10 Best Things to Do in Hue

Some of the best things to do in Hue include the well-preserved ruins of the Nguyen dynasty, royal tombs and ornate pagodas. Most of these are within easy walking or biking distance. Vietnam's capital from 1802 to his 1945, the city was ruled by his ten members of the Nguyen dynasty until 1945 when the last ruler abdicated the throne and was favored by the Ho Chi Minh communist government in Hanoi. was ruled by the emperor of 

 For those interested in Vietnam's cultural history, Hue is a treasure trove of tombs, pagodas, castles and ruins. Overlooking the mighty Perfume River, most of these ancient buildings have been declared a UNESCO World  Heritage Site after surviving years of brutal warfare. It attracts millions of tourists from all over the world thanks to its status as an epicenter of historical and cultural monuments.

1. Hue Imperial City

The royal capital of Hue has hundreds of monuments dating back to the early 19th century. Located on the northern bank of the Perfume River, the complex includes the Forbidden  City, Royal Tombs, Pagodas, Temples, Royal Palace, Library and Museum. 

 Also known as Hue Archaeological Complex, this UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts  cultural performances daily at 9am, 10am, 2:30pm and 3:30pm. Combined admission to  Imperial City Hue and visit to Royal Museum of Hue is required. The  Imperial City of Hue is a must-see for any visitor to Central Vietnam.

• Location: Thanh Pho Hue, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
• Opening hours: Daily from 8 am to 5.30 pm

2. Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda sits on a hill just outside Hue city center and offers spectacular views of the Perfume River and Hue's Imperial City. His one of its distinguishing features is a 21-meter-tall octagonal tower called Tap Phuc Duyen,  built in 1844 during the reign of Emperor Chu Chu. 

 

The main sanctuary includes a wooden statue of the temple guard, a gilded Buddha, and his two-ton bell cast in 1710. Thien Mu Pagoda was also  home to his dock, a Buddhist monk Thi Qu Quang, who sacrificed himself to protest the South Vietnamese government's persecution of Buddhists in 1963.

• Location: Huong Hoa, Thanh Pho Hue, Thua Thien Hue 532761, Vietnam
• Opening hours: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm

3. Thanh Toan Bridge

Thanh Toan Bridge is a tiled pedestrian bridge similar to Hoi An's Kui Yuan Bridge. It features ancient Chinese and Japanese motifs and intricate carvings of sacred animals. This wooden bridge was built during the reign of Emperor Rehienton (1740-1786) over the River Noui and is 17 meters long. 

 

 There is an altar commemorating the founder, Tran Thi Dao, who was the wife of a senior official in the imperial court. Tan Toan Bridge in Thanh Thuy village is a  20-minute drive from Hue city centre. Along the way, you'll pass some traditional villages, rice fields, and pagodas.

4. The To Mieu Temple

To Mieu Temple is part of the  Hue Archaeological Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 1821 by Emperor Minh Mang to commemorate the former emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. 

 

 This ancestral temple is he one of the best preserved structures in the complex. There are ornate three-storey pavilions, various personal effects and portraits of ten emperors, and nine of his dynastic urns minted between 1835 and 1836. Travelers are free to explore the To Mieu Temple, but guided tours are available for those interested in learning more about Hue's history.

• Location: Hue Imperial City, Le Huan, Phu Hau, Thanh Pho Hue, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

5. Minh Mang Tomb

Minh Mang Tomb is hailed as the most ambitious royal tomb built during the Nguyen dynasty. It is located on the west bank of the Perfume River, about a 30-minute drive from Hue city centre.

Construction of the sprawling tomb began in 1840 by order of Emperor Minh Mang. It was completed  during the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri, two years after him. Surrounded by beautiful lakes and canals, Minh Mang Tomb has a total of 40 buildings  including palaces, temples, terraces and pavilions. There is a small fee to enter the complex.

• Location: QL49, Huong Thọ, Huong Tra, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
• Opening hours: Daily from 7.30 am to 5 pm
• Hotline: +84 (0)234 3523 237

6. Tu Duc Tomb

Tu Duc Tomb is one of  many royal tombs on the outskirts of the imperial city of Hue. Built from 1864 to his 1867, the complex served as the summer residence of Emperor Tuduc. The natural landscape of hills and rivers includes vast lakes and over 50 palaces, pavilions, temples and shrines.

Tu Duc Tomb offers a relaxed atmosphere for visitors who want to experience the ruins of the ancient Nguyen dynasty. The royal tombs are located in Thuong Ba village, about a 15-minute drive from the royal capital of Hue.

• Location: Thon Thuong Ba, Thanh Pho Hue, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
• Opening hours: Daily from 7 am to 5.30 pm

7. Perfume River

The Perfume River is approximately 80 km long, flowing from Truong Son Mountain through Hue City Centre and Bang Lang Fork. Locally known as Huong River, its name came from wilted flowers from upriver orchards that are carried through its flow during autumnal months, resulting in a strong floral scent.

Most of Hue’s iconic attractions, temples, and local villages are set along the Perfume River. Numerous tour operators offer paddle boat rentals, boat rides, and dinner cruises at various price points. On the southern bank, there is a wooden walkway by the water that's popular for its riverside views.

• Location: Hue, Vietnam

8. Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park is located in the Annamite Mountains at 1,450 meters above sea level. This lush landscape is home to majestic waterfalls, hiking trails and crumbling French villas. It is a popular retreat for locals and travelers from both Hue and Da Nang as local buses from both Hue and Da Nang make frequent stops at the nearby village of Cau Hai.

 He can spend a  day (or more)  hiking, camping, rappelling, swimming and even rappelling at Rhododendron Fall.

• Location: Loc Tri, Phu Loc, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
• Hotline: +84 (0)234 3871 258

9. Hon Chen Temple

Ngoc Ho village. This unique shrine sits on a small cliff and was restored many times under the reigns of Emperor Minh Mang and Emperor Dong Kang from 1832 to his 1886.

Today, it houses several relics, including ancient vases, Chinese writings, religious figurines, and animal sculptures. The Hongcheng Temple Festival is held annually in the middle of March and July of the  lunar calendar. Enjoy traditional ceremonies, folk dances and musical performances by local devotees in colorful costumes.

• Location: Lang Hai Cat, Huong Tra, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
• Hotline: +84 (0)234 3556 231

10. Huyen Tran Princess Temple

Huyen Chan Princess Temple is a sprawling complex that includes a lotus lake, the monastery of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, an orchid garden, and a library containing documents of former kings and important figures of the Trang dynasty. Standout attractions include the 2.37-meter-tall bronze statue of the late princess and her 1.5-ton bronze Hoa Binh Bell.

 Huyen Chan Princess Temple also offers cultural activities  such as incense offerings, bell-ringing ceremonies, martial arts, traditional arts and musical performances. Flower arrangement and human shogi are also regular events at the temple.

• Location: 151 Thien Thai, An Tay, Thanh Pho Hue, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
• Opening Hours: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm
• Hotline: +84 234 3931 458
  

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