Discover The Top 15 Best Things To Do In Hue Vietnam

1. Overview

Hue is a city located in the center of Thua Thien Hue province. Through many stages of development from the capital, urban areas, towns to cities, Hue has always been an important center of the country in many aspects such as politics, culture – tourism, education – training, science and technology, etc. Hue is also the center of the North – South traffic axis on all types from aviation, railway, road, to waterway.

Hue is a testament to Vietnam’s rich history, cultural diversity and natural beauty. Up to now, Hue has a total of 7 historical relics recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites. From ancient royal heritage to vibrant street life, Hue offers countless fascinating experiences for you when you come here. You will have the opportunity to admire the architectural splendor of palaces and temples, enjoy the flavors of traditional cuisine or bask in the warmth of local hospitality. The best things to do in Hue Vietnam don’t stop there and surely all experiences here will leave an indelible impression on every visitor.

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2. Discover the Top 15 best things to do in Hue Vietnam

2.1. Explore Hue Imperial City

Hue Citadel is located north of the Huong River, on the territory of four wards: Dong Ba, Tay Loc, Thuan Hoa, Thuan Loc in Hue city. Hue Citadel or Thuan Hoa Citadel is a citadel in the ancient capital of Hue, the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty for 143 years from 1802 until the abdication in 1945. Currently, Hue Citadel is one of the The relic belongs to the Hue Monuments Complex complex recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage famous for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

The structure inside the Hue Citadel is divided into two main areas: the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden City. The two areas are collectively called Hue Citadel. You can spend hours wandering around the Imperial Citadel, marveling at its impressive gates, countless temples, gardens and stunning views.

• • Address: Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.

• Time to visit Hue Citadel:

Summer: from 6:30 am – 5:30 pm

Winter: from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

• Sightseeing ticket price:

Adults: 7.89 USD /person/time

Children (from 7 years old – 12 years old): 1.58 USD/person/time

In addition, visitors can choose the tour guide service at a cost of: 5.92 USD/guide.

2.2. Taking photos of ancient costumes at Hue Citadel

This is one of the top experiences in Hue that you should not miss. Hue Citadel can be said that this is the only royal palace in our country that still exists today. This is a project with a strong historical imprint and has passed through the years. Surely this place will bring you feelings that cannot be found anywhere else.

You can rent ao dai or Vietnamese ancient costumes to take pictures when coming to the Citadel. Photos taken at Ky Dai, Ngo Mon, the red corridor, the side of Thai Hoa Palace… will make you feel like you have returned to old times. Rental price ranges from 3.95 USD – 11.84 USD/set. Not only simply renting, the stores also prepare accessories (wooden clogs, shoes, headbands, jade bracelets, fans…), some places also have full makeup and photography services. . You can refer to the following addresses to rent Vietnamese costumes near Hue Citadel:

– Fan Co Phuc Ao Dai

• Address: 40 Phan Chu Trinh, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
• Tel: (+84) 901 120 175

– Hoa Nghiem Store

• Address: No. 5 Van Xuan, Kim Long Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
• Tel: (+84) 866 801 001

– Co Trang Hoang Cung

• Address: No. 40 Huynh Tan Phat, An Dong Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
• Tel: (+84) 903 096 205

2.3. Explore the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum

Located inside the Imperial Citadel complex, the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum displays an impressive collection of artifacts and antiques. As you explore its opulent halls, you’ll be surrounded by exquisitely crafted royal clothes, royal seals, ceramics, and other relics that once adorned the royal palace. Take time to admire the exquisite craftsmanship on display for an enriching experience.

The museum’s highlight is its collection of royal decrees, manuscripts, and historical documents, providing insight into the management and administrative practices of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visitors can marvel at the calligraphy and artwork that decorate these ancient texts, which played an important role in shaping Vietnam’s political and cultural landscape.

2.4. Visit the royal tombs

Visiting the royal tombs in Hue is a journey through Vietnam’s royal history and glorious architecture. There are seven known royal tombs in Hue, six tombs in the southeast of the Hue Citadel, across the Huong River and a single tomb on the same side, including: Tomb of King Minh Mang, Tomb of King Tu Duc, Tomb of King Khai Dinh, Tomb of King Gia Long, Tomb of King Duc Duc, Tomb of King Thieu Tri and Tomb of Dong Khanh. 

