Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Located in central Vietnam, the ancient city was home of the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th Century. Hue is famous for its spectacular royal tombs of the emperors and for the Citadel, which is Royal Palace of the Imperial City.
The city and its surrounding areas has almost everything, from scenic beaches, majestic scenery of mountains to the ancient architecture and unique cultural traditions that have been there for generations. Trip to Hue will bring you an extremely memorable experience.
Things to Do in Hue
There are plenty of things to see and do in the imperial capital of Vietnam. Top things to do in Hue are listed below.
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
The Imperial City or the Citadel is a walled palace in Hue. The Citadel was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1993. The large complex of buildings features hundreds ruins of ancient palaces, temples and monuments from the times when the city was the royal capital of Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty.
To visit the Imperial City and the most important royal tombs, you need to get a ticket. It is possible to book these tickets online here: The Complex of Hue Monuments Ticket.
Take a walking tour of the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City with a local guide, so you could learn about the history of the city and Vietnamese royal culture, from kings and queens to concubines and eunuchs.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is a historic temple located 4 kilometers from the center of Hue. This seven-story pagoda sits on the hill on the northern bank of the Perfume River. This is the destination attractive not only for Buddhists but for anyone looking for the place to enjoy charming natural scenery and calm one’s mind.
The best way to get there is by dragon boat. You can take a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, and not only visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, but also see the Royal Tombs on this private guided tour on dragon boat.
Royal Tombs of Hue
Some of the most famous tourist destinations, attracting a large number of tourists every year, are the tombs of the Nguyen kings. The most important royal tombs that you should visit are Tomb of Tu Duc, Tomb of Minh Mang and Tomb of Khai Dinh. All 3 best royal tombs can be visited on this Royal Tombs Tour.
Tomb of Tu Duc
Tomb of Tu Duc is located on Van Nien Hill in Duong Xuan Thuong village, 5 km south of Hue. This imperial tomb is the most impressive of the royal mausoleums in the area, as its unique architecture is in the harmony with natural scenery. The tomb was built for the Emperor Tu Duc who was the longest-reigning monarch of Nguyen Dynasty. Tomb of Tu Duc looks like as a large park with a magnificent scenery.
Tomb of Minh Mang
Tomb of Minh Mang, also known as Hieu Lang, is one of the most famous mausoleums of emperors in Hue. The royal tomb is located on the western bank of the Perfume River, about 12 km south of the city. In the complex of the Royal Tomb of King Minh Mang you can find various palaces, temples, pavilions and other structures fitting well with the ponds and surrounding landscape.
Tomb of Khai Dinh
Tomb of Khai Dinh, also known as Ung Lang, is located at the foot of the mountain Chau Chu, 9 kilometers south of Hue. The tomb was built for the 12th Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty - Khai Dinh. Tomb of Khai Dinh is an unusual imperial tomb as its architecture is a good combination of modern European and classical Vietnamese architecture.
Update ticket prices for the city's top tourist attractions can be found here: Complex of Hue Monuments Ticket Price.
The above-listed main tourist attractions of the imperial city can be visited independently, but it's easier and more convenient to take a private city tour or join one of Hue City group tours.
Perfume River (Huong River)
Perfume River or Huong River is one of the most famous waterways in Vietnam that is considered as the symbol of Hue. The river is around 80 kilometers long and crosses the city. The best place to admire the view the Perfume River is from Thien Mu Pagoda or dragon boat. The journey on the river is usually the highlight for any city tour. For the best experience on the Perfume River you can charter a dragon boat to admire the scenery of the ancient capital and enjoy the folk songs that bring you back hundreds of years ago while watching the city sparkling with lights. Walkways along the river are also a great place to go for a scenic walk in the evening with family or friends.
Take a dragon boat river cruise on the famous Perfume River and see the city in the afternoon. Relax and enjoy fresh country air from the boat, discover many beautiful garden houses, old pagodas, and a romantic sunset view over the river.
Vietnam Demilitarized Zone
Vietnam Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri province not far from Hue is the place, where you can visit some of the most important historical relics from the Vietnam War, such as:
Horror Highway: part of Vietnam Highway 1 that experienced a horrible carnage with thousands of civilians and soldiers being killed by artillery and infantry weapons in hours of shooting.
Long Hung Church: one of the very few existing buildings remains in Quang Tri town during “Fire Summer” or Eastern Offensive in 1972.
