Hue is a city in central Vietnam that was the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors and the national capital from 1802 to 1945. A major attraction is its vast, 19th-century Đại Nội Citadel, surrounded by a moat and thick stone walls. It encompasses the Imperial City, with palaces and shrines; the Forbidden Purple City (Tử cấm thành), once the emperor’s home; and a replica of the Royal Theater.
VIETNAM BUDDHIST TOURS: BUDDHISM IN HUE, PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE
08:00: Our guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel. The first destination is the Vong Canh hill. From up on poetic Vong Canh hill, the Hue scenery is in your eyes. Here you will be introduced to Hue and Buddhism in Hue. With serenity and clean air, all it takes is a deep breath and a cup of tea in the fresh morning is a great start for the tour!
Hidden beneath a pine forest for nearly 200 years, Tu Hieu temple has been an iconic & emotional story of Nhat Dinh’s filial piety under Nguyen dynasty. Tour-guide will introduce you to the temple as well as a wide known Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, while wandering this place and see its peaceful surroundings. You will be joining the chanting – a regular activity at Tu Hieu temple, which brings you a closer look at dominant Mahayana Buddhism in Vietnam.
Lunch time will begin with a cooking class in a nunnery. You will be guided by nuns to cook Vietnamese vegetarian meal with simple ingredients and raw materials. Enjoy your lunch!
14:00 After the lunch, leave for Huyen Khong temple, one of the rare Theravada Buddhism temples in Hue. From faraway, you can hear songs coming from fir trees forest and the brooks, once you’re at the pagoda, it is obvious to enjoy the spirit of Buddhism entering Huyen Khong temple through its beautiful buildings, breathtaking constructions and peaceful atmosphere. Join the meditation session or dharma talk at the temple is a lifetime experience!
17:30 Say farewell to everyone and head back to the city. You will be dropped at your accommodation about 18:00. It is optional if you want to have (veggie) dinner at a local restaurant.
Tour ends.
