.

However, if you have time to stay during the day, we can help arrange visits to sites around the area from the war, such as the Vinh Moc tunnels or Khe San combat base.

If you are spending more time in Vietnam we can help you to book additional nights’ accommodation or tours elsewhere. We wish you a safe onwards journey. Hen gap lai!

Location Information

The experience takes place in Hue, where you can be picked up from Hue City Airport, any bus stations, or accommodation in the city.

FAQs

Please note that you will join a small group for the cooking class but all other activities will be private with your own guide.

From £207 pp