Quang Tri Ancient Citadel: the citadel that was almost destroyed by thousands of tons of bombs.
Dakrong Bridge: the bridge was considered the beginning of the Ho Chi Minh Trail network.
Ta Con Airport: now is the Khe Sanh Combat Base Museum, contains a boneyard of several captured U.S. tanks and aircraft destroyed during the Battle of Khe Sanh.
Ben Hai River: The Geneva Agreements on Vietnam signed in 1954 divided Vietnam into North and South with the 17th Parallel where the Ben Hai River runs through the central province of Quang Tri as a borderline.
Hien Luong Bridge: also known as the Peace Bridge, the bridge across Ben Hai River was built by the French in 1950 and connected North and South Vietnam.
Vinh Moc Tunnels: the complex of tunnels located deep in the Vietnam Demilitarized Zone.
Visit some of the most important historical relics from the Vietnam War on a DMZ tour from Hue and hear the war's untold story at the Vinh Moc Tunnels, Khe Sanh, Ben Hai River, Dakrong Bridge, and more.
Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma National Park is an attractive eco-tourism site at an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level. The national park, located 60 km south of Hue, is a natural boundary between two provinces of Vietnam, Thua Thien - Hue and Da Nang. Bach Ma is famous for its spectacular streams, forest, waterfalls and also trekking trails for those who want to explore and conquer the mountain themselves. At the top of the mountain, you will witness the panoramic view of Tuy Van Mountain, Hai Van Pass and the splendid Hue. You can spend the night camping in one of the campsites and spend the day swimming in sparkling blue lakes and admiring the beautiful mountain landscape and a variety of rare plants and animals. The best time to come here is summer or early autumn.
If you are adventurous person and want to challenge yourself, trek through Bach Ma National Park on a day trip with transfer from Hue, and see the Do Quyen Waterfall, admire mountain views from Bach Ma Peak, and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Hue Natural Attractions
In addition to the ancient historical and cultural sights, there are also many fascinating natural attractions in Hue such as Lang Co Beach, Thuan An Beach, Canh Duong Beach, Thac Nhi Lake, Tam Giang Lagoon, Thua Thien Village and many others. Getting out from the city to explore the nature of the province can make an extremely wonderful journey.
The extended list of must-see tourist attractions in the city and its surroundings can be found here: Top Tourist Attractions in Hue.
Tasting Local Food in Hue
The imperial city is not only impressive by its nostalgic beauty of historical sites but also by Hue cuisine that lets you enjoy countless delicious specialties. You can experience the authentic taste of the city by joining Hue Street Food Walking Tour.
Some of the most popular Hue cuisine specialties:
Nem Lui Hue: Lemongrass skewers with grilled pork sausage or meatball served with freshly-cooked vegetables, dipped in the special sauce.
Bun Bo Hue: Beef Noodle which is present in all cities in Vietnam. However, only in Hue can you feel the soul of this dish. A bowl of Bun Bo here usually has a piece of pork leg, small pork blood and a few slices of thinly sliced beef with the typical aromatic flavor of fish sauce, and spiciness of chili pepper. The price for each bowl is only about 15,000-25,000 VND.
Mussel Rice: This dish is made from white rice served with mussels, peanuts, fried pork, and raw vegetables that are mixed together to create a distinct flavor. Mussel rice is quite cheap as one bowl costs only about 10,000-15,000 VND.
Hue Pancake: This pancake is called Banh khoai and is made from rice flour batter with turmeric and topped with shrimp, pork slices, bean sprouts and spring onions.
Banh Nam, Banh Beo: These are 2 types of cake that you should not miss when coming to the city. The price of each type of cake is only 1,000 VND per piece.
Banh Bot Loc: This is a transparent chewy dumpling made from tapioca flour and filled with minced fatty pork or bacon and shrimp. Although Banh Bot Loc is extremely popular, you will definitely not forget the delicious taste of this dumpling after trying it here.
The complete food guide can be found here: Hue Food.
Shopping for souvenirs from Hue
Hue has many interesting things that you can buy as souvenirs to bring back home to your family or friends.
Conical hats: Hats is one of the symbol of the ancient capital and it is a meaningful gift.
Sesame candies: Sesame is considered as one of the cultural symbols. Sesame candies here are made up of bean flour, malt, and rice cakes.
