Jesica Hai
July 20, 2025
Drawing from local insight, historical research, and on-ground expertise, this list brings together the most meaningful things to do in Hue—backed by real experiences and trusted sources.
At the heart of any Hue itinerary is the sprawling The Imperial City Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enclosed by thick stone walls and surrounded by a moat, the complex reflects Vietnam’s imperial grandeur. Top 1 things to do in hue.
Built in the early 19th century, the Citadel houses palaces, temples, and gates that once served the Nguyen emperors. Though damaged during wars, much of it has been beautifully restored.
Massive bronze urns standing solemnly in front of the Mieu Temple, each one represents a Nguyen emperor. Intricately carved with symbols of nature, geography, and philosophy, the Nine Dynastic Urns are more than monuments — they are lasting legacies cast in metal.
The heart of royal power, Thai Hoa Palace was where emperors held grand ceremonies and received envoys. With its double-roofed structure, golden lacquered pillars, and dragon motifs, the hall reflects the solemnity and elegance of the Nguyen court.
Once strictly off-limits to anyone outside the royal family, the Forbidden Purple City was the emperor’s private residence. Though many structures were lost, wandering its quiet paths still evokes whispers of imperial life, seclusion, and secrets.
There’s a reason the river is named “Perfume River” — seasonal flowers once drifted here, infusing a delicate scent . Sunset cruises on a traditional dragon boat accompanied by Ca Huế performances are a magical blend of culture and atmosphere.
Ca Huế is ancient Vietnamese court music listed by UNESCO. I invite you to savor it aboard a traditional boat under soft lighting—an unforgettable sensory journey. Top 2 things to do in hue.
Glide gently across the Perfume River on a stand-up paddleboard, surrounded by Hue’s iconic scenery. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, paddling at sunrise or sunset offers a calm, almost meditative experience — with citadels, pagodas, and bridges reflected in the shimmering water. Top 3 things to do in hue.
Treat yourself to a warm bowl of silky tofu pudding, gently sweetened with ginger syrup and topped with coconut milk or crushed ice. Whether served hot or cold, it’s one of Hue’s most comforting street desserts — simple, light, and irresistibly local.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most photographed sites in Hue.
Built in 1601 under Lord Nguyễn Hoàng, Thien Mu remains one of Hue’s top spiritual destinations . The seven-story Phước Duyên Tower is a highlight—clear your schedule to spend peaceful time in its temple gardens.
Most visitors stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, snap a photo, and leave — but those who wander behind it are rewarded with a secret: a quiet dirt path winding along the Perfume River. This hidden riverside walk passes bamboo groves, ancient tombs, and humble shrines. You may hear monks chanting in the distance, or children playing by the water. It’s Hue without the crowd — intimate, meditative, and deeply local.
Vietnamese food is diverse, but Hue cuisine is distinct and historically royal.
More than just a noodle dish, bún bò Huế is a bold, spicy, and aromatic soup packed with flavor. Originating from Hue, it features a rich broth infused with lemongrass, chili oil, beef shank, and pork hock, served with thick round rice noodles. Often topped with fresh herbs, banana blossoms, and a squeeze of lime, it’s a true taste of Central Vietnam’s culinary soul.
Grilled over charcoal and served sizzling, nem lụi is a Hue favorite. Minced pork is mixed with spices and wrapped around a lemongrass stalk, then grilled until smoky and golden. You’ll roll it with fresh herbs, pickles, and rice paper, dip it in a tangy peanut sauce, and taste the balance of sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors unique to central Vietnam.
Soft, delicate, and bite-sized, bánh bèo is a beloved Hue street snack. These steamed rice cakes are topped with a savory mix of dried shrimp, crispy pork skin, and scallion oil. Served in small dishes with a side of sweet fish sauce, they’re eaten with a tiny spoon — one elegant, flavorful bite at a time.
Known as bánh lọc, these chewy, translucent dumplings are filled with shrimp and pork belly, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. The tapioca-based dough gives them a delightfully elastic texture, while the filling is both sweet and salty. Served with a drizzle of fish sauce and sometimes a hint of chili, bánh lọc is a flavorful bite that captures the essence of Hue’s snack culture.
An assortment of traditional Hue desserts served in elegant cups. Vietnamese call it chè cung đình Huế. This regal treat features a variety of sweet soups made with lotus seeds, mung beans, longans, and jasmine-scented syrup — once prepared exclusively for the Nguyen emperors. Each spoonful is a delicate blend of taste, texture, and Hue’s royal legacy.
Hue is dotted with the majestic tombs of past emperors, blending nature and architecture in mesmerizing harmony.
Emperor Minh Mang’s funerary complex is famed for its Confucian layout and symbolism . As a guide, I highlight the directional orientation and peaceful garden architecture during guided visits.
Nestled among pine trees and lotus ponds, the Tomb of Tu Duc feels more like a poetic retreat than a royal mausoleum. Built during the emperor’s lifetime, it reflects his love for nature, literature, and solitude. With elegant pavilions, peaceful courtyards, and a serene lake, it’s a place where you don’t just see history — you feel it whispering in the wind.
This tomb combines Eastern and Western motifs, covered in colorful ceramic mosaics created between 1920–1931 . To optimize your visit, aim for late morning when lighting highlights the artistry.
These are must-see Hue attractions that reflect the personal tastes of each ruler.
No trip to Hue is complete without exploring Dong Ba Market, the city’s oldest and most vibrant commercial hub. Dating back to the early 19th century, this sprawling riverside market pulses with daily life — a place where locals shop, eat, and exchange stories.
