13 Must do’s in Hue | Vietnam
Hue is one of Vietnam’s most historically rich and culturally vibrant cities. Once the imperial capital, Hue offers travelers a deep dive into Vietnam’s royal past with its ancient citadel, majestic tombs, and traditional pagodas. Located in central Vietnam, this charming city sits along the peaceful Perfume River and is surrounded by lush hills and historical landmarks. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking authentic Vietnamese experiences, Hue should absolutely be on your travel itinerary. In this guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in Hue, from iconic sites to hidden gems.
P.S. You can see more photos on my Instagram!
Hue’s Abandoned Water Park
The water park opened in 2004 and was operational for a few years before mysteriously shutting down. The park is located at Thuy Tien Lake and is a 20-minute drive from Hue. The guard at the entrance makes you read a paper stating that the park is “closed” and that if we are to enter and get injured we are liable. We just nodded, paid a small fee (20.000 VND) and went on our way.
Go have a look at the dragon that emerges from the center of the lake, and the many graffiti.
The inside of the dragon used to be an aquarium filled with all sorts of creatures including crocodiles. Would be the perfect setting for a horror film. Walk up the stairs and check out the view from the dragon’s mouth. Discover also the abandoned auditorium and slides along the lake.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda or Linh Mu Pagoda is Hue’s oldest pagoda (1601). The legend goes as follows: An old lady, who frequented the hill where the pagoda is, foretold the villagers that a pagoda would be erected on that very spot for the city’s prosperity. A Lord appeared soon after and built the pagoda and named it Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady, in honour of the old lady. The tall pagoda survived over the years and is the unofficial icon of Hue.
It also stores the blue car driven by monk Thich Quang Duc. He put himself to flames as an act of protest against the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government.
Entrance fee: free; open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Perfume River
Several artists and poets have penned or painted their thoughts inspired by the river.
Explore Hue Imperial Citadel
One of the most iconic landmarks is the Hue Imperial Citadel (UNESCO World Heritage), a complex with impressive palaces, temples, and gates showcasing the grandeur of Vietnamese imperial architecture. It was once the capital city of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1805 to 1945.
Entry to Hue Imperial Citadel costs about 230k dong. If you’re planning to visit 2 to 3 other royal tombs on the outskirts of Hue and the citadel, go for the combo pack. The citadel is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba is the oldest and largest market in Hue. Do groceries, shop for clothes or bags. Get a drink, a dessert or your lunch in the market.
Royal Tombs
The Nguyen Empire had 13 Emperors. Today 7 tombs exist that house the remains of 9 of the Emperors.
Tu Duc, the fourth king, and Khai Dinh, the father of the last king.
Emperor Minh Mang Tomb
Emperor Minh Mang was the 2nd king of the Nguyen Empire. The tomb was actually meant as his retirement home but died before completion.
Fun Fact: Frangipani trees (around the Minh Lau Pavilion) have sparse leaves so no assassin could hide in the trees. The tomb is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM
Emperor Tu Duc Tomb
Emperor Tu Duc was the fourth king of the Nguyen Dynasty. It was during his reign that the Nguyen Dynasty fell out of independence and into French control.
The king’s body was not found in the main tomb area. Legend has it that the group which laid him to rest in a secret spot were immediately slaughtered after his burial upon their return. No one knows where his body truly is. The tomb is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Emperor Khai Dinh Tomb
This tomb has the smallest land space yet was the most expensive to build. To get to the king’s resting chamber, you’d have to climb 100 steps. Dark and gothic from the outside but an explosion of colours on the inside! The tomb is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Learn the Craft of Incense Sticks
Thuy Xuan Incense Village (700 yrs old) was responsible for supplying incense sticks to the royalties and commoners living around the area. Incense sticks are made from two different materials – a thin bamboo stick (incense core) and an aromatic powder (incense powder). The powder is then mixed with water to form a clay-like texture before it is evenly rolled over each individual incense core to form an incense stick.
Cau Truong Tien Bridge
Take an evening stroll by the riverbank of Perfume River, and enjoy the colourful lights of the bridge and the banks.
Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest freshwater lagoon in Southeast Asia, is home to numerous wildlife.
Cross the Hai Van Pass towards the south
We went to Hoi An by crossing the Hai Van Pass.
The DMZ
If you have additional days to spare, set Hue as your base and explore the demilitarised zone of Vietnam (day trip).
Phong Nha for caves
Phong Nha is home to numerous caves, including the world’s biggest cave, Hang Son Doong (day trip).
Bach Ma National Park
This park is home to over 1400 species of plants and wildlife, and you may just happen to spot a couple of them while trekking to the beautiful Do Quyen Waterfall (day trip).
What to eat in Hue?
Dishes from Hue; Bun Bo Hue, a beef noodle soup with vermicelli is a dish from Hue. Nem Lui, lemongrass pork skewers eaten with rice paper and peanut sauce. Banh Khoai, is Banh Xeo, but smaller and thicker.
How to get to Hue?
We took the night/sleeper bus from Ninh Binh.
Where to stay in Hue?
We stayed at the Senna Hue Hotel *****. We had a private room with private bathroom. Free access to the jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath was included. Large swimming pool and massages at extra cost available (and for a good price as well).
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