In the final days of the lunar year of the Quy Mao, the Hue Branch of Hanoi Passenger Transport Joint Stock Company officially commenced operating a sightseeing tour service for tourists using open-top single-decker buses within the province. This service is aimed at foreign and domestic tourists who wish to explore the famous landmarks of Hue City.

According to the leadership of the Department of Tourism, the introduction of these open-top single-decker buses just before the Lunar New Year of Giap Thin will contribute to diversifying the range of products and services for city tours. Each type of product and service offers its own interesting experiences. The new design provides a unique experience for tourists, shielding them from sun and rain; each route also offers distinctive attractions to enhance the experience for passengers.

The sightseeing tour service using open-top single-decker buses in the province operates on two routes. The first route covers a distance of 34km, with the following itinerary: Toa Kham Boat Wharf - Le Loi - Truong Tien Bridge - Tran Hung Dao - Dong Ba Market - Tran Hung Dao - Cua Ngan - Ong Ich Khiem - Doan Thi Diem - Dang Thai Than - Le Huan - Yen Kieu - Nguyen Trai (Cua Nha Do) - Le Duan - Kim Long - Nguyen Phuc Nguyen - Thien Mu Pagoda - Nguyen Phuc Nguyen - Kim Long - Da Vien Bridge - Bui Thi Xuan - Dien Bien Phu - Le Ngo Cat - Huyen Tran Cong Chua (Perfume Village) - Doan Nhu Hai (Tomb of Tu Duc) - Doan Nhu Hai - Huyen Tran Cong Chua - Le Ngo Cat - Minh Mang - National Highway 49 - Khai Dinh (Thien An Hill & Khai Dinh Tomb) - Khai Dinh - National Highway 49 - Minh Mang - Ngu Binh (Nam Giao Esplanade) - Phan Boi Chau - Le Loi (Hue National School) - Toa Kham Boat Wharf.

For the second route, passengers will travel a 10km circular route with the following itinerary: Toa Kham Boat Wharf - Le Loi - Truong Tien Bridge - Tran Hung Dao - Dong Ba Market - Tran Hung Dao - Cua Ngan - Ong Ich Khiem - Doan Thi Diem - Dang Thai Than - Le Huan - Yen Kieu - Nguyen Trai (Cua Nha Do) - Le Duan - Da Vien Bridge - Bui Thi Xuan - Ga Bridge - Le Loi - Hanoi (Vincom Plaza Hue) - Ben Nghe - Doi Cung - Toa Kham Boat Wharf.

Passengers experiencing the open-top single-decker bus journey.

The route 1 has 3 ticket price levels, including a one-way ticket for 110,000 VND; a 4-hour ticket for 150,000 VND; a day ticket for 300,000 VND. This route operates from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (summer hours) and from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (winter hours). The route 2 also has 2 ticket price levels, including a one-way ticket for 110,000 VND; a 2-hour ticket for 150,000 VND. This route operates from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (summer hours) and from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (winter hours). In addition to the operating hours mentioned above, the unit will serve tourists under contract; extend the service time for passengers on holidays, Tet, and special events of the province," said the representative of Hanoi Passenger Transport Company.

Director of the Department of Tourism Nguyen Van Phuc shared that before, during, and after Tet Nguyen Dan, many ideas, services, and tourism products associated with city tours will be implemented. In which, the tourism industry and businesses are researching and calling for investment in the cyclo model with high-quality cyclos to serve tourists. With this idea, cyclos will be redesigned with attractive colors and styles for tourists to check in.

Visitors experiencing Hue city tours by cyclo.

The city bike experience has been innovated in Hue. In January 2024, the People's Committee of Hue City collaborated with Vietsoftpro Joint Stock Company to relaunch the public bicycle system in the city center with 200 bicycles at 7 bike stations. Vietsoftpro Company and related units have completed the software, equipped with 4G locking systems, and deployed the installation of new locking systems on bicycles. Citizens and tourists can download the Hue Smart Bike app to check the locations of bike stations and use the service. This creates a sustainable tourism product, promoting sports experiences, health, and environmental sustainability, spreading the cycling movement in the community.

Recently, on February 4th, which is January 25th of the lunar calendar, the Center for Conservation of Hue Imperial City inaugurated an eco-friendly tourism route in the area of King Gia Long's tomb (Huong Tho commune, Hue City). Initially, the Center will invest in vehicles, utilize existing manpower, issue various types of tickets to diversify and meet the demand for service selection by tourists. It is planned to have 3 electric cars, 11-seat type; 23 electric bicycles, and 50 regular bicycles. According to the tourism industry's assessment, eco-friendly tourism is a trend. These services will provide many experiences for tourists not only during Tet but also throughout their exciting journey whenever they visit Hue.

Diverse city tours by road, rail, and river.

In the new year of Giap Thin - 2024, it could be a year where city tours in Hue embrace new changes. In addition to the tourism products and services mentioned earlier, according to the leadership of the Department of Tourism, the road, rail, and river systems will offer a variety of tour services.

Alongside the electric vehicle system serving visitors in the Imperial City of Hue, there will be an electric vehicle system catering to tourists exploring various destinations within the city. For the cyclo team, the tourism industry will develop guidebooks with concise, simple, and memorable information about tourist attractions and services so that they can provide additional information to their passengers.

Tourists seeking information about the Hue City Tour.

Mrs. Duong Thi Cong Ly, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Travel Association, said that in 2024, there are plans to offer various tourism experiences and products for visitors, including open-top double-decker buses, bicycles, cyclos, and cyclo tours for Japanese tourists...

Regarding the railway, Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Tourism, shared that the local authorities of Hue and Da Nang are collaborating with the Vietnam Railways Corporation and other enterprises to promote and implement the operation of tourist trains from Da Nang to Hue. When the tourist trains run daily between Da Nang and Hue, the tourism industry and businesses aim not only to serve tourist transportation and connect heritage sites in the Central region but also to link city tours exploring Hue.

Visitors capture memorable photos while exploring Hue on the open-top double-decker buses.

According to the leaders of the Department of Tourism, the provincial People's Committee has tasked the Hue City People's Committee, the Department of Transport, the Department of Tourism, and related businesses to implement tourism boat products to replace the old dragon boats and open new experiential routes from the Perfume River to the Ngự Hà River.

Tourism officials believe that with the introduction of these new services and experiences, tourists will be even more satisfied when exploring the charming land and people of the Huong Ngự region, leaving them with fond memories.