Hue

Nestled along the banks of the enchanting Perfume River, Hue city beckons with its rich historical tapestry and vibrant cultural heritage. As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue exudes an air of timeless charm, where ancient citadels, royal palaces, and traditional Vietnamese customs converge. When travelers explore Hue, they find themselves captivated by the intricate architecture of citadels, shrines, and monuments, all remarkably well-preserved despite the city's tumultuous history of warfare. What truly enchants visitors, though, is the picturesque Perfume River winding through the city, alongside the sight of Vietnamese women donning their elegant long dresses and iconic conical hats. These elements combine to create Hue's irresistible allure. Not to be overlooked is Hue's status as a culinary haven in Central Vietnam, offering a delightful array of local dishes that beckon every palate to indulge while staying in this captivating city. Join us on a journey through the heart of this captivating city, where history and culture intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

Travel Guides

1. Top things to do in Hue

Visit the Tombs of the Ancient Emperors
One of the big draws in Hue is the tombs of the Ancient Emperors and this is the main reason why so many visitors travel here every year. Anyone with an interest in ancient architecture and history needs to visit the tombs which were built in honor of famous emperors of Hue.
Walk along the Perfume River
The Perfume River is one of the most famous waterways in Vietnam and Hue is the perfect place to take it all in. There is a delightful waterfront promenade along the banks of the river and this makes a great place to come for a scenic walk in the evenings. You can also take to the water yourself if you want to get a closer look at the river and rent a paddleboat or opt for an elegant dinner cruise.
Eat With the Monks
Vegetarians and vegans will love Lien Hoa on Le Quy Don. This very traditional and simple restaurant serves Vietnamese food primarily to local Buddhist monks. Try some local plant-based dishes and mingle with the monks over lunch.
Enjoy Salt Coffee
You may have heard of ca phe trung or egg coffee in Hanoi, but have you heard of Hue’s ca phe muoi? Like egg coffee, it’s a homegrown coffee creation that’s unique to Hue. Ca phe muoi literally means “salt coffee”. It’s a type of iced coffee drink that’s made by filtering Vietnamese coffee into a frothy mixture of fermented milk, salt, and cocoa powder. Coffee with salt may sound odd at first but it works surprisingly well. The salt brings out the sweetness of the cocoa and milk while tempering the bitterness of the coffee. It’s delicious and unique and something you need to try in Hue if you’re fond of coffee.
Have a Blind Massage
If you want to support the local community and also relax and unwind at the same time, then you need to make an appointment at the Institute of the Blind. Here you will find a number of blind massage staff who will give you a massage and all the proceeds go to helping those who live at the institute find employment. At the end of the massage you will also get to spend time in the onsite herbal steam room.
Eat Bun Bo Hue
Diving into a bowl of bun bo is one of the most delicious things to do in Hue. It was one of my favorite dishes to eat not just in Hue, but in all of Vietnam. To signify where it’s from, the dish is known as bun bo hue anywhere else in Vietnam but in Hue, it’s typically referred to as just bun bo. It’s an exceedingly tasty noodle soup made with rice vermicelli, thin slices of beef, and meaty chunks of beef shank.
Try Com Hen & Che Bap on Con Hen Island
Con Hen Island is a tiny sliver of an island located in the middle of the Perfume River. It’s recognized as the birthplace of com hen so I suggest trying it there. Com Hen Hoa Dong is the best place to have it.
Experience Hue Royal Cuisine
If you’re looking to have a proper sit-down meal, then you may be interested in Hue’s royal cuisine. It’s a set meal with about eight or nine courses that are meant to recreate imperial dishes served to royal court members of the Nguyen dynasty. Pictured below are grilled beef meatballs wrapped around stalks of green onion. As you can see, presentation is key so many of the courses are served with vegetables meticulously carved in the shape of different animals.
Cycling around the city
Hue is often said to be one of the nicest cities in Vietnam to cycle around. You will find far less traffic here than in other parts of the country and you can also cycle along the lush banks of the Huong River and visit all the key attractions for which Hue is famous. You can either just rent a bike and go it alone, or you can also join a dedicated cycling tour with a guide that will take you around Hue or out into the surrounding countryside.

2. Hue Weather

Hue’s climate is harsh and divided into two distinct seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.
The dry season in Hue
Hue's dry season spans from March to August with hot and sunny weather. During this period, temperatures can occasionally soar to as high as 38 to 40 degrees Celsius.
August To December – Rainy Season.
Tourists can possibly visit Hue in this season, but not recommended. Firstly, August sees a surge in domestic tourists, making the city relatively crowed. Secondly, from September to December, it’s the rainy season, and downpours are frequent, sometimes lasting for several hours.
Best time to visit Hue
From Feb To April: This is the best time to visit Hue. These months, Hue experiences its delightful spring season, offering ideal weather conditions for various activities. With an average temperature around 22 degrees Celsius, venturing outdoors to explore the city becomes significantly more enjoyable. Moreover, this period also boasts the lowest levels of rainfall in Hue, providing visitors with peace of mind that their vacation won't be ruined by unexpected downpours.

