Top 10 things to do in Hue: Vietnam’s former imperial capital

Practical information about Hue

• Best time to visit Hue: Hue is most beautiful from November to April when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer chances of heavy rain.
• How to get to Hue: Travel to Hue via direct flights to Phu Bai Airport, train from major cities, or buses and private vehicles for convenience.
• Where to stay in Hue: Stay in Hue’s central hotels or charming riverside accommodations for easy access to attractions.
• What to eat in Hue: Hue has many specialties. Some must-try dishes include Bun Bo Hue (beef noodle soup), Banh Beo (bloating fern-shaped cake), Banh Bot Loc (steamed rice dumplings), and Com Hen (mussel rice).
• Recommended duration of stay: Spend about 3 days for a quick experience. For a more comprehensive itinerary, stay 4 to 5 days.
• Local events and holidays: Visit during the Hue Festival, held every two years to commemorate traditional values of Hue. Other events include Tet and local Buddhist celebrations, typically including traditional performances.
• Money exchange and payment: Exchange money at local banks; cash is preferred, but many hotels and restaurants accept cards.

Top 10 things to do in Hue

1. Explore the Imperial City of Hue

The Imperial City of Hue (Hoang Thanh Hue) is a walled enclosure within Hue Citadel (Kinh Thanh Hue), which is the larger structure surrounding the outside. The Imperial City has a square ground plan. Each side is about 600 meters long, with a door in the center. The walls were built of bricks, 4 meters high, 1 meter thick, surrounded by a moat formed to protect the internal structures from trespassing.

The moat surrounding the Imperial City of Hue. Source: Flickr

The construction of the Imperial City of Hue all began in the 19th century when the nation witnessed the emergence of a new dynasty.

In 1802, self-proclaimed Emperor Gia Long (born Nguyen Anh) took over the throne of a unified Vietnam, founding the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). As Vietnam then stretched over 1,600 kilometers from the Red River Delta to the Mekong Delta, Emperor Gia Long moved the capital from Hanoi (then Thang Long) to Hue in central Vietnam.

Drawing inspiration from Chinese statecraft, Emperor Gia Long initiated the construction of a palace complex in Hue in 1803, modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City. Thousands of laborers were mobilized to build the citadel, which was designed to face the Perfume River (Song Huong) to the southeast. Instead of being centrally located, the imperial residence was positioned toward the citadel’s southeast side, closer to the river.

Meridian Gate (Ngo Mon) in Hue. Source: Flickr

The Imperial City of Hue contains the palaces that housed the imperial family. There are also shrines, gardens, bridges, and pavilions, with a total of 147 structures. Some remarkable structures within the Imperial City include:

Meridian Gate (Ngo Mon)

The Meridian Gate is the grand southern entrance to the Imperial City, symbolizing the belief that “The King must face the South to rule the country.” This structure served as the exclusive passage for the king and a ceremonial venue for receiving envoys.

Thai Hoa Palace

Thai Hoa Palace served as a stage for the king’s interactions with ambassadors and high-ranking officials during formal state occasions. It hosted the most significant court ceremonies, including coronations, royal birthdays, and grand court receptions.

The Hall of the Mandarins in Thai Hoa Palace. Source: Flickr

Purple Forbidden City (Tu Cam Thanh)

Situated behind Thai Hoa Palace, the Purple Forbidden City was the royal family’s private residence. This area was strictly off-limits to civilians, being the heart of royal daily life and symbolizing imperial power and seclusion.

Thai Binh Lau in the Purple Forbidden City. Source: Flickr

Kien Trung Palace

Kien Trung Palace is located at the north end of the Forbidden City. It showcases a blend of Asian and European architectural styles (Indochine). Notably, Kien Trung Palace witnessed Emperor Bao Dai’s abdication, marking the end of Vietnam’s monarchy.

Kien Trung Palace in Hue, Vietnam. Source: Flickr

Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater

As the oldest theater in Vietnam’s history, Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater entertained the king, royal family, mandarins, and distinguished guests. Plays are still performed here, highlighting traditional culture and providing a unique artistic experience.

Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater. Source: Flickr

Truong Sanh Palace

Originally built as a flower garden in the northwest of the Imperial City, Truong Sanh Palace offered a serene retreat for the kings and their mothers. It’s surrounded by nature’s beauty, a testament to the virtue of exhibiting love for ancestors.

Truong Sanh Palace. Source: Flickr

After the fall of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1945, the Imperial City of Hue endured significant damage during the Indochina Wars. In 1993, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Complex of Hue Monuments. Today, a great deal of efforts focus on restoring and preserving the remaining structures.

The ornamentation inside Kien Trung Palace. Source: Flickr

As visitors stroll around the Imperial City of Hue, they can learn about the construction of the site, its associated history, and the preservation efforts being undertaken to keep it standing. You’ll feel the timeless beauty of the site, explicitly manifested on every inch of the moss-covered, weathered walls. Many buildings still exhibit the ancient artifacts with informative labels. Some have been restored due to destruction after the war. Yet, to some extent, the site retains its ancient atmosphere, sending visitors to the past when the royal families and the ceremonies were once held within the walls.

Entrance fee: 200,000 VND for adults and 40,000 VND for children.

2. Visit the Nguyen Dynasty Royal Tombs

Hue has more to offer visitors than the palaces and royal residences within the citadel. Another must-try thing to do in Hue is visit the Nguyen Dynasty Royal Tombs.

The Nguyen Dynasty had 13 emperors throughout 143 years of reigning, but for some reason, only seven tombs were constructed. These tombs showcase then-Vietnam’s imperial architecture and the stories of the late emperors, each different from one another. Their relatively intact condition is also ideal for photography. Among the seven tombs in Hue, some that are most worth a visit include:

Khai Dinh Tomb

Khai Dinh Tomb, also called Ung Lang, is the final resting place of Emperor Khai Dinh, the 12th ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty. Crowned in 1916 at 31, Khai Dinh initiated numerous constructions, including palaces and mausoleums, for himself and his family. In 1920, he sought advice from geomancers and selected the mountainside of Chau Chu in Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District of today’s Hue to build his tomb. Once the mausoleum was completed, the emperor renamed the mountain Ung Son and gave the tomb its name, Ung Lang. Khai Dinh Tomb is one of the largest royal tombs in Hue, attracting those who are interested in history and architecture.

Entrance fee: 150,000 VND for adults and 30,000 VND for children.

Khai Dinh Tomb. Source: Flickr

Minh Mang Tomb

Minh Mang Tomb (also known as Hieu Lang) is the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. However, this tomb wasn’t built by Minh Mang himself but by his successor, Emperor Thieu Tri - the third emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, in 1840. Minh Mang Tomb is located on Cam Ke Mountain, in Huong Tho Commune, near the confluence of rivers forming the Perfume River. This is 8 kilometers from Hue city center. Minh Mang Tomb features a symmetrical design centered around a sacred path leading through various structures. While the tomb shows some signs of wear, it’s in better condition compared to many other tombs in Hue.

Entrance fee: 150,000 VND for adults and 30,000 VND for children.

Minh Mang Tomb. Source: Flickr

Tu Duc Tomb

Tu Duc Tomb (also known as Khiem Lang) is the burial place of Tu Duc, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty and also the emperor with the longest reign. Tu Duc Tomb is located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong Village, now Thuy Xuan Ward. Being a talented poet and a ruler who wished to have a resting place worthy of his throne, Tu Duc thought of building a tomb for himself while he was still alive. When it was finished in 1866, Tu Duc named it Khiem Cung. After Tu Duc passed away, the tomb was renamed Khiem Lang. Tu Duc Tomb features intricate architecture and a picturesque landscape, making it one of the most beautiful royal tombs in Hue.

Entrance fee: 100,000 VND for adults and 20,000 VND for children.

