Best Places to Visit in Hue

Hue, a city in central Vietnam, that was once the ancient capital of the country. It has the largest collection of ancient buildings in Vietnam, reflecting the history and culture of Hue and Vietnam. The Perfume River divides Hue into two parts, north and south, creating a contrast between the past and the present. The north is the old city, where the historical monuments and structures are preserved, despite the wars and disasters. The south is the new city, where the streets are filled with modern buildings with French style. In this article, we will explore some of the top attractions in Hue that you should not miss.

Minh Mang Royal Tomb

One of the most majestic and elaborate tombs in Hue is the Minh Mang Royal Tomb. King Ming Mang was the second emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, who ruled from 1820 to 1841. He was a staunch Confucianist and a nationalist who resisted foreign influences and promoted Vietnamese culture and traditions. His tomb reflects his personality and philosophy, as it is designed in a harmonious and symmetrical layout, with a series of gates, courtyards, pavilions, temples, and lakes. The tomb is surrounded by a pine forest and a stone wall, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere. The tomb is located about 12 kilometers from the city center, and can be reached by car, bike, or boat. 

Location: 9HQC+CW2, Unnamed Road, Hương Trà, Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam

Perfume River (Huong River)

The Perfume River, or Huong River, is the lifeblood of Hue. It originates from the Truong Son mountain range and flows through the city, dividing it into two parts: the old citadel on the north bank and the modern city on the south bank. The river gets its name from the fragrant flowers that fall into the water from the orchards along its banks, especially in autumn. It is a peaceful place to admire the amazing skyline of Hue. You can stroll along the riverbank and the park nearby or take a boat cruise along the river. The river is especially beautiful at night, when the Trang Tien Bridge and the citadel are illuminated by colorful lights.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda, is the oldest and most iconic pagoda in Hue. The pagoda is located on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, and consists of a seven-story octagonal tower, a main hall, a pavilion, a bell tower, and a garden. The best time to visit here is in the evening during sunset as the orange sky glows over the river, the pagoda gives a mysterious and joyous feeling, and there are fewer crowds. It is recommended that you can go behind the main pagoda because inside there is a temple and a smaller pagoda that is more peaceful than the main one in front.

Location: Huế, Hương Hòa, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế 530000, Vietnam

Imperial Citadel (Hue Imperial City)

The Imperial Citadel, or Hue Imperial City, is the most impressive and important attraction in Hue. The citadel covers an area of 520 hectares and is enclosed by a 10-kilometer-long wall and a moat. You can spend hours to explore all the different monuments and buildings here. It has four gates, each facing a different direction and decorated with different motifs. The main gate is the Ngo Mon Gate, which leads to the Thai Hoa Palace, the throne hall of the emperors. The citadel also contains many other palaces, temples, shrines, gardens, and museums, especially the gardens is well kept and very picturesque. There are many places here where you can take good photos.

Location: Thành phố Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

Forbidden Purple City

The Forbidden Purple City is a smaller citadel within the Imperial Citadel, where the emperors and their concubines lived and worked. The name comes from the purple color of the walls and the roofs, which symbolized the supreme power of the emperors. The Forbidden Purple City was modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, and was accessible only to the royal family and their servants. The Forbidden Purple City was the most luxurious and secretive part of the citade. The Forbidden Purple City was almost completely destroyed during the Vietnam War, and only a few ruins remain today. However, you can still get a glimpse of the former glory and mystery of the royal life in Hue.

Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market is the landmark market in Hue. It is located on the north bank of the Perfume River, near the Trang Tien Bridge. The market is a bustling and colorful place, where you can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, to clothes and souvenirs, to local specialties and street food. It is also a great place to experience the daily life and culture of the people of Hue, as you can mingle with the locals, bargain with the vendors, and taste the authentic flavors of Hue cuisine. Upstairs is clothes, downstairs is paper offerings, food stalls, produce/meats and other small handicrafts.

Recommended dishes: bun bo hue (spicy beef noodle soup), banh beo (steamed rice cakes with shrimp), and com hen (rice with baby clams)
Location: Phú Hoà, Thành phố Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

Conical Hat Village

Conical Hat Village is a traditional village in Hue that specializes in making conical hats, or non la, which are the iconic hats of Vietnam. The village is located about 2 kilometers from the city center, and can be reached by bike or cyclo. The village is a charming and peaceful place, where you can see how the conical hats are made by hand, using bamboo, palm leaves, and silk. The hats are also decorated with poems, paintings, or embroidery, making them unique and artistic. You can buy a conical hat as a souvenir, or even learn how to make one yourself.

Royal Antiques Museum

Royal Antiques Museum, or Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, is a museum that displays the artifacts and treasures of the Nguyen dynasty. The exhibits here are very interesting and worth checking out - especially the royal costumes and furniture. This is a beautiful building with a lovely garden outside. You can take some beautiful pictures of the museum and garden but please pay attention that you are not allowed to take pictures inside and you must take your shoes off outside. 

Location: It is located inside the Long An palace, which was part of the Imperial citadel.

Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc

The Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, or Tu Duc Royal Tomb, is a beautiful and romantic tomb and temple complex in Hue. It is located in a pine forest, about 8 kilometers from the city center with the peaceful gardens and quiet surroundings offering a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The tomb has a complex and elegant design, with a harmonious combination of architecture and landscape. Inside you can also rent a Royal dress and take a picture in a suitable environment.

Location: Cầu Đông Ba, thôn Thượng, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế 530000, Vietnam