Hue Shore Excursions | Get Big Deal Hue Day Tours from Chan May Port
Hue, the former capital of Vietnam, is famous for its monuments including the royal palace, pagodas, the emperors’ tombs, and temples. Hue shore excursions also mark with various cultural sites and the best Vietnamese cuisine. Day tours to Hue promise a wonderful time to get a glimpse of exploring an idyllic city. Then, get lost in old-fashioned Vietnam. Hue was among the first place in Vietnam as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. Moreover, this deeply evocative capital of the Nguyen emperors still resonates with the glories of imperial Vietnam. Even though the war destroyed many of its finest buildings, restoration work transformed the city from ash to a stunning phoenix.
Historic Landmarks
Hue, the former capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its rich history, featuring must-visit sites like the Imperial Citadel, Forbidden City, and royal tombs.
Cultural and Culinary Experiences
Hue shore excursions offer insights into local life with visits to Dong Ba market, cooking classes to learn authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and participation in traditional festivals.
Scenic Beauty and Relaxation
Enjoy a serene boat cruise along the Perfume River, one of the iconic experiences in Hue, offering picturesque views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Asia Shore Excursions offers the best Hue shore excursions for cruise ship passengers stopping at Chan May Port to visit Hue city, taking a boat trip on the Perfume River or visiting Hue’s ancient monuments. Please contact us for the best Hue day tours from cruise ship.
Note: Sending us your request is free and easy. Our consultants will contact you within 12 working hours.
Hue Shore Excursions
- Duration: 8 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Chan May Port/Chan May Port
- Highlights: Boat trip along Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, Tomb of King Tu Duc
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hue Shore Excursions
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Chan May Port/ Chan May Port
- Highlights: Thanh Toan Bridge, Phu Gia Pass tunnel, Tam Giang Lagoon, Lang Co Beach, Lap An Lagoon, Bach Ma Mountain
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hue Shore Excursions
- Duration: 9 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Chan May Port/Chan May Port
- Highlights: Dong Ba market, Royal Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Boat trip upstream Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda, Traditional Music Show
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hue Shore Excursions
- Duration: 9.5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Chan May Port/Chan May Port
- Highlights: Cyclo tour, Dong Ba Market, boat trip on Perfume River, cooking lesson, Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, unique garden house in Hue
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hue Shore Excursions
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Chan May Port/Chan May Port
- Highlights: Phuoc Tich Village, boat trip along O Lau River, Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hue Shore Excursions
- Duration: 8.5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Chan May port/Chan May Port
- Highlights: Chan May Port - Perfume River - Dong Ba market - Thien Mu pagoda - Thuy Bieu village
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
How to Choose the Best Hue Shore Excursions
For cruise passengers arriving at Chan May Port, selecting the right Hue shore excursion is key to making the most of your day on land. Our thoughtfully crafted itineraries help you explore the royal charm of Vietnam’s imperial city, with smooth logistics and expert guides ensuring a relaxing and rewarding experience.
1. Check the Port Distance
Cruise ships usually dock at Chan May Port, about 1.5 hours from Hue. Most Hue excursions start here with round-trip transport, English-speaking guides, and cruise-aligned schedules.
2. Focus on What You Enjoy
Pick what suits you best:
- Imperial Sites: Citadel, Khai Dinh Tomb, Forbidden City
- Scenic Views: Perfume River, Hai Van Pass
- Local Life: Garden houses, Dong Ba Market, countryside villages
- Pagodas: Thien Mu or Tu Hieu
Private tours allow flexibility, while small-group day trips from Hue are great for first-time visitors.
3. Consider Walking Requirements
Some Hue shore excursions involve walking or steps. Many shore excursions from Chan May Port are senior-friendly and can include easier routes or vehicle support.
Must-Try Local Dishes on Hue Shore Excursions
One of the highlights of Hue excursions is the opportunity to explore the city's rich culinary heritage. As Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Hue offers a refined cuisine that reflects both royal sophistication and local authenticity. During your Hue shore excursions or day trips from Hue, you will discover a range of traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations.
