Hue - the former imperial capital of Vietnam, sits gracefully along the banks of the Huong River. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, leaving behind a magnificent legacy of royal architecture, most notably the sprawling Imperial City. The city's cultural richness extends beyond its ancient citadel to encompass ornate temples, royal tombs, and pagodas nestled among rolling hills.
Known for its distinctive cuisine, Hue offers delicate royal-inspired dishes that reflect its regal history. The city's tranquil atmosphere is enhanced by its misty landscapes and gentle pace of life. Despite the scars of the Vietnam War, Hue has preserved its spiritual and cultural essence, where traditional customs and Buddhist influences remain strong in everyday life.
Imperial Legacy: Explore the vast Imperial City with its palaces, temples, and gates - a living museum of Vietnam's royal history.
Royal Gastronomy: Savor distinctive imperial cuisine like Banh Khoai, Bun Bo Hue, and delicate royal tea ceremonies.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Sacred Architecture: Visit iconic pagodas like Thien Mu with its seven-story tower, and the elaborate royal tombs of emperors.
Huong River Experience: Take a dragon boat cruise along the poetic Huong River, especially beautiful at sunset.
Living Culture: Immerse in traditional arts like court music (Nha Nhac), crafts, and Buddhist ceremonies still practiced today.
Most of the temples and city you can see within one day. You can choose to stay another day or two if you want to make a day trip to Bach Ma National Park.
Hue is a big city, there are plenty of ATMs to be found.
Events and holidays in Hue
Hue Festival (typically April/May, biennial)
Cultural performances and exhibitions
Street parades and art shows
Royal court music performances
Traditional craft demonstrations
International cultural exchange events
Tet (Lunar New Year)
Traditional decorations throughout the city
Special temple and pagoda visits
Cultural performances
Local food markets and celebrations
Family ceremonies at heritage sites
Royal Palace Ceremony (April 22nd)
Commemoration of Nguyen Dynasty kings
Traditional rituals and offerings
Court music performances
Royal costume displays
Buddha's Birthday (usually May)
Lantern displays at pagodas
Religious ceremonies
Vegetarian food festivals
Prayer sessions
Flower floating ceremonies
Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October)
Traditional lantern displays
Lion dances
Moon cake celebrations
Children's activities
Night markets
Traditional Craft Festival (biennial)
Demonstrations of traditional crafts
Art exhibitions
Workshops
Cultural performances
Local product fairs
Each celebration offers unique insights into Vietnamese culture and provides special experiences for visitors. Remember that lunar calendar dates vary each year.
The best time to visit Hue is between January and April when the weather is most pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C and minimal rainfall. January and February offer the most comfortable climate but expect higher prices and crowds, especially during Tết (Lunar New Year). March and April provide a good balance of nice weather and moderate tourist numbers, plus the chance to catch the Hue Festival.
Summer months (May-August) are very hot and humid, while the rainy season (September-December) brings frequent downpours, though both periods offer lower prices and fewer tourists.
October is best avoided due to flood risks, as is the intense heat of June-July.
Thai Hoa Palace
Highlights
Ngo Mon Gate (Noon Gate) - main entrance
Thai Hoa Palace with original throne
Nine Dynastic Urns
Royal Library
Queen Mothers' Palace
Tips
Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat
Entry fee: ~200,000 VND
Hire a guide for historical insights
Plan 3-4 hours for full exploration
Minh Mang Tomb
Tu Duc Tomb
Minh Mang Tomb
Located 12km from city center
Known for symmetrical architecture
Beautiful lake and garden designs
Best for photography
Tu Duc Tomb
Closest to city center
Includes lake, pavilions, and theaters
Most poetic atmosphere
Great for morning visits
Khai Dinh Tomb
Unique European-Vietnamese fusion
Elaborate glass and ceramic decorations
Smaller but highly detailed
Best preserved
Khai Dinh Tomb
Tu Hieu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda
Seven-story iconic tower
Active monastery
Beautiful riverside location
Historical Austin car display
Best at sunset
Tu Hieu Pagoda
Peaceful pine forest setting
Active Buddhist community
Less touristy
Beautiful meditation halls
Huong River Cruise
Cooking Classes
Usually include market visits
Learn 4-5 dishes
Common dishes taught: Bánh Khoái, Bánh Bèo
Duration: 3-4 hours
Huong River Cruise
Best at sunset
Options from 1-4 hours
Can combine with tomb visits
Dragon boat experiences available
An Hien House
Traditional Music Shows
Evening performances available
Located in the Imperial City
Features court music and dance
Duration: 1 hour
Garden Houses
An Hien House most famous
Traditional architecture
Tea ceremonies available
Historical family collections
Banh Khoai
Com Hen
Must-try Dishes
Bun Bo Hue: Best at Bun Bo Mu Roi
Banh Khoai: Try at Hanh Restaurant
Com Hen: Local favorite at Hen Island
Royal Tea at traditional houses
Bach Ma National Park
Tam Giang Lagoon
Bach Ma National Park
40km from city
Hiking trails available
Waterfalls and wildlife
Cool mountain climate
Tam Giang Lagoon
Largest in Southeast Asia
Fishing village visits
Sunset boat trips
Local seafood experiences
Buy a combo ticket for multiple sites
Visit early morning or late afternoon
Consider bicycle rental for city exploration
Stay minimum 2-3 days for main attractions
Book guides in advance during peak season
Dress modestly for temple visits
Carry water and sun protection
Azerai La Residence Hue
Historic art deco building
Riverside location
Colonial elegance
Spa and pool facilities
Pilgrimage Village Resort
Peaceful countryside setting
Traditional Vietnamese design
Luxury spa treatments
Private pool villas
Eldora Hotel
Central location
Rooftop pool
Modern amenities
Great city views
Mondial Hue Hotel
Walking distance to attractions
River views
Good value
Quality service
Alba Spa Hotel
Unique spa facilities
Excellent location
Charming design
Friendly staff
The Scarlett Boutique Hotel
Colonial style
Personal service
Central area
Cozy atmosphere
Amy Hostel
Social atmosphere
Clean facilities
Free breakfast
Helpful staff
Purple Hue Hostel
Central location
Bike rentals
Budget-friendly
Good for solo travelers
Location Tips
Stay near Imperial City for sightseeing
Riverside hotels offer best views
Quieter options in countryside
City center best for food access
Price Range (per night)
Luxury: $150-300+
Mid-range: $50-100
Budget: $20-50
Hostels: $5-15
For all accommodations, prices vary significantly by season and availability. Always read recent reviews and book through reliable platforms.
