8 June, 2024 0 Comment 0 Likes 0 Views

Hoi An to Hue tour: A perfect handbook to discover scenic beauty in Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam is world-famous for its well-preserved historical sites, smiling locals, and soothing natural beauty. In there, Hoi An and Hue captivate the heart of the local and foreign with the blend of ancient and modern beauty.

Hoi An to Hue tour handbook is essential to exploring Central Vietnam considered as home of unique culture, history and cuisine. Not only do give you necessary information, but this article also draw an insight picture for this beloved land.

1. Distance between Hoi An and Hue

Hoi An is located at a distance of 121 km to the south of Hue, passing through Da Nang city. There is no rail or air connectivity from Hoi An to Hue, but you can reach Danang by road and then travel to Hue by rail because there is a railway connecting two destinations, and it takes 2 to 3 hours.

2. Best time to start Hoi An to Hue tour

The period from February to April is the best time to start the Hoi An to Hue tour because of the weather. This time is ideal when Hoi An's weather is cool and pleasant, as is the spring season in Hue, when the weather is ideal for all activities. The average temperature is about 22 degrees Celsius, making it considerably much more comfortable to go outside and explore the city. Moreover, this is also not the peak tourism season, so both Hoi An and Hue are less crowded.

3. Hoi An destinations

Hoi An Old Town is originally a South-East trading port dating back from the 15th to 19th centuries. . The town reflects a compact of indigenous and foreign cultures (principally Chinese and Japanese) that combined to produce this unique architecture. In 1999, it is world-famous as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Hoi An old town is an intangible and tangible treasure of Vietnam, with its old streets lined with old houses and halls, pagodas, temples, ancient wells, and tombs. Among these iconic landmarks are the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the early 17th century by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters, and Tan Ky Old House, reflecting trade and cultural exchanges among the Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural geniuses during the late 17th century. 

In addition, Hoi An possesses historic and cultural sites such as Fujian Assembly Hall, Cam Thanh coconut jungle, Cham island, My Son Sanctuary, etc.

4. Hoi An to Hue destinations

Danang coastal city is an impressive bridge between Hoi An and Hue, offering appealing landscapes, majestic mountains, and golden beaches. These are the most outstanding features: Marble Mountain, known for stone sculpture making and stone-cutting crafts; My Khe Beach, one of the world's most beautiful beaches; and Son Tra Mountain, home to endangered species.

Depending on your route, you will explore Hai Van Tunnel, the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia and Vietnam at 6.28 km, or Hai Van Pass, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

My Khe Beach

5. Hue destinations

The ancient capital of Vietnam, Hue, located in Thua Thien Hue Province in Central Vietnam, was considered the cultural and political center of Vietnam from the early 1800s to 1945. There are well-preserved sites such as Hue Imperial Citadel, Tam Giang Lagoon, and Thien Mu Pagoda. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the Perfume River by boat to explore the romantic and dreamy beauty of ancient land. Moreover, trekking and hiking are popular activities to explore marvelous natural wonders. Some ideal places, like the Vong Canh Hills and Ngu Binh Mountain, draw the impressive attention of domestic as well as foreign visitors.

6. Transportation

There are four primary means of transportation for the Hoi An to Hue tour: bus, taxi, motorbike, or train. Each has different advantages and disadvantages. Below is detailed information:

 6.1. By train - the best way for sightseeing

As is mentioned before, there is no railway station at Hoi An, so if you prefer to travel by train, you need to catch a local bus, or taxi to get to Da Nang train station first. Traveling by train has several benefits:

Firstly, it is environmentally friendly. Trains produce fewer carbon emissions than cars and planes, making them a greener choice; Secondly, trains are convenient for carrying luggage. You usually have fewer restrictions on luggage size and weight, and you can keep your bags with you; Lastly, train travel lets you enjoy beautiful scenery. Train routes often go through picturesque landscapes, and large windows provide great views. You can relax and take in the scenery without any distractions.

The local bus takes from 45 to 60 minutes, and costs 30,000 VND  ($1,3 USD)

The taxi will take around 40-45 minutes and cost from 300,000 – 450,000 or $15-20 USD.

If you have spare time throughout your journey, this is absolutely a great way to travel from Hoi An to Hue!

 Booking and cost :

+ Purchase the ticket directly at the train station or buy it online on the official website of Vietnam Railways.

+ Book train tickets either through your hotel or a tourism office.

+ The train tickets from Hoi An to Hue are generally around 120,000VND ($6USD). This price is for a hard seat with no air-conditioning.

+ The price is higher for a soft seat or a bed inside a cabin.

Tip:

Travelling by train offers you a impressive view of the coastline along the Hai Van Pass, so you should choose the seat on the left side (near the door) to get a amazing view of the shoreline.

6.2. By Bus - The cheapest option

most of the buses depart two times a day, one is at 8:30 AM and the other is at 1:30 PM. The bus from Hoi An to Hue takes about 3 to 4 hours.Traveling by bus has several advantages:

Firstly, it helps save money. Bus tickets are often cheaper than other forms of transportation, making it a budget-friendly option. Secondly, buses offer flexibility of routes. They cover a wide range of destinations, including places that might not be accessible by train or plane. Lastly, modern buses provide comfort. They often come with amenities like reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, making your journey more enjoyable.

6.3 By Motorbike-the most local transportation

Traveling by motorbike has its own unique benefits:

The most advantage of travelling by motobike is parking. Motorbikes can fit into smaller spaces, making it simpler to find parking compared to cars. Moreover, motorbikes offer a great sense of freedom. You can easily navigate through traffic and take routes that might be inaccessible to larger vehicles. Lastly, riding a motorbike provides adventure and thrill. The open road, the wind in your face, and the sense of speed make for an exciting and exhilarating experience.

 Booking and cost:

use motorbike services at your hotel or at travel agencies or in an organized group tour. Motorbike tour itineraries may vary so make sure you are noted on which destinations you would like to visit when traveling from Hoi An to Hue.

+ The cost to rent a motorbike is around 400,000VND ($20)

This price does not include the gasoline, which will cost you from 150,000VND ($6) to 250,000VND ($11).

+ Organised group tours will normally cost around 1,293,000VND per person or more (from $55),this price is included lunch, guide, entrance fees etc.

Tip:

Remember to check the engine carefully or request a trial drive in order to make sure that the bike is working well. Besides, you have to inquire about full-face helmets and other safety equipment to have a safe trip.

6.4 By Private car- the most luxury and convenient way

Traveling by car offers a unique sense of freedom, flexibility, and the joy of exploration. Unlike other modes of transportation, it allows you to create your own schedule and choose your route, enabling you to stop whenever and wherever you like. This means you can appreciate scenic landscapes and discover hidden gems along the way.

Moreover, car journeys provide invaluable opportunities for bonding with loved ones. The shared experience of a road trip can create lasting memories, whether through conversations, singing along to favorite songs, or simply enjoying the journey together. Additionally, the variety of entertainment options available—from listening to music and podcasts to playing road trip games—ensures that the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.

Tips: Travelers need to have a valid international driving permit or a temporary Vietnamese driver's license.

Be careful when traveling by car through Hai Van Pass because of its blind corners and foggy situation.