Best Things To Do In Hue 2024

The best things to do in Hue 2024

Hue is considered one of the oldest cities with rich history and culture in our country. The great culture, architectural monuments, poetic nature, gentle and sincere people make tourists stay longer in Hue.

Moreover, Hue is also a ‘culinary capital‘ that captivates visitors. The dishes in Hue are rustic and simple like the charm of the central people. Hue City can be said to be a must-visit tourist destination that tourists should visit at least once in their life.

Below is the latest information about things to do in Hue Vietnam that will help first-time travelers have detailed information about what to do in Hue.

What to do in Hue Vietnam?

Visit the Hue Imperial Citadel

The first thing to do in Hue is to visit the Hue Imperial Citadel, a place that any tourists cannot be ignored. As the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty for 143 years, the Hue Citadel was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage.

Unique architectural art of the palaces from more than two centuries ago shows the power and richness of the feudalism of the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam. Over hundreds of years, the Hue Imperial City still maintains its architectural and historical values. To have a better understanding of the history, culture, the architecture of Hue, you can refer to our article Hue Imperial City.

Visit the Royal Antiquities Museum Hue

If you are interested in antiques then head to the Royal Museum of Antiquities, where you will find a wide variety of items dating from the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. While walking around the different galleries, you will be able to enjoy traditional furniture as well as textiles, jewelry, and other antiques that once belonged to the royal family.

Explore the Hue royal tombs

Hue Royal Tombs is one of the best things to do in Hue because of its wonderful architecture and the history of the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. There are a total of 7 royal tombs in Hue but if you don’t have time to visit them all, at least you should explore the 4 most beautiful Tombs of the Nguyen dynasty.

Gia Long Tomb

Located 16km from the center of Hue, on the top of the Thien Tho Mountain and on the west bank of the Perfume River. Gia Long Tomb is a complex of several royal tombs including the tomb of his mother, the tomb of himself, his wives, and other royal family members mainly built in 6 years, from 1814 to 1820.

Minh Mang Tomb

If Khai Dinh Tomb is strangely beautiful with combining ancient East and West, Minh Mang’s tomb still retains its very traditional beauty, very old and bold Confucian colors. Having the opportunity to come to the dreamland of Hue, visitors should come to the Tomb of Minh Mang to admire this monumental architecture.

Tu Duc Tomb

The tomb of Tu Duc is one of many tombs located on the outskirts of the ancient capital of Hue. Built from 1864 to 1867 to commemorate the fourth emperor, this complex is also the summer palace for the Tu Duc emperor thanks to the natural landscape on the hillside and riverbank. Home to a huge lake and more than 50 palaces, pavilions, temples, and shrines, Tu Duc tomb Hue offers a relaxing atmosphere for visitors who want to experience the ruins of the old Nguyen Dynasty. Located in Thuong Ba Village, the tomb is a 15-minute drive from Hue ancient capital.

Khai Dinh Tomb

Unlike other tombs in the Nguyen Dynasty imperial tomb system, Khai Dinh Tomb is the smallest but the most beautiful and expensive one in Hue Imperial. The tomb of Khai Dinh is a mixture of many different architectures such as the West; Eastern, between modern and old, amongst Hinduism, Buddhism, Vietnam, and France. Khai Dinh’s tomb is the pinnacle of fine art and glass and is a high-value work of art and architecture in all Hue mausoleums that you should not miss.

An Dinh Palace Hue

An Dinh Palace is also one of the best things to do on Hue’s list. It is a unique and enthusiastic architectural work built by Emperor Khai Dinh on the foundation of An Dinh palace when the emperor was the prince. An Dinh Palace Hue was built in 1917 where it is the place to hold the royal reception and celebration ceremonies and officials of the French Protectorate. Over time and the devastation of war, up to now, the palace has only left 3 quite intact works: the main gate, the Trung Lap communal house, and the Khai Tuong floor. In addition to check-in, you can learn about the history, architecture, and culture of the Nguyen Dynasty here.

Visit the sacred pagodas in Hue

Hue is known as the Buddhist city of Vietnam. This land attracts visitors not only in its history, unique tourist spots but also in the ancient, sacred, and spiritual value of many temples here. The pagoda in Hue may not be large in area, but the history, culture, and spirituality are bold in each specific feature of the works here. Below are the famous and must-visit Hue Pagodas that you should step your feet in.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Hidden in a sacred place without noise and bustle, Thien Mu Pagoda still attracts tourists when coming to Hue because of its mysterious myths, by its ancient beauty, and the tranquillity of the poetic Perfume River.

Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda

Unlike Thien Mu Pagoda, Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda belongs to the Theravada. The pagoda is located at an altitude of 300m above sea level, thanks to the surrounding trees and lakes, the air here are fresh and surprisingly pleasant. Every corner of the temple is meticulously designed to bring peace to the heart of people.

Coming to Hue, if you are tired of the hustle and bustle of life, spend a morning coming to Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda, visitors will find this place very heartbreaking.

Tu Dam Pagoda

Tu Dam is one of the pagodas undergoing many historical events. Nowadays, Tu Dam Pagoda has become a magnificent temple. Sitting on the porch and watching the Bodhi leaves falling full of the yard swirling in the afternoon wind, people just want to stop here forever – the sacred, quiet, gentle place.

Huyen Tran Princess Temple

Huyen Tran Princess temple is a large cultural complex with the solemn shrine of the princess Huyen Tran, the person who had a great contribution to expanding the country, a lotus lake, the monastery of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, orchid gardens, and a library. Visitors can also participate in some cultural activities at Huyen Tran Princess Temple such as offering incense, calling bells, martial arts performances, as well as flower arrangements.

Enquire about An Hien Garden House

An Hien garden house Hue is a “new” place with an “old” atmosphere, which is one of the attractive sites, especially for those who want to experience a little old capital. The garden house has the ancient and majestic features of imperial architecture, but still shows the simplicity of folk architecture.

Go to see Tiger Arena Hue

The tiger fighting arena Hue is located about 3 km from the center of Hue and was built in 1832. Therefore, it was built during the Minh Mang period and will be the venue for dramatic battles between tigers and elephants.

Today you will no longer find any battles here anymore, as these battles were halted in the 1900s but you can still review this great historical site and if you look closely there were even claw marks piercing the ruined walls. Read more about Tiger Arena Hue here.

Thanh Toan Bridge

Thanh Toan Bridge Hue is a tile-roofed footbridge that’s similar to Hoi An’s  Japanese Bridge, featuring ancient Chinese and Japanese motifs as well as ornate carvings of sacred animals. Thanh Toan Bridge is Hue’s special historical relic and is recognized as the top artistic value monument in Vietnam.

What to explore in Hue?

Conquer Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park is located at an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level and has some of the best views in Hue. Exploring Bach Ma mountains, you will find towering waterfalls as well as beautiful hiking trails. There are a number of dilapidated French mansions to observe along the way.

The park is part of the wider Truong Son range and this part of Vietnam is known for its lush landscape. If you are a person who loves adventure, explore and conquering all challenges, Bach Ma National Park Hue is the place you should not miss.

Explore An Bang Cemetery (City of Ghosts Hue)

An Bang Cemetery is located in Vinh An commune, Phu Vang district, which is a fishing village now known as the “City of Ghosts Vietnam” or “An Bang ghost city” with “super mausoleums“. Here, you not only admire the most supernatural mausoleums in the world but also have the opportunity to learn more about the architecture, people, mysterious stories surrounding this tomb. Unlike other normal tombs, the tombs here are built in the style of the old emperor’s tomb, so its value is very high in terms of art, architecture, and construction costs.

Take a motorbike to Abandoned Water Park Hue

Abandoned water park Hue becomes a new check-in place in Hue, especially attracting young people who love to explore. Located near Thien An hill – a hill covered with pine forest like Da Lat. Thuy Tien Lake has an Abandoned Water Park. The entire 50-hectare campus with many entertainment items is now completely wild, covered with moss, which is the point of “seducing” the brave guests. Going to narcissus lake by motorbike, on a cool pine-tree path is such a wonderful experience.

Soak in the natural springs

The Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs

Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Vietnam, coming here you can also enjoy designated treatment rooms, where you can get a gentle massage or other spa treatments. There are also other activities on offer here like high ropes and zip ropes, or you can play games in the water park.

The Elephant Springs

Hue has gained a reputation for not only stunning landscapes, ancient palaces, hidden treasures but also the fresh Eco-tourism areas. One of the places for a traveler to have a dip bath, have much fun, and enjoy quality time is Elephant Springs. If you want to see many waterfalls and climb up to the hut to eat a piece of salty grilled chicken. Elephant Springs Hue is a destination that you cannot miss.

Sunbath on Thuan An Beach

As a small beach near Hue city, Thuan An Beach is an ideal place for when you want to go to the beach suddenly but do not want to go far. The 1-kilometer long beach is famous for its splendid sunrise and sunset, just standing on the fine sand to watch it will feel very satisfied.

