An aerial view of Chan May bay and beach in Hue

Things to do in  Hue

Linger for longer

Famous for its Imperial palaces on the fragrant banks of the Perfume River (Song Huong River), Hue is hailed as the ancient capital of Vietnam. Though people often only spend a day exploring the UNESCO-listed Hue Citadel (Da Noi), there are many more things to do in Hue than meets the eye. If you linger for longer, you’ll be rewarded with remote mausoleums, spectacular street food, an abandoned water park, and the hidden gem of Bach Ma National Park, home to waterfalls, crumbling villas, and a wealth of wildlife.

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Top 15 attractions in Hue

#1

Hue Citadel (Dai Noi)

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The renowned Hue Citadel (Da Noi) in Hue attracts history buffs from around the globe. The sprawling fortress, which was constructed in 1804 for the Gia Long Emperor, is surrounded by a 68-foot (21-meter) defensive barrier and is home to the tallest flagpole in Vietnam.More
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#2

Thien Mu Pagoda

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The 7-story Thien Mu Pagoda towers over the banks of the Perfume River (Song Huong River). The pagoda, which sits among the buildings of a Buddhist monastery, became known as a site for anticommunist protests after Thich Quang Duc, a Buddhist clergy member, self-immolated and brought attention to the plight of his people.More
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#3

Noon Gate (Cua Ngo Mon)

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Arguably the most recognizable gate of the UNESCO-listed Hue Citadel (Da Noi,) Noon Gate (Cua Ngo Mon) is one of five entrances that were used only by emperors. Follow in the footsteps of Vietnamese royalty as you walk beneath the 17-foot (5-meter) arch and admire the yellow tiles that adorn the roof.More
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#4

Bach Ma National Park (Vuon Quoc gia Bach Ma)

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Home to a colonial-era hill station, the monsoon forests of Bach Ma National Park center on Bach Ma, or White Horse Mountain, which rises 4,757 feet (1,450 meters). Waterfalls, crumbling villas, hiking trails, and a wealth of wildlife, including pheasants, langur monkeys, and muntjac deer, make a magnetic spot to spend a day—or longer.More
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#5

Khai Dinh Tomb

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Khai Dinh Tomb is in Chau Chu village, south of Hue. It took 11 years to build—longer than Khai Dinh himself reigned. An elaborate, Gothic structure, with blackened concrete exteriors and flamboyantly gaudy interiors, it fuses French, Vietnamese, and Chinese architectural styles.More
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#6

Vinh Moc Tunnels

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Stretching almost 2,000 meters (6,562 feet from the coastal town of Vinh Moc to a beach overlooking the South China Sea, the Vinh Moc Tunnels were dug in the late 1960s to serve as a live-in bomb shelter for more than 60 families. These families lived their lives underground, some on and off for up to six years.More
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#7

Minh Mang Tomb

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Minh Mang Tombhttps://www.viator.com/Hue-attractions/Tomb-of-Minh-Mang/d5219-a10496Contributing to Hue's imperial heritage is the Minh Mang Tomb, a 19th-century mausoleum set amid the lush landscapes of central Vietnam. The tomb, located 7 miles (12 kilometers) outside of Hue on the west bank of the Perfume River (Song Huong River), attracts visitors with more than 20 structures and its flower-lined walkways.More
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#8

Tam Giang Lagoon

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The biggest lagoon in all of Southeast Asia, Tam Giang stretches for some 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of Hue, Vietnam. Framed by mountains to the west and the lapping South China Sea to the east, it’s one of the richest sources of flora and fauna in the region. In other words, come here for great views, great nature, and, course, great seafood.More
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#9

Perfume River (Song Huong River)

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The Perfume River (Song Huong River)—so-called due to the aroma released by blooming flowers in autumn—provides visitors with a wealth of activities. The river affords spectacular photo opportunities at sunrise and sunset, and it is flanked by cycle and walking paths that offer a cooling escape from the humidity of Hue.More
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#10

Tomb of Tu Duc (Lang Tu Duc)

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It took nearly three years to build the 50 structures that make up the Tomb of Tu Duc (Lăng Tự Đức), devoted to the fourth emperor of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty. The pavilion—where the emperor once perched to compose poems and admire flowers—leads to the impressive tomb, on which a narrative written by the emperor himself is engraved.More
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#11

Dong Ba Market (Cho Dong Ba)

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The oldest market in Hue, Vietnam, is Dong Ba Market (Cho Dong Ba), which dates back to 1887. It is the perfect snapshot of life in this ancient city, with thousands heading to the massive two-story structure every day in search of handicrafts, fresh goods, clothes and fabrics, teas and candies, and more.More
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#12

Flag Tower (Ky Dai)

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Towering 37 meters (120 feet) over Hue’s UNESCO-listed Hue Citadel (Da Noi), Flag Tower (Kỳ Đài) claims to be the tallest flagpole in Vietnam. The tower comprises three stone platforms, with the third featuring eight canons and a sentry box at either end.More
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#13

