Giorno 5 — Hue
Breakfast, At 8:00 AM, departure with the guide for a visit to Hue, the seat of the great Capital of the Annamite Kingdom under the Nguyen Dynasty. At that time, Hue was the most influential city in Southeast Asia, rivaled in importance only by Bangkok and Mandalay. Besides their power and influence, the Nguyen emperors of the 19th century are also remembered for the superb beauty and grandeur of their tombs, which were built in the hilly areas south of the great Song Huong, the “Perfume River.” Of particular interest is the funerary complex of Emperor Tu Duc.
Not far from the imperial tomb lies Thuy Bieu, a charming rural village that offers a glimpse into the relaxed daily lifestyle typical of central Vietnam. Cross the village on an engaging bike tour, with several stops to enjoy the local atmosphere. One stop will be at the home of a painter who decorates the famous Vietnamese conical hats, which will be given as gifts to participants. Lunch will then be hosted in the private home of a local family.
Afterwards, return by car to the historic center of Hue, located north of the great river. The Imperial Citadel was its heart. Even today, long artificial canals connected to the river surround it within a gigantic quadrilateral-shaped island which, together with its massive walls, served defensive purposes. At the center of the Citadel stood the “Forbidden City,” laid out according to a typically Chinese design. Today, among its ruins, it is still possible to admire the audience hall, entirely constructed of finely carved wood, along with various administrative and religious buildings. Nearby is also the typical local Dong Ba Market.
Along the route to the Citadel, stop at the sacred Thien Mu Pagoda, dedicated to a distinctly local version of Mahayana Buddhist worship.
The evening will instead be dedicated to the vibrant atmosphere of street food! Through a gastronomic tour (departure from the hotel by 7:30 PM) aboard the typical cyclo, ride through the bustling streets of the city center in search of the finest local delicacies. The first stop will be at a small stall where you can taste pancakes with grilled pork. Afterwards, sample local desserts made from sweetened bean soups. Return to the hotel at the end of the visits.,
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