Admire Sunset in Tam Giang Lagoon

Tam Giang lagoon belongs to the large Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon system and is the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia. The large lagoon area along with Thai Duong Ha fishing village is like an oasis between the four sides of the river that will attract you at first sight.

The life of this ancient fisherman is vibrant but also extremely peaceful. In the morning you will witness the bustling scene here, boats dock with full of shrimp and fish, the women bring fish to the market for sale. In the afternoon, there is nothing better than to sit down and watch the brilliant sunset gradually cover the water.

Check-in Lang Co Beach

If you are looking for a peaceful setting in the middle of a mountain – a pristine sea, Lang Co is the ideal choice. Lang Co Beach with clear water, a curved beach, is known as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

That is the reason why Lang Co beach concentrates on many luxury hotels, resorts, giving you a perfect relaxing vacation, completely away from the noisy city to immerse yourself in pure nature.

Lap An Lagoon

Also located at the foot of Hai Van pass, right next to the beautiful Lang Co Bay, Lap An lagoon also possesses its own rare beauty. Large lagoon sinking into the tranquility of mountains and the blue sky. In particular, the experience you cannot ignore in Lap An lagoon is the walking path in the middle of the lagoon that will appear at low tide. Do not forget to bring a smartphone or camera to capture the moment of this magic.

Explore Hue Nightlife

What to do in Hue at night? That is the common question that a lot of tourists asked when traveling to Hue. Not only beautiful in the daytime, exploring Hue nightlife is one of the best things to do in Hue.

Sitting on the Dragon Boat and listening to “ Folk Song” on Perfume River

Traveling to Hue but not yet taking a dragon boat to go along the Perfume River and enjoy the folk-song performance, it is considered that you have not traveled to Hue. Sitting on the boat, visitors will feel how beautiful the Perfume River is, more dreamy with the ancient beauty combined with the melodious folk music that makes visitors relax with the ancient space.

Tour recommended: Perfume River Sunset Cruise

Walking on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street

When night falls, that is when Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street becomes unusually crowded and bustling, it is different from the inherent silence of Hue. Many young people organize music exchanges, flashmob dance, street painting, flute playing. The poetic beauty of the Perfume River mixed with the fanciful shimmer of Truong Tien Bridge has attracted many young people and tourists to join.

Going to the Bar

If you look for a lively spot in the midst of Hue, bars will be the perfect nightlife destinations for you. You will have a swell time with your buddies there while having a glass of wine, beer, cocktail, or mocktail.

Here are some favorite bars in Hue:

• Tarvet Pub (11 Vo Thi Sau)
• DMZ bar (60 Le Loi).
• Brown Eyes bar (56 Chu Van An).

Enjoy Specialities Foods in Hue

Mention about the best things to do in Hue, we could not ignore the Hue Street Food. Hue becomes more serene and rustic at nightlife. In spite of being in the city center, you may not feel the hustle and bustle like the larger cities including Ha Noi, or Ho Chi Minh. So, having a snack in the nightlife is considered a great pleasure. Street food is buzzing near Dong Ba market, around the cultural center, under Trang Tien bridge, or along the Perfume River.

Don’t forget to taste Hue’s specialties, namely Hue noodle soup with beef, grilled pork sausages, thick noodle soup, dumplings of Hue (water fern cake, flat rice dumpling, tapioca dumpling, or steamed rice sheets), and sweet soups. Book a Hue Street Food Tour is highly recommended.

Here are some street stalls for you to drop by:

• The No.1 Bun Bo Hue at 19 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hue city.
• Hanh Local Food Restaurant at 11 Pho Duc Chinh Street.
• Lac Thien Pancake Restaurant at 06 Dinh Tien Hoang street, Hue city.

Where should I stay in Hue city?

Hue city is a famous destination that all kinds of tourists must explore in Vietnam. It is attractive with the poetic Perfume River,  Hue Imperial Citadel, Truong Tien Bridge; Thien Mu Pagoda, Bach Ma National Park. Not to mention the great cuisines, nightlife, and craft villages. A wonderful stay in Hue will give you close access to everything. The hotels in Hue are various in style and price levels, but most will be within an affordable budget.

KAYAK is one of the best Hue Hotel Booking Platforms and Best Hue City Tour Travel 100% sure that you will find the best accommodation at the best price for your vacation.

Those are the Best Things To Do in Hue City. To get enormous pleasure when visiting Hue City you can book a Hue City Tour, Hue Private Car via Best Hue City Tour. Blessing you have a great trip to Hue Imperial!