The individual entrance ticket price for each mausoleum is 5.92 USD, but if you plan to visit all these mausoleums and the Imperial Citadel, you should buy a package ticket for only 20.91 USD for adults and 3.95 USD for children (from 7 to 12 years old).

2.5. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

The pagoda is located on Ha Khue hill, on the northern bank of the romantic Huong River, about 5 km from Hue city center. Thien Mu Pagoda with its ancient architecture is one of the most ancient and attractive pagodas in Hue city. Thien Mu is also considered a sacred pagoda and a must-see sight for any tourist when arriving in the ancient capital. You can visit this pagoda in the afternoon to observe the monks’ prayer time inside the pagoda as well as watch the beautiful sunset over the Huong River.

In addition, you can visit other famous pagodas in Hue such as Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda, Dieu De Pagoda, Tu Hieu Pagoda and Tu Dam Pagoda, etc. You can immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of each temple and experience a deep sense of peace and spiritual connection.

• Address: 140-142 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, Huong Long Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.

2.6. Take a boat trip on the Huong River

If you are looking for a relaxing and scenic activity in Hue, boating on the Huong River is a must. As you glide along the calm waters of the Huong River, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the verdant hills and ancient structures along the riverbank. The boat trip also offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in Hue’s rich history as you pass by iconic landmarks such as Trang Tien Bridge, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Hue Imperial City.

To buy tickets to ride a dragon boat on the Huong River, you can go to Toa Kham wharf. 

• Address: 49 Le Loi Street, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
• Opening hours: 

Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m – 21:00 p.m

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 8:00 a.m – 22:00 p.m

• On each tour you will have 1 hour to travel. Particularly, the ticket includes Hue songs on the Huong River with 2 performances per day, including performances from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm and performances from 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
• Reference ticket price: from 3.95 USD

2.7. Explore the vibrant Dong Ba market

Exploring Dong Ba market is an interesting and unique experience. Located in the heart of Hue, the largest and oldest market in Hue, this bustling market is full of color, culture and history. Tourists can see all the features of a traditional Vietnamese market here such as the sampan boat station, bus station and markets.

Furthermore, exploring Dong Ba market offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Hue. The market aisles are lined with stalls selling a variety of goods, including fresh produce, seafood, meat, spices and traditional crafts. The market bustles with activity from early morning to late afternoon, as vendors exchange goods with customers and shoppers move through the maze-like alleys.

• Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Hoa Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
• Open: 7:00 a.m – 19:00 p.m

2.8. Visit Thuy Xuan incense village

Taking a tour of the Huong Thuy Xuan Village offers a fascinating insight into the ancient craft of incense making, a tradition with deep roots in Vietnamese culture. This place is famous as one of the oldest and most prestigious incense villages in Hue. Visitors have the opportunity to observe traditional incense making techniques and buy incense products directly from artisans.

A visit to Huong Thuy Xuan Village offers a fascinating glimpse into a timeless craft that has been practiced for centuries in Hue. It combines cultural richness with sensory pleasure, allowing visitors to connect with Vietnam’s rich heritage in a meaningful way.

• Address: No. 84 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
• Open: 7:00 a.m – 19:00 p.m

2.9. Visit Vi Da village

In the past, Vi Da belonged to Huong Tra district, Trieu Phong district. According to legend, this place is the “cradle” that produced many talented poets, artists, and writers. Perhaps that is what makes the image of the poetic and peaceful Vi Da village famous everywhere. Vi Da village today has been changed to Hen Hillock – a floating island in the middle of the legendary Huong River formed through the alluvial accretion process. Hen Hillock belongs to Huong Luu commune, Vy Da ward, Hue city today.

In Vi Da village, there are many historical relics hundreds of years old. You can visit Boi Thanh communal house, Huong Luu Buddha Recitation Hall or Phap Hai pagoda… These works still retain almost intact ancient architecture. In addition, you can visit the hillock hamlet to learn about the mussel raking profession here. Visitors will have the experience of sitting on a boat down the Huong river and viewing Hen Hillock from a different perspective.

2.10. Enjoy a slow tour by bicycle in Hue

One of the most interesting activities in Hue is cycling around the city. It’s a great way to explore and immerse yourself in everything this city has to offer. You can cycle past magnificent architecture and picturesque landscapes, stopping to interact with locals along the way or sample delicious street food.