3. Hue Transportation: How to get to & Around Hue

1.1. How to get there?
Hue has a domestic airport that is well connected with major international airports in Vietnam. Thus, wherever you first arrive in the country, it’s easy to take a flight to Hue. In addition, the city has its own train station so you can take a train and enjoy the scenery along the way. In case you have a lot of time and want to stay on budget, you can consider traveling by bus/ car.
1.2. Ways to get around Hue:
Private car:
A wise choice for your entire transportation method during your stay in Hue. However, the city also offers the convenience of readily available taxis and motorcycle taxis, which provide an intriguing way to explore its streets.
Motorbike:
Opting for a motorcycle is always a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture, a tradition observed throughout Vietnam. You can either rent a motorcycle and navigate the streets yourself or arrange one with a professional driver. This mode of transportation offers remarkable flexibility and speed, allowing you to easily access every nook and cranny of Hue and its surrounding areas.
Cycling:
With less traffic than other major cities, Hue is arguably the best city for cycling in Vietnam; if you are a fanatic cyclist, you can also choose to cycle out of the city and explore the quiet countryside.
Walking:
For every visitor, strolling through the central town is a must. It's a unique experience to wander along the Perfume River, taking in the somber yet romantic ambiance of Hue's temples and monuments.

Places Of Interest

Hue Imperial Citadel

Without a doubt, the most impressive and best thing to do in Hue is a visit to the Imperial City. In the walled Hue Imperial City, also known as the Citadel, you will find the Forbidden Purple City, dozens of royal tombs, pagodas, temples, royal rooms, a library and a museum. You can easily walk around here for 3 hours to visit everything. A guide is not necessary but recommended if you want to learn more about the history and the times when there was fierce fighting here during the Vietnam War.

Dragon boat trip on Perfume River

The perfume river flows through the middle of the city and can be a relaxing break from city life. Boat trips, pedal boats and dinner cruises are available. The best way to discover the river is by a dragon boat ride – they are not to be missed. From the boat you can see the local life on shore and the fishermen and transport boats on the water. There are also a number of riverside temples that you can visit on a dragon boat tour.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda is the most recommended religious site to visit in Hue. The significance of the Buddhist temple is the seven-story stupa called Phuoc Duyen with 21 meters in height. Each floor of the tower has a meaning associated with Buddhist theory. The beautiful temple lies on the bank of the peaceful estuary of the Perfume River. Hence, it’s great to reach the place by sampan boat.

Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba market is the largest market in Central Vietnam and is the perfect place to see the local life. It is a lively market hall where you can buy handicrafts, vegetables, fruit, meat and clothing. The market is not far from the citadel and on the Perfume River, so you can easily combine a visit with other sights. Walk around the market to watch locals negotiate and get their daily groceries. It is a unique and above all authentic experience.

Hue Abandoned Water Park

Photography enthusiasts and urban explorers will want to go here. Ho Thuy Tien is a small abandoned water park on a lake not too far from the city. The water park has been abandoned for over 10 years. Certain parts are ruins, overgrown and broken, it feels a bit like you’ve walked into a horror movie. In the middle of the lake is a dragon’s head, the main attraction. All around you will find empty swimming pools and dirty slides. It is not an official tourist attraction and in some places there is glass on the floor, so watch out and don’t wear flip flops.

Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park is an old French hill station that extends over 40,000 hectares and offers great hiking trails, dilapidated French villas, waterfalls, a campsite and lots of wildlife. The best way is to go on a Bach Ma national park trekking tour through the forest. There are several routes to choose from. The nicest routes bring you along some small lakes and waterfalls. Also make sure to visit the peak with amazing views over the forest. 

Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van Pass is located between Hue and Da Nang and is one of the most stunning coastal roads in Vietnam. It is very popular to drive the road by motorbike (or on the back of one), but you can also go by car or an old army jeep. The views along the way are spectacular and you can combine to drive with a visit to some other sights along the way, such as Lang Co beach, fishing villages, the Marble Mountains and a small waterfall.

Lang Co Beach

One of the best beaches in Vietnam can be found close to the city of Hue. The beach is 10 kilometers long with palm trees, clear water and a number of good resorts. It is still a 60 km drive from the center. You can also choose to stay here for a night, a day trip or a stop on the way between Hue and Da Nang just before the Hai Van Pass.

Suggested Itineraries

15 - days tour
15 Cities
Highlights of Laos – Vietnam – Cambodia 15 days

Our 15-day tour in Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia is perfect for young adults and seniors to have a chance to venture into ancient traditions and historical stories. This immersive experience will take you from the serene town of Luang Prabang to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Highlights of this tour include cruising through the breathtaking Halong Bay and delving into the rich history of Hue.

Don't miss out on this incredible journey and secure your spot now!

14 - days tour
10 Cities
Highlights of Vietnam & Laos 14 days

This is an ideal tour package for groups of travelers yearning for enjoying the best parts of Vietnam and Laos. Through two weeks, you will have a chance to dive into the distinctive cultures of the two fascinating nations when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, immersing in the enchanting wonders of the Mekong Delta, falling in love with the orthodox beauties of Hue and Hoi An and marveling a panoramic view of Luang Prabang from the top of Mount Phousi. So why wait? Travel with us now for lifetime experiences.

15 - days tour
9 Cities
Highlights of Vietnam & Thailand

Explore the most attractive sites of Vietnam and Thailand with this tour. Learn the stories of Hanoi on a full-day city tour and then enjoy your cruise trip in Halong Bay, which lets you admire the fascinating sight of this natural wonder. In Hue, embark on a unique dragon boat trip along Perfume River. Discover the lovely alleys of Hoi An ancient town and admire its tranquil lifestyle before taking the flight to Thailand’s capital Bangkok. You will visit its most important places such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho Temple and tale a long-tailed boat ride at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. In Chiang Mai, enjoy your time discovering its ancient temples and day trips to the Elephant Nature Park and Inthanon National Park. You will have the chance to interact with the gentle giants at the Elephant Park and then see some of the most scenic landscapes in Thailand – a perfect closure for your trip in this wonderful country.

de_DEGerman