2 Days The Garden Houses of Hue
2 Days The Garden
Houses of Hue
Imperial hues of a bygone era captured in a sustainable homestay experience in Vietnam
WHY THIS TOUR?
The imperial city of Hue has been acclaimed by UNESCO as ‘a masterpiece of urban poetry’ and there is a good reason why with its host of attractions that includes its green Citadel, royal gardens, royal mausoleums, pagodas and beautiful homes. The latter were once the private residences for princes and princesses, high-ranking mandarins and wealthy families.
It was from these places that the royal and aristocratic lifestyle spread to the ‘commoners’ and shaped Hue’s elegant way of life. Due to the pressure of urbanisation, population growth, as well as economic and lifestyle changes, Hue had been losing these treasure over the years, but in an effort to preserve this threatened heritage, we have been assisting local families to renovate their ancestor’s homes so they are preserved for posterity.
TRAIL ITINERARY
Day 1
Hue – Kim Long Village [D]
Guests are welcomed from their hotel in Hue by our professional guide before heading out of this imperial town into the countryside. The short 10-kilometre drive in western direction will end at the small town of Kim Long.
Hue is not only the city of royal tombs, the imperial citadel and life on and around the Perfume River; it is also a town nationwide known for historical preservation. Kim Long village is Central Vietnam’s cradle for small-scale restaurants and home of many authentic garden houses, once the residences of distinguished residents and the Hue nobility. The preservation of Kim Long as an extension to the rich historical bonds between the various dynasties from the past, preserved in the present and future has made Kim Long a pleasant village to walk around, meet the locals and take a peek inside one of these houses with their orchards and expansive gardens.
No lunch included
Upon arrival at Garden House, we are greeted by our host and given the chance to refresh before our leisurely cycle along the village’s easy and green cycling trails that are rich in cultural heritage sites. Taking between two and four hours depending on the pace we set, with the help of our guide we stop at a local home where handicrafts are made and then continue to visit hidden temples and cultural relics such as Thien Mu Pagoda. We then return to our accommodation where we unwind with a relaxing herbal foot bath before savouring an authentic home-cooked dinner.
In the evening, we can practice some Vietnamese words with our host, listen to the calm and tranquillity of the countryside, or explore the recommended selection of books and movies about Hue.
Passing a peaceful night at the host family’s ancient house.
Day 2
Kim Long Village – Hue [B]
Waking up in the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside and start the day with a healthy breakfast with food, selected from the garden home’s own garden.
It is all about a calmer lifestyle and this philosophy is one guests will get immersed in before heading back to Hue. Ample time is reserved to join in with some gardening activities with the host, go fishing at the nearby river, or immerse in a spiritual journey at the nearby pagoda. In the late morning, you will bid the hospitable host “tam biet” before transferring to our next destination.