Melaleuca oil: This oil is very famous in Hue with its effective use in preventing cough and cold for children, pregnant women and adults.
Ginger jam: Ginger jam is one of the nutritious delicacies that local people often use as a dessert.
Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market is one of the largest and oldest shopping destinations in Hue, associated with the hundred-year history of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The market sells a full range of goods, clothing, souvenirs, and jewelry. Here you can observe the daily life of local people and enjoy the famous local specialties such as mussel rice, beef noodle, and spring rolls.
Some of the best places to exchange money in Hue are located on the opposite side of the street.
Where to stay in Hue
In terms of the areas that are convenient to stay, you basically have few choices. Detailed information about choosing accommodation in the city can be found in our guide: Where to stay in Hue.
The most popular area for tourists to stay in Hue is the city center, on the southern bank of Perfume River between Nguyen Cong Tru and Huong Vuong streets. There are plenty of hotels, hostels and homestays available.
Some of the best-rated hotels in the city are listed below.
Budget Hotels
Mid-Range Hotels
Luxury Hotels
There are also many luxury resorts with offering top-level service outside the city. Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa, Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa, Ana Mandara Hue Beach Resort are the popular names that are ready to offer you dream vacation near the beach. However, room rates at these resorts are relatively higher than at the hotels in the city.
How to get to Hue
There are many ways that can be used for traveling to Hue. Some of the most popular means of transportation for getting to the imperial city are briefly described below.
Flights to Hue
Flying is the most time-saving way for getting to Hue. The city has its own Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), which is located about 13 km from the city center.
However, currently only 3 airlines (Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways) are operating at Phu Bai Airport serving passengers on two domestic routes: from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It takes only about 1 hour 30 minutes to fly from these cities.
Flight schedule on these routes can be found and flight tickets can be booked here:
Flights from Ho Chi Minh to Hue
From Hue Airport to City Center
Airport Transfer: Private transfer is a good option if you are travelling in a group. Private transfer from Phu Bai Airport to anywhere in the city costs about 300,000 VND for 4-seat car.
Taxi: Taking a taxi is a convenient way to travel from Phu Bai Airport to the city center. You can find taxis parked outside the airport. The price varies depending on the company and type of the car, but taxi fare from Hue Airport to city center should be about 200,000 VND. It takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the city.
Bus: Bus is the main mean of public transport for locals traveling from Phu Bai Airport to the city center. Two public bus routes connect the airport with the city. Bus tickets are cheap and it takes about 30-60 minutes to reach the center from the airport.
For more Information about how to get from the airport to city center check Phu Bai Airport to Hue City.
Flights to Da Nang
Alternatively, you can fly to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) and then transfer from Da Nang to Hue. Many tourists choose to travel this way because Da Nang Airport receives a larger number of flights from various destinations and it is convenient to explore two central cities that are only 100 km apart.
When flying to Da Nang Airport, it is possible to travel directly to the imperial city by booking a transfer from DAD Airport to Hue.
Flights from Bangkok
Da Nang Airport is the nearest international airport that receives direct flights from Bangkok, making the trip to Hue from Thailand really easy. Low cost carrier AirAsia serves this route, as well as Bangkok Airways and Vietnam Airlines. Flight deals for this route can be found here:
Flights from Bangkok to Da Nang
Train to Hue
Travelling by train is also a popular option for getting to the imperial city, because taking a train is relatively cheap and safe. Train is also a suitable choice if you want to admire the natural scenery and beautiful landscapes along the route. Hue Railway Station is located right in the city center.
Train tickets from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Hue normally cost from 500,000 VND per person. If you want more comfort and better service, choose a more expensive seat type.
Traveling by train takes about 14-15 hours, if departing from Hanoi, and more than 18 hours, when departing from Ho Chi Minh City.
Current train departure schedule can be found and train tickets can be booked online here:
Bus to Hue
Bus is probably the most appropriate choice for traveling to Hue because of its convenience and affordable price. But you should also consider carefully before taking a long distance bus, as the journey takes long and it’s far from being comfortable, especially for taller people. There are many buses coming from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and the travel time is usually by 2-3 hours shorter than taking a train.
Current bus departure schedule for the most popular routes can be found and bus tickets can be booked online here:
Other Transportation Options
Find a full range of transportation options on the most popular routes between the capital of Vietnam and other popular destinations.
