Hue, the prior imperial capital of Vietnam, offers an excellent combination of history, culture, and nature. Many wonderful things to do in Hue for all kinds of travelers, from historical temples and royal palaces to tranquil lagoons and beautiful beaches.
Visit Bustling Dong Ba Market
Established in 1899, Dong Ba Market is one of Hue’s most well-known spots, teeming with both locals and tourists all year round. The main market stretches from Gia Hoi Bridge to Truong Tien Bridge, and literally has thousands of stalls that sell all sorts of things, from fresh fruits and vegetables to hand-crafted products. When you walk inside, you will be bombarded by colors, sounds, and smells!
Explore The Timeless Hue National School
Founded by King Thanh Thai in 1896, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Vietnam and is called Hue National High School. Located at number 12 Le Loi Street, this is a prominent red-painted French structure that is engulfed by vegetation all around and is an ideal venue for a relaxing walk through its corridors and courtyards lined with ancient trees. You could visit this place during lunchtime or late afternoon, after all students have left and made noise, and enjoy the peaceful environment of an abandoned campus.
Walk Across Truong Tien Bridge
Truong Tien Bridge spans over the scenic Perfume River and is one of Hue’s most popular and distinctive sites. By day, its iron arches are reflected through the still waters of the Perfume River, while at night, its bright lights light up this beautiful bridge, creating quite a spectacle. To fully enjoy this site, one can walk through its riverside promenade and enjoy its beauty as vendors dish out local foods and local artists entertain visitors through their beautiful music.
Take A Boat Trip On The Perfume River
The Perfume River flows through Hue, and as it flows, it reflects the beauty of Hue itself. Taking a dragon boat ride is one of the most relaxing experiences one can have while traveling to Hue, and through this experience, one can get to enjoy Hue’s scenery. While traveling through this dragon boat, one can enjoy listening to Ca Hue music, which is a mix of music belonging to a royal court and folk music, and is very emotional and touching. The ticket price for one hour would be between 100,000-150,000 VND/person.
Enjoy The Sunset From Vong Canh Hill
Vong Canh Located southwest of Hue city, Vong Canh Hill has and maintains the widest view of Hue’s scenic Perfume River. At a towering height of about 43 meters, Vong Canh Hill towers above the site of the royal tombs, pines, and the tranquil river below. It is a great place to revisit, as it is during sunsets that this site is most scenic, as the surroundings turn golden because of hues of crimson all over the sky and mountains shining gold.
Experience A Journey Back In Time At The Imperial City
The Hue Imperial City, a World Heritage site recognized and protected by UNESCO, is also a pride of the Nguyen Dynasty reign. There are more than 100 ancient buildings, such as Noon Gate and Thai Hoa Palace, and this is one of its greatest architectural and historic achievements as a whole. The ticket price is about 200,000 VND per person. Some people would also rent Vietnamese royal costumes and have a photo shoot.
Admire The Architecture Of The Phu Cam Cathedral
Located on top of Mount Phuoc Qua, the Phu Cam Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches located within Hue city. The design of this church is more modern and incorporates elements of Gothic architecture, complete with twin towering bells. There is enough room inside for up to 3,000 people if there is a religious mass is being held. There is an excellent blend of Western and Vietnamese architectural design, and this place is great for reflection or taking photographs.
Uncover The Perfumed Wonder Of Thuy Xuan Incense Village
On your way to Vong Canh Hill and Tu Duc Tomb, Thuy Xuan Incense Village will be a highlight stop you won’t want to miss. The vibrant bundles of incense sticks are arranged on the side of the road in a beautiful manner, reminiscent of bouquets. Aside from taking beautiful photos, you can meet with artisans and experience rolling incense with your own hands. A satisfying experience of exploring Hue’s cultural customs, while taking home a special handmade memento for yourself.
Explore The Royal Tombs
Hue’s royal tombs are a great example of art and architecture, each unique in design, reflective of the emperor it pays tribute to. The Tomb of Tu Duc is delicate and poetic. Khai Dinh’s Tomb stuns with a glorious combination of Vietnamese and European flavor. Surrounded by lakes and gardens collectively, the Tomb of Minh Mang offers peace and balance. Seeing the tombs gives a sense of going back into the polite world of imperial elegance and deep spirituality.
Taste Hue’s Royal Cuisine
Hue’s food is said to be the most sophisticated food in all of Vietnam, as it was originally made for the stomachs of kings. Each dish is a small work of art; brightly colored, aromatic, and perfectly seasoned. Do not forget to try Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes), and Banh Khoai (crispy pancakes). You will truly experience the cultural soul of Hue cuisine.
Appreciate Royal Court Music
As night falls, Nha Nhac, Hue’s Royal Court Music, brings sounds of its history alive again. Stories of passion, devotion, and empire are told through music played on traditional instruments on boats on the Perfume River itself. Even though they are supposedly playing these ancient instruments, they move as if born into the rhythm of this music, singing as if their words are dripping from the edge of warm, shimmering water itself, and this is a great way of experiencing Hue’s beautiful spirit.