Bún bò Huế (Hue Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
Bánh bèo, bánh nậm, bánh lọc (Hue Rice Cakes)
Cơm hến (Baby Clam Rice)
Nem lụi (Grilled Pork Skewers with Lemongrass)
Chè Huế (Hue Sweet Soups)
Bún bò Huế (Hue Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
This flavorful soup features thick rice noodles in a rich, spicy broth infused with lemongrass. It is served with tender beef, pork hock, and fresh herbs. Bún bò Huế is a must-try dish often included in our most popular Hue day trips.
Bánh bèo, bánh nậm, bánh lọc (Hue Rice Cakes)
These delicate rice-based snacks are steamed in small molds or banana leaves, filled with savory shrimp or pork, and topped with scallion oil and crispy shallots. They are an essential part of any authentic Hue vietnam tour.
Cơm hến (Baby Clam Rice)
A signature local dish featuring stir-fried baby clams served over cold rice, garnished with herbs, roasted peanuts, sesame, and crispy pork skin. It is best enjoyed with crunchy rice crackers and a touch of chili. Many of our Hue shore excursions include stops at traditional eateries where this dish is freshly prepared.
Nem lụi (Grilled Pork Skewers with Lemongrass)
Minced pork is wrapped around lemongrass sticks, grilled over charcoal, and served with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and peanut dipping sauce. This dish is often featured on food-focused day trips from Hue.
Chè Huế (Hue Sweet Soups)
A colorful and refreshing dessert made with ingredients like lotus seeds, mung beans, coconut cream, and jelly. Each variety offers a unique taste and texture. Guests often enjoy a tasting of several types during our Hue excursions.
Highlights of Hue Shore Excursions
Located in central Vietnam, Hue invites cruise travelers to explore its royal heritage, poetic rivers, and timeless architecture. As the former imperial capital, Hue offers a wealth of historic landmarks and cultural experiences. Our Hue shore excursions provide a smooth and engaging way to discover the city's highlights with thoughtfully planned day trips from Hue starting right from the port.
Imperial City of Hue
Walk through the grand gates of the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with palaces, temples, and ancient citadel walls. This landmark is a central feature in most Hue excursions, offering deep insights into Vietnam’s royal past.
Thien Mu Pagoda and Perfume River
Visit one of the oldest and most iconic pagodas in Vietnam, perched above the Perfume River. Guests on our Hue vietnam tours often enjoy a tranquil boat ride along the river to reach this peaceful site.
Traditional Garden Houses
Explore Hue’s traditional garden homes known as "nhà vườn", where architecture blends harmoniously with nature. Many hue day trips include visits to these elegant homes to offer a glimpse into noble family life in the past.
Why Choose Our Hue Shore Excursions?
Our Hue shore excursions are carefully crafted for cruise travelers looking to explore the historical and cultural richness of Vietnam’s former imperial capital. With the help of expert local guides, scenic routes, and a relaxed pace, you can discover the charm of Hue at your own rhythm. From ancient royal landmarks to traditional garden houses and iconic dishes, every experience in our Hue excursions is designed to make your visit meaningful and comfortable.
Personal travel consultant
Easy-paced experiences
Private & small group tours
Full support at your port call
Our Hue shore excursions are designed by local experts who bring the city’s heritage, landscapes, and hidden corners to life. Instead of following the usual tourist paths, you will explore imperial landmarks, ancient temples, garden houses, and traditional crafts passed down through generations.
What to expect on our Hue excursions:
✔ Tailored itineraries that reflect your pace and personal interests
✔ Comfortable transport with easy pick-up and drop-off from the port
✔ Small groups for a more relaxed and engaging experience
✔ Local guides who share the rich history and stories of Hue vietnam tours
More than just sightseeing:
✔ Visit the Imperial City, pagodas, and royal tombs with expert insights
✔ Explore traditional villages known for folk crafts and woodblock printing
✔ Taste authentic Hue cuisine at local eateries and food markets
✔ Discover cultural traditions through music performances, incense workshops, and home visits
When Is the Best Time for Hue Shore Excursions?
