10 Best Things To Do In Hue City

1. A journey back in time in Hue Imperial Citadel 

The premier Hue's tourist attraction goes to Imperial Citadel, the former national capital under the Nguyen Dynasty. On the northern side of the Perfume River, the structure of Hue Imperial Citadel was modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City. It includes three major parts: Capital Citadel, Royal Citadel, and Forbidden Citadel. At present, this grandeur ancient complex retains a variety of monuments, temples, royal tombs, and other architectural works for tourists to marvel at and steep into the glorious history. What's more, Hue Imperial Citadel becomes a major stage for the biennial Hue Festival accompanied by various fascinating shows and performances.

Imperial Royal Palace of Nguyen dynasty in Hue

2. Visit ancient tombs

Hue City is packed with royal tombs where Nguyen Emperors rested. Some of the most famous tombs are Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh, and Khai Dinh. Those structures showcase the opulence of Vietnamese traditional architecture fused with Western elements. All royal tombs require an administration fee of 40.000 VND/ adult and children below 13 years old are free of charge.

Grand stairs in Imperial Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue

3. Biking

Cycling is perhaps the most leisure activity to marvel at Hue's beautiful landscapes. The city itself is safe for biking. It is easy to rent a bike at a cheap price and tourists are able to get a deeper exploration to almost everywhere they want to go. For more serious riding, you can ride around major city attractions before heading further to Thuan An Beach and nearby rural villages.

A woman in Ao Dai biking in Hue

4. Shopping at Dong Ba Market

The oldest and largest market in Hue City is a real paradise for shoppers. Dong Ba Market typically features a traditional market in Vietnam with a vast range of commodities from household goods to fresh products, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Dong Ba Market is much busy and vibrant in the early morning. You can roam around the market and try many local specialties such as beef noodles in Hue style and baby basket clams rice.

 Dong Ba market in Hue

5. Feast on royal cuisine

Hue royal cuisine exudes the quintessence of Hue royalty in the past. It is highly appreciated for sophistication and refinement. All dishes are made from high-quality ingredients with special recipes and unique cooking techniques. There are several places serving Hue royal cuisine namely Cung Dinh Restaurant, Tinh Gia Vien Restaurant, and Hoang Phu Restaurant. Featuring an upscale dining experience, your friends and families are treated with eye-catching and authentic-taste meals. 

Steamed fried rice with lotus seeds wrapped in a lotus leaf

6. Chill out on the pristine Thuan An Beach

Hue City has no shortage of wonderful beaches but tourists seem to be allured by Thuan An Beach most. The beach is calm and mesmerizing, ideal for activities like sea bathing on a brilliant stretch of sand, swimming in turquoise waters, drinking in the bar, and watching the sunset. After visiting the beach, tourists can go to nearby fishing villages to encompass picturesque landscapes and do farming.

Photo: @langthang_vn

7. Cruising on Perfume River

Have you ever try embarking on an oriental boat gliding on a serene river? Coming to Hue City, you will have an opportunity to try this hassle-free experience on the iconic Perfume River. The traditional dragon cruise not only shows you beautiful and tranquil scenery along the banks but also treats you like a VIP with royal music shows, performances, and hearty meals. Don't miss a chance to take photos with Truong Tien Bridge and visit Thien Mu Pagoda on Ha Khe Hill after disembarking the boat.

 Traditional boat cruising on Perfume River in Hue

8. Explore Bach Ma National Park

If you fancy great outdoors, you will want to discover Bach Ma National Park which is located halfway between Hue and Danang City. The park is full of wonders with semi-tropical forests, vast mountains, fast-flowing rivers and waterfalls, and an abundance of plants and animals. The best way to get to know Bach Ma National Park is to take a trail trekking through dense jungles and conquer Bach Ma Peak. Adventure seekers should also visit Do Quyen Waterfall and Truc Lam Zen Monastery.

 Water fall in Bach Ma national park

9. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda idyllically perches on Ha Khe Hill, about 5km from Hue City Center to the west. It was built in the mid-19th century to commemorate the 80th birthday of the mother of King Gia Long. Surrounded by the charming landscape, Thien Mu Pagoda boasts the symbol of Hue City and prominent destination for spiritual occasions. The pagoda can be reached by taking and motorbike but it is more interesting to take an easy boat ride along the Perfume River to approach it. There are a couple of places to see in Thien Mu Pagoda such as Phuoc Duyen Tower, a seven-story octagonal tower, Giant Turtle and Dai Hung Chung Bell and Three Door Gate.

Thien Mu pagoda in Hue

10. Take a cyclo ride

The most convenient way to explore Hue’s inner city is on a cyclo, a unique three-wheeled vehicle in Vietnam. The cyclo journey will slowly take you through well-known tourist sites such as Truong Tien Bridge, tranquil-flowing Perfume River, Imperial Citadel, Dong Ba Market as well as other rustic scenery. It costs only about $US 5 for a 1-2 hour trip. 

 Take a cyclo tour in Hue