0963 50 10 74
info@slowtravelhue.com
0963 50 10 74
info@slowtravelhue.comTraverse the subtle greenery of Kim Long “garden city” to wholly apprehend Hue’s art of mindful living. Roam around princely residences “garden-house” with Feng Shui inspired landscape architecture. Nourish your senses with delightful delicacies over tea and talk with royal descendants, herbal footbath and dining in grandma’s kitchen.
Huế is the “masterpiece of urban poetry” seen from its blended cultural landscape, nature and people. Chosen by Nguyễn Lords as “Golden Dragon Capital” (1636-1687), Kim Long was a remarkably auspicious land. Many royal families’ members, mandarins, monks chose this region to build their premises. Today, Kim Long is a luxuriant quarter filled with spacious garden-houses, garden pagodas, ancient temples. Only 3km from Hue city center, Kim Long offers a green maze of hidden cycling paths which are worth exploring for a day trip.
Your full day Kim Long immersion starts around 8 am from your central hotel or meeting point and finishes at 4 pm. You visit three to four resident ancient houses that unveil different secrets of longevity and local art of living. There is no repetition but more complementation in storytelling and service offerings.
The cycling is aroudn 17km on flat roads with many stops for savouring fruits, tea and learning craft experiences with local inhabitants. Thus the exploration is not only about architecture but embracing nature, activities and local food delights. On a custom tour, you can combine with a visit to the Citadel or Thien Mu pagoda, return by boat on the Perfume River.
We recommend proper clothing to suit both activities and cultural visit.
Child rates are applied for children 6 to 11 years old. Children below 6 years are free, please make a note in the booking. For families with many children, we recommend using the Inquiry Form to request the most favorable Family Offer.
Kim Long Village
8:00-16:00
After itinerary briefing, safe riding advice, put on your helmets and test bicycle gears. Warm up with an easy ride across the symbolic Truong Tien bridge. You meander westward along Perfume river bank and pass in front of the Citadel. Gradually, the guide shares with you about Hue master planning according to Fengshui and geomancy. This introduction inspires you to recognize inherent characteristics that other private garden houses were designed in common, despite different orientation, shape and size
After half an hour, you surprisingly find yourself cycling into the junglist area of Kim Long. Indulge with quiet lanes among green hedges, luxuriant gardens. Your first visit is the ancient house of a former mandarin minister under Nguyễn Dynasty. Listen to the echo of the past through the stories of the hosts and learn about Hue’s typical beam house. Walk outdoors to embrace the philosophy behind the forested garden. Pick and taste ripe exotic fruits.
Continue through the green paths until you spot an extraordinary baroque styled architecture. Meet the mandarin’s descendants who enthusiastically offer insights into ancestral teachings and worshipping. Slow down to enjoy some tea and exchange further aspects of local life. His bonsai garden is a fascinating treasure to satisfy your curiosity.
Before joining a local family for cooking a home lunch, you will partake in some hands-on experiences. Call by family-run workshops and have fun trying to make some. This village is famous for making rice paper, rice husking, wood carving, votive objects, traditional bean cake, etc.
Your lunch place is another beautiful ancient house. Prepare a healthy meal in a family setting with grandma’s recipe. Relax your foot in a herbal bath made from garden medicinal plants.
In the afternoon, indulge with traditional cake and tea tasting in a nostalgic atmosphere. A sweet ending for your exclusive wandering into Hue’s best kept land. Slowly cycle back to your hotel along the Perfume River.
The rate was excellent and a good distance we could have gone further. The guide Minh was excellent and knowledgeble. The bikes were comfortable & easy to use. A great tour indeed which we enjoyed a lot!
A privelege to join in a family meal. Really feel we have expeience real-life Vietnam way of life. Delicious food. Very much enjoyed the tour. Very interesting to see the marker and the rice factory.
Very interesting and pleasant experience away from standard tourist trails. Nice to meet the local families and learn about their life and family history.
Cong Minh – he has been a good guide who help us to understand real VN. We think that the rural tour has help us to see other past of the country and maybe the real VN. We would recommend to other Europeans. This is a country of sufference but a coutry of happiness and joy. All the best.
For me, this morning was a wonderful experience to enjoyed beautiful, peaceful gardens and historical and religious tribules has been incredible and unforgetable, wonderful people. I would strongly recommend our guide and eating such creative and tasty local food.