Located in Central Vietnam, Hue is one of the country’s oldest cities and a former imperial capital. Known for its rich heritage and traditional culture, Hue offers visitors unique performances and distinctive cuisine. The weather can be hot and humid, especially in summer, which may affect comfort. To help you plan a pleasant Hue shore excursion, we’ve shared the best time to visit below.
The climate in coasts and delta area of Hue is typically tropical and divided into two distinguished seasons that are the dry season (from March to August) and the rainy season (from August to January). While the temperature in the dry season reaches a maximum level of 40 C, in the rainy season Hue weather becomes to get colder, the temperature can go down to 19,70 C. Especially in higher areas like highlands or mountains, Hue weather is generally cooler. If you are planning a Hue tour, any days in the dry season would be the best time to visit Hue, and the rainy season isn’t recommended.
Weather in Hue by Months
Weather in Hue from February to April
In Hue, February to April time are spring season when the weather in Hue is so perfect that it can occur all activities. The average temperature is about 22°C, which makes Hue shore excursion much pleasant to go outside and delve into the poetic city. The volume of rain in Hue in these two months is at its least, thus tourists will not be nervous that rain will ruin their sabbatical time. In these months, the weather in Hue is so perfect for tourists to visit myriad of historical sites such as Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang tomb, and relish traditional performances as Hue’s royal court music. Moreover, besides these ideal months, January and May are also recommended to be a guest of Hue, but in these two months, it is rainy more than other ones. Though the rains come more often, the temperature and humidity are still very enjoyable for tourists.
Weather in Hue from June to July
This time is still feasible to call on Hue, but it isn’t highly suggested since Hue weather now is moderate. In detail, these months are the summer time of the year, the weather in Hue is the hottest with the average temperature of 30 degrees, making it much more annoying for travelers. Nonetheless, in this type of Hue weather, tourists will delve into the deep blue sky in exchange for the hot weather.
Weather in Hue from August to December - The Rainy Season
Tourists can visit Hue in this season, but not highly supported. In the first place, Hue is relatively cramped in August since this is the high season for domestic travel. Secondly, it’s also the rainy season from September to December, thus, the rains come frequently and will last a few hours. As the result, your Hue shore excursion might be demolished in these months.
Top Things To Do & See in Hue Shore Excursions
Being the former capital city of Vietnam for approximately 150 years, Hue is one of the most must-visit destinations in Vietnam shore excursions. Only by traveling to Hue day tours by yourself that tourists can experience the traditional and cultural atmosphere of this city. Since then you can understand why thinking about the Ao Dai and Non La - the symbol of Vietnam in general, people always evoke of Hue. Hue day trips are famous for its historic monuments some of which are recognized as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The city maintains a variety of French-style buildings lie along the Perfume River one of which is the oldest high school in Vietnam - Quoc Hoc high school. The religious city where Buddhism has stronger support than elsewhere in Vietnam.
The city whose cuisine forms the heart of Central Vietnamese cuisine with a significant type of noodles made from its name - Bun Bo Hue. The more you explore Hue, the fewer things you understand about it! It is so difficult to actually understand this city thoroughly! One small thing you should know in your shore excursions is that the easiest way to Hue shore excursions is from Chan May port, which also a significant attraction of Hue that tourists can add it to their itinerary also. By the way, a list of things to do and see in Hue day trips will be detail specified below as the suggestions for tourists to save times on their Hue shore excursions.
