Hue's royal history dominates most visitors' minds but Hue is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a short distance from the DMZ from the Vietnam War.

Countryside Tour to Phuoc Tich Village & Tam Giang Lagoon - Extra £11 per person

If you'd prefer a less formal day why not replace the Citadel day tour with a day exploring the surronding countryside, villages and lagoon by bike with your guide.

This morning your private guide will collect and transfer you 40kms out of the city into the beautiful surrounding countryside. Arrive at Phuoc Tich Village, a relatively untouched village dotted with 27 ‘Nha Ruong’ - Hue’s traditional houses - and unique gardens. Your guide will give you more of an insight into life in this part of Vietnam as you walk through the peaceful streets, admiring the historical sites nestled within the scenery and pay a visit to one of the traditional homes. Try making ‘banh gai it’, one of the most famous traditional cakes in Hue, with your host, Mrs Kieu. Part of your tour fee will be directly contributed towards Mrs Kieu, helping her to earn an income as a home-based chef.

After trying your hand at baking, hop on a bicycle (helmets are provided) and take an easy 30km ride (this can be shortened) from Thanh Toan to Tam Giang lagoon. Wind through the countryside, watching the daily life of the local people and the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient villages. On your way, stop at Quang Cong Village, known locally as the ‘City of Ghosts’, and stop at the increasingly lavish and elaborate tombs that the villagers build for their ancestors. On arrival at Tam Giang Lagoon enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood and take a boat trip on the lagoon. Float past local families living on the riverbank, stopping to meet some of them on your way. Finally, transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon. This evening perhaps visit the night market that runs through the town.

DMZ Private Tour - Extra £7 per person

Rather than exploring Hue's ancient history this tour will take you on a journey through the DMZ, the border between the North and South during the Vietnam War.

This morning your guide will collect you for the drive north to enjoy a tour of the demilitarized zone (DMZ). This morning visit the Ancient citadel of Quang Tri, scene of one of the heaviest battles and Hien Luong Bridge that lies on the Seventeenth Parallel, the border between North and South during the war.

Lunch at a local restaurant and the afternoon will be spent at fascinating Vinh Moc Tunnels that were built to shelter people from the intense bombing of the DMZ. The American forces believed the villagers were supplying food and armaments to the North Vietnamese garrison. The villagers initially dug the tunnels to move their village 10 metres underground, but the Americans designed bombs that could burrow to this depth. Amazingly the villagers moved to a depth of 30 metres and it grew to include wells, kitchens and spaces for healthcare. As home to 60 families apparently no villagers lost their lives. Back in Hue late afternoon.