Located in central Vietnam, the city of Hue was the imperial capital until 1945, when the Nguyen dynasty collapsed. It’s a quiet city full of history and, as such, is packed with historic buildings worth visiting.
The complex of Hue monuments was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Unfortunately, Hue was one of the most heavily damaged cities during the Vietnam War, and only 10% of the imperial-era structures remain. Today, many buildings are still being restored, though many others have been lost forever.
During our trip through Vietnam, we spent two days in Hue. Here I’ll share our experience, tell you a bit about the city’s history, and recommend the best places to see in Hue as well as activities to enjoy.
What to see and what to do in the city of Hue?
1. The Citadel
A must-see is the Citadel, the former stronghold of the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty (1802–1945). This impressive walled complex, spanning over 500 hectares, is full of history, symbolism, and architectural beauty.
The Citadel consists of carefully designed gardens, ornamental lakes, temples, palaces, and monumental gates that reveal the grandeur of Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty. It’s a clear example of Vietnamese imperial architecture with Chinese and French influences.
It’s mainly divided into three main areas:
- The Imperial City, where official ceremonies were held.
- The Royal City, the residential area of the imperial family.
- The Forbidden Purple City, the most private and exclusive area, similar to the Forbidden City in Beijing but on a smaller scale.
💡 Travel tip: Although parts of the Citadel are under restoration, many areas are open to the public and offer guided tours or audio guides. Bring a hat and water, as the visit can easily take between 3 and 5 hours.
It’s also a very photogenic place, perfect for lovers of historical and architectural photography. Every corner conveys a different atmosphere, from the splendor of the ancient halls to the melancholic decay of walls still scarred by war.
Schedules and prices to enter the Citadel
- Open daily: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- General Admission: 150,000 VND (~€6)
- Children (7–12 years): 30,000 VND (~€1)
Combo Tickets:
- Citadel + 2 imperial tombs (Khai Dinh and Minh Mang): 280,000 VND (~€10)
- Citadel + 3 imperial tombs (Khai Dinh, Minh Mang, and Tu Duc): 360,000 VND (~€14)
These combo tickets are recommended if you plan to visit several historical sites in one day or want to save money on individual entries.
2. The Tombs of the Emperors
Another must-see in Hue is visiting the imperial tombs scattered along the Perfume River. These mausoleums are not just burial sites but architectural complexes reflecting the life, philosophy, and personality of each emperor.
The most important and popular ones are:
- Emperor Khai Dinh: A unique mausoleum with European influences and a more modern design. It features mosaics, monumental staircases, and marble statues.
- Emperor Minh Mang: Known for its harmony between architecture and nature. Surrounded by lakes, gardens, and bridges symbolizing the balance between heaven and earth.
- Emperor Tu Duc: More intimate and poetic, surrounded by a peaceful landscape. It was built while the emperor was still alive, so it also served as a place of rest.
🧭 Many local agencies offer organized tours by motorbike or boat along the Perfume River, including visits to various tombs and stops at temples or traditional villages.
3. Other Activities Around Hue
Besides historical monuments, Hue offers other activities that provide a deeper immersion into Vietnamese culture:
- Dong Ba Market: The city’s most famous market. Chaotic, colorful, and authentic. Great for buying souvenirs, local ingredients, clothes, and trying street food. Don’t miss banh khoai, a fried crepe typical of Hue.
- Bicycle Ride: Rent a bike and explore the city’s surroundings. You’ll pass rice fields, small traditional villages, and discover hidden temples among the greenery.
- Vietnamese Cooking Classes: A fun and delicious way to learn about local cuisine. You’ll learn to prepare dishes like bun bo Hue (beef noodle soup) or the famous fresh spring rolls.
4. Nightlife in Hue
Though Hue is a calm city, it also has options for going out at night and experiencing its more relaxed side. There are bars with a great atmosphere for backpackers and travelers.
One of the best known is Brown Eyes Bar, perfect for grabbing a beer, socializing with other travelers, and listening to good music. There are also some pubs with live music or karaoke, very popular among locals.
Note that some clubs are primarily for Vietnamese audiences, but overall Hue is quite welcoming to foreigners.
Tips for Visiting Hue
Best Time to Visit Hue
Hue has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (March to August) and the rainy season (September to January).
Avoid traveling during the rainy season, especially between September and December, as the rains can be heavy and constant. There’s also the risk of typhoons in the most critical months.
The best time to visit Hue is from March to May, when the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures (25°C to 30°C) and clear skies. This is also a great time for walking or biking around the city without the extreme heat.
If you visit in the summer months (June–August), prepare for high temperatures and humidity. Still, it’s a good time for fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.
Getting Around Hue
Hue is quite compact, so it’s easy to get around, especially if you’re staying near the center.
- Bicycle rental is highly recommended. It’s cheap (€1 to €3 per day), eco-friendly, and lets you explore the historical center and rural surroundings at your own pace. Perfect for visiting the Citadel, imperial tombs, or cycling along the Perfume River.
- Motorbike rental is another popular option if you have experience riding. Great for reaching further places like Minh Mang’s tomb or Bach Ma National Park. Rental usually costs €5 to €8 per day.
- Taxis and apps like Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber) are practical and affordable, especially for short trips or returning to your hotel after a night out. If you’re traveling in a group or prefer comfort, consider hiring a private driver for the day.
Where to Stay in Hue
Hue offers great value for accommodation. From budget hostels for backpackers to boutique hotels and riverside resorts, there’s something for every taste and budget.
- The best area to stay is Hue’s city center, especially around Pham Ngu Lao Street, known as the backpacker zone. Here you’ll find cheap hotels, international restaurants, bars, and tour agencies.
- If you’re looking for something more peaceful and romantic, consider staying near the Perfume River, where hotels offer scenic views, gardens, and direct access to riverside walks.
- For travelers with a cultural focus, homestays or traditional guesthouses are available, offering the chance to stay with local families and learn about Vietnamese life.
🔍 Extra tip: Book in advance if you’re traveling during peak season (April–May), local festivals, or Vietnamese holidays.
Next Destination: Trip from Hue to Ninh Binh
After two intense days exploring Hue, we headed to Ninh Binh, another must-visit destination on any Vietnam itinerary. The journey from Hue to Ninh Binh is long (about 570 km) and can be done by overnight bus, train, or even by plane with a stopover.
Ninh Binh, also known as the “Halong Bay on land,” offers stunning landscapes of rice paddies and karst formations. It’s the perfect place to continue your cultural and nature-filled route through Vietnam. We kept heading north, getting closer each day to the much-anticipated Halong Bay.
If you like this post about what to see in the city of Hue, comment, rate and/or share. Besides, if you plan to travel to Vietnam, you may also be interested in our list of Travel Tips for Vietnam.