Attractions for Hue Shore Excursions
Hue Imperial Citadel
Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh
Thien Mu Pagoda
Dong Ba Market
Discover the captivating allure of Hue with our shore excursions. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Imperial City, exploring its majestic citadel, ornate palaces, and serene gardens. Visit the revered Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue's spiritual heritage, and admire its towering elegance. Delve into the vibrant culture of the city at the bustling Dong Ba Market, where local flavors and handicrafts abound. With our Hue shore excursions, embark on a journey through time and tradition, uncovering the treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Activities During Hue Shore Excursions
Hue Cooking Class
Hue Festivals
Hue Cuisine
Ride a cyclo through Hue City
Indulge in the vibrant culture and flavors of Hue during our shore excursions. Join a hands-on cooking class to master the art of Hue cuisine, learning secrets from local chefs passed down through generations. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Hue Festival, celebrating the city's rich heritage through music, dance, and art. Delight your taste buds with Hue's renowned cuisine, from aromatic noodle soups to savory street food delights. Explore the city's charming streets and historic sites in traditional cyclos, soaking in the sights and sounds of Hue's bustling streets. With our Hue shore excursions, experience the best of this enchanting city's culinary delights, cultural festivities, and unique transportation options.
FAQs about Hue Shore Excursions
If your cruise ship docks at Chan May Port, you may be considering a Hue shore excursion to explore Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Known for its rich history, grand architecture, and cultural heritage, Hue offers a fulfilling day trip for those interested in the country’s royal legacy. Below are some of the most common questions to help you prepare for your visit with ease and clarity.
1. Where do cruise ships dock for Hue excursions?
Most cruise ships that visit Hue dock at Chan May Port, which is situated between Hue and Da Nang. It takes approximately 1.5 hours by car to reach Hue city center from the port. Some smaller ships may arrive at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang, located farther away. While tours can be arranged from either port, Chan May is the main gateway for most Hue excursions.
2. How long does a typical Hue shore excursion take?
A standard Hue shore excursion from Chan May usually lasts 7 to 8 hours, including transfer time. This allows you to visit key landmarks such as the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and a royal tomb, with time for a traditional lunch before returning to the ship.
3. Are Hue excursions suitable for seniors or guests with limited mobility?
Yes. Many providers offer private or small-group Hue vietnam tours with flexible pacing and comfortable transport. Some sites may have uneven ground or steps, so it is helpful to inform your tour operator in advance for better route planning.
4. Is there an English-speaking guide provided?
Professional English-speaking guides are included in most day trips from Hue. They will accompany you throughout the tour, offer historical insights, and assist with any local interactions.
5. What should I wear when visiting Hue?
The climate in Hue is warm and humid. It’s best to wear light, breathable clothing. When entering pagodas or royal tombs, choose modest outfits such as tops with sleeves and knee-length bottoms. Comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, and sunscreen are also recommended.
6. Can I customize my Hue shore excursion itinerary?
Yes. Private tours are customizable to match your interests, timing, and physical comfort. You can focus on culture, history, scenic spots, or local cuisine depending on what you prefer.
7. Are meals included in the excursion?
Many full-day Hue shore excursions include a local lunch at a traditional restaurant. Special dietary needs like vegetarian or gluten-free meals can often be accommodated if requested in advance.
8. How can I make sure I return to the ship on time?
Experienced tour operators plan schedules carefully based on cruise timelines. Booking through a reputable company ensures you are back at the port well ahead of departure time.
9. Is it safe to take a private tour in Hue?
Hue is known for its safety and warm hospitality. Reputable operators provide reliable service, and the local community is welcoming to travelers. Stay with your group, carry basic identification, and follow general safety precautions during the tour.
Ready to Plan Your Hue Shore Excursion?
Let us assist you in choosing the perfect Hue shore excursion for your cruise stop at Chan May port. From visiting the Imperial City and ancient pagodas to discovering garden houses and enjoying traditional cuisine, our expert-led tours are thoughtfully scheduled to align with your cruise and showcase the best of this historic former capital. Every detail of our Hue excursions is crafted to ensure comfort, cultural depth, and a memorable experience during your time ashore.
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