Central Vietnam is the cultural heart of the country. The region’s biggest draw for travelers is Hoi An, the riverside town with Chinese temples and great food. But just a few hours north is often-overlooked Hue — the 19th-century capital of the Nguyen emperors’ rule. Today, imperial relics from that time are among the best things to do in Hue.
Hue straddles the banks of the lovely Perfume River. It’s surrounded by luscious green countryside. It’s also an underappreciated cultural hot-spot — Vietnam’s famous conical hats originate here, as does one of the country’s most famous cuisines.
The city is a refreshing change of pace from the Vietnam tourist trail. While tourists aren’t exactly a rarity here, Hue feels like a lived-in city that’s as much about modern local life as it is about the history. Most of the top Hue attractions are well outside the city center — so explore by day, but come back to the city in the evening and have a beer at a riverside bar with the locals.
In this post, I’ll cover the top things to do in Hue Vietnam during a short visit!
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How long do you need to cover the top things to do in Hue?
If you’re looking at this list of things to do in Hue and wondering how you’re going to pack it all in, don’t worry. You can actually see a lot in a very short amount of time.
With just 1 day in Hue city, you could cover almost everything listed below. You’d have to get a very early start, rent a motorbike, and move quickly — but it’s doable.
However, I recommend spending at least two full days in Hue. This will allow you to take in the attractions at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the food and nightlife scenes. Additionally, you’ll probably be either coming from or going to Hanoi — a really long overnight bus ride away. An extra day in Hue will help prevent travel burnout.
If you have three days, you could spend the third day doing a day trip outside the city. Popular options include a motorbike trip to Danang, a tour of the DMZ, or a beach trip.
Top things to do in Hue: Explore the Hue Imperial City
The most famous and iconic of Hue’s attractions is the Citadel — the heart of the former Imperial City.
The Citadel was once the administrative center of dynastic rule as well as the Emperor’s home. Today, it’s in a pretty extensive state of disrepair — wars and typhoons ravaging the area have taken their toll. Despite the damage, the main rooms are still architecturally spectacular — particularly the sections around Ngo Mon Gate. The further into the complex you go, the less it’s been restored.
If you’re deeply interested in history, hire a guide for a tour of the Hue Imperial City. The signage is poor throughout and you won’t learn much visiting on your own.
History buffs could spend half a day exploring the Citadel — it’s one of the top things to do in Hue. But everyone should plan on at least a couple hours there. Technically there is a dress code — you’re supposed to cover your knees and shoulders — but this is enforced pretty loosely.
Admission to the Hue Citadel is 150,000 dong. It’s open from 7 am to 5:30 pm. Additionally, the city is experimenting with opening it in the evenings during the summer until 10 pm and hosting cultural performances. If you’re wondering what to do in Hue at night, check with the tourist office to see what’s on.
See the symbol of Hue at Thien Mu Pagoda
The Citadel may be the most famous icon of the Hue Imperial City. But the locals would say their city’s symbol is the Thien Mu Pagoda — a 7-story, 19th-century marvel.
The pagoda complex contains several statues and images of the Buddha in human form. But beyond its religious significance, it has become the center of political demonstrations over the past 40 years. For example, it houses the car of Thich Quang Duc — the Buddhist monk who self-immolated to protest the persecution of Buddhists by Ngo Dinh Diem’s government in South Vietnam.
The pagoda is 4 km from the citadel, on top of a hill overlooking the Perfume River. You can reach it by boat (~$5 per person — bargain hard). Alternatively, rent a bicycle or motorbike. The route is very scenic and mostly flat.
Thien Mu Pagoda is free to visit and is open during daylight hours. Go in the morning — the crowds show up around 10 am.
Relax in a lakeside pavilion at the Tu Doc Royal Tomb
The late 19th-century tomb of Emperor Tu Doc is the most popular of Hue’s royal tombs. The emperor himself designed it before his death — putting more energy and resources into his tomb than into the population he was ruling!
If you visit only one of the Hue royal tombs, make it this one. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Hue.
The most striking feature of the tomb is the lake off to the left from the entrance. In season, it’s filled with lily pads and lotus blossoms. At the center is a small pavilion — this is where the emperor would bring his concubines and work on his poetry.
The rest of the tomb features a number of temples. They’re no longer in use — today they mostly house artifacts from the imperial period. You can see Tu Doc’s throne (and that of his wife’s, which is larger!). You can see occasional cultural performances in the building designed as a theater.