I often lead small-group tours here to help travelers navigate the hustle and discover its hidden gems. Here’s what makes it special:
From handcrafted conical hats (nón lá) and intricate lacquerware to fine Hue silk, you’ll find plenty of keepsakes to take home. Look for stalls run by multi-generational families — they often have the most authentic products.
Don’t miss Hue’s famous cơm hến (clam rice) — a savory, spicy, and textural delight served in humble bowls. Try colorful chè (sweet soups), fresh sugarcane juice, and mini pancakes (bánh khoái) sizzling hot from street vendors. Each bite tells a piece of Hue’s culinary story.
Always bargain politely. In Vietnamese culture, this practice — called trả giá — is both expected and respected. Smile, be friendly, and you might even get a better deal along with a story or two. Top things to do in hue.
Dong Ba isn’t just a market — it’s a mirror of Hue’s daily rhythm. Come with curiosity, and leave with flavor, texture, and a little local wisdom in your pocket.
Step into a rainbow of colors at Thuy Xuan Village, where bundles of vibrant incense sticks line the streets like blooming flowers. This centuries-old craft is both spiritual and sensory — from grinding fragrant herbs to rolling and dyeing each stick by hand. Join a local artisan to craft your own incense and learn about the meanings behind each scent. It’s Hue in its most aromatic form.
Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, Thuy Bieu Village is a peaceful escape filled with ancient pomelo trees and garden houses. Walk or cycle under shady green canopies, taste freshly picked fruit, and learn how this village blends agriculture with heritage. It’s a living postcard of rural Hue.
Famous for its 500-year-old tradition of woodblock painting, Sinh Village invites visitors to explore the spiritual and artistic soul of Hue. These colorful prints were once used for ancestor worship and festive rituals. Join a local artisan to try your hand at printing your own folk painting — a beautiful blend of culture and creativity.
Go beyond sightseeing and truly connect with Hue’s cultural roots. I organize private workshops where you can paint traditional motifs, make your own conical hat, or even try ancient calligraphy. These slow, meaningful activities are perfect for travelers who want to bring home not just souvenirs — but stories.
Escape the city walls and ride into Hue’s serene countryside, where rice paddies sway in the breeze and lotus ponds reflect the sky. A guided cycling tour takes you past water buffalo, bamboo bridges, and quiet village temples. Along the way, stop to soak your feet in a traditional herbal bath or sip tea in a shaded garden café. It’s an experience that blends movement with mindfulness — the rhythm of rural life at your own pace.
Cycling is one of the most relaxing Hue travel experiences, allowing you to explore scenic backroads and hidden gems at your own pace.
These routes are mostly flat and safe, ideal for casual riders and families.
Beyond imperial palaces and poetic rivers, Hue hides stories in silence — waiting for curious souls to find them. Here are a few underrated places that offer a deeper, sometimes haunting, glimpse into the city’s soul:
Just outside the city lies one of Hue’s most surreal sights — an abandoned water park where nature has reclaimed fantasy. With its dragon-shaped aquarium, crumbling slides, and walls full of graffiti art, Ho Thuy Tien feels like a dreamscape frozen in time. Spooky, cinematic, and oddly peaceful, it’s a favorite for photographers and adventurers.
Often overlooked, this modest yet powerful military museum near the Citadel showcases the local legacy of Vietnam’s wars. See rusting tanks, MiG fighters, and wartime artifacts — reminders of resilience and sacrifice. A sobering, educational stop for those wanting to understand Hue beyond its royal image.
About 12 km from Hue lies Đầm Chuồn (Chuon Lagoon), a tranquil stretch of brackish water that reflects the sky like a mirror. As the sun sets, local fishermen in wooden boats check their nets, and small floating huts come alive with seafood cooking. It’s a photographer’s dream — and a place where silence and scenery meet in harmony. Try a local dish of grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves while floating on the lagoon.
Tucked away in the pine forests of Chầm hamlet, far from the city’s noise and tourist crowds, Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda feels like a world apart — where time slows and the soul breathes.
Unlike the grand imperial temples of Hue, this Zen-style Buddhist monastery is known not for opulence, but for its atmosphere of deep peace. Built in the 1980s by monks devoted to meditation and simplicity, the pagoda blends Vietnamese architecture with Japanese Zen aesthetics: wooden beams, tiled roofs, lotus ponds, and poetic calligraphy.
Planning your first visit to Hue? This gentle, historic city offers both serenity and adventure — but knowing a few local tips – things to do in Hue can make your journey smoother and more meaningful.
Hue is a small and navigable city, perfect for biking or riding a motorbike. You can easily rent one from your hotel or a local shop. Prefer comfort? Grab (the local ride-hailing app) is widely available and very affordable. For a more local experience, hop on a cyclo for a slow ride around the Citadel.
Hue people are soft-spoken and respectful — and appreciate the same in return.
🛕 When visiting temples or royal sites, wear modest clothing (no shorts or sleeveless tops).
🙏 A slight bow or gentle smile goes a long way.
🎭 When watching traditional performances like Ca Huế, avoid talking or using flash photography.
Hue is generally very safe for solo travelers and families alike. However, be mindful of:
Buying a local SIM card (like Viettel, Vinaphone, or MobiFone) is easy and cheap — available at the airport, convenience stores, or mobile shops. It ensures:
Hue is more than a city—it’s a portal to Vietnam’s imperial past, a sanctuary of spiritual depth, and a haven for food lovers. With the right mix of planning and spontaneity, your Hue travel guide journey can be rich, immersive, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re crafting a 1-day stopover or a 3-day exploration, the things to do in Hue are diverse enough to satisfy history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and foodies alike. Add it to your Vietnam travel list—you won’t regret it!
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