Tu Duc Tomb. Source: Flickr

3. Admire the pagodas

Hue had been the heart of Vietnamese Buddhism long before the Nguyen Dynasty took over in the 19th century. For this reason, another thing to do in Hue on anyone’s is to visit the pagodas and admire their architecture. Most religious sites in Hue have a traditional design with intricate carvings and vibrant colors. Surrounded by serene landscapes, these pagodas reflect the nation’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Among over 300 pagodas in Hue, many of which are ancient sites, some that attract a lot of visitors and believers include:

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is located on Ha Khe Hill, on the left bank of the Perfume River, about 6 kilometers west of Hue city center. Thien Mu Pagoda was constructed in 1601, during the reign of Lord Nguyen Hoang - the first Nguyen lord in Dang Trong (a clan in South Vietnam, from Quang Binh down south).

Phuoc Duyen Tower in Thien Mu Pagoda. Source: Flickr

Following the prosperity of Buddhism, Thien Mu Pagoda benefited from significant investment. In 1710, a large bell weighing over two tons called Dai Hong Chung was cast. By 1714, the pagoda was extensively renovated with dozens of large-scale structures. With its natural beauty and expanded scale since then, Thien Mu Pagoda has become the most beautiful pagoda in Dang Trong. Under the reign of the Nguyen emperors, the pagoda was restored multiple times. In 1844, Emperor Thieu Tri built an octagonal tower called Tu Nhan (later changed to Phuoc Duyen).

Phuoc Duyen Tower (translated to Blessing Tower) is the symbol of Thien Mu Pagoda. The now timeworn, moss-covered tower is 21 meters high and consists of 7 levels. Each level has a Buddha statue. Inside, a spiral staircase leads to the top level, where a Buddha statue made of pure gold was previously held and worshiped.

A closeup view of Phuoc Duyen Tower. Source: Flickr

Unfortunately, a heavy storm in 1904 severely damaged Thien Mu Pagoda. In 1907, it was rebuilt by a Nguyen emperor but never regained its former grandeur. Today, besides its remaining structures, Thien Mu Pagoda is home to numerous antiques that have great value in history and art. These include statues, couplets, a rockery of the founder of Vietnamese opera, and relics of the late Thich Quang Duc.

No entrance fee.

Tu Hieu Pagoda

Tu Hieu Pagoda is one of the largest ancient pagodas in Hue. This historical landmark is located in Duong Xuan Thuong Village, Thuy Xuan Ward, about 7 kilometers southwest of Hue city center. Due to its beautiful and proximate location, Tu Hieu Pagoda attracts numerous domestic and international tourists to Hue.

The construction of Tu Hieu Pagoda is associated with the story of the filial piety of a monk named Nhat Dinh. Despite a monk who had taken a vow not to kill, Nhat Dinh chose to disregard the gossip and criticism of others. To help his seriously ill mother, he bought meat and fish to cook porridge, hoping it would aid in her recovery. The story reached the ears of Emperor Tu Duc. As a filial king, Tu Duc, then admiring the monk’s love for his mother, together with the contributions of the people, built Tu Hieu Pagoda (literally translated as “pagoda of filial piety”).

Tam Quan Gate in Tu Hieu Pagoda. Source: Flickr

Since 1848, Tu Hieu Pagoda has been renovated multiple times and rebuilt on a larger scale. This includes the construction of a crescent-shaped lake and a Tam Quan Gate and the restoration of new structures.

Tu Hieu Pagoda is nestled in a pine forest on a hill. The pagoda’s total area is 8 acres, with a winding stream in front, creating a poetic landscape. The pagoda’s gate is built in an arched style, with two levels and a tiled roof. A nearby paved pathway leads to the main hall. The main hall was built in the traditional three-section style, with the front dedicated to worshiping Buddha and the rear to worshiping the ancestors. Around, there are many tombs of the concubines (mistresses) of the Nguyen lords.

No entrance fee.

4. Cross the Truong Tien Bridge

Truong Tien Bridge, also known as Trang Tien, was built in 1899 and is linked to significant historical events in Vietnam. The bridge connects two banks of the Perfume River in central Hue. The north end of the bridge belongs to Dong Ba Ward, while the south end belongs to Phu Hoi Ward. Designed in a Gothic style, the bridge is 402 meters long, 6 meters wide, 5.45 meters high, with a sidewalk on both sides.

