An early departure takes you north of Da Nang, over the impressive 1,500 foot Hai Van ("Sea Clouds") Pass. With sweeping panoramic views, the winding road stretches toward the historic boundary between Vietnam and the old Kingdom of Champa. En route, make a rest stop at Lang Co Resort. Upon arrival in Hue, explore the Royal Citadel, built by Emperor Gia Long in 1804. The Palace of Supreme Peace has been restored to its original grandeur with regal red and gold columns and lavish furnishings. The emperor's official functions were carried out in the Imperial Enclosure, essentially a citadel inside a citadel. Within, the Forbidden Purple City was reserved for the private life of the emperor. From 1802 to 1945, 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from the Forbidden Purple City of Hue.

See the Thien Mu Pagoda, symbol of the city and one of the most famous places in all of Vietnam. Founded in 1601, the pagoda was a hotbed of anti-government protest during the early 1960s. Today, in contrast, it is a serene place where novices tend the bonsai garden and monks deliver incantations in the main temple.

Following the visit to the pagoda, a traditional Vietnamese lunch is served at a local hotel. Continue on to the Nguyen Dynasty Tu Duc Tomb, located in a narrow valley south of Hue. Emperor Tu Duc himself designed the tomb, for use before and after his death, and consists of 50 buildings spread over 30 acres of lush pine forest. So great was the expense of its construction, there was an unsuccessful coup in 1866 aimed at replacing the emperor.

Notes: Although walking on this tour is not extensive, the drive is approximately 3 hours each way.