Hue Travelers Recommend

A convenient location in central Vietnam makes Hue an ideal launchpad for exploring farther afield. Three days in the city allow you to do justice to all of Hue’s historical attractions and discover some of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural scenery. Here’s how to divide your time.

Day 1: The History of Hue

Devote your first day to the history of Hue—which dates back hundreds of years and culminates in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Citadel (Da Noi)—on a city tour. Travel back in time during stops at the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Minh Mang, and then cruise by dragon boat along the Perfume River (Song Huong River). This afternoon, tour the Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia. Tours tend to return after dark, when the street-food stalls of Hue walking street are in full swing, so grab a snack on the recommendation of your guide.

Day 2: The Wonders of Central Vietnam

Venture farther out on your second day. History buffs can delve deeper into Vietnam’s military history on an excursion to the demilitarized zone (DMZ), home to the Vinh Moc Tunnels, while families can spend the day at the Ba Na Hills, a former French hill station that’s been transformed into a theme park and now boasts the well-known Golden Bridge, upheld by two giant hands. Alternatively, spend the day in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Ancient Town, which looks today as it did hundreds of years ago. Day trips to Hoi An typically go via the Hai Van Pass, hailed as one of the best coastal drives in the world, and stop in the thriving beach city of Da Nang.

Day 3: The Culture of Vietnam

Spend your final day in Hue gaining deeper insight into the culture of Vietnam’s central highlands. Fun and family-friendly activities include a cooking class, during which you’ll master the basics of classic Vietnamese dishes; a bike tour of the countryside; and a craft workshop, where you’ll have the chance to make lampshades and passport holders from textured bamboo paper. In the afternoon, browse Dong Ba for local handicrafts such as non la bai tho (conical hats with poems woven in the design), xung sesame candies, and Tuan black tea. Spend your final evening sampling the best of Hue’s distinctive local cuisine on a street-food tour.

The historic capital of Vietnam, Hue is a mecca for history buffs. The Perfume River (Song Huong River), so-called because of the fragrant aromas released by riverside flowers, provides a convenient way to combine travel and sightseeing for time-pressed travelers. Here’s how to make the most of a 1-day stay in Hue.

Morning: Travel Back in Time

Dedicate your first morning to discovering Hue’s ancient history: as the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue boasts some of the best preserved examples of imperial architecture in Vietnam. Top attractions—including the The Citadel (Da Noi), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Thien Mu Pagoda—are far enough away from one another to be best visited on a sightseeing tour, which saves time and the trouble of navigation. After, immerse yourself in local life at the Dong Ba Market, where more than 7,000 locals go to barter on a daily basis.

Afternoon: Royal Tombs and Classic Cuisine

For more history, spend the afternoon exploring the Imperial tombs of Hue, renowned throughout Asia for their ornate grandeur. Dedicated to Vietnamese emperors such Minh Mang and Tu Duc, each tomb has a distinctive character established by lavish architecture and landscaped gardens. Exploring each with a guide offers insight into the significance of each. If you’d rather delve deeper into Vietnamese cuisine, Hue is a great place to try a cooking class. Master the basics of classic dishes such as pho (noodle soup) and learn more about Vietnamese cuisine. 

Night: Cruise the Perfume River

There’s no better place to enjoy the sunset than from a boat on the Perfume River (Song Huong River). For magical photo opportunities and traditional Vietnamese entertainment, book an evening cruise. You can choose between a fine-dining experience accompanied by Vietnamese folk performances or a simpler cruise by traditional dragon boat. Alternatively, experience the casual nature of Vietnamese cuisine during a street food tour, which allows you to overcome the language barrier and make sense of the diverse dishes on offer. 

Two days in Hue gives you ample time to view the city’s historical attractions and offers a glimpse into rural life in central Vietnam. Delve deeper into Vietnamese cuisine; explore Hue countryside by motorbike; and visit the fishing communities on the banks of the Tam Giang Lagoon. Here’s how to spend two days in Hue. 

Day 1: Historical Hue

**Morning:**Your first morning is all about the ancient history of Hue. Get the inside scoop on The Citadel (Da Noi) and the Forbidden Purple City on a sightseeing tour before catching a glimpse of local life at Dong Ba Market, which hosts an array of Vietnamese produce. 

**Afternoon:**Dedicate your first afternoon to food. On a cyclo or motorbike tour, zip among street food stalls, which sell everything from noodle soup to crispy pancakes, and learn about the importance of food in Vietnamese culture. To delve even deeper, book a cooking class and take the recipes home to loved ones. 

**Night:**See Hue from a different perspective on a sunset cruise on the Perfume River (Song Huong River). Cruise options include gourmet dinners and traditional Vietnamese entertainment, and typically include convenient pickup and drop-off at your Hue hotel, to save you the stress of navigating at night. 

Day 2: Get Off The Beaten Path

**Morning:**Your second day is all about exploring further afield. Devote the morning to the imperial tombs of Hue, which are scattered throughout the countryside. Booking a tour of the tombs allows you to focus on the scenery between each and ensures you understand the significance of elaborate mausoleums designed to immortalise Vietnamese emperors such as Minh Mang and Tu Duc.  

**Afternoon:**Swap the bustling Hue for the tranquil countryside on a tour of Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia. More than 300,000 Vietnamese locals live on its shores, and sightseeing tours typically visit local villages to experience a very different way of life.

**Night:**Conclude two days in Hue by watching the sunset over the Perfume River. Then, head to Walking Street, a pedestrian zone that gives you a break from crossing Hue’s busy roads, to enjoy classic Vietnamese or international food, and shop for handcrafted souvenirs.

With a number of royal tombs set in and around the city, Hue knows how to honor its leaders. With that, the once-capital of Nguyen Lords is a place of historical, artistic, and political significance. Here are some of the Imperial Tombs to visit.

Tomb of Minh Mang This tomb may be furthest from Hue (and the priciest to enter), but it's also the most impressive. Beautifully kept gardens, winding walkways and vast grounds make this a tomb worthy of an entire afternoon.

Tomb of Tu Duc Nearly 50 structures make up this tomb that lies five miles (eight km) outside of Hue. The grounds are divided into two main areas—the tombs and the temples. Visitors can wander through and admire the ornate architecture, then rest where the emperor once sat to compose poems and admire his land.

Thai Hoa Palace Stop by this palace, located in the heart of the Forbidden City, and experience the life of ancient royalty. Visit the site of the emperor’s coronation, see where foreign dignitaries were received and congregate where vital political meetings once took place.

The Noon Gate (Cua Ngo Mon) This entrance into the Imperial City underwent significant damage during war, yet it remains a highlight of this historical attraction. Climb to the top level for unmatched views of the grounds, the city, and the Perfume River.