Discover An Dinh Palace
Also called the “Summer Palace” of members of the Nguyen Dynasty Imperial Family, the An Dinh Palace is a dream blend of European elegance and Hue style. The bright yellow color, arched windows, and relief style are neoclassic architectural elements that are not common in Vietnam. But as soon as you step inside, you can view murals and items belonging to the last rulers, as told through paintings inside. And you will easily identify why this is one of Hue’s best-visited attractions for architecture and history buffs, as it is part of the Hue Monuments Complex, recognized by UNESCO.
Visit The Sacred Thien Mu Pagoda
Some 5 kilometers away from Hue city center, on Ha Khe Hill, stands the tranquil Thien Mu pagoda, situated on the banks of the Perfume River. Also included is the symbolic seven-story tower of Phuoc Duyen, made famous as one of Hue’s most iconic structures. Additionally, one can view the Dai Hung Sanctuary, gardens, and shrines of master monk Thich Quang Duc. The peace and purity of this temple can be appreciated all the more at dawn or dusk when its bells chime on the other side of the Perfume River.’
Explore Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery
About 30 km from Hue, Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery rests serenely on the banks of Truoi Lake in the midst of misty hills. To get there, visitors ride across the lake in small boats and then climb 172 steps until they reach the main gate. The architecture of the monastery blends with the landscape and has views of the lake, with spots for sitting still and simply enjoying the quiet.
Find Peace at Tu Hieu Pagoda
Tu Hieu Pagoda is tucked back in a quiet pine forest and is one of Hue’s most spiritual places. It is the last place Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh spent time meditating and finding peace. The pagoda is surrounded by streams flowing down the mountain, and the tombs of ancient royal eunuchs who helped build it centuries ago. Strolling through the grounds, you will feel a sense of timelessness and calm, as though the world outside is moving in slow motion.
Uncover Peaceful Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest brackish lagoon in Southeast Asia, is over 68 kilometers long and features beautiful scenery. Go early in the morning to see the stunning sunrise over the still water. Local fishermen throw their nets as the sky glows golden and pink. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, like Banh Khoai Ca Kinh, made from fresh fish caught in the lagoon. It’s a combination of spectacular views, culture, and local life.
Visit Magical Ru Cha Mangrove Forest
Ru Cha Forest is located near the Tam Giang Lagoon and is one of the few remaining natural mangrove forests in and around Hue. During autumn in Hue, the cha tree blooms, and the forest is bathed in a warm golden glow. There is a narrow concrete path that snakes deep in the forest, making it the perfect place for photographers and nature lovers. It is quiet, has been kept pure, and is free of charge to visit – a magical wilderness just a short drive from the city.
Take A Stroll Through The Chuon Lagoon
The Chuon Lagoon is an opportunity to experience authentic local fishing life. You can rent small fishing boats from the locals and drift along the calm lagoon, listening to the sounds of nature. If you opt for the overnight homestay, you will get to experience fresh seafood and other natural rhythms of rural Hue. The soft sound of the paddles and the sparkling reflection of dawn on the water can easily make this one of the most poetic places in Central Vietnam.
Hike In Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma National Park is only 40 km away from Hue City! This is perhaps the best place for hikers and nature lovers. The park contains lovely trails leading you to Do Quyen Waterfall with its 300-meter drop, the Five Lakes, and the top of Vong Hai Dai with a panoramic view. The hike will be tough but worth it! If you choose, you can stay overnight in the French-style villas where you’ll be able to stare up at the stars and rise from your slumber to views of the mystical mountains and birds singing.
Relax At Fresh Thuan An Beach
Thuan An Beach is only 15 km from the city and is the area where the Perfume River flows into the sea. Every day, locals and travelers visit the area to swim and sunbathe, and eat fresh seafood along the shore. The beach here is tranquil, with cool sea breezes making it an ideal afternoon escape. A visit to the nearby Thai Duong Temple is one of the things to do in Hue, and also encouraged to learn more about local customs and traditions.
Experience The Beauty Of Lang Co Bay
Lang Co Bay, located between the Hai Van Pass and Bach Ma Mountain, is one of the most beautiful coastal gems of Vietnam. With fine white sands, turquoise waters, and green-hilled backdrop scenery, it is perfect for relaxing. The Bay stretches for about 8 km along the coast and also provides many chances for swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing by the shore. It is also very near both Lap An Lagoon and Bach Ma National Park.
Final Thoughts
Hue is a town where imperial history, poetic scenery, and timeless charm blend in beauty. Every corner tells of Vietnam’s glorious past, from the time spent exploring grand royal tombs and ancient temples to taking a cruise along the Perfume River and trying the local dishes. So, Hue has something different to offer things to do in Hue. Start planning your unforgettable journey to Hue today with Seni World!