Admission to the tomb is 150,000 dong. It’s open during daylight hours. You’ll need a taxi, bicycle or motorbike to get here.
Marvel at the mosaics at the Tomb of Khai Dinh
Khai Dinh was among the most hated of Vietnamese emperors. He was hand-picked by French colonial forces and did their bidding throughout his rule. That being said, his tomb is easily the most beautiful.
The Tomb of Khai Dinh is nestled in the mountains, with spectacular jungle views all around. The stonework is all blackened concrete, and the architecture a unique mix of Vietnamese and European.
You’ll have to climb a lot of stairs when you visit this tomb. The first platform is the Honor Courtyard. Guard-statues line the platform — take a close look at their faces and you’ll notice many look more European than Vietnamese.
Three more flights of stairs take you to the main building. It doesn’t look like much from the outside. But the interior is completely covered in elaborate mosaics and murals. Look for symbols of the four seasons and other common Buddhist iconography. There is also a massive bronze statue of the former emperor himself.
The tomb of Khai Dinh is well outside the center of Hue. Reach it by taxi, motorbike, or bicycle. Admission is 150,000 dong.
Take the back roads to the Japanese Bridge
Thanh Toan Bridge is a traditional footbridge on the outskirts of Hue. It merges Japanese architectural style with Chinese design elements.
But the real appeal of visiting the bridge is spending some time in the village of Thuy Thanh. This suburb of Hue is fiercely traditional. The locals make conical hats, grow rice, welcome tourists, and otherwise go about their daily lives far from the hustle of the big city.
Be sure to visit the market across from the bridge. It doesn’t see many tourists, so it’s one of the more hassle-free market experiences you can have in Vietnam.
Thuy Thanh is about 7 km away from Hue. The back roads to get here are stunning — you’ll pass through rice paddies and thick jungle all along the way. Take a motorbike or rent a bicycle. The village and bridge are free to visit.
See how conical hats are made and how rice is harvested
If you’re in Thuy Thanh village to see the Japanese bridge, take another few minutes to learn more about rural life in central Vietnam. A small museum just down the street displays the traditional agricultural practices of the region.
You can learn how to harvest rice using no machinery whatsoever. Try your hand at some of the tools — it’s very interactive. You’ll also see displays (in English) explaining the significance of each season. Ever wonder why the rice paddies are flooded at some times of year and totally dry at others? Here’s where you can find out.
Additionally, the front yard of the museum regularly hosts workshops where you can learn how to make conical hats. You’ll meet local craftswomen sewing them by hand. Whether you want to try it yourself or simply pick one up as a gift, this is the place to do it. It’s one of the best free things to do in Hue Vietnam.
The museum and conical hat workshops are free.
Meet the monks at Tu Hieu Pagoda
Tu Hieu Pagoda is the most atmospheric active temple in the Hue area. When you enter, you’ll pass through a large stone gate. You’ll see a pond filled with lilies before you reach the temple itself.
The architecture is typical of Vietnamese temples — but that’s not why you’re here. This temple deserves a spot on your Hue itinerary because you can easily interact with and observe the practices of the 70 resident monks.
Tourists can observe the chanting and prayer ceremonies several times a day — the 10 am, noon, and 4 pm sessions are most convenient. Remember to take off your shoes and be silent during the prayers. Photography is tolerated but not seen as super-respectful — you’re better off keeping the camera away.
Admission to the temple is free. It’s about 5 km away from central Hue — take a bicycle, taxi or motorbike. It’s easy to combine a visit with the Tomb of Tu Duc, which is within walking distance.
Eat Bun Bo Hue at the Dong Ba Market
Hue’s most famous cuisine is bun bo Hue. It’s a noodle soup consisting of beef shank and sometimes other meats — oxtail and pig parts are common. It’s slightly spicy (prepared with chili oil) and very lemongrass-y. It differs from pho in that the noodles are thicker and the sour flavor is stronger. You can’t miss the chance to try it while traveling in Hue.
For a cheap and authentic local version of the dish, visit the massive Dong Ba Market. Inside you’ll find dozens of food stalls hawking it. Note that locals simply call it “bun bo.”
A bowl of bun bo Hue shouldn’t cost you more than 20,000 dong in the market. Breakfast and lunch are the best times to go.
