Top Things To Do in Hue Vietnam

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What to do in Hue, Vietnam?”, you’re not alone. Hue often flies under the radar compared to tourist magnets like Hoi An or Hanoi. But those who visited will tell you this city holds a quiet, timeless magic. Hue is where history hums beneath the surface, where locals still speak with poetic softness, and where a bowl of Bun Bo Hue will leave you thinking about it for weeks. This blog covers the best things to do in Hue, Vietnam and a recommended itinerary at the end.  

FAQs about Hue City, Vietnam 

What Is Hue City Famous For?

Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam, known for its complex of royal monuments, ancient pagodas, and the romantic Perfume River winding through the city. It was the heart of the Nguyễn Dynasty, and today it’s recognized by UNESCO for its historical and cultural importance. But it’s not just about ruins and rituals, Hue also surprises you with its food, peaceful vibe, beaches, and unexpected nature getaways. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Hue City?

Like every trip you take, timing is  everything. 

The best time to visit Hue is from January to April, when the skies are clear and the temperature stays comfortable, perfect for walking around the citadel or cruising the river. 

From May to August, Hue summers can be hot and humid so don’t forget to pack lightweight clothes. 

Avoid visiting Hue in the rainy season (September to December), it tends to bring heavy showers and occasional flooding, so plan accordingly. 

If you’re the one who loves festive spirits, consider timing your visit with the biennial Hue Festival (usually held in April or June), where the entire city lights up with music, dance, and lanterns.

How To Get To Hue City?

Getting to Hue is easier than ever. 

You can fly directly into Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), just 30 minutes from the city center. 

Trains are another scenic and affordable option, especially if you’re coming from Da Nang or Hanoi. We highly recommend taking the train from Da Nang to Hue, more on that later. 

You can also travel by private car, local coaches or motorbike over the famous Hai Van Pass, which offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of Vietnam.

>> Read More: Explore The Road of Heritage Sites in Central Vietnam

Top things to do in Hue Vietnam

After getting enough information before you go, now let’s plan what to do and where to go in Hue. 

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Must-See Historical Attractions

1. The Complex of Hue Monuments

The Complex of Hue Monuments is the spiritual and political core of Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty. Built in the early 1800s, it includes the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, royal residences, ancient temples, and multiple royal tombs spread across riverbanks and pine-covered hills.

Recognized by UNESCO in 1993, this vast city-within-a-city blends Vietnamese design with subtle Asian and European influences. Walking through its weathered gates and mosaic halls feels like entering a living museum that preserves the philosophy, artistry, and power of the Nguyễn emperors.

>> Read More: 7 Lesser-Known Traditional Costumes of Vietnam

2. Thien Mu Pagoda

Perched on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda is one of Hue’s most iconic images. Built in 1601, it’s the oldest pagoda in the city. Its seven-tier tower symbolizes the seven reincarnations of Buddha, and inside the monastery, you’ll find the famous blue car used by monk Thích Quảng Đức during his 1963 self-immolation in Saigon, a poignant piece of Vietnam’s history. The atmosphere here is peaceful, windy, and perfect for reflection.

Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Ticket Fee: Free

3. The Trio famous Royal Tomb (Minh Mang – Tu Duc – Khai Dinh)

Minh Mang Tomb

Built with absolute symmetry, Minh Mang’s tomb complex aligns perfectly along a central axis representing harmony between heaven and earth. It took 10,000 workers three years to finish. The blend of ponds, bridges, and temples makes it an elegant and spiritual landscape.

Address: Cam Khe Mountain, Huong Tho, Hue 

Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Ticket Fee: 150.000đ

Tu Duc Tomb

Tu Duc Tomb, or Khiêm Lăng, is the most poetic of Hue’s royal mausoleums. Built between 1864–1867, it served as Emperor Tự Đức’s retreat during his lifetime, a peaceful world of lotus lakes, pine forests, winding paths, and elegant pavilions. Unlike the grand symmetry of other tombs, this complex feels like a landscaped garden shaped by the emperor’s love for poetry and nature. Despite having 104 wives and concubines, Tự Đức had no children, and his true burial place remains a mystery. Walking through Khiêm Lăng today feels like stepping into the quiet soul of a reflective ruler.

Address: 17/2 Lê Ngô Cát, Thủy Xuân, Huế

Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5.30 PM 

Ticket fee: 

• Adults: 150,000 VND per person.
• Older adults (over 60 years old): 75,000 VND per person.
• Children (between 7-12 years old): 30,000 VND per person.
  Tomb of Tu Duc

Khai Dinh Tomb

Khai Dinh Tomb is the most distinctive of Hue’s royal tombs, blending Vietnamese traditions with bold Western influences. Built over 11 years on Châu Chữ Mountain, its dark concrete exterior gives it a dramatic, almost Gothic look unlike any other Nguyễn monument. Inside, the Thien Dinh Palace stuns with intricate mosaics made from broken porcelain and glass, forming dragons, flowers, and swirling patterns. The ceiling’s nine-dragon mural and the emperor’s bronze statue highlight its artistic peak. Though smaller than other tombs, Khai Dinh Tomb is the most ornate, an unforgettable masterpiece of mixed architectural styles.

Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Ticket Fee: 150.000đ

4. Hue Demilitarized Zone (TMZ)

Located about 100 km north of Hue, this was one of the most intense battlegrounds of the Vietnamese–American War. Stretching along the 17th Parallel, it once marked the dividing line between North and South Vietnam. Though intended as a buffer zone, it became a fiercely contested frontline shaped by conflict and resilience. Today, the DMZ is peaceful yet deeply moving, filled with wartime relics, memorials, and stories waiting to be uncovered. Key sites such as the Ben Hai River, Hien Luong Bridge, and the Vinh Moc Tunnels offer powerful insight into Vietnam’s turbulent past.

5. An Dinh Palace

Known as Hue’s “mini European castle,” An Dinh Palace showcases Art Nouveau architecture unlike anything else in the city. Its golden hall, restored with German support, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bảo Đại.

Address: 179 Phan Đình Phùng
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket Fee: 50,000 VND

Nature and Wildlife

1. Trekking Bach Ma National Park

Just an hour from Hue, Bach Ma was once a French hill station. Today, it is home to 1,500 plant species and rare wildlife such as the red-shanked douc. Trek to the summit for a panoramic view where you can see Hue, Hai Van Pass, and Da Nang all at once, a breathtaking reward after the climb.

Address: Lộc Trì, Phú Lộc District
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket Fee: 60,000 VND (adult)

2. Sunset chasing at Tam Giang Lagoon

Chasing sunset at Tam Giang Lagoon is a moment you won’t forget. Formed where the Perfume, Bo, and O Lau rivers meet the sea, Tam Giang is part of Vietnam’s largest brackish-water lagoon system,  stretching over 70 km along the coast of Thua Thien Hue. As the sun drops, the vast lagoon turns into a giant mirror of gold and rose tones. Fishermen in wooden boats drift across the glowing water, passing bamboo fish traps and stilt huts that have supported local livelihoods for centuries. It’s peaceful, cinematic, and a perfect window into Hue’s timeless coastal culture.

3. Experience the Heritage Train Route from Hue to Danang

One of the top 10 most scenic train routes in the world. Sit on the left side from Hue for nonstop ocean views. The tracks wrap around cliffs, tunnels, and beaches, offering a cinematic ride you won’t forget. 

>> See More: Da Nang – Hoi An – Quy Nhon: Vietage Luxury Train & Coastal Vietnam

Beaches in Hue 

1. Lang Co Beach

Listed among the world’s most beautiful bays, Lang Co stuns with its long curve of white sand and turquoise lagoon. It’s a perfect rest stop whether you come via the coast or over Hai Van Pass.

2. Ham Rong Beach

Less touristy and more local, Ham Rong offers dramatic rocks, gentle waves, and serene views, ideal for travelers who prefer peaceful, untouched beaches.

Cultural Activities

1. Dragon Boat Ride on the Perfume River

Drift gently along the Perfume River in a traditional dragon boat at twilight, and you’ll discover how the river earned its name. As the water glides past temples and ancient city walls, the air carries a faint floral fragrance from distant forested hills. Around you, violet tones settle into the skyline, the surface mirrors the lantern-lit bridges, and the hush of the city wraps the scene in stillness. Sit back, listen to the soft melodies of royal court music, and watch the reflections dance. This is Hue’s timeless charm revealed from a floating vantage point.

2. Experience Hue Royal Court Music (Nha Nhac Cung Dinh Hue)

Experiencing Nhã Nhạc (Hue Royal Court Music) is like stepping into a living palace of sound and ritual. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, this “elegant music” of Vietnam’s royal court spans wind, string and percussion instruments, accompanied by dancers in elaborate costumes. Each performance draws on centuries of ceremony, from coronations and royal receptions to Buddhist rites, and reflects the solemn grandeur of the Imperial City of Hue. The result? A mesmerizing mix of ritual, melody and heritage that stays with you long after the last note fades.

3. Try local food at Dong Ba Market

Hue’s oldest market, dating back to 1899, and the birthplace of dishes like Bun Bo Hue, Banh Beo, and Nem Lui. It’s lively, loud, full of aromas, the best place to sample authentic Hue street food.

Address: 2 Trần Hưng Đạo
Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket Fee: Free

4. Incense Sticks handmade at Thuy Xuan Incense Village 

A 700-year-old craft village famous for its handmade incense and vibrant photo displays. The colorful incense wheels you see online are arranged specifically for visitors, the real craft happens behind the scenes. You can also be a part of it by making incense sticks yourself. 

Address: No.62 Huyền Trân Công Chúa Street

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Ticket Fee: Free

Hue’s Nightlife

Truong Tien Bridge + Hue’s Walking Street

Designed by Gustave Eiffel’s company, this iron bridge becomes a kaleidoscope of colors at night. Nearby Walking Street comes alive on weekends with cafes, live music, and riverside nightlife.

Hours: Walking Street (Fri–Sun) 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Ticket Fee: Free

Discover Hue at your own pace

Book now with My Vietnam Tours for the best prices, private experiences, and smooth, crowd-free itineraries.