Bun Bo Hue
Spicy beef noodle soup
Rich broth with lemongrass
Best at: Bun Bo Mu Roi, Bun Bo Hue O Cuoi
Banh Khoai
Crispy rice pancake
Shrimp and pork filling
Best at: Banh Khoai Lac Thien
Banh Beo
Steamed rice cakes
Shrimp toppings
Try at: Banh Beo Nam Pho
Com Hen
Clam rice with herbs
Local favorite
Best at: Com Hen Hoa Dong
Banh Nam
Flat steamed rice dumplings
Shrimp filling
Che Hue
Sweet dessert soups
Various flavors
Royal Tea
Traditional ceremonies
Lotus or jasmine tea
Local Coffee
Strong Vietnamese style
Try at: Cafe Rot
Where to Eat
Dong Ba Market for street food
Ancient town restaurants
Riverside seafood places
Garden house restaurants
Price Guide
Street food: 15,000-30,000 VND
Local restaurants: 30,000-100,000 VND
Royal cuisine: 150,000+ VND
High-end dining: 300,000+ VND
Remember: Prices are approximate and may vary. Best to bring cash as many local places don't accept cards.
Phu Bai Airport (HUI)
Daily flights from Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City
Flight time: ~1 hour
Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways
Airport transfer: 30 mins to city center
Hue Railway Station
On main north-south route
From Hanoi: 12-14 hours
From Da Nang: 2.5-3 hours
Scenic coastal journey
Open Tour Buses
From Hoi An/Da Nang: 3-4 hours
From Hanoi: 12-14 hours
From Ho Chi Minh City: 24 hours
Companies: Hanh Cafe, The Sinh Tourist
Car service from Da Nang/Hoi An
Via Hai Van Pass
Duration: 3-4 hours
Flexible stops
More expensive but comfortable
Book trains/flights ahead in peak season
Consider weather when crossing Hai Van Pass
Airport taxi fixed rates available
Train offers best scenic views
Private transfer best for groups
Popular tourist choice
Easy flat terrain
Rentals: 30,000-50,000 VND/day
Great for city center exploration
Most hotels provide bikes
Reliable and metered
Mai Linh (green) recommended
Vinasun (white) trusted
Average fare: 15,000-20,000 VND/km
Air-conditioned comfort
Rental: 100,000-150,000 VND/day
Freedom to explore
Good for visiting tombs
Requires license
Available at hotels/agencies
Traditional experience
Best for short distances
Good in city center
Negotiate price beforehand
Perfect for photography
Easy in city center
Pleasant along riverside
Free walking tours available
Best in early morning/evening
Good for market visits
Download Grab app for reliable rides
Agree prices before cyclo rides
Avoid motorbikes in rain
Keep hotel card for directions
Use maps offline
Morning
Early visit to Imperial City (3-4 hours)
Traditional breakfast: Bun Bo Hue
Explore Dong Ba Market
Afternoon
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
Sunset dragon boat cruise
Try royal cuisine for dinner
Evening walk along Huong River
Morning
Visit Tu Duc & Minh Mang Tombs
Local lunch at garden house
Try Banh Khoai
Afternoon
Explore Khai Dinh Tomb
Traditional craft villages
Street food dinner tour
Night market visit
Remember: This is a packed schedule feel free to adjust based on your interests and energy levels.
Start early to avoid heat
Buy combo ticket for sites
Book boat trip in advance
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Dress modestly for temples
Take breaks during midday heat
Cooking class
Cycling countryside
Royal tea ceremony
Traditional music show
Local spa treatment
North: Phong Nha (caves) 4 hours
South: Hoi An/Da Nang 3 hours
Coastal: Lang Co Beach 1 hour
Mountains: Bach Ma Park 1 hour
Consider Hai Van Pass route to Da Nang
Light, breathable clothing
Modest attire for temples:
Covered shoulders
Knees covered
No revealing clothes
Rain jacket (Sep-Dec)
Sun hat and sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
Light layers for evening
Weather
Bring umbrella year-round
Early morning activities best
Indoor breaks during midday heat
Money
Many ATMs available
Cards accepted in hotels
Keep small bills for markets
Bargain at local markets
Cultural
Basic Vietnamese phrases help
Ask permission for photos
Remove shoes at temples
Respect royal sites
Health
Drink bottled water
Use sunscreen
Carry mosquito repellent
Stay hydrated
Local Insights
Download offline maps
Save hotel address in Vietnamese
Book guides through hotels
Try local coffee culture
Learn basic food words
Last updated: November 2024
Keywords: Hue travel guide, things to do in Hue, Hue attractions, Hue food guide, where to stay in Hue, Hue transportation, day trips from Hue, best time to visit Hue, Hue travel tips