Da Nang to Hue
Da Nang is the nearest large city, which is also a popular tourist destination. The route between these two cities is very popular and can be covered in several different ways.
Train: Train is good choice for traveling from Da Nang. The distance between Da Nang Railway Station and Hue Railway Station is about 110 km. There are several daily trains, and the average travel time is about 2.5-3 hours. Train tickets can be booked online here: Train from Da Nang to Hue.
Taxi: Taking a taxi is very convenient for group travels, but the price is quite high as normally the transfer between two cities costs from 1,000,000 VND to 1,800,000 VND, depending on the number of seats and the route. In Da Nang, there are several taxi companies and some of the most reliable ones are Mai Linh Taxi, Vinasun, Tien Sa. You can also book a private transfer from Da Nang for a similar price.
Motorbike: This is the most economical way to travel as motorbike rental prices are only 80,000-150,000 VND per day. However, riding motorbike is somewhat dangerous. Traveling from Da Nang to Hue by motorbike through Hai Van Pass is the best way to enjoy this magnificent scenery.
Tour: You can easily take a day trip from Da Nang to Hue to visit the famous landmarks and must-sees of the city. You can join this Hue City Tour from Da Nang and visit the main historical sites in a day.
An overview of various ways of traveling from Da Nang can be found here: How to get from Da Nang to Hue.
Hue to Hoi An
Hoi An is a popular town in central Vietnam. Traveling between Hue and Hoi An is also easy as there are plenty of transportation options to choose from. If you are planning to travel from Hue to Hoi An or vice versa, for detailed information check: How to get from Hue to Hoi An.
To make the most of your trip between the cities, choose Hoi An Bus Transfer with Sightseeing Stops.
More options
More transportation options for a trip can be found and transport tickets can be booked by this search form.
How to get around Hue City
Boat: It's a very popular transport in Hue City. You can take a dragon boat to sail along the Perfume River to visit the most important attractions of the city.
Cyclo: Riding a cyclo, a three-wheeled cycle taxi, is the authentic way to discover Hue which became a popular way to get around the city. You can take a leisurely stroll around this beautiful ancient city. The price of the ride is about 80,000-100,000 VND per 30 minutes
Bus: Public bus is popular and easy way to around the city. Currently, Hue public bus system has 14 regular routes that let you roam even far away from the city.
Motorbike: For those who love adventures, motorbike is an extremely convenient transportation for getting around the city and its surroundings. You can rent a motorbike for only 100,000-150,000 VND per day. You can even book online Scooter Rental in Hue, which is especially useful, if you want to rent a motorbike in Hue and return it in Da Nang or Hoi An.
Private car or taxi: You can travel comfortably around the city with chauffeur-driven private car. Book the private car charter and choose a vehicle that suits your group.
For a shorter trip, take one of taxis found in the city or book Grab.
Walk: If you want to explore Hue on your own, then just walking around the city is another good option. You can easily take a half day walk in the Imperial Citadel to learn about city's history and Vietnamese Royal Culture.
Hop-on hop-off bus: You can also discover Vietnam's cultural capital on this hop-on hop-off bus tour, taking in all the best sights on offer.
Getting around Hue is pretty easy and it doesn't cost that much either. For more transportation options check: How to get around Hue City.
Best time to travel to Hue
The weather in Hue is divided into 2 distinct seasons: rainy season and dry season.
In particular, the rainy season starts from September to February with typical rains and frequent storms. During the end of the year, the temperature can be as low as 9 degrees. If you will travel there during the rainy season, you will get a chance "to taste" something called "Hue rain" that many people come to experience. That is the feeling, when you are sitting in a coffee shop in front of Citadel, sipping hot aromatic coffee and watching the rain falling down with indescribable feelings.
The dry season is from March to August, with bright sunny days and temperatures reaching even as high as 40 degrees. During this season rains are quite rare so you can easily visit the historical sites and mountainous areas, as well as refresh in the cool blue sea.
Each season in Hue can give you different unique experiences.
Festival Season
If you are a fan of festivals, you should visit Hue during one of city’s festivals such as Royal Palace Night, Ao Dai Festival, Street Festival, Food Festival, that are taking place from the middle of April to the beginning of May. At this time of the year, you will discover the unique festive culture of the imperial city.