During the period between 1905 and 1915, the surface of Truong Tien Bridge was covered with reinforced concrete. Due to damage and increasing traffic, the bridge was restored by Eiffel Construction Company (then Levallois Perret), the same agency that designed the Eiffel Tower in France. However, during many stages of the two wars between France and the US, the bridge was severely damaged.

Truong Tien Bridge. Source: Flickr

It wasn’t until 1991 that the bridge was restored on a large scale and had many significant changes. In 2002, Truong Tien Bridge was installed with a modern color-changing lighting system and has the appearance it has today.

Truong Tien Bridge is no longer the primary bridge that connects the two banks of the Perfume River in central Hue, as it’s been replaced by the nearby Phu Xuan Bridge. Still, its historical value has brought it into various literary works. Visiting Truong Tien Bridge deserves to be a thing to do in Hue, where visitors are sent back to a bygone era.

No entrance fee.

5. Shop at Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market is the biggest market in Hue. First built during the reign of Emperor Gia Long and then rebuilt in 1899, the market is another symbol of Hue. Dong Ba Market is located on the north bank of the Perfume River, on Tran Hung Dao Street. It stretches from Truong Tien Bridge to Gia Hoi Bridge on an area of 48,000 square meters.

Dong Ba Market. Source: Flickr

In 1987, Dong Ba Market was extensively renovated, adding several structures. Since then, the market has undergone many changes and has taken on the form it has today, including a bus station, parking lot, and flower garden.

Similar to other traditional markets, Dong Ba Market has various kinds of agricultural, aquatic, livestock, and handicraft products. Every day, up to 10,000 people come to the market, including buyers and tourists, making a visit a nice thing to do in Hue. Since it’s an intimate part associated with the people of Hue across three centuries, Dong Ba Market has also been brought into many literary works.

No entrance fee.

6. Take a boat tour on the Perfume River

The Vietnamese dragon, as opposed to the European dragon with wings, has long been considered a royal creature that symbolizes prosperity and represents the emperor. Similar to the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dragon, the Vietnamese dragon resembles the appearance of a snake, fierce but benevolent.

These paddle-propelled boats were built on a relatively square platform under a tiled-roofed pavilion, where the king and his escort indulged in the river view and royal court music. The dragon boat’s deck might also be adorned with lanterns, royal banners, and flags to indicate the king was on board.

A dragon boat on the Perfume River. Source: Flickr

Today, the emperors are no more. However, the dragon boats, largely unchanged in appearance, continue to serve people of all walks of life, locals and tourists, bringing a delightful sense of royalty to everyone. It’s really a worthwhile thing to do in Hue.

From Toa Kham Port (Ben Thuyen Toa Kham) at 49 Le Loi Street, there are lines of now metal-built, engine-propelled dragon boats waiting to bring tourists on journeys along the Perfume River. Prices vary depending on the boat size, itinerary, and inclusions. Most international tourists choose daytime boat tours that visit several attractions around Hue (lunch and entrance fees not included). The more locations you visit, the higher the tour price, ranging from 450,000 VND to over 1,000,000 VND per person.

There are also night boat tours that perform live music by professional musicians, with prices ranging from 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND for around 45 minutes on board.

7. Explore Phu Cam Cathedral

Phu Cam Cathedral is one of the largest and oldest churches in Hue. The church is at 1 Doan Huu Trung on Phuoc Qua Hill, in Phuoc Vinh Ward. It’s currently managed by the Archdiocese of Hue. Phu Cam Cathedral was built in a modern architectural style, designed by Ngo Viet Thu, the creator of many significant works such as the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat market.

During the feudal period in Vietnam, Catholicism wasn’t allowed and was even banned to a penalty of death under the reign of some emperors. Churches that were built were all demolished. However, during the French colonial period, churches were rebuilt and expanded to have more capacity. Phu Cam Church was one of them.

Phu Cam Cathedral. Source: Flickr

Phu Cam Church has a modern architectural style but the decoration is influenced by the European style. The main hall can accommodate 2,500 people attending a ceremony. There are two rows of tinted mirrored doors in the upper part of the church, providing natural light during the day. Overall, Phu Cam Church, with its spires soaring skyward, emits an air of elegance, making it a great place to visit in Hue.