Although this is not one of the free things to do in Hue, by exploring Hue by bike, you have the opportunity to experience the charm of the city at your own pace, connecting with its history, culture and people in a meaningful way.

2.11. Immerse yourself in beautiful beaches

If you are looking for a quiet getaway, the beautiful beaches in Hue are the perfect getaway.

Lang Co Beach: which is a picturesque stretch of sand surrounded by lush mountains. Whether you’re looking to swim, sunbathe or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings, Lang Co Beach offers a peaceful getaway.

• Address: Lang Co town, Phu Loc district, Thua – Thien Hue province.

Thuan An Beach: With gentle waves and golden sand, this is the ideal place to enjoy the coastal scenery. Guests can also explore nearby fishing villages and sample fresh seafood at local eateries.

• Address: Thuan An town, Phu Vang district, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province.

2.12. Walk around the city by cyclo

Cyclo is an extremely ideal vehicle to enjoy the poetic and ancient beauty of Hue city. Riding a cyclo here brings a very strange feeling. Hue cyclo has its own nuances, elegant colors, not fussy. These cyclo tours will take you around Hue and help you experience more of its history, cuisine and landscape. Cyclo is a traditional French colonial taxi and is a great way to see famous sights in Hue. What’s even better is that your cyclo driver is very skilled and knowledgeable and will tell you about the attractions as you approach them.

• Reference price: 1.97 USD – 3.95 USD/turn

2.13. Enjoy royal music

Known as Nha Nhac in Vietnamese, this ancient form of traditional music originated from the royal court and holds an important place in Vietnam’s cultural heritage. Reference ticket prices range from 3.95 USD – 7.89 USD/ticket. Suggested places you can watch Hue royal music:

2.13.1. Hue Royal Court Music on the Huong River: 

This is a familiar address chosen by many tourists to enjoy Hue Royal Court Music. Tourists will buy tickets to board the dragon boat, walk around the romantic Huong River and enjoy Nha Nhac and other music genres performed by singers.

• Address: Toa Kham boat wharf, 49 Le Loi street, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue province.
• Viewing time: 19:00 p.m or 20:00 p.m

2.13.2.Duyet Thi Duong: 

Duyet Thi Duong is the first theater to open for performing court music, built during the Nguyen Dynasty, nearly 200 years ago. This is also one of the oldest performance spaces in Vietnam and a place to perform many art genres such as opera, dance, and court music for the king’s inner palace. Coming to Duyet Thi Duong, visitors will be truly impressed with the majestic, solemn space and sacred atmosphere.

• Address: Doan Thi Diem Street, Phu Hau Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
• Viewing time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 15:40 p.m.

2.14. Go trekking in Bach Ma National Park

Taking a trek at Bach Ma National Park gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and biodiversity of Central Vietnam. Bach Ma National Park is 40 km south of Hue, this is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts as well as nature lovers.

Trekking trails at Bach Ma National Park wind through lush tropical forests and cascading waterfalls, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. As you venture deeper into the park, you’ll encounter diverse flora and fauna, including plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.

• Address: Loc Tri commune, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien Hue province.

2.15. Enjoy unique local cuisine

When exploring Hue, enjoying delicious local dishes is an absolute must. Hue cuisine is known for its delicate balance of flavors and elegant presentation, reflecting the sophistication of the ancient capital. Hue cuisine is a synthesis of a diverse range of Central Vietnamese dishes that stimulate the taste buds and reflect the unique flavors and ingredients of the region. Some must-try Hue dishes include: Bun bo Hue, Banh beo, Com Hen, Che Hue, etc.

From Hue, you can also embark on an exciting tour of nearby Hoi An, Da Nang. These destinations offer a variety of experiences, from immersing yourself in history and culture to enjoying the sun, sand and sea. You can experience more of our tours below:

Hue Fullday City Tour

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

3 Days 2 Nights From Da Nang to Quang Binh

Da Nang And Hue 4 Days 3 Nights

Danang – Hoi An – Bana Hill Classical Tour

Mindful Retreat In Island Smiles Hoi An

3. Conclusion

Above are the top 15 best things to do in Hue, Vietnam that Metta Voyage shares with you, hoping you will have the best trip when you come here. Don’t forget to visit our blog  to see many other exciting travel experiences.

4. Contact us:

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