After you finish eating, if you’re looking for more things to do in Hue, you can wander around the market stalls. You could find literally anything here — from silverware to auto parts to fresh veggies. If you want to buy anything, you’ll have to bargain hard.
The market is right in the center of town, on the same road as the Citadel.
Discover Hue’s military history
During the Vietnam War, Hue was a major battleground. It’s situated just a few kilometers from the former border with North Vietnam. And its proximity to the Ho Chi Minh Trail gave it even more military significance.
In fact, Hue was the site of one of the biggest battles of the war. After the North Vietnamese captured it during the Tet Offensive, American and South Vietnamese troops spent nearly a month trying to take it back. Thousands of troops were killed in an exceptionally bloody fight.
Today, the biggest reminders of this history are the old buildings showing damage from the battles — from the Citadel to hotels and restaurants along the waterfront. But if you’re interested in war history, you can go deeper and see some of the famous battle sites for yourself.
The most accessible war relic near Hue is a large bunker on a hill near the Perfume River. You can go inside and imagine life as a South Vietnamese soldier, spending every waking moment watching the bend in the river for enemy troops. The bunker is near Thien Mu Pagoda. You need a bicycle or motorbike to reach it.
If you have more time, you could consider a tour of the Demilitarized Zone. The highlight is the Vinh Moc Tunnels, near Phong Nha. However, many travelers complain that these tours involve too much time on the bus and you don’t see very much. They’re not one of the essential things to do in Hue if you’re short on time.
Rent a motorbike (with or without a driver)
As you’ve probably noticed, most things to do in Hue are well outside the city center. If you want to pack them all into a one- or two-day trip, you’ll need your own transportation.
A motorbike is the easiest and most efficient way to see the top Hue Vietnam attractions. You can rent one yourself for about $5 a day — but I don’t recommend it. First, even though the back roads around Hue are more relaxed than much of Vietnam, the driving is still not super safe. (Doubly true on the coastal road toward Danang.) Second, if you do get in an accident and you don’t have a motorcycle license in your home country, your travel insurance won’t cover you. It’s not worth the risk to your life and finances.
The alternative is to rent a motorbike driver and let them take you around. This is way more relaxing — not only will you not have to navigate the insane traffic, but your driver will also know all the best routes so you have no chance of getting lost.
The best place to hook up with a driver is the backpacker haunt Cafe on Thu Wheels. They offer full-day tours taking in all of the above attractions that are outside of Hue proper (i.e. not the Citadel or market). The price is $15, and the tour lasts from roughly 9 am to 2 pm. You’ll have to pay your own admission fees at each tomb. The drivers drive responsibly and provide you with some historical and cultural context along the way.
You can also hire a motorbike driver for a longer tour. Popular options include a DMZ tour, a day trip to Danang, or a one-way ride to Hoi An. Check out the tour agencies or backpacker cafes to find a driver who can do a longer trip like this.
How to get to Hue Vietnam
Hue is on the coast along the main travel route in Vietnam. It’s usually people’s first stop after Hanoi heading south, or last stop before Hanoi heading north.
If you have the cash, you can fly to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City from Hue’s small airport. This will save you a ton of time on buses.
From the south, you’ll probably start in either Danang or Hoi An. Public buses to Danang run 80,000 dong and take three hours. For Hoi An, the open-tour bus tickets are your best option. If you don’t already have one, you can buy a standalone ticket from Sinh Tourist for $8 for this journey. It takes four hours and includes a stop in Danang, where you can visit a pagoda and market. Open-tour bus offices are all in the town center.
You can take either a public bus or an open-tour bus for northern destinations like Ninh Binh and Hanoi. Be forewarned — these are some of the longest and most brutal journeys in the country. You’ll pay 270,000 dong and spend 12 hours on the bus to Ninh Binh. Hanoi will cost you 320,000 dong and take a whopping 16 hours — choose a reputable company for this one (I recommend Sinh Tourist).
Between Hue and Hoi An/Danang, the bus is faster and more convenient than the train. But if you prefer train travel the ticket to Danang runs $4-8 and the trip takes 4 hours. However, between Hue and Hanoi, I’d highly recommend taking the train. It takes just as long as the bus and is quite a bit pricier — the cheapest soft berths start at $25 — but you’ll get a much better night’s sleep.
With so many great things to do in Hue, it’s definitely worth the long journey to get here. Vietnam’s most historic city has something for every traveler. I hope this post has convinced you to add it to your Vietnam itinerary!
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