LPC TRAVEL: Quang Binh to Hue & Hoi An – Part 1

A great itinerary blending travel and relaxing on the beach. This journey in central Vietnam will lead you to discover the spectacular cave systems and grottoes in Phong Nha. Afterwards, you will move upstream to the ancient capital of Hue then immerse yourself in the golden age of the ChamPa Empire in Hoi An port city…

Detailed program:

Day 01: Dong Hoi City – Phong Nha (Meals: )

Discovering the beauty of Phong Nha & Paradise Caves

Welcome by tour guide and driver at DONG HOI airport – Early morning flight ( Otherwise, pick up at railway station) to Quang Binh province, the narrowest part of Vietnam and famous for the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park which was listed on the World Heritage in 2003. Covering 85,754 ha of outstanding geological and ecological value, the site will let you immerse into the sumptuous landscape of karst plateaus and rainforests by surveying its spectacular underground caves and rivers and discovering its abundance of endemic species.

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park: A Vietnam nature treasure

Enjoy 1 hour drive uphill, passing rural countryside and entering a national park to explore Phong Nha Cave. Discovered in 1994, this famous cave is well-known for its underground river and its system of fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. From the pier, you take the boat following the Son River to the gigantic gate of the grotto. Enjoy a leisure walk to admire the natural masterpieces by crossing some secret corners: Bi Ki Cave, Celestial Palace.

Famous Phong Nha Caves & the 17th Parallel (Quang Binh – Hue)

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon have a special discovery at the Paradise cave (Thien Duong cave). New surprises are waiting for you. Discovered in 2005, with 31.4 km long, 60 m high and 30 to 100 m wide, it is considered as the longest in Asia. After a short walk in the forest, you begin the discovery of this terrestrial paradise through the different rooms that amaze you with the grandiose stalactites and stalagmites both mystical and extraordinary.

Transfer to your hotel, check in and enjoy staying in the peaceful town.

Day 02: Phong Nha – Quang Tri – Hue (Meals: )

Visit to Vinh Moc tunnel, Hien Luong Bridge, travel to Hue

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Hue-the former ancient capital of Vietnam. On the way, stop to visit the famous Vinh Moc Tunnel. Local people dug in 2 years (1965 – 1967) to create the 1.7 km long and 10 to 23 m deep tunnel which was used as bomb shelter during the Vietnam War. The site is evidence for the heroism of the Vietnamese people. 

Vinh Moc Tunnel – Things To Do In Hue – Explore Vietnam LPC Travel

Continue your journey to Hue stop for an excursion to the well-known 17th Parallel. According to the agreement of Geneva, this historical site was the border of the Communist in the North and the Non Communist in the South of Vietnam. Visit the museum, flag tower, the Ben Hai River and the Hien Luong Bridge to learn more about the special history of this land.

Keep your way to Hue in the late afternoon. On arrival, check in at the hotel and free to leisurely stroll to visit the ancient capital at night.

Day 03: Hue (Meals: )

Boat trip, visiting Minh Mang’s tomb, excursion to Thuy Bieu village, Thien Mu pagoda & Hue citadel

8:00 AM: Transfer from hotel to visit the Emperor Minh Mang’s tomb, an architectural masterpiece that harmoniously highlights nature and imperial religious works. The tomb was planned during Minh Mang’s reign (1820–40) but built by his successor, Thieu Tri with the effort of ten thousand workers and artisans.

Artistic Ideological Values of Tomb of Minh Mang in Hue, Vietnam

Continue, take a boat along Huong River (or Perfume River) to Thuy Bieu Village, admire the picturesque landscapes on both sides. After 1 hour, we arrive at Thuy Bieu, well-known for its divine grapefruit trees where you can take a bike around the village under the shade of the grapefruit trees and enjoy their pleasant perfume aroma and the harvested straw.

The peaceful atmosphere is in every corner of the village. Then, visit a temple dedicated to the village protector, a traditional garden house built several centuries ago. This is a wonderful opportunity to stop for great photos and interact with the villagers working in the gardens and vegetable fields which should not be missed.

Lunch is served in the village. In the afternoon, drive to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.  

Thien Mu Pagoda-Hue, Vietnam

After that, transfer back to the city center to visit the most important sites in the city – Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.

Back to your hotel in the late afternoon. In the evening, you are free to explore the city.

Day 04: Hue – Hoi An (Meals: )

Travel to Hoi An through Hai Van pass, Cham sculpture museum, Tra Que eco farm

7:30 AM: Pick up from your hotel, Hoi An via Mandarin Road and Sea Cloud pass (Hai Van Pass). Stop on top of the pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean and Da Nang city. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk on My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hoi An ancient town.

My Khe Beach Da Nang

Continue to Tra Que, it is famous for its aromatic herbs, mint and basil. Walk through the village’s fields and meet the farmers. It is a good opportunity to observe the techniques of vegetable gardening. Check at the hotel in the late afternoon and you are free to explore the city.

Read more: LPC TRAVEL: Quang Binh to Hue & Hoi An – Part 2

LPC SERVICES AND TRADING JOINT STOCK COMPANY 

Hotline: 0916688855

Website: https://lpctravel.com.vn/en/

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