No entrance fee.

8. Visit An Dinh Palace

An Dinh Palace was once the private residence of Khai Dinh from when he was the crown prince until he took over the throne as emperor. It was later passed down to his successor, Bao Dai, who briefly resided here after his abdication. The palace is located at 179 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Phu Nhuan Ward, on the bank of An Cuu River.

Anh Dinh Palace. Source: Flickr

An Dinh Palace was built in the Asian-European fusion style on an area of ​​over 23,000 square meters, facing south, across from a dock on An Cuu River. The palace has a verdant campus surrounded by brick walls. Before, there were about ten structures within the complex. Over time, only three relatively intact structures remain. The interior is intricately decorated, especially that of the first floor, with murals of high artistic value. In particular, there is a life-size bronze statue of Emperor Khai Dinh cast in 1920.

Today, An Dinh Palace is an appealing tourist attraction in Hue holding historical significance. Visitors can learn about the daily life of the two Nguyen emperors and their families over a century ago. This includes informative labels of many items on the site, showing different functions of different areas in the palace.

Entrance fee: 50,000 VND.

9. Visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village

Thuy Xuan Incense Village is another great place to visit in Hue, located on Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, about 8 kilometers from the city center. This place attracts visitors with the beauty of hundreds of vivid incense bundles. Although not too bustling, Thuy Xuan Village offers memorable experiences to visitors and has become an ideal place for those who love photography.

Incense sticks are an indispensable product in the spiritual life of Vietnamese people. According to the anecdotes from locals, the incense-making profession emerged here in the Nguyen Dynasty. Back then, this village was the primary supplier of incense sticks in the entire region. After many historical periods and over a hundred years, Thuy Xuan Village remains and continues to promote its craftsmanship to many people.

Bundles of incense sticks are displayed in a visually appealing way. Source: Flickr

The incense sticks made in Thuy Xuan Village are all of high quality. Thus, they’re distributed to local markets and transported to many other provinces and cities across the country. In particular, these incense sticks are made using traditional methods, without chemicals, using only natural ingredients. This is the reason why the incense sticks of Thuy Xuan Village have a unique and pleasant aroma.

When visiting Thuy Xuan Village, visitors often look for a perfect background for photography. Incense bundles are neatly arranged on the road and on standing stalls, as bright as flowers blooming all year round. Visitors can also explore the incense-making process conducted by the skillful artisans. Experiencing incense-making yourself is also an activity that many visitors love (available for a fee).

No entrance fee.

10. Get a panoramic view at Vong Canh Hill

Not far from Thuy Xuan Incense Village, about 800 meters away to the south, on the same Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Vong Canh Hill appears lush and serene. Vong Canh Hill stands 43 meters high, stretching over 500 meters. The western foot of the hill is adjacent to the bank of the Perfume River.

Vong Canh Hill is regarded by many people as the most beautiful place to take in the beauty of the Perfume River, especially in the early morning or at sunset. From the top of the hill, visitors can look out to see the most spectacular curves of the poetic Perfume River. The peaceful ambiance here offers a sense of complete relaxation. According to legend, Vong Canh Hill was where the Nguyen emperors once stopped to visit.

Vong Canh Hill. Source: Tripadvisor

Notably, the hill features a rangers’ watchtower, which also serves as a sightseeing spot for tourists. A lighting system has been installed on the hill, allowing visitors to stroll around in the evening. The walking path leading from the foot to the top of the hill is paved with stone to form steps. A public toilet has also been built right at the entrance. Weekends often see many visitors camping and enjoying picnics in this area.

No entrance fee.

Which tourist destination in Hue is most appealing to you? Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, has managed to retain its quintessential beauty from hundreds of years ago, attracting visitors who are interested in history, culture, and architecture. Oxalis Adventure believes that Hue is an extraordinary place for every traveler. So, embark on your next journey and create memories that will last a lifetime!

The Oxalis Experience.