The geographical heart of the nation is also its most historically significant. Hue is Vietnam’s most impressive testament to a grand imperial past. Graceful Hoi An sways to a different beat with its otherworldly laidback vibe. Stream towards the coast and you will discover some of Asia’s oldest karst mountains; hike up its interior and you can cool yourself down in former colonial hill towns resembling Europe more than Asia. See all these and more in central Vietnam with a customised tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and experience the core of the country today.
All things imperial
Surrounded by rivers and mountains all around and boasting a moniker like “the city of romantics”, it is no wonder the Nguyen emperors chose Hue as their imperial capital. The highlight is obviously its impressive citadel and its many imperial tombs but that’s not all – the city’s repertoire of fine dynastic cuisine is very much a cultural gem as tantalising as its architectural marvels. Buckle down and dig in to an endless supply of “Bun Bo Hue” (beef noodle in spicy broth) and “Com Hen” (spicy baby clams served over rice or noodle).
A different beat
If Ho Chi Minh City dances energetically with modernity and Hanoi proudly trumpets Vietnam’s iconic rhythm of vibrant street life, then Hoi An is only swaying to its own unique beat seemingly unperturbed by all the commotion. Historic abodes converted into charming teahouses, rows of quality tailors flaunting mountains of colourful fabrics shop after shop and delightful shophouse-restaurants tempting passersby with impeccable Vietnamese cuisine all conjure up a hard-to-resist hot spot for you to just slow life down and take it all in.
Underground world
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 but only recently opening up to tourism, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia and hundreds of complex cave systems. One of the main highlights is entering Son Doong Cave, reputed to be the largest in the world, and discovering an entire new world complete with its own river, jungle and climate, but this time round it is all underground.
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Dive deep into the centre of Vietnam with a customised central Vietnam tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Dinner
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Then head to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which hails as a well-preserved historical trading port. Pay a visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge, a famous tourist spot in the city. Thereafter, savour a scrumptious dinner at a local restaurant and proceed to your hotel for a rejuvenating rest.
Hoi An
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, head to My Son Sanctuary for a half-day tour. This site encompasses much cultural and historical value as it consists of important monuments constructed by the My Son civilisation. Thereafter, explore the spectacular Marble Mountain and Non Nuoc stone-carving village. Spend the night in Da Nang.
My Son Sanctuary
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
This morning, embark on a half-day tour to Ba Na Hills. Ascend the picturesque Ba Na Hills via a cable car ride and spectate the breathtaking views of the lush jungles and waterfalls. Thereafter, stop by the theme park with French-style villages and the iconic Golden Bridge. Next, proceed to Fantasy Park. Then, transfer to Hue, an exceptionally charming town in central Vietnam, where you will visit Lang Co Fishing Village.
Golden Bridge
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, journey on a full-day tour around Hue. Embark on a leisure boat ride along Huong River and make a stop at Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1904. Next, proceed to the tombs of Khai Dinh and Minh Mang, known as the 3 most beautiful mausoleums in the country. Thereafter, stop by Dong Ba Market, which comprises of hundreds of stalls selling local products.
Imperial Citadel
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, transfer back to Da Nang. Head to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, which showcases the finest collections of Champa sculptures from around the world. Next, proceed to Son Tra Peninsula, known for its white-sand beaches and picturesque landscapes. Then, continue to Linh Ung Pagoda.
Cham Museum
Breakfast
After breakfast, spend some time at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your flight home.