Thai Hoa Palace

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Formerly used to host the receptions and ceremonies of Vientamese emperors, Thai Hoa Palace dates back to 1805 and is notable for its lacquered columns. Plus, due to the palace’s innovative design, if you stand at the exact center of the courtyard you can hear whispers from anywhere in the building.More
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#14

Thanh Toan Bridge

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The ornate, covered Thanh Toan Bridge—Cau Ngoi to locals—humbly crosses a canal in Thuy Thanh, a rural village about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Hue. If you love Hoi An’s famous Japanese covered bridge, you’ll love Thanh Toan: Built in the 18th century in both Japanese and Chinese styles, it’s got all of the pomp and circumstance of Hoi An’s, but without the crowds.More
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#15

Royal Antiquities Museum

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From its elaborate royal costumes to its position within the Hue Citadel, the Royal Antiquities Museum is a portal to the Nguyen Dynasty—it’s even inside the exquisite Long An Palace, where Vietnamese royalty once lived. You’ll be impressed by the massive collection of ornaments, jewelry, ceramics, ancient coins, textiles, Champa sculptures, plus the splendor of the palace itself.More
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Explore Hue by interest

Itineraries for your Hue trip

Top activities in Hue

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Hue City Tour Half Day by Car & Dragon Boat on Perfume River

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Hue Dragon Boat Tour: Visit Pagoda and Royal Tombs

Hue Dragon Boat Tour: Visit Pagoda and Royal Tombs

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From Hue: Explore Hue City Full Day - Deluxe Small Group Tour

From Hue: Explore Hue City Full Day - Deluxe Small Group Tour

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Rental of a Scooter from Hue to Hoi An with Bag Transfer

Rental of a Scooter from Hue to Hoi An with Bag Transfer

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2,5 hours walking tour inside Hue Imperial city

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Hue-Golden Bridge-Marble Mountains-Hoi An/Dn by car or vice versa

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Easy Rider From Hue Da Nang Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass With Mister T

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All about Hue

When to visit

For the most comfortable temperatures, visit Hue between January and April—though you’re still likely to encounter some daytime drizzle, you’ll avoid the worst of the humidity. Hue Festival, one of Vietnam’s biggest and boldest celebrations, takes place biennially in April and sees the town come to life with art, performances, and traditional Vietnamese cultural expressions.

Getting around

Hue’s small size means it's easy to explore on foot. However, if you’re looking to explore further afield, you can hire a bicycle or a scooter—certainly the most popular mode of transport in Vietnam. The city also has an extensive bus network, which only runs between early morning and evening. Cyclos are a must-try mode of transport—these three-wheeled bike cabs date back to the 20th century.

Travelers tips

Once you’ve satisfied your appetite for history, enjoy Hue’s natural landscapes. Nestled between Hue and the world-famous Hai Van Pass, you’ll find Lang Co Beach, unanimously hailed as one of Vietnam’s best beaches. White sands, blue waters, and lush green forest combine for a picture-perfect setting, while the Lap An Lagoon behind the beach draws a wide variety of birdlife.

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People Also Ask

Is Hue, Vietnam worth visiting?

Yes, Hue is a must-visit place in central Vietnam. It’s home to the UNESCO-listed Hue Citadel (Da Noi) and the tombs of three famous Vietnamese emperors. It’s also worth visiting for its famous dish bun bo hue (beef soup), and is close to famous natural attractions such as Lang Co Beach and the Hai Van Pass.

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What is Hue, Vietnam famous for?

Hue is most famous for the imperial Hue Citadel (Da Noi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back hundreds of years. It's also renowned for the grand tombs of Vietnamese emperors such as Tu Duc, Minh Mang, and Khai Dinh, as well as the Perfume River—so-called because of the fragrant flowers that fall into its water.

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How many days do I need in Hue, Vietnam?

Two days in Hue gives you enough time to experience all the top attractions in the Ancient Capital of Vietnam. You’ll have a chance to explore Hue Citadel (Da Noi) and the Forbidden Purple City; take a boat ride down the fragrant Perfume River (Song Huong River); and tick off the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda.

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How should I spend a day in Hue?

Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO-listed Hue Citadel (Da Noi) before taking a traditional cyclo to further afield attractions such as the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Minh Mang tomb. Then, sample signature street food such as bun bo hue (beef soup) before floating down the Perfume River on a dragon boat at sunset.

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What are the best outdoor activities in Hue?

The most popular outdoor activity in Hue is traversing the Hai Van Pass on a motorbike tour—the 12-mile (20-kilometer) stretch is hailed as one of the most scenic in the world and offers views of Lang Co Beach. You can also go hiking in Bach Ma National Park, home to the 4,757-foot (1,450-meter) White Horse Mountain.

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What kind of food can you eat in Hue?

Hue’s most famous dish is bun bo hue, a hearty beef noodle soup with added spice. Other signature typical street foods include bun thit nuong (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles and herbs) and banh beo (steamed rice cakes with various toppings). You can also try va tron, a fig salad that was prepared for royalty.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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