South Central Coast

Archaeology

At 8 AM, get picked up from the lobby of your hotel in Da Nang/Hoi. Meet your private driver and climb into a comfortable modern vehicle. Set off for Hue City making a couple of stops for sightseeing and incredible natural scenery along the way. Drive through the Hai Van Pass where you will immerse yourself in a sea of clouds. Also, pass by the stunning Lang Co Bay, and Lap An Lagoon to take in the magnificent views. Arrive in Hue and meet your private English-speaking tour guide who will join you for the entire city tour. First, visit Khai Dinh Tomb - built for the 12th Emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty and blending Western and Eastern architecture. Then, head over to Minh Mang Tomb, built on the west bank of the Perfume River and dedicated to Minh Mang and his empress. After this, stop for lunch in Hue at a local restaurant. Once you have refueled, continue the tour with a visit to the Citadel, also known as The Imperial City. Explore this Unesco World Heritage Site, a walled enclosure and the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Next, see the Thien Mu Pagoda - an impressive 7-story pagoda which is regarded as an iconic symbol of the city. Finally, get dropped off back at your hotel in Da Nang/Hoi An, returning by around 7:30 PM.

After being collected from your nearby Hoi An accommodation at 2:30 PM, you will depart to discover the alluring beauty of several popular sightseeing locations in Da Nang. You will explore the stunning caves, grottos and a pagoda hidden within Marble Mountain. Marble Mountain is a spectacular and beautiful sight, complete with stone steps carved into the mountain which lead to a Buddhist pagoda. You can also discover stunning caves and enjoy the endless views from the top of the mountain. Upon arrival at the mountain, you can climb up stone stairs to visit the caves and pagodas as well as admire the beautiful panoramic vista. After the mountain excursion, your trip continues and takes you to visit the stone village where skilled local sculptors create many marble products. At the conclusion of your tour, you will be returned to your nearby accommodation at 5:30 PM.

Benefit from pickup at your hotel in Da Nang in the early morning, and then travel towards the city of Hoi An. Enter the heritage site of the My Son Sanctuary to see the ruins of many temples used for religious ceremonies by the rulers of the Champa kingdom for ten centuries. Considered the foremost example of Hinduism in South East Asia, the temple complex has been ravaged by time and war. Look at the ruins of majestic temples and royal tombs, such as the early temple to King Bhadravarman and the remains of the temple of Sambhu-Bhadresvara constructed by King Sambhuvarman and destroyed by US aerial bombing during the Vietnam War. Return to Hoi An and get some free time to explore the ancient city center before the return journey to Da Nang.

Spend the day exploring well-preserved history and culture in and around Hoi An by visiting an abandoned Hindu temple complex and walking through the city's Ancient Town. Learn the fascinating history of the region with an English-speaking tour guide while taking in natural and architectural beauty.  After being picked up at your hotel, this day trip begins with a visit to the capital and religious center of the former Champa Kingdom, My Son, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Beautifully situated in a lush green valley, this serene sanctuary represents the unique culture’s spiritual origins in Indian Hinduism. Walk around, marvel at, and learn the history behind the dozens of red brick tower temples built over 10 centuries. After the first half of the tour, stop for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover the coastal city of Hoi An on foot. The historic Ancient Town, another World Heritage site, was a prosperous seaport city from the 15th to 19th century. Learn about the multicultural history of this wonderfully preserved city with visits to the Hoi An Museum, the Assembly Halls of Chinese influence, the Art and Craft Manufacturing Workshop, the must-see Japanese Covered Bridge, and many of the town’s renowned ancient houses boasting remarkable architecture.   These sites are considered typical architectural styles in Hoi An and reflect the French, Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese cross-cultural influences. Spanning hundreds of years and withstanding severe weather conditions, Hoi An still thrives, retaining its ancient and quiet beauty.