Make a visit to Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, where numerous exquisite and unique works are made by skillful hands of local craftsmen. Situated to the south of Da Nang City and right at the foot of the Marble Mountains, the village bears a traditional craft of stone-carving, lasting for more than 200 years. The founder of this craft village is Huynh Ba Quat – an artisan originally from Thanh Hoa Province. He and many others moved to and settled down in the village in the late 18th century. Since then, they have worked as professional craftsmen, and their products have been exported to other countries in the world.

Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village makes up your good beginning of the tour in Central Vietnam, yet the destinations and activities afterwards will definitely please you so much. Just enjoy a delicious lunch before keeping the journey.

In the afternoon, the place to experience the longest telpher in the world (600 meters) is Ba Na Hills, referred as another version of Da Lat and Sapa in Central Vietnam. Ba Na Hills is a hill station and resort perching on Truong Son Mountains to the west of Da Nang City. This structure was built in 1919 by the French, and the resort, depicted as a leisure destination was initially for the purpose of serving French tourists. Witnessing a spectacle of mountains below from the cable car pleases the eye and clearly deserves your experience.

Afterward, travel to the ancient town of Hoian, where you will have a sightseeing tour around old corners and structures, which are influenced by Chinese, Japan, and European architecture styles and cultures. A free activity is that you can explore a peaceful and subtle Hoi An Ancient Town at night on your own. Have a warm dinner at a local restaurant before coming back to Da Nang and spending overnight there.

Wake up in Da Nang. You will have breakfast before check-out of your hotel. Then, depart for the old capital of Hue from Da Nang. On the way, go through Hai Van Tunnel, supposed to be the longest tunnel (6.28 kilometers) of Southeast Asia, located on Highway 1 between Hue and Da Nang. Upon arrival in Hue, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. It is followed by the afternoon trip to the Imperial Citadel, labeled as a grand palace dating back to the last dynasty of Nguyen.

The imperial Citadel lies on the banks of the Huong River, which is also called Perfume River; you can take about three hours to get to this site from Da Nang. There are plenty of stunning monuments in the imperial capital, yet what is supposed to be the most eye-catching feature is the Ngo Mon Gate, once utilized by the royal family and their eunuch servants. Additionally, visitors also obtain something special and valuable knowledge at the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang and the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.

It is easy to realize that monuments around the royal buildings in the imperial citadel, erected in the early 19th century look like another version of Beijing’s Forbidden City. The rampart around the citadel is six meters high and two and a haft kilometers long. It is part of the historical complex of Hue monuments emerging among the Central Vietnam not only for its phenomenal architecture, but also for charming natural landscapes. That is allegedly the reason why the complex is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

After leaving the Imperial Citadel, you will continue the afternoon trip by a visit to the pagoda of Heavenly Lady – Thien Mu Pagoda, which is also called Linh Mu Pagoda. Constructed in 1601 by the order of the first Nguyen Lord – the governor of Thuan Hoa, aka Hue nowadays, Thien Mu may be taken into account as the oldest pagoda in the region. Many years later when Cochinchinese Buddhism was in the heyday, the pagoda was rebuilt a couple of times under reigns of Nguyen Emperors whereby today you can see impressive architectural works inside it.

Thien Mu is referred to as the oldest and most deserving site to visit for a Central Vietnam package tour. Every year this sacred place entices a large number of people to come thanks to its enchanting architectural structures of worship. Furthermore, what makes it more attractive is a statue of a large marble turtle – a symbol of longevity inside it. With a favorable position that is next to Ha Khe Hill and right at the north bank of Perfume River, the pagoda is depicted as a pearl amidst the tranquil vistas of nature.

Have dinner at a local restaurant and get on a dragon boat trip where you take a chance to enjoy Hue folk music on Perfume River. Have a good night’s rest in Hue.

Wake up in Hue and have breakfast before departing for Quang Binh. Make a stop en route at La Vang Church, located in Quang Tri Province. This site is referred to as the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang (Đức Mẹ La Vang) and a Roman Catholic sanctuary as well. Here is allegedly the place to commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mar. It is also a significant spot of pilgrimage for Catholics in particular, and for the Catholic Overseas Vietnamese community in general.

Eat lunch at a local restaurant before starting the exploration of Thien Duong Cave – Paradise Cave, initially found by scientists of the British Caving Research Association. You will go past Mooc Water Spring to Thien Duong. The cave is supposed to be a pristine charm or a unspoiled natural marvel, possessing enough magnetic power to keep feet of any visitor. Inside it is portrayed as an alluring and mysterious painting the Creator blesses humans, a prospect you never know before. Try imagining how awesome it is if you witness a series of overwhelming white crystal stalactites vertically from the ground like transparent pillars and myriad fabulous formations.

Leave Thien Duong as well as its splendor behind for dinner. Travel back to Hue City and spend overnight there.

Have a breakfast to get energy before beginning the morning trip to Khai Dinh Tomb and Tu Hieu Pagoda. Khai Dinh Tomb is situated to the south of Hue and perches on the Chau Chu Mountain. The tomb was built because of the order of Emperor Khai Dinh, based on both traditional Asian elements and European architecture, and took about 11 years to complete. This expensive project drove his unpopularity with his people to a peak. The mausoleum was completed in 1931 after Emperor Khai Dinh had died. The materials for this building are wrought iron and concrete, influenced by the west, so it is grey and quite stunning. Additionally, in terms of concept, it reflects the Asian philosophy that consists of five elements to create a certain balance.

Tu Hieu Pagoda, nestled in a pine forest is regarded as the “root pagoda” of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. Today, up to 70 monks reside at Tu Hieu, but it is not all about this pagoda. While the monks stay in the scared place to lead an awakening life, anyone who desires to have a serene haven comes here to escape from the busy life and learn meditation.

Eat lunch at local restaurant. Spend your leisure time until you are transferred to Hue Airport at 13:00 or Da Nang Airport at 17:00 – 24:00